Scott Mendelson, a film critic renowned for his insights into box office performance, joins the discussion on summer blockbusters. They evaluate the surprising underperformance of 'The Fall Guy' amid a changing cinematic landscape. The conversation highlights trends like the rise of Premium Video on Demand and the struggles of original family films. Nostalgia plays a key role as they speculate on the anticipated release of 'Beetlejuice.' The shift in audience preferences and Disney's sequel-heavy strategy also receives sharp scrutiny.

William D. Cohan, a seasoned journalist and financial expert, joins billionaire Edgar Bronfman Jr., known for his vast media investments, to dive into the high-stakes battle for Paramount. They dissect the complexities of Bronfman’s late bid against David Ellison and unravel the corporate maneuvers shaping this drama. The conversation shifts to the surprise revival of 'Ted Lasso,' revealing insider insights on its much-anticipated fourth season and the challenges ahead for the beloved show.

Lesley Goldberg, the former TV editor of The Hollywood Reporter, joins to dissect the financial frenzy of costly showrunner deals during the peak TV era. They delve into staggering nine-figure contracts that yielded no new shows, analyzing which deals hit the mark and which fizzled out. The conversation includes a look at high-stakes agreements, such as the $250 million deal with Bad Robot, and how different release strategies impact viewership. Tune in for insights on navigating creative control and the dynamics of TV's competitive landscape!

Joe Chianese, SVP of Incentives at Entertainment Partners, dives into the landscape of film production, discussing how tax incentives are reshaping shooting locations. He reveals why California is losing its allure as a filming hub and compares incentives across global markets like Canada and the UK. The conversation also touches on the significant economic implications for local communities. Matt also predicts Travis Kelce's potential transition from athlete to actor, exploring the industry's expectations for new talent.

Joining the conversation is Alex Sherman, a media and sports reporter for CNBC, who dives deep into the recent legal setbacks for the Venu sports streaming service. They explore the implications of a federal judge's injunction and how it affects competition in the live sports broadcasting landscape. Different perspectives are shared on winners and losers from this ruling and its impact on consumers. The discussion wraps up with thoughts on the upcoming ratings for the Democratic National Convention, highlighting the ever-evolving media landscape.

Brian Raftery, a podcaster and journalist, dives into the 10-year legacy of the Sony hack, revealing how it transformed Hollywood's media landscape. He dissects the fallout from the leak of private emails and how it exposed vulnerabilities among Hollywood elites. The discussion explores conspiracy theories surrounding North Korea's alleged involvement and the emotional toll on Sony employees. They also reflect on the evolution of storytelling in Hollywood, with a nod to the upcoming Alien film and its box office prospects.

Tara Palmeri, a senior political correspondent known for her expertise at the intersection of politics and media, joins to explore Kamala Harris's Hollywood connections. They discuss her friendship with Disney's Dana Walden and how these ties could influence her 2024 campaign. The duo delves into the contrasting strategies of Biden and Harris around celebrity endorsements and the challenges they pose. They also highlight the potential risks and rewards of Hollywood’s influence on voter perceptions, especially among younger demographics.

Lucas Shaw, a Bloomberg analyst specializing in media, joins Hollywood heavyweights Brad Pitt and George Clooney to dissect Apple's puzzling film strategy, particularly regarding their latest project, 'Wolfs.' The trio delves into the company's wavering commitment to theatrical releases versus streaming, the impact of budget cuts, and the challenges of catering to both star-driven content and audience engagement. They also explore how the competition from established platforms like Netflix is reshaping Apple's approach to filmmaking.

Rich Greenfield, a media analyst at LightShed, dives into the ongoing crisis in linear TV as major networks like Warner Bros. Discovery and Paramount grapple with billion-dollar losses. They discuss the timing of these company's realizations about their TV assets and debate the wisdom of hefty investments in NBA rights for 2025. The conversation also touches on the pressures facing David Zaslav and insights into Apple Studios' future. Greenfield's expert perspective sheds light on the shifting landscape of television and streaming.

Brooks Barnes, a New York Times staff reporter specializing in entertainment, joins to unpack Disney's recent financial struggles. They dive into the reasons behind declining park attendance and rising customer dissatisfaction due to price hikes. The conversation explores streaming profitability, expected price increases for Disney+ and Hulu, and Bob Iger's reputation among fans. They also tease the exciting developments anticipated at the upcoming D23 conference, alongside a discussion on the box office prospects for 'Borderlands' and 'It Ends With Us'.