The Ankler Podcast

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

After just three years, the newlyweds known as Warner Bros. Discovery are headed for splitsville. Who gets the house? The dog? Elaine Low, Sean McNulty and Natalie Jarvey break down the Hollywood divorce — including the surprising answer to which new company (Warner Bros. or Discovery Global) is making more money, why the film studio is laying off staff after a blockbuster summer, and what happens next. Then, the gang bops to the soundtrack from KPop Demon Hunters and dives into how this unexpected Netflix hit rewrote the rules for animation, fandom, and original IP — and why its lack of A-list stars should send a shudder down Hollywood’s spine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do Stephen Colbert and an entire generation of Hollywood veterans have in common? They're both facing abrupt career disruption. Elaine Low, Sean McNulty and Natalie Jarvey explore the existential crisis facing Gen X, as careers stall out amid consolidation, AI and a Boomer blockade — and reveal what’s coming next for millennials. Then, Lesley Goldberg breaks down the shocking cancellation of The Late Show, revealed days after a $16 million Paramount settlement with President Trump. Was the ouster of late night’s highest-rated star really just a matter of money? And why didn’t his manager tell him about it for weeks? Plus: Sean checks in on summer box office, where The Fantastic Four is about to face the audience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elaine Low and Lesley Goldberg dive into the world’s biggest media swap meet about to start: the great cable TV sell-off. They reveal who’s selling the declining assets, who’s actually buying them and why. Elaine is also joined by Natalie Jarvey, Sean McNulty and Katey Rich, who keep score of the recent Emmy noms including the triumphs, snubs and why, despite heavy campaigning, YouTube couldn’t get voters to “like” them. Also, the team breaks down Superman’s opening weekend and its impact on the summer box office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As the Paramount–Skydance merger lurches toward an Oct. 4 deadline, Elaine Low, Sean McNulty, Lesley Goldberg and Ashley Cullins break down the latest on who’s in, who’s out, what Cindy Holland will do when she takes creative control of Paramount+ as expected, and Hollywood buzz about “New Paramount”: Who’s actually buying shows and who’s riding out the clock, and what the new org chart and spin-offs will look like. Plus: is a Peacock–Paramount+ hookup still on the table, is Skydance really calling the shots, and can any streamer survive without merging? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices