

The Business
KCRW
Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.
Episodes
Mentioned books

Aug 1, 2025 • 30min
‘Platonic’ creators Francesca Delbanco & Nick Stoller love it when you hate watch
Kim Masters speaks to Platonic co-creators Francesca Delbanco & Nicholas Stoller about what inspired their show about the comedy and complications of grown-up friendships. They talk about the challenge of writing characters—played by Rose Byrne and Seth Rogen—with none of the underlying sexual tension that has propelled so many television comedies to success. They also remember the time that Netflix boss Ted Sarandos sat through a lengthy table read of their first series, Friends from College.
Plus, as FCC Chairman Brendan Carr ramps up scrutiny of major media players, Comcast’s NBCUniversal appears to be his latest target. Is the company’s cable spinoff Versant a calculated play to dodge the Trump administration’s media witch hunt? Kim Masters and Lucas Shaw dig in.

Jul 25, 2025 • 30min
Will Paramount produce a PSA (or many) for the Trump admin?
[Editor’s note: this segment was taped before news broke of the FCC approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger.]
New details from the ongoing Paramount-Skydance merger reveal a $20 million agreement to deliver public service announcements for the Trump administration. And following from the cancellation of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, CBS News braces for potential changes in leadership. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into what’s unfolding behind the scenes.
Plus, an encore of Eric Deggans’ conversation with Lauren LeFranc about her Emmy nominated HBO mini series, The Penguin. The writer discusses the challenges of adapting a well known comic book villain into a complex, three dimensional character and she shares why her perspective as a woman writing a show about a middle-aged crime boss makes for interesting storytelling. And of course, she talks about the joys of working with Colin Farrell, who is both the star of the show and an involved executive producer.

Jul 18, 2025 • 30min
Barry Diller calls out studios for reckless misinformation
In the conclusion of Kim Masters’ two-part conversation with Barry Diller, the veteran businessman reflects on his time helping build Rupert Murdoch’s Fox empire. Diller also criticizes studios for spreading misinformation—citing Oliver Stone’s JFK in particular—and weighs in on the now-resolved Trump-Paramount dispute, and the prospect of a David Ellison-led studio.
Plus, Paramount’s looming merger with Skydance has South Park creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker lawyering up. The duo is eyeing legal action over billion-dollar licensing deals they claim are being undercut. At the center of it all: South Park’s future on Paramount+. New execs Jeff Shell and David Ellison are feeling the heat; Matt Belloni and Lucas Shaw are on hand to explain what’s at stake.

Jul 11, 2025 • 30min
Hollywood legend Barry Diller opens up via ‘Who Knew?’
Kim Masters talks to Barry Diller about his memoir, Who Knew? The legendary studio exec reflects on his quick rise at ABC and how helped transform the third-ranked broadcast network into a force to be reckoned with. He also remembers a much happier time at Paramount, where he presided over a studio staffed with future industry stars. He also opens up about why none of his friends in the business are having much fun these days.
Plus, summer movie season is heating up, with F1, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and a highly anticipated Superman reboot staking their claims at the box office. But is there room left for Disney’s big bet with Fantastic Four: First Steps? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down the wins and worries shaping Hollywood’s high-stakes summer.

Jul 4, 2025 • 30min
Larry Charles offers a glimpse into his storied career via new memoir ‘Comedy Samurai’
Larry Charles, a renowned writer and director famous for his work on Seinfeld, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Borat, shares insights from his memoir, Comedy Samurai. He recounts chaotic moments from his collaborations with Sacha Baron Cohen and reflects on a last-minute call that scrapped a Larry David documentary. The conversation also dives into the evolution of comedy on television and the importance of authentic storytelling, highlighting the balance between personal experiences and creative pressure in a rapidly changing industry.

Jun 27, 2025 • 30min
Food > fights: Phil Rosenthal on ‘Somebody Feed Phil’
Phil Rosenthal, the creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of Somebody Feed Phil, shares insights with TV critic Eric Deggans. They discuss the shifting landscape of the television industry and how data can be manipulated by studios. Phil reflects humorously on his food series, likening it to 'Anthony Bourdain if he was afraid of everything.' He also recounts the unexpected rise of his show after it faced cancellation, emphasizing the power of personal storytelling and the connections made through food.

Jun 20, 2025 • 30min
GLAAD CEO discusses LGBTQ inclusivity in film; Disney and Universal sue over AI plagiarism
Sarah Kate Ellis, the President and CEO of GLAAD, champions LGBTQ inclusivity in media. She reveals insights on GLAAD's 2025 Studio Responsibility Index, which scrutinizes Hollywood's LGBTQ representation. Ellis discusses the alarming decline in visibility for queer stories amid political pressures and the rise of mid-budget films as potential safe havens for diverse narratives. She shares her optimism about changing attitudes, including a surprising shift in the Catholic Church's perspective on LGBTQ issues, and comments on the ongoing legal tussles over AI and copyright.

6 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 30min
Adam Arkin on ‘Poker Face’ and nepo baby narratives; Warner Bros Discovery announces a split
Adam Arkin, an accomplished actor and director known for his roles in Chicago Hope and Sons of Anarchy, shares his insights with TV critic Eric Deggans. They discuss directing the intriguing series Poker Face, emphasizing the importance of maintaining its unique tone. Arkin also opens up about being a 'nepo baby', reflecting on the perks and pressures that come with such a background. Additionally, they delve into Warner Bros Discovery's recent split and its implications for the future of media, sparking discussions on Hollywood's evolving leadership landscape.

Jun 6, 2025 • 30min
Seth Meyers on politics and dad jokes; David Zaslav’s problematic paycheck
Seth Meyers, the witty Late Night host and former SNL head writer, shares insights on the trials of political satire during turbulent times. He reveals how fatherhood has inspired his stand-up specials, blending humor with heartfelt stories. The conversation dives into the industry's financial struggles, like David Zaslav's controversial pay packet amid layoffs at Warner Bros. Discovery. Meyers also reflects on his experiences at SNL, the challenges of live performance, and the emotional weight of tackling comedy in today's landscape.

10 snips
May 30, 2025 • 30min
Kevin Goetz explains the art of test screening; A big holiday at the box office
Kevin Goetz, a veteran film strategist and founder of Screen Engine/ASI, shares his journey from acting to a successful career in film analysis. He reveals the fascinating interplay between science and creativity in test screenings. Goetz provides captivating stories about infamous screenings, highlighting the clash between Hollywood expectations and real audience reactions. The discussion also touches on the resurgence of the box office post-COVID, emphasizing the evolving relationship between filmmakers and their audiences.