Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni takes you inside Hollywood, using exclusive reporting and insight to explain the backstories on everything from Marvel movies to 'The Bachelor.' Multiple times each week, Matt will touch on what is getting made and why, who is winning and losing, and what people in show business are actually talking about.
weekly
weekdays
weekdays
weekly
weekdays
infrequent
weekly
weekdays
weekdays
Matt is joined by NYT staff reporter Brooks Barnes to discuss Paramount's new strategy under David Ellison. They were both at Paramount's press event earlier this week, so they dissect what Ellison told the press about the company's new direction and discuss their views on theater windows, Paramount's content spend, its streaming strategy, and whether it will sell off its cable assets (02:43). Matt finishes the show with a prediction on where the New Heights episode with Taylor Swift will rank among the top-viewed podcasts of all time on YouTube (27:06).For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Brooks Barnes Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by A.J. Wolfe, creator of the website Disney Food Blog and author of a new book, ‘Disney Adults: Exploring (And Falling In Love With) A Magical Subculture'. They dive into the "Disney adult" culture and its growing community, how Disney caters to this specific demo, the millennial connection, and thoughts on Josh D'Amaro, as well as the power this community has over Disney (02:28). Matt finishes the show with a prediction on the ratings for the 'Kennedy Center Honors' broadcast on CBS later this year (26:51). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: A.J. Wolfe Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw and Ashley Carman to discuss UFC's $7.7 billion rights deal with Paramount, as well as the changing landscape in the podcast business. They begin by discussing the huge swing David Ellison took to secure the entire slate of UFC's streaming and broadcast rights for Paramount+, eliminating the pay-per-view model. They debate where the money comes from and why UFC ultimately chose Paramount over others (02:47). Next, they discuss Amazon's decision to fold its podcast unit, Wondery, into its Audible banner; talk about the industry's shift into the video format; and predict which podcast has the best chance to dethrone Joe Rogan (12:19). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw and Ashley Carman Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Indian superstar actor and producer Aamir Khan to discuss his bold strategy to release his newest film exclusively on YouTube despite an eight-figure offer from a traditional streamer. He explains how this decision fuels his own creative responsibility for the film, the rationale of sacrificing money for reach, the drawbacks of the presale model, and why there needs to be a stop between theatrical and streaming video on demand (03:23). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the theatrical release of ‘Hamilton' (25:42). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Aamir Khan Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIVE SHOW in Los Angeles on August 27. Click here for tickets! Matt is joined by Huddle Up's Joe Pompliano to break down why the NFL is acquiring a 10 percent stake in ESPN in exchange for NFL Network and other media assets. They discuss the complicated details of this deal and what's in it for both sides, including how this will affect ESPN's NFL offerings and its upcoming stand-alone streaming service (02:42). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Freakier Friday' and ‘Weapons' (27:06). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Joe Pompliano Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIVE SHOW in Los Angeles on August 27. Click here for tickets! Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss a wide range of topics from around town this week, including David Ellison's new Paramount executive hierarchy, the Week 2 nosedive taken by 'The Fantastic Four' despite its good reviews, Peacock's stagnation and reliance on sports, YouTube stars Dude Perfect releasing their own documentary in movie theaters, and more (01:51). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the Netflix viewership numbers for 'Happy Gilmore 2' and the future of the IP (26:33). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIVE SHOW in Los Angeles on August 27. Click here for tickets! Matt is joined by Seth MacFarlane to discuss how the new ‘The Naked Gun' got green-lit, the lost art of joke-driven comedy, how to push the envelope in 2025, and why it's harder than ever for even someone like him to get a studio comedy made (01:49). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Seth MacFarlane Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIVE SHOW in Los Angeles on August 27. Click here for tickets! Matt is joined by Richard Gelfond, the CEO of IMAX, to discuss the influence of the IMAX brand and its growing popularity among moviegoers. They talk about how the marketing has changed for IMAX movies, selling tickets to Christopher Nolan's ‘The Odyssey' on IMAX a year in advance, and whether other theater chains could create their own premium large-format competitor (02:38). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘The Naked Gun' (26:49). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Richard Gelfond Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss the possible changes coming to Paramount now that Skydance and its CEO, David Ellison, are officially taking over. Just how much will the new media mogul influence the movies, shows, and news under the Paramount umbrella (02:17)? Matt, Lucas, and Craig finish the show with a prediction about ‘Happy Gilmore 2' (26:59). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.comHost: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIVE SHOW in Los Angeles on August 27. Click here for tickets! Matt is joined by Mosaic's Michael Lasker to talk about the explosive new 'South Park' episode, the buzz around town, and how Matt Stone and Trey Parker continue to push the envelope and get away with it (02:38). Later, Michael explains what the market is like for comedy right now, what is being sold, what studios are looking for, why theatrical comedies are struggling, the pullback on sitcoms, and whether there is reason for optimism (07:29). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Michael Lasker Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
LIVE SHOW in Los Angeles on August 27. Tickets go live today at 10 a.m. PT. Click here for tickets!Matt is joined by Wall Street Journal entertainment reporter Ben Fritz to discuss how much pressure is on ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps' for the next era of the MCU to succeed. They discuss some of the changes Marvel has made to combat superhero fatigue, Kevin Feige's future, and whether Marvel or DC is better positioned to win the rest of the decade (02:50). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps' (28:52).For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.comHost: Matt Belloni Guest: Ben FritzProducers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss what's next for Stephen Colbert, and whether Netflix could ever produce a successful late-night show. Then, they dissect Netflix's latest earnings report and highlight its strengths and weaknesses, including why the stock fell despite strong financial earnings, how concerning is its stagnation in the share of viewing metric, its use of AI in ‘The Eternaut', and more (02:42). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the future of Fox amid Donald Trump's latest lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal (25:12). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by veteran late-night executive and producer Nick Bernstein to discuss CBS's decision to cancel ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert'—despite being the number one late night show on TV—and debate whether or not there was any political involvement, as Skydance is still looking for the FCC's approval in a merger with CBS's parent company, Paramount Global. They also dive into the declining economics in all of late night, the CBS head George Cheeks's other possible motives for firing Colbert at this moment, the future of late night, and more (03:07). Matt finishes the show with an opening-weekend box office prediction for ‘Smurfs' and ‘I Know What You Did Last Summer' (29:44). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.comHost: Matt Belloni Guest: Nick BernsteinProducers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Rebecca Ford, senior correspondent at Vanity Fair, to cohost The Town's first Emmy Nomination Awards, the first awards show dedicated to nominations for an awards show. Matt and Rebecca give out awards like Biggest Winner, Sneaky Loser, Most Embarrassing Nomination for the Academy, Thirstiest Campaign, the “Enough Already” Award, Best Breakout Nomination, and more (01:45). Matt and Rebecca finish the show with predictions for Best Comedy Series, Best Drama Series, and Best Limited Series (23:37). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Rebecca Ford Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss the strong opening weekend for 'Superman,' talk about whether this movie is enough to kick-start a DC reboot, and revisit Marvel's post-'Avengers' strategy as they look ahead to ‘The Fantastic Four: First Steps' and beyond. Later, they discuss the impressive and timely run of box office successes from the Warner Bros. movie studio and take a look at which studio heads are on the hot seat as we near the end of summer (02:15). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about AMC Theatres (23:10). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by CNBC senior media and tech correspondent Julia Boorstin live from Sun Valley 2025 to discuss what we can expect from this year's summer camp for billionaires. Julia gives us the latest buzz on potential mergers, behind-the-scenes conversations about AI, the NFL's global plans, Linda Yaccarino leaving Twitter, and more (02:19). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the newly announced HBO sketch comedy show from Larry David and Barack Obama's Higher Ground (26:17). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Julia Boorstin Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Joe Chianese of Entertainment Partners to unpack the new California tax bill, which will significantly expand the state's film and TV tax incentive, making California one of the most competitive states in the country for film and TV production. Joe helps us dig into the bill, what it actually means for film and TV productions, who benefits the most, who doesn't, why this bill finally passed now, and whether this will spark a return to power for California in the film and TV production space (02:51). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Superman' (25:27). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Joe Chianese Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss the standoff between ‘South Park' creators Matt Stone and Trey Parker and Paramount amid the looming merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media. They break down the details of this public fight, why the new season of ‘South Park' is delayed, and how the Trump-Paramount settlement could affect this situation (03:23). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Jesse Eisenberg potentially returning for the sequel of ‘The Social Network' (26:23). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by CNN chief media analyst Brian Stelter to discuss Paramount reaching an agreement with President Donald Trump to settle his lawsuit with ‘60 Minutes' for $16 million. They discuss the curious timing of the settlement amid the looming Paramount-Skydance merger, whether the FCC will approve this merger, the potential of a follow-up bribery investigation, how this will affect the Paramount and CBS brand, and the long-term political and journalistic implications of this agreement. For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Brian Stelter Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Blumhouse CEO Jason Blum to discuss why his new film, ‘M3GAN 2.0', significantly underperformed in its opening weekend, making only $10M domestically, Blumhouse's recent slump, what he has learned from this year, the state of the horror genre, and the highs and lows of moviemaking (02:20). Matt finishes the show with an opening-weekend box office prediction for ‘Jurassic World: Rebirth' (28:03). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Jason Blum Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss the opening weekend box office performance of ‘F1,' whether it should be considered a hit, and what this means for Apple's interest in releasing movies in theaters. They also look at the rest of the tech streamers and discuss who is best positioned to release movies theatrically and, more importantly, who is most interested in doing so. Later, they discuss the disappointing opening weekend of 'Megan 2.0' and what this means for Blumhouse (02:20). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about what the most viewed show will be on Netflix this week (23:42). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Wells Fargo media analyst Steven Cahall to talk about the possibility of Netflix going after YouTube content creators, its possible venture into short-form content, and the effects on Hollywood if this were to happen. They discuss how much (if at all) YouTube would hurt if Netflix took its top creators, the appeal for creators to make that jump, the different type of content that would be produced, and reasons why Netflix hasn't already done this (02:47). Matt finishes off the show with a weekend box office prediction for ‘F1' and ‘M3GAN 2.0' (26:16). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Steven Cahall Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to look back at the first half of 2025 and highlight the stories they believe were most under-covered (01:22). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas ShawProducers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Kevin Goetz, the CEO of Screen Engine/ASI, to discuss the world of test screenings. They dive into the importance of these test screenings, which filmmakers utilize the screenings (and which refuse), lessons learned while testing ‘Sinners,' how Kevin interprets the audience data, and the responsibility of communicating that data to the filmmakers (02:35). Matt finishes the show with opening weekend box office predictions for ‘28 Years Later' and Pixar's ‘Elio' (27:15). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Kevin Goetz Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to look back on the first half of 2025 and highlight the stories they believe were most overcovered (01:47). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the future of the Hulu brand (26:27). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Debra Birnbaum, editor-in-chief of GoldDerby and former head of awards at Amazon Studios, to discuss the logistics of Emmy campaigning, how Emmy and Oscar campaigns differ, who actually votes, and the cost behind small and large campaigns (02:38). Debra sticks around for the Call Sheet to help Matt predict which shows will be nominated in Best Drama, Comedy, and Limited Series categories at the Emmys (24:41). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Debra Birnbaum Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by David Kramer, the new CEO of United Talent Agency, to discuss his new position, how the talent representation business has changed, industry challenges like the content slowdown, the transition from linear to streaming, labor unrest, AI, and the end of packaging. They also discuss whether private equity has been good or bad for the agency business and how the talent pay structure is changing (03:03). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘How to Train Your Dragon' (26:47). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: David Kramer Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss the long-awaited breakup of Warner Bros. Discovery, and break down what these two new companies will consist of. They look at why this happened now, what this means for HBO Max and CNN, and who is the most likely buyer for each spun-off company (02:56). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Blake Lively's lawsuit against Justin Baldoni (25:10). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by veteran publicist and co-CEO of Kovert Creative, Lewis Kay, to discuss how much the game has changed in the world of celebrity PR, including how the modern media landscape has impacted the celebrity press tour, what works and what doesn't, and why that is so hard to predict nowadays (02:50). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the movie 'Ballerina' (29:40). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lewis Kay Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by nine-time Tony Award–winning producer John Johnson to talk about his latest hit, ‘Good Night and Good Luck,' and the decision to stream the play live on CNN for the first time in Broadway history. They also take a broader look at the Broadway business, discussing how much money a play or musical costs to produce, what kind of ticket sales constitutes a hit, which individuals get paid the most, why A-list stars are flocking to the stage, and more (02:23). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the final season of ‘Stranger Things' (27:26). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: John Johnson Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss Taylor Swift's purchase of the rights to the master recordings of her first six albums, which were originally sold to Scooter Braun in 2019 and later acquired by Shamrock Capital. They discuss the details of the deal, the winners and losers, and how Swift has changed the music industry by paving the way for artists to own their work (02:45). Matt closes the show with a prediction about the 2025 NBA Finals ratings (23:44). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Live from Hollywood, Matt is joined by comedian John Mulaney to talk about his experience writing for the 'SNL' 50th anniversary special and what he thinks will happen to the show moving forward. He also discusses how he managed to get away with his unique late-night show on Netflix, how he deals with executive notes, learning from his sitcom, and whether he'd ever return to scripted comedy (01:39). Matt finishes the show with an opening-weekend box office prediction for ‘Karate Kid: Legends' (28:19). