The Ankler Podcast

Lesley Goldberg, a TV reporter and Ankler colleague, joins to share her insights on the most influential showrunners shaping today's television landscape. She reveals how industry execs and agents helped curate the ranking and discusses surprising omissions. The group also digs into the increasing adoption of GPT-5 by writers and producers, contemplating its potential to reshape creative roles and how guilds prepare for the evolving landscape of AI-generated content. Their analysis highlights the balance between market influence and traditional creative storytelling.

The hosts dive into the impact of Trump's proposed tariffs on foreign films and the blurry definition of what constitutes 'Made in America.' They discuss how Gen Z discovers content differently, favoring clips and streaming over traditional schedules. Taylor Swift's box-office showdown with Hollywood heavyweights highlights generational blind spots in audience engagement. The conversation also touches on how clip channels fuel discovery and how delayed viewing shapes audience ratings, reshaping the entertainment landscape.

Richard Rushfield, an entertainment insider and founder of The Ankler, and Sean McNulty, a media business analyst, delve deep into the six days that turned Disney and late-night TV upside down. They discuss Jimmy Kimmel's controversial return and the implications for free speech amid FCC threats. The duo analyzes political pressures from figures like Trump and their impact on affiliate deals. They explore Disney's internal decision-making and how these events might reshape talent relationships and Kimmel's future at ABC.

In this engaging discussion, Natalie Jarvey shares insights on the reactions from political creators following Jimmy Kimmel's suspension, while Sean McNulty breaks down the ramifications of Nexstar and Sinclair's decisions to pull the show. Lesley Goldberg offers an insider's view of Disney's internal discussions and the regulatory pressures at play, and Katie Rich highlights the historical precedents and potential impacts on Hollywood culture. These perspectives shed light on the evolving landscape of entertainment amidst controversy.

Explore the explosive rise of microdramas, those 60-second soap operas capturing Gen Z's attention. Hear discussions about the competition between streaming giants and the new vertical drama market growing in China. Could these bite-sized stories be the next big thing or just another Quibi? Plus, Richard Rushfield's delightful updates from TIFF paint a picture of the festival’s relaxed vibes, with insights into the best films and a memorable Sydney Sweeney selfie. The future of entertainment is unfolding!

Katie Rich, the Awards editor at The Ankler and a self-proclaimed Prestige Junkie, dives into the fascinating world of film festivals. She shares insights from Venice to New York, discussing how these events shape box office trends and influence Oscars. The crew humorously examines a disappointing summer box office and speculates on the potential saviors of 2026 films. With a spotlight on original songs in movies and the growing significance of betting markets for awards predictions, it’s a captivating analysis of cinema's future.

And here you thought Hollywood might coast into Labor Day. Instead, summer’s final days delivered both the inevitable — Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s engagement — and the unexpected: Netflix OG veteran Peter Friedlander’s exit after 14 years. Elaine Low, Natalie Jarvey and Sean McNulty break down the business stakes of both before running through the five biggest stories of the summer you need to know into the fall, from the ongoing rise of microdramas to Paramount’s high-stakes reboot with Cindy Holland, to Gen X as Hollywood’s Rodney Dangerfield generation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dive into the world where live sports dominate TV ratings, eclipsing traditional scripted content. Discover how mega deals by ESPN and NBCU shape Hollywood's programming landscape. Explore the rise of subscription sports and celebrity-driven brands, with intriguing insights into the Lionsgate acquisition. Experience how personal devices transform viewing into a sports bar atmosphere. Plus, enjoy nostalgic chats about sports films and revelations about the surprising K-pop movie success at the box office.

As fans say goodbye to Carrie Bradshaw and the crew, the finale of a beloved series sparks a mix of nostalgia and commentary. Hosts discuss the rising interest in romantic comedies, noting how platforms like Netflix are eager to stock up on feel-good stories. They dive into the evolving role of digital creators and the fierce competition among talent agencies to represent online stars. With insights on market trends and the emotional impact of iconic shows, this conversation captures the intersection of nostalgia and the future of entertainment.

Brad Pitt, fast cars and Expensify receipt management software logos: Three things that go great together… when you’re shoring up millions to fund your F1 movie. On this week’s episode, Dealmakers’ Ashley Cullins breaks down how ad viewing is down but brand spending is up in hits from F1 to Superman to Jurassic World Rebirth in ways that go far beyond the usual logo slap: They’re narrative tie-ins where the ad is part of the story (host Elaine Low likens it to “hiding the pill in the peanut butter” for dogs, though, yes, Superman’s mutt, Krypto, hawks Milk-Bones). Plus: Elaine, Sean McNulty and Natalie Jarvey unravel Disney’s latest moves — including a farewell to the Hulu app, a hello to ESPN’s standalone streamer and other shakeups from the company’s mic drop earnings call. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices