PODCAST · news
Daily Variety
by Variety
Variety journalists and entertainment leaders deliver business news and analysis tailored for industry insiders.
Episodes
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It's Time to Say Goodbye to 'Daily Variety' and Hello to 'Strictly Business Daily'
On today's episode, host Cynthia Littleton,Variety's co-Editor in Chief, brings the curtain down on the "Daily Variety" podcast after 13 months and more than 200 episodes. Starting Sept. 8, this show will be rebranded "Strictly Business Daily" and feature a stronger emphasis on business analysis,...
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A Grand Celebration for 'Big Brother' With Julie Chen Moonves, Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan
On today's episode,Variety's Michael Schneider speaks with the pillars of "Big Brother" as the U.S. rendition of the franchise hits its milestone 1,000th episode. Chen Moonves remembers the first time she saw herself referred to as the "Chen Bot." And showrunners Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan...
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A New Chapter for Variety's ‘Daily Variety’ and ‘Strictly Business’ Podcasts
On today’s episode, host Cynthia Littleton details the plan to streamline Variety’s business podcast offerings under the “Strictly Business” brand. And we pay tribute to a titan of music and pop culture, Dolly Parton, and to Shelley Fabares, the “Coach” and “Donna Reed Show” star who helped…
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Amazon Courts Creators to Build Businesses and Scale the Attention Economy for Brands
On today's episode, Matt Sandler, Amazon's general manager of creator services, and Angie More, Amazon's head of creator ad partnerships, explain why Amazon is making a push into the creator economy and how they're working with some of the boldest names in the sector. The goal is to use the…
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Documentary Filmmaker Rory Kennedy Sounds the Alarm on Air Safety With 'Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing'
On today's episode, Variety's Marlow Stern speaks with documentary filmmaker Rory Kennedy about her latest film, "Freefall: A Reckoning for Boeing." She sees real urgency around the company's failures and lack of accountability for the deaths of more than 300 people in devastating 737 Max plane...
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How ‘Dateline’ Became a Multiplatform Content Dynamo for NBC News
On today’s episode, “Dateline” leaders Liz Cole and Paul Ryan discuss the ever-expanding footprint of the NBC News newsmagazine that has become a ubiquitous presence in media and pop culture. “The audience knows what to expect from us. They’re going to get storytelling. They know that very…
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Ryan Murphy Talks Norman Lear, Top Showrunners Weigh in on TV’s Future
On today’s episode, highlights from Variety’s annual Showrunners Breakfast include heartfelt remarks from Ryan Murphy on how he was inspired by Norman Lear and “All in the Family" as he received Variety's Norman Lear Creative Conscience Award. And five Emmy-nominated showrunners discuss…
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How Chris Carter Got a Second Shot at 'The X Files: I Want to Believe' Film
On today's episode, "The X Files" creator Chris Carter explains to Variety's Michael Schneider how he got a second shot at his 2008 film "The X Files: I Want to Believe" with the director's cut that premiered Aug. 14 on Hulu and Disney+ outside the U.S. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy...
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Retired Athletes Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil Return to Sports as Team Owners and TV Producers in YouTube Docuseries ‘We Are Osos’
On today's episode, Luminate's Andrew Wallenstein speaks with retired athletes Blake Griffin and Ryan Kalil. Since moving on from their playing days in NBA and NFL, the two have headed the production company Mortal Media. And now, they're adding a few more jobs to their resumes: co-owners of a...
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Leslie Iwerks Trains Her Lens on ‘Disney Worldbuilding’ With James Cameron, Jon Favreau, Kevin Feige, Peter Docter and More
On today’s episode, documentarian Leslie Iwerks dives into the world of “Disney Worldbuilding,” a study of how creative visions are brought to life as IRL experiences at Disney parks and other locations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Will Paramount Bail on the Golden State? Dodger Great Orel Hershiser on Broadcasting, Baseball and Faith
On today's episode, Variety's Todd Spangler analyzes the latest moves in Paramount Skydance's quest to close its deal to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery for $110 billion. And Dodger great Orel Hershiser talks baseball, broadcasting, business and faith as he prepares to receive his Hollywood Walk…
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Daily Variety -- Summer Box Office Will Surpass the $4 Billion Benchmark
On today's episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin reports that the good news keeps on coming for the movie biz as "Spider Man: Brand New Day" soars in weekend two and "The Odyssey" becomes Christopher Nolan's highest-grossing film. Most important, the summer tally to date has...