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt BelloniGuest: John Mulaney Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by comedian Mike Birbiglia to talk about how the goal of the modern stand-up comedian has changed over the past decade. They discuss whether stand-up alone is no longer enough and how necessary shoulder programming like podcasting and social media is for building a following. They also talk about Netflix's influence on stand-up and whether comedians want to make movies and TV anymore (02:30). Matt finishes the show with a prediction on which movies from the Cannes Film Festival will generate Oscar buzz (30:22). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Mike Birbiglia Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg to discuss what they learned from industry executives before writing the show, choosing Netflix's Ted Sarandos over Apple CEO Tim Cook for a cameo, desperately pitching Ice Cube, how they shot in a real Las Vegas casino, and which scenes were cut before they weigh in on the state of theatrical comedy in Hollywood (01:22). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg, the writer-director duo behind ‘The Studio,' to discuss how the show came together, what the show gets right and wrong about Hollywood, which characters are based on real people, and why the show presented a different challenge than anything they had ever worked on before (02:44). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Lilo & Stitch' (26:20). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Sean Evans, host of ‘Hot Ones,' to discuss how he turned a niche internet interview show into one of the most popular celebrity talk shows in media. Sean discusses the business behind the show, how long it took to start making money, the art of interviewing celebrities, whether he views ‘Hot Ones' as a competitor to late night, and what the future holds for both him and the show (02:22). Matt closes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' (27:05). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here. Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Sean Evans Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Spotify's global head of music vertical, Charlie Hellman, to talk about the current state of the music industry, how the music streaming era has impacted artists, how artists actually get paid by Spotify, competing with YouTube, the surge in AI-generated music, and artists' biggest frustrations with Spotify (02:27). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about President Donald Trump's $20 billion lawsuit against CBS (26:07). Disclaimer: This podcast is produced by The Ringer, which is owned by Spotify. For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here.Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie LopezTheme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by CNBC Media and sports reporter Alex Sherman to discuss their five biggest takeaways from the TV upfronts, what the biggest platforms and streamers are prioritizing now, the rebranding of Max back to HBO Max and what it says about the new strategy for Warner Bros. Discovery, an NFL game on YouTube, how the NFL is distributing its media rights, ESPN's new standalone streaming service costing $30/month, Netflix and Amazon's heavy push toward franchises, and the growing dominance of YouTube (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about The Weeknd's new movie ‘Hurry Up Tomorrow' (00:00). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing…' click here. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Alex Sherman Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined in person by YouTube CEO Neal Mohan from the annual TV upfronts in New York to discuss YouTube's relationship with Hollywood in 2025, challenges from TikTok and Instagram, and why creators continue to seek out other platforms after gaining success on YouTube. They also talk about their newest deal with the NFL, which includes a YouTube-exclusive NFL game, and how they plan to reinvent watching sports (0:32). Matt finishes the show with a prediction surrounding the announcement that the streaming service Max is changing its name back to HBO Max (32:51). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing…' click here. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Neal Mohan Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss announcements and narratives that emerged from the latest Q1 earnings reports, including Disney's new theme park in Abu Dhabi, a Bob Iger succession check-in, a potential Warner Bros. Discovery split, Paramount in trouble, and other takeaways following streaming's continued path towards profitability (2:20). Matt finishes the show with a prediction surrounding the latest news of 'Reacher' star Alan Ritchson's fight with manager Dan Spilo (26:13). Email Fritz@puck.news to inquire about Puck's Stories of the Season event. For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing…' click here. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
It's May, which means summer blockbuster season has officially begun. Matt welcomes back Puck's Scott Mendelson to run through the most highly anticipated films of the summer, ranking each one by their box office potential and sharing their confidence levels for which are most likely to exceed expectations (2:25). Matt wraps up the show with a discussion about the newest Golden Globes category: Best Podcast (43:30)! For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing ...,' click here Email us your thoughts! thetown@spotify.com Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Scott Mendelson Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Matt is joined by Ray Subers, senior vice president of theatrical strategy at the National Research Group, to discuss the newest iteration of their eye-opening study highlighting which stars make people most interested in going to a movie theater. They discuss why Tom Holland is so high in the ranking, why Glen Powell is so low, why Gen Z still loves the Rock and Adam Sandler, and why Zendaya is nearing the top 10. They also talk about the importance of awards campaigning, how nostalgia impacts longevity, and the power of recency bias (2:32). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Final Destination: Bloodlines' (27:15). For a 20 percent discount on Matt's Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I'm Hearing…' click here. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Ray Subers Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
