Strictly Business

On today's episode, Variety's Haley Kluge and Jennifer Dorn discuss how they produce Variety’s amazing Power of Women visuals year after year. And Marc Malkin brings us updates on "disgusting" things happening on Season 2 of “The Pitt” in a Red Carpet Rundown with stars Noah Wyle and Katherine LaNasa.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ethan Schoenfeld, a Variety reporter renowned for his in-depth coverage of Sean 'Diddy' Combs's federal trial, shares insights into Diddy's shifting place in pop culture and his uncertain future following prison. They discuss the unlikely possibility of a presidential pardon and the implications of a potentially mismanaged prosecution. Additionally, a fun Red Carpet Rundown features Hilary Duff, who teases her music comeback and an exciting new docuseries. It's a mix of legal drama and celebrity updates!

On today’s episode, Variety's Rebecca Rubin explains why “Chainsaw Man” topped “Deliver Me From Nowhere” to lead the box office this weekend. And Nick Vivarelli reports on the scene in Lucca, Italy, where he’s covering a fan event that is bigger than San Diego Comic-Con.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Salome Hailu, a Variety reporter known for her sharp insights into TV and film, discusses Rachel Sennott’s rise as a multihyphenate talent behind HBO's "I Love L.A." She explores the show’s authentic portrayal of modern Los Angeles and Sennott's unique creative vision. Meanwhile, Gianna Levy, a keen reality-TV commentator, dives into the addictive dynamics of Netflix's "Love Is Blind." She unpacks the show's intriguing pod dating concept and reflects on the drama and revelations from the latest season.

Marco Bassetti, CEO of Banijay and brains behind hits like MasterChef, discusses navigating the production landscape at Mipcom. He shares insights on Banijay's focus on profits, the complexities of integrating Endemol Shine during COVID, and the strategic importance of retaining IP for negotiation leverage. Bassetti also tackles the challenges of launching new original content in today's market, Banijay's cautious steps into film production, and their exciting foray into the creator economy with new initiatives.

Celebrate Johnny Carson's centennial as his transformation from a local TV host to a national icon unfolds. Discover the beginnings of his career, including his early show and initial coverage by Variety. Delve into his sharp political humor and critiques of American television. Unearth the fierce competition for The Tonight Show and the behind-the-scenes contract negotiations. Finally, relive the poignant moments of his farewell, marked by tributes from star-studded guests. A nostalgic look at a legendary figure.

Brent Lang, an entertainment reporter for Variety specializing in film festivals, shares insights on the future of the Sundance Film Festival as it prepares for its last hurrah in Park City before relocating to Boulder in 2027. He discusses the festival's evolving mission amid the streaming boom, venue changes, and the financial motivations behind the move. Additionally, the conversation explores the rising trend of adapting vintage board games like Monopoly and Catan into TV shows, highlighting creative strategies for successful adaptations.

Rebecca Rubin, Senior Film and Media Reporter at Variety, dives into the success of 'Black Phone 2' and its role in horror's record-breaking box office, reaching $1.2 billion in 2025. She discusses Blumhouse's strong track record in profitable horror franchises and analyzes the genre's significant contribution to year-to-date earnings. Additionally, Todd Spangler provides insights into Q3 earnings predictions for major players like Netflix and Disney, highlighting shifts in subscriber focus and the evolving landscape of streaming services.

Jack Buser, Director of game industry solutions at Google Cloud, shares insights from his extensive background in gaming, including roles at PlayStation and as a Stadia founder. He discusses how AI is transforming the gaming landscape, enhancing development speed, and creating new gameplay experiences. Jack reflects on lessons learned from Stadia and Google Cloud's vision of 'living games' that continuously evolve. Additionally, he reveals his favorite current games and his excitement for AI-driven projects like Seed.

Investigative entertainment reporter Gene Maddaus explores the testing of AI script-coverage tools versus human analysts, revealing AI's strengths in summarizing but weaknesses in capturing nuance. He discusses industry concerns about AI's potential to overlook hidden gems and highlights the role of the Editors Guild. In a lively roundtable on MIPCOM, international veterans share insights on YouTube’s presence and the rise of microdramas, emphasizing the evolving landscape of content and collaboration in the creative sector.