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NBCUniversal Media Group Chief Matt Strauss on Growing Peacock, Testing Membership Rewards and Becoming a Daily Habit With Users
On today's episode of Variety's "Strictly Business," Matt Strauss, chairman of NBCUniversal Media Group, details the evolution of the Peacock streamer and his view of the "the great re-bundling" that is underway for streaming media. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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Fear, Loathing and Endless Potential: AI4 Conference Takes Stock of Transformative Technologies
On today’s episode,Variety’s Corbin Bolies reports from Las Vegas where he is covering the AI4 conference with a slew of top leaders and true believers. The excitement around generative AI still runs as hot as the temperature in Sin City, but the polarizing effect of the technology is evident as...
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It’s Tick-Tock Time for Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery Merger as Judge Sets March Trial Date
On today’s episode, Variety’s Todd Spangler offers an update on where things stand for Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger process now that a judge has set a March trial start date for the antitrust case brought by 12 state attorneys general and the Writers Guild of America. “I think he feels...
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National Comedy Center's Journey Gunderson on Preserving Humor as History
On today’s episode, Journey Gunderson, executive director of the National Comedy Center in Jamestown, N.Y. – Lucille Ball’s hometown -- explains why it’s important to have an institution devoted to the study of comedy. Jamestown will be abuzz with laughs as the center hosts the annual Lucille…
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It’s a Brand New Day for the Box Office Thanks to ‘Spider-Man’ and ‘The Odyssey’
On today’s episode, Variety’s box office expert Rebecca Rubin breaks down an astounding weekend at global turnstiles with the debut of Sony Pictures’ “Spider-Man: Brand New Day” and weekend three of Universal Pictures’ “The Odyssey.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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California Film Commissioner Colleen Bell Talks State Tax Incentive Battles, Hollywood’s Future and More
On today’s episode, Colleen Bell, director of the California State Film Commission, discusses her wins in her role as the Golden State’s film chief and the hurdles that remain to restore a high volume of TV and film lensing activity in Hollywood's backyard. Bell says the past few years have been…
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Cover Story: Travis Scott Ascends to Culture Moguldom Through Music, Movies, Retail, Business and More
On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Angelique Jackson details the time she spent with multihyphenate superstar Travis Scott, who comes off a record-setting music tour with a high-profile role in the movie of the moment, Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey.” See...
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Reba McEntire Revels in 50 Years of Making Music and Season 3 of NBC’s ‘Happy’s Place’
On today's episode, country music superstar Reba McEntire discusses celebrating her golden anniversary in music this year with a series of EP releases that pair a newly recorded song with several vintage tunes. McEntire also weighs in on how she’s navigated a turbulent TV marketplace to get her…
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‘Scary Movie’ Gets a Second Wind in PVOD With Extended Director's Cut
On today’s episode, “Scary Movie” director Michael Tiddes explains how he came to be trusted with the revival of Shawn and Marlon Wayans’ beloved horror comedy franchise. And Tiddes details the extras in the extended director’s cut that bowed today on PVOD platforms. See omnystudio.com/listener…
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Box Office: Christopher Nolan Gets Moviegoers Out in Force for the Trojan Horse
On today’s episode, in our box office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down the spectacular $264 million worldwide opening for Universal Pictures’ “The Odyssey.” It couldn’t have come at a better time for Imax, the large-format exhibitor that delivered more than 50% of the opening weekend...
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Cover Story: What’s Fueling the Box Office Rebound and How Can Hollywood Keep it Going?
On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Brent Lang details the report he delivered with Rebecca Rubin on the summer box office rebound, and what Hollywood and exhibitors must do to keep it going. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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How NBC’s ‘Must See TV’ Branding Campaign of the 1990s Changed America’s Viewing Habits
On today’s episode, as part of Variety’s ongoing series celebrating NBC’s centennial, we revisit the history of NBC’s “Must See TV” branding campaign that came to define the network’s dominance in the 1990s. Jennifer Storms, NBCUniversal’s chief marketing officer for television and streaming,...
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What’s Next for Paramount-Warner Bros. as State AGs Sue; Columbia University’s Eric Talley on Why the Case May Lead to Merger Concessions
On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus explains the legal rationale behind the lawsuit filed July 13 by 12 state attorneys general to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. takeover. And Columbia University Law School professor Eric Talley breaks down the power the AGs have to wield and why they…
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Why ‘Moana’ Marks a Disney Misstep; ‘Young Washington’ Director Jon Erwin on Making Indie Films Work at the Multiplexes
On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our weekly Box Office segment, Variety‘s Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong with Disney’s “Moana” live-action remake. And Jon Erwin, the filmmaker behind “Young Washington,” explains how his Wonder Project banner is making indie theatrical…
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James Corden Reunites ‘Late Late Show’ Team for Fox’s ‘After Hours’ World Cup Show
Three years after he signed off CBS’ “The Late Late Show,” James Corden is having the time of his life hosting the World Cup after show for Fox, “After Hours With James Corden.” On today's episode, the multihyphenate discusses the joy of indulging in his lifelong love of football and why the call...
