The Business

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.

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.

Director Matt Wolf, known for illuminating obscure figures, discusses his latest documentary, which explores the life of Paul Reubens beyond Pee-wee Herman. He shares insights from his in-depth interviews with Reubens, revealing the actor's inner conflicts and struggles with authenticity. The conversation also touches on the media's complex relationship with political power, especially regarding Donald Trump, and the ethical dilemmas faced in the business world. Wolf reflects on the challenges of documentary filmmaking and preserving hidden narratives.

Warner Bros. Discovery has renamed its streaming service once again. Beginning in the summer of 2025, “Max” will be “HBO Max” again. The company dropped “HBO” from its name in 2023, a move which was widely recognized as the company’s attempt to become more competitive with a company like Netflix in its programming variety. The name change signals a renewed focus on the associations between HBO and a certain caliber of TV. What’s next for WBD and the streaming landscape writ large? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are on deck to talk it through. Plus, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans talks with comedian and actor Ramy Youssef on creating #1 Happy Family USA. The new series marks Youssef’s first foray into animation. His latest comedy shares a lot of DNA with the award-winning series Ramy — drawing even more inspiration from childhood memories of growing up in a Muslim family in New Jersey post-9/11. 

In a captivating discussion, Edward Berger, the acclaimed German director known for 'All Quiet on the Western Front' and his latest film 'Conclave', shares insights from his filmmaking journey. He dives into the staggering implications of Donald Trump's proposed 100% tariffs on foreign films, warning of rising production costs and fewer movies made. Berger also reflects on the intense cardinals' dynamics in 'Conclave', revealing how his early career experiences and personal inspirations shaped his storytelling vision.

The Trump administration’s scorched-earth media strategy has claimed new casualties at the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, including Sony Film Chief Tom Rothman. Meanwhile, the president’s $20 billion lawsuit against Paramount Global continues to force Shari Redstone into what could be a legacy-defining moment. But how will the CBS News staff react to a settlement with Trump? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. Plus, NPR TV Critic Eric Deggans chats with Bosch star Titus Welliver about his journey from supporting roles on police procedurals, to portraying detective Harry Bosch for a decade. He talks about his reaction when the spinoff series, Bosch: Legacy was abruptly cancelled after three seasons, and explains how he puts his executive producer credit to good use.  

60 Minutes executive producer Bill Owens has resigned amid mounting pressure on Paramount Global to settle a $20 billion lawsuit from Donald Trump. What could a deal with the president mean for Shari Redstone’s legacy? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive in. Plus, Masters speaks to Jared Hess about his pop-culture-shifting filmography which includes cult classics Napoleon Dynamite, Nacho Libre. He’s currently enjoying the wild success of A Minecraft Movie, as that 2025 video game adaptation careens towards a billion dollar box office haul. Hess reflects on the unpredictable nature of success in filmmaking, and says he’s especially grateful to producer Mary Parent for understanding his oddball comedic sensibilities and inviting him into the world of Minecraft.  

After opening investigations into several media companies in recent months, The FCC has found its latest target– MSNBC. Why did FCC chairman Brenan Carr claim that specific broadcasts on MSNBC were not in “public interest?” Also, what’s behind the Writers Guild’s decision to block members from working on a Martin Scorsese produced film? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  Plus, Masters speaks with actress, activist, and filmmaker Daryl Hannah, whose new concert film, Coastal, offers an intimate look at her husband, the legendary Neil Young, on his 2023 solo tour. Hannah also recounts a painful experience with Harvey Weinstein on the Kill Bill press tour, and reveals what prompted her to proclaim “Slava Ukraini” at this year’s Oscars.

Listen to a special preview of Kim Masters’ conversation with Daryl Hannah about her documentary Coastal. The film will be in theaters worldwide for one night only, on April 17th.

As the Trump administration announces (and delays) tariffs, Hollywood is bracing itself for industry disruptions. What’s on the horizon for the entertainment industry amid erratic stock market fluctuations? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. (The Banter runs from 00:01:01 to 00:07:48.)  Plus, Masters speaks to Michael Shannon about his directorial debut, Eric LaRue. The actor tells us how the film's producers managed to quickly pack up and relocate from Little Rock to North Carolina after Arkansas enacted a strict abortion ban. Shannon also admits that despite the movie's dark subject matter, he found making it surprisingly fun. Plus, we get a taste of his R.E.M. cover band, which just wrapped a nationwide tour. (The interview segment begins at 00:07:49.)