Strictly Business

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety ’s Rebecca Rubin unpacks the rise of the Hoover-verse as author Colleen Hoover’s latest film adaptation, Universal’s “Reminders of Him,” is No. 1 at the multiplexes. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

From 'Kpop Demon Hunters' to the upcoming BTS album, Kpop is well into its global domination phase. But as analyst Robert Steiner explores in his new Luminate special report, the Korean music phenomenon is really just part of a bigger movement across Asia, where markets like Japan, India and China are poised to follow in Kpop's footsteps. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Gene Maddaus offers an update on the c ontract negotiations between SAG-AFTRA and the major studios and streamers. The  Writers Guild of America is next up at the table starting March 16. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety ’s Matt Donnelly details his sit-down in Nashville with Nicole Kidman for Variety ’s pre-Oscars issue, published today in print and online . Kidman revisits the whirlwind experience of her best actress Oscar win for “The Hours” in 2003. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from Variety ’s Antonio Ferme and Harper Mays on how the two assembled Variety’s 10 Creators to Watch list this year reflecting fast-rising, entertainment-centered social media stars. And Variety ’s Payton Turkeltaub explains why so many people are taking their TV with cocktails and friends as watch party events for fan-favorite shows pr...

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety ’s Brent Lang unpacks what went wrong for Warner Bros.’ “The Bride” and what went right for Pixar’s “Hoppers” this weekend. And then we step into the Wayback Machine for a look at the stories and personalities who were making news in Daily Variety on March 9, 1976. See omnystudio.com/listener for...

On today’s episode, Radial Entertainment CEO Jeff Shultz explains why he’s shopping for content libraries now that the Pluto TV and Paramount alum has taken the reins of the TV and film venture backed by OakTree Capital Management . Radial was formed last year through OakTree’s combination of FilmRise and Shout Studios. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In today’s episode, we’ll hear from Variety ’s Marc Malkin on how the somber mood in Hollywood and geopolitical uncertainty will affect this year’s Oscar week celebrations leading up to the Academy Awards on March 15. And Ethan Shanfeld paints a colorful picture of all that he observed while attending a “Baywatch” open casting call. See omnystudio.com/listener f...

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety ’s Selome Hailu details her profile of actor Keke Palmer, star of “I Love Boosters, ” the Boots Riley comedy that is set to open the SXSW festival next week. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety’ s Michael Schneider examines the questions swirling around HBO as the storied brand braces for Paramount’s takeover of Warner Bros. Discovery. Casey Bloys and Co. are waiting on word of how the premium TV pioneer will operate under Paramount Skydance, if the $110 billion acquisition is completed. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down the weekend that roared with the opening of Paramount’s “Scream 7.” And Reilly Steel, associate professor at Columbia Law School, discusses how the fight between Netflix and Paramount Skydance over Warner Bros. Discovery reflects the collision of troubling business, legal and political...

On today’s episode, Bill O’Dowd, founder and CEO of Dolphin Entertainment, offers a deep dive into the art and science of the creator economy. The leader of the parent company of PR heavyweights 42West and Shore Fire Media explains how the heat among social media personalities is changing everything about marketing and advertising, and how it has bulldozed traditional barriers to launc...

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from Jon Brockett, executive producer and showrunner of Sunday’s Actor Awards. The kudocast veteran discusses producing a live event without strict time limit considerations for Netflix, showcasing host Kristen Bell, paying tribute to Harrison Ford’s long career and invoking vintage Hollywood glamour. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety ’s Brent Lang takes a long look at Disney’s incoming CEO Josh D’Amaro and the challenges that await the parks and experiences veteran as he takes the helm of the Mouse House next month. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Michael Schneider speaks to “Ted Lasso” and “Shrinking” exec producer Bill Lawrence on the relaunch of “Scrubs” on ABC and Hulu. Lawrence explains how he’s busier than ever in his career – after surviving “a couple of five- and eight-year gaps when I couldn’t get anything going on TV.” &nbs...

On today’s episode, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why  Sony Pictures’ family film “G.O.A.T” topped the box office and how Elvis in Imax can still pack ‘em in. And Aramide Tinubu discusses some of the overlooked gems on her list of the best Black-led TV series of the past 10 years. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On a special episode of  Variety 's "Strictly Business" podcast, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos speaks out as the streaming giant fight to complete its quest to buy Warner Bros. and HBO, even as Paramount Skydance has secured a seven-day shot at impressing the WBD board with a better offer. Sarandos, in a wide-ranging discussion, is not shy about calling out what he sees as “misinformation...

On today’s episode, Sheila Ducksworth, executive producer of the CBS daytime soap “Beyond the Gates” and president of the CBS Studios/NAACP content venture, explains why the partners were determined to launch the first new daytime soap in decades and why it has taken root as "Beyond the Gates" marks its one-year anniversary. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Jazz Tangcay explains how she pulled off the “Kpop Demon Hunters” summit held Feb. 17 at the Egyptian Theatre in Hollywood in tandem with the publication of Variety ’s standalone special issue on the animated musical smash. Includes highlights from the screening and panel that brought together the six actors and singers -- EJAE, Ji-young...

On today’s episode, we’ll hear from Variety ’s Todd Spangler on the latest developments in the three-way M&A love triangle between Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix and Paramount Skydance . And Owen Gleiberman pays tribute to the “symphonic” talent of Robert Duvall. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's episode, Variety 's Rebecca Rubin breaks down a solid weekend at the box office with a diverse mix of new titles, led by Emerald Fennell's buzzy "Wuthering Heights" from Warner Bros. and animated family film "GOAT" from Sony Pictures. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Josh Simon, the Netflix alum who took the reins of Funko as CEO in September, discusses his vision for growing the pop culture brand and collectibles maker. The company aims to improve its speed-to-market on timely trends, pursue new markets in Asia and Latin America and generally expand the scope of Funko's thinking as a business. "How do we turn every product into a canvas for storytelling," Sim...

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Gene Maddaus offers the latest on SAG-AFTRA’s contract negotiations with Hollywood’s largest studios and streamers. And Emily Longeretta pays tribute to James Van Der Beek , an actor who came to help define his generation of TV and movies. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Michael Schneider discusses “The Simpsons” reaching another astounding industry milestone, Episode No. 800. He details his reporting with producers and longtime cast members on how the beloved animated series defies the gravity of its years to stay strong in Season 37. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today’s episode, Variety ’s Elsa Keslassy explains the significance of the big move by France to expand its national production tax incentive and why it matters to the U.S. And Jazz Tangcay reports on Variety ’s Artisans Awards that were handed out at the Santa Barbara Film Festival. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.