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What’s Driving Microsoft’s Massive Overhaul of Xbox?
On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas details Microsoft’s massive overhaul of its Xbox unit with 3,200 layoffs and a realignment of operations coming under newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See omnystudio.com/listener for...
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Box Office: ‘Minions and Monsters’ Delivers Tepid Debut in a Muted July 4th Weekend; Why Comcast’s Sky is Buying ITV
Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down a muted July 4th holiday weekend at the box office with a tepid U.S. opening for Universal and Illumination’s “Minions and Monsters” but a solid turnout for indie Angel Studios’ “Young Washington.” And Variety's K.J. Yossman explains why Comcast's Sky has…
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How David Fincher and Zach Cregger Secretly Shaped Netflix’s Game-TV Hybrid ‘Unhinged’
On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas explains how notable directors David Fincher and Zach Cregger helped shape Netflix’s ambitious new property “Unhinged,” which is a video game that plays like a TV series and your smartphone is the controller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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So Long, LeBron! What the Lakers Shakeup Means for the NBA and for L.A.'s Sports Star Power
On today’s episode, Variety’s Marlow Stern unpacks LeBron James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons and one championship title. The shakeup leaves one of the NBA’s most high-profile teams a little short on star power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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CNBC Chief KC Sullivan on Transforming the Linear TV Business in a Global World: ‘We’re Very Much on Offense’
On today’s episode, CNBC president KC Sullivan discusses the channel’s evolution following the Versant Media spinoff. The preeminent financial news network is transforming from a business rooted in linear cable to multiplatform digital. “We’re very much on offense,” Sullivan told Variety during...
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Box Office: ‘Supergirl’ Stumbles, ‘Toy Story 5’ Flexes and ‘Michael’ Hits a Milestone; Why Comcast is Splitting NBCUniversal and Sky From Cable
On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Jack Dunn breaks down a rough weekend for “Supergirl” and a big frame for “Toy Story 5” and “Michael.” And Todd Spangler explains why Comcast is hauling out the corporate meat cleaver to separate NBCUniversal and Sky from the core Comcast...
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'Abbott Elementary' Exec Producer Justin Halpern Juggles Series and a New Novel
On today’s episode, writer and showrunner Justin Halpern speaks with Variety’s Michael Schneider about the road to writing his novel “Get Lost." Halpern also updates Schneider on a few TV development projects, including the status of high school memoir “I Suck at Girls” at Netflix and the…
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Eddy Cue and Jerry Bruckheimer talk ‘F1’ Sequel – Brad Pitt ‘Would Like to Get in That Car Again’ – and Apple’s Evolution in Movies and TV in Cannes Lions Sitdown With Variety
On today’s episode, Apple content chief Eddy Cue and producer Jerry Bruckheimer speak to Variety at the Cannes Lions festival about the tech giant’s influence in entertainment, how they’re working to get Brad Pitt back into a fast car for an “F1” movie sequel and how Apple’s incoming CEO feels...
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Box Office: 'Toy Story 5' Opens Big and So Does Cannes Lions
On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down 2026’s biggest weekend at the turnstiles to date with “Toy Story 5” delivering the goods for Disney and Pixar. That turnout has lifted the summer-to-date box office to within striking distance of 2019. And the…
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Owen Gleiberman Unpacks Why We Love ‘Toy Story’: ‘Some of the Greatest Movies Ever Made About Childhood’
On today’s episode, Owen Gleiberman, Variety’s chief film critic, sings the praises of Pixar’s “Toy Story” movies as the fifth installment arrives in theaters on June 19. Pixar’s pioneering CG animated series, which began in 1995, amounts to “some of the greatest movies ever made about…
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Latino Donor Collaborative Makes the Business Case Why Hollywood Loses Money by Ignoring Latinos
On today's episode, Ana Valdez, president and CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative, details the nonprofit organization's work with McKinsey & Co. on their latest report on Latino representation in mainstream movies and TV shows. The numbers are going in the wrong direction, and that means...
