Better Call Paul

This week, Paul begins with an explanation of California's SB 576, a new law which will require streamers to make sure their advertisements are not louder than the content of the video programming viewed by users. Next, they discuss Taylor Swift's Life of a Showgirl, which, despite mixed reviews from critics, continues to break records. Finally, Paul provides an update in Drake v. UMG, where UMG w...

This week, Paul and Mesh provide an update as AI-generated actress, Tilly Norwood, goes viral and California passes new AI-transparency legislation.  Next, they discuss the FCC’s review of its local media ownership rules for radio and broadcast television. Finally, Paul celebrates Bad Bunny being announced as the half-time performer of Super Bowl LX. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megapho...

This week, Mesh provides his One Battle After Another review and Paul recaps the initial signups for ESPN Unlimited and Fox One. Next, they discuss Marvel’s Wolverine, a PlayStation 5 game from Insomniac Studios that is scheduled for a Fall 2026 release, whose cinema-quality teaser trailer was dropped last week. Finally, Paul and Mesh debate RushTok, the phenomenon that has transformed Greek life...

Paul and Mesh begin with a quick recap of the biggest Emmys winners and a tribute to Robert Redford who passed away at the age of 89. Next, they discuss Luma AI's new video generator, Ray 3, which it describes as intelligent, iterative, and capable of producing HDR quality video. Finally, they ponder the impact of Telisha Jones, a poet whose an AI-assisted alter-ego, Xania Monet, leveraged Suno an...

This week, Paul and Mesh recap New York Fashion Week which sets the trends for fashion in 2026. Next, they look forward to some of their most anticipated movies for the end of 2025. Finally, they discuss A24's reopening of the Cherry Lane Theatre in Manhattan's West Village where the hitmaker can fine tune its growth into live events and foster direct interaction among creators and fans. Learn mor...

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with Nielsen’s new ratings methodology which will incorporate 75M devices to provide even more accurate measurements, just in time for the start of the NFL season. Next, Mesh teases 007 First Light, the next installment in the James Bond line of video games which has gotten great initial press. Finally, Paul and Mesh recap the rapid growth of Garage Beer, and its big...

This week, Paul interviews Gaurav Gupta, the founder of Squanto. An app that creates a marketplace for live performers and allows its clients and venues to use AI tools to sort through the sea of options for the best fit. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of the launch of two new streamers, ESPN Unlimited and Fox One, as well as Nielsen's latest report on television consumption habits. Next, they look forward to WB Animation's relaunch with Cat In The Hat slated for November 2026 with an all-star cast. Finally, Paul provide a recap of a dispute between JV partners Trinity Broadcasting and Merit Stree...

This week, Mesh provides a rave review for Weapons, the sophomore effort from Zach Cregger, that is generating massive box-office buzz. Next, Paul and Mesh discuss the introduction of Sling's day, weekend, and week passes which provide a low-cost entry point to linear TV, but may ruffle feathers with TV networks. Finally, they discuss Geoffrey Hinton's (AI forefather, Nobel-prize winner) cautionar...

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with strong earnings announcements from several leading media companies. Next, they discuss the announced deal between NFL and ESPN where NFL is getting a stake in ESPN in exchange for granting ESPN additional games and media rights. Finally, they discuss Roku entering the pay-streaming game with its new budget-friendly product, Howdy. Learn more about your ad choice...

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of the home renovation TV genre amidst HGTV's decision to cancel several of its shows in response to declining viewership and cost over runs. On the other end of the TV spectrum, they recap Banijay Entertainment's strong first half of 2025 as the mega TV producer is hitting on all cylinders. Finally, Paul provides an update on a recent Ninth circuit...

This week, Jessica David is back and filling in for Mesh. Paul and Jessica begin with Marvel's Fantastic Four reboot and George Lucas' first appearance at San Diego Comic Con. Next, Paul provides an update on FCC's approval of Skydance's proposed acquisition of Paramount clearing the path for the deal to close. Finally, they ponder the unconfirmed rumors percolating that Jeff Bezos is considering...

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with a recap of the 77th Emmy nominations, where streamers dominated yet again. Next, the discuss the conclusion of the 2025 Upfront negotiations for several major players, including a record volume in sales for NBCU built on the strength of a major sports portfolio (World Cup, Olympics, Super Bowl and the return of the NBA). Finally, they discuss the 70th anniversar...

