The Rest Is Entertainment

Can Saudi Arabia outshine Hollywood in an entertainment arms race? Marina Hyde shares her insights from an interview with Glen Powell, exploring how publicists shape celebrity narratives. The podcast dives into Saudi Arabia's ambitious $55 billion acquisition of EA and its strategy to dominate gaming by targeting a youthful population. With plans for esports and futuristic production hubs, the discussion raises questions about Hollywood's acceptance of Saudi investments amid ethical concerns.

This week brings surprising twists in Celebrity Traitors! Stephen Fry's shocking elimination sparks debates on his influence. Jonathan Ross defies expectations, surviving against the odds. Joe Marler's bold strategy raises eyebrows, while Nick Mohammed's risky maneuvers might backfire. Emotional farewells mark Mark's departure, and the game grows tense as traitors could soon dominate the voting. The hosts also speculate on potential future cast members and grapple with the impact of celebrities' real-life connections on gameplay. It's a thrilling ride!

Join acclaimed comedy writer Ben Elton, known for his work on Blackadder and The Young Ones, as he dives into the creative process behind these beloved shows. He shares insights about his close friendship with Rik Mayall, the challenges of character development, and the impact of The Young Ones on British culture. Elton also reflects on crafting the emotional ending of Blackadder Goes Forth and recounts the journey of bringing the jukebox musical We Will Rock You to life, blending satire with entertainment. His advice for aspiring creators is not to miss!

Delve into the quirky fascination Americans have with British Celebrity Boyfriends. Discover the defining traits and hotspots where these charming men thrive, from dog walks to football matches. Learn about the troubling state of the UK music industry amid Warner Music's restructuring and the challenges it poses. Plus, get predictions on this year's Christmas bestsellers, including some surprising titles that might just hit the top of the charts. Join Richard and Marina for a delightful mix of culture, music, and literary insights!

The hosts dive into the unexpected popularity of the latest reality sensation. Stephen Fry's bumbling strategy becomes a playful tactic, while Alan Carr emerges as a bold villain. There's a focus on generational tensions affecting Jonathan Ross and how celebrity status paints a target on contestants. They analyze the strategic use of humor by comedians to deflect suspicion. The intriguing dynamic between the two Joes hints at a potential alliance, and predictions about who might face elimination keep the suspense high.

Is Dave Arch the most stressed man in TV? Richard and Marina dive into the underwhelming performance of The Smashing Machine and debate who might be sweating over its flop. They explore the art of editing in Dragon's Den, revealing how a two-hour pitch becomes a gripping 20 minutes. The duo also discusses whether The Traitors could work with oblivious contestants. Plus, a peek into the high-pressure world of Strictly's music preparation and production. Tune in for fun insights on TV themes and memorable wrestlers in film!

Social media is in crisis, losing users and relevance. The hosts explore the alarming shift from meaningful connections to algorithm-driven content and celebrity obsession. They dive into the rise of generative AI, its impact on creativity, and the authenticity of our feeds. The episode also features juicy stories from the world of diss tracks, spotlighting Courtney Love and the cultural significance of musical feuds. Plus, they dissect the current state of Saturday night television and its evolution in a changing media landscape.

Is the sound in nature documentaries authentic or crafted? Discover how golf broadcasts track those elusive balls with cutting-edge technology. Dive into the world of fan fiction, where rewriting stories like Fifty Shades can lead to big bucks. Richard and Marina explore the impact of AI actors on the industry, debating if it's a clever marketing ploy or something more. Join them for an engaging mix of sport, literature, and quirky insights!

***FREE BONUS EPISODE REACTING TO EPISODE ONE OF CELEBRITY TRAITORS*** Is this the best series yet? Have producers selected the right Traitors? Who is going to get killed first? Richard Osman and Marina Hyde review the first episode of The Celebrity Traitors. Is this the best series yet? Have producers selected the right Traitors? Who is going to get killed first? Like this episode? Sign up to our club to gain access to 50 bonus episodes, ad-free listening and much, much more... Join The Rest Is Entertainment Club: Unlock the full experience of the show – with exclusive bonus content, ad-free listening, early access to Q&A episodes, access to our newsletter archive, discounted book prices with our partners at Coles Books, early ticket access to live events, and access to our chat community. Sign up directly at ⁠therestisentertainment.com ⁠ The Rest Is Entertainment is proudly presented by Sky. Sky is home to award-winning shows such as The White Lotus, Gangs of London and The Last of Us. Requires relevant Sky TV and third party subscription(s). Broadband recommended min speed: 30 mbps. 18+. UK, CI, IoM only. To find out more and for full terms and conditions please visit Sky.com For more Goalhanger Podcasts, head to www.goalhanger.com Senior Producer: Joey McCarthy Social Producer: Bex Tyrell Exec Producer: Neil Fearn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Taylor Swift's latest album sparks debate about her competitive edge in the pop landscape. What might her collaboration with Max Martin reveal about her artistic strategy? Meanwhile, Broadway is facing a financial crisis, with rising production costs challenging the viability of new musicals. Mel Gibson’s sequel to his biblical epic raises eyebrows—can he revive his reputation while navigating the faith-based film market? The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of live events and celebrity-driven narratives.