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Hollywood's Problems Intersect With California Politics Like Never Before as Showbiz Rallies Around a Federal Production Tax Incentive
On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Gene Maddaus unpacks the brawl that has erupted as Hollywood’s systemic problems become a pivotal political issue in the race for L.A. mayor and California governor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices See...
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'Disclosure Day' Adds to Box Office Momentum; Why Fox is Buying Roku
On today’s episode of "Daily Variety" podcast, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin weighs the opening weekend of Steven Spielberg’s “Disclosure Day." And Todd Spangler breaks down the surprise news of Fox Corp.’s acquisition of Roku. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit...
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'60 Minutes’ Explodes With Firings, a Hiring and Questions About the Venerable News Program’s Future
On today's episode, Variety's Brian Steinberg breaks down the implosion at "60 Minutes." Scott Pelley joins the list of correspondents getting the ax as a new executive producer, Nick Bilton, and CBS News editor in chief Bari Weiss look to put their stamp on the venerable news program. Learn more...
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'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' Rattle the Box Office as Gen Z Embraces its Own Horror Helmers
On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin unpacks the eye-popping stats delivered by A24’s “Backrooms” and weekend three of Focus Features' “Obsession.” It’s a one-two punch of low-budget horror from digital-native directors, and it was enough to KO the second weekend...
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'The U.S. Against the World' Director-Producer Rand Getlin Documents the Road to the World Cup
On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, Rand Getlin, director-executive producer of the HBO documentary “U.S. Against the World: Four Years With the Men’s National Soccer Team,” discusses the road to the World Cup and the rising popularity of men’s and women’s soccer in America. Learn more...
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Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt and the Brawl in the L.A. Mayoral Race
On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus tries to make sense of California’s fractious electoral politics as the June 2 primary approaches. He explains why incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass is hoping that the primary leaves her in a runoff against reality star Spencer Pratt, and why so…
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'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and a Magnificent 'Obsession' Drive Holiday Box Office
On today's episode, in our box office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin carefully measures the turnout over the Memorial Day weekend holiday for Disney's “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” It was a big test for Disney and Lucasfilm and the strength of the Star Wars franchise at the turnstiles.…
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Box Office: ‘Michael’ Returns to No. 1 as Exhibitors Brace for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and the Start of Summer Blockbuster Season
On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why Lionsgate’s “Michael” made a surprise return to No. 1 in a weekend that marks the calm before the start of summer blockbuster season with Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” opening over Memorial Day weekend.…
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Upfronts 2026: What We Learned From TV's Biggest Platforms; Crafting the Music of ‘Heated Rivalry’
On today’s episode, Variety’s Michael Schneider breaks down the last lap of upfronts week as Warner Bros. Discovery, Netflix and YouTube grab the megaphone. And Variety music chief Jem Aswad goes deep on the music of “Heated Rivalry” in a session with showrunner Jacob Tierney, composer Peter…
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‘Survivor’ at 50: What Makes CBS’ Reality Franchise So Durable?
On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, we put the spotlight on “Survivor” as the reality stalwart hits Season 50. As detailed by Variety’s Emily Longeretta and Selome Hailu, CBS’ innovative and enduring unscripted juggernaut has set the standard for the reality-competition genre for 26...
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Tech Talk, Streaming, Sports and Reboots Dominate Upfronts; NBCUniversal’s Liz Jenkins on Risk-Taking Amid Disruption
On today’s episode, Variety’s Brian Steinberg reports on the triple-header kickoff of Upfronts week after attending Monday’s NBCUniversal, Fox and Amazon Prime Video presentations. He parses each platform's pitch to Madison Avenue. And we’ll hear from NBCUniversal Entertainment chief business...
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Upfronts 2026: Disney’s Rita Ferro Details the Mouse House’s Cross-Platform Push, Embracing Live and Connecting Grammys, Super Bowl and the Oscars for the Biggest Brands
On today’s special Upfronts-themed episode, Rita Ferro, Disney’s president of global advertising, offers a preview of the Mouse House’s May 12 presentation to advertisers in New York. Ferro details Disney’s plan to link the live spectacle of the Grammys, the Super Bowl and the Oscars for big...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Daily Variety have?
Daily Variety currently has 100 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Daily Variety about?
Variety journalists and entertainment leaders deliver business news and analysis tailored for industry insiders.
How often does Daily Variety release new episodes?
Daily Variety has 100 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
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You can listen to Daily Variety on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
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Daily Variety is created and hosted by Variety.
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