This week, Paul and Mesh recap Superman's box office performance as the Gunn era of the DC film universe starts off. Next, they peer into the summer camp for Billionaires where CEOs and heads of entertainment and tech meet at the annual Sun Valley conference. Finally, Paul provides an update on the FTC's click to cancel rule which was struck down (at least temporarily) on procedural grounds. Learn...

This week, after a short 4th of July break, Paul and Mesh kick things off with a movie update discussing how F1 and Jurassic World Rebirth excelled in theaters. Next, they discuss the Diddy trial verdict which saw Diddy acquitted of the most serious charges he was facing in a mixed decision that will spare him a lengthy prison sentence. Finally, they provide an update on the Skydance and Paramount...

Paul and Mesh begin with Mark Walter's purchase of a controlling interest in the Los Angeles Lakers for $10B, which is 40% higher than the next-highest NBA sale price (Celtics). Next, they discuss YouTube's CEO's comments regarding integrating generative AI video tool Veo3 into YouTube Shorts to further democratize content creation. Finally, they provide an update on the bankruptcy auction for Vil...

Paul and Mesh begin with a quick update on the Nintendo Switch 2 which set sales records in its first week of launch. Next, they discuss Disney and Universals' copyright infringement complaint against Midjourney. Finally, with the announcement that Warner Bros. Discovery will be spinning off its legacy cable networks and Disney's statement that it plans to keep all of its media assets under the sa...

This week, Paul recaps a great Tribeca Film Festival event he attended and discusses its importance to the greater NY entertainment scene. Next, Paul and Mesh cover some recent layoffs affecting legacy media companies. Finally, Paul provides an update on the House v. NCAA settlement which was just approved and formally ushers in the era of colleges paying their student athletes directly for NIL ri...

This week, Paul and Mesh start with a recap of the highest grossing Memorial Day Weekend for the U.S. movie business as Lilo and Stitch outperformed and MI:8 held its own. Next, they discuss the latest billion-dollar beauty sale as e.l.f has agreed to buy Hailey Beiber’s Rhode skin care and cosmetics brand for up to one billion dollars ($1,000,000,000). Finally, Paul and Mesh provide their take on...

Paul and Mesh begin with WBD’s announced rebrand of Max back to HBO Max and a few Cannes film festival highlights. Next, they recap 5 primetime shows that NBC recently cancelled, in part to make room for its new NBA telecasts which will air on Tuesdays and Sundays (in addition to Peacock). Finally, they break down a recently announced 34.5B merger between Charter and Cox which, once completed, wil...

Paul and Mesh begin with life imitating art as the real-life 2025 Conclave has a few striking similarities to the 2024 Best Picture nominee Conclave. Next, they discuss President Trump's intent to establish a College Sports Commission to be co-chaired by Nick Saban and Cody Campbell. Finally, Paul and Mesh breakdown the latest entertainment tariffs as the President has floated a 100% tariff on fil...

Paul and Mesh begin with a recap of Marvel's Thunderbolts* box office performance which was solid but not a home run. Next, they discuss the start of Diddy's criminal trial in New York after Diddy rejected a plea deal on the eve of trial. Finally, Paul provides an update on the FCC and potential replacements for democratic commissioners, including former chair Jessica Rosenworcel. Learn more about...

Paul and Mesh begin with a discussion of Ryan Coogler's Sinners which continues his stellar trajectory and whether his bespoke deal with WB could become a trend. Next, they discuss Ted Sarandos' comments regarding the theatre experience and shifting consumer preferences. Finally, they celebrate YouTube which turned 20 in April and look back at how it revolutionized video distribution. Learn more a...

This week, Paul and Mesh begin with musical festival season as Coachella concludes and Fyre Festival 2 hits the brakes. Next, they discuss Drake’s amended defamation complaint against his own label, Universal Music Group, resulting from his rap beef with Kendrick Lamar. Finally, Paul breaks down college football QB, Nico Iamaleava, leaving the University of Tennessee for UCLA and how it illustrate...

Paul and Mesh begin with a luxury fashion update as Versace announced that it would be acquired by Prada to create a team-up of Italian luxury fashion brands. Next, Paul discusses the massive $1.68 billion dollar damages award in the sexual assault trial against writer director James Toback. Finally, Paul and Mesh discuss James Cameron, one of the pioneers of big budget motion pictures, and Mr. Ca...