Downstream
Jason Snell and a rotating group of experts break down the present and future of television. Hosted by Jason Snell.
Tue, April 15, 2025
Profitable on Day One
Will Carroll joins Jason to discuss MLB's big television plans, the ratings challenge for the NBA Playoffs, and our TV picks. [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Vision Pro at Yankee Stadium, made-for-TV leagues, threats to MLS, and Zombie Vin Scully.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Major League Baseball exploring MLB.TV licensing deal: Sources - The Athletic An R.S.N. Vulture Awaits…
Thu, April 03, 2025
I Just Want to Blog
Netflix and Amazon prepare to celebrate NFL Christmas, the PVOD vs. Theatrical debate rages on, Gunsmoke is having a moment, Max rebrands again, Jason watched some Netflix ads, and did we mention that Julia is back? Guest Starring: Julia Alexander Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback NFL to air 3 games on Christmas Day 2025, Netflix partnership continues: Source - The Athletic Sources: NFL ‘Virtual Lock’ to Opt Out of Media-Rights Deals New York Yankees Boss Thanks Donald Trump For Helping YES Resolve Carriage Fight With Comcast 'Wicked’ Made $100 Million On PVOD - CinemaCon Michael O’Leary, CEO Of Cinema United, Slams Shorter Theatrical Windows Matt Belloni's funny post ‘Reacher,’ ‘Gunsmoke’: Streaming Ratings March 3-9, 2025 Max’s rebranded logo and colors look very HBO | The Verge My unsuccessful journey into Netflix’s ad tier – Six Colors
Fri, March 21, 2025
Commissioner of Television
MLB is trying to open up local streaming, but it doesn't solve the problem of reaching casual fans. Also: a weird café in Korea and our TV picks. (Downstream+ listeners also get: British TV vs. streamers, deep programming thoughts, and Looney Tunes.) This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Memberful : Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: TV Picks: Joe: The Pitt (Max), Severance (TV+), White Lotus (Max) Jason: The Outlaws (Prime Video) Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback MLB, NBC Sports Regional Networks to stream Athletics, Giants, Phillies games Press release: New ROOT SPORTS stream app offers all Mariners games airing on ROOT SPORTS
Mon, March 10, 2025
Billionaires Own a Lot of Things
The MLB/ESPN separation and the future of ESPN, the Nationals escape from MASN, Fox's sports streaming service quandary, interesting tidbits from the Sloan Sports Conference, and our TV picks! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, full-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code FACTORPODCAST for 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: TV Picks: Will: "Fear" on Prime Video Jason: "Shoresy" on Hulu Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Inside the MLB-ESPN Split - Puck Stephen A. Smith, ESPN agree to $100M contract that lets him talk more about politics: Sources - The Athletic Disney+ to Debut SC+: ESPN SportsCenter Spinoff for More Casual Fans MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference - Sports Analytics, Business, & Technology. sonar NTANGIBLE
Fri, February 21, 2025
Time Has No Meaning Anymore
Super Bowl streaming, NFL dreams, and TV picks from us and listeners. (Downstream+ subscribers also get: Seeking "Paradise" on broadcast TV, Netflix taunts Apple TV users, and a SNL50 triumph.) This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, full-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code FACTORPODCAST for 50% off plus free shipping on your first box. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Listener picks: The Recruit, Boiling Point, Last Tango in Halifax, Happy Valley Joe's pick: Paradise (Hulu) Jason's pick: "Flow" on Max Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Super Bowl LIX on FOX and Tubi Generates More Than $800 Million in Gross Advertising Revenue - foxcorporation Live Blogging of FOX's Super Bowl Stream on Tubi and vMVPDs, Across Multiple Devices - Dan Rayburn - StreamingMediaBlog.com
Fri, February 07, 2025
An Oil Man
Will Carroll returns on Super Bowl week, and we discuss Super Bowl 4K, Tubi, and the enduring power of communal live events. Also: ESPN Flagship and Fox's streaming play, a new RSN is heard from, Apple and MLS make tweaks, your letters, and TV picks! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Memberful : Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: TV Picks: Will: Ludwig (coming to Britbox , Elsbeth (Paramount+) Jason: Detectorists (Acorn, Pluto TV, Roku, Hoopla) Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Fox does streaming (Apple News/WSJ) 2025 Super Bowl Will Stream for Free on Tubi, Fox Streaming Service Fox’s 1080p to 4K Upscaling Workflow for Super Bowl 2025: An Engaging Debate - Streaming Learning Center Comcast Sales, Profit Beat as ‘Wicked’ Lifts Film Studio - Bloomberg Altitude Sports, Comcast end long-running dispute to televise Nuggets and Avalanche games | AP News Apple adds Xfinity, DirecTV as MLS Season Pass distributors – Six Colors Rangers Sports Network Boss Explains Why Team Managing Own TV Business Texas Rangers: ‘We’re in better hands managing our own risk’ <a href="https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2025-01-30/comcast-sales-profit-beat-as-wicked-lifts-film-studio?c
Fri, January 24, 2025
TV Costs Money
Joe Adalian joins Jason to discuss Netflix's big moves, price hikes, and what drove Jason to cancel it. Also we answer your letters and make some TV picks! (Downstream+ members also get: the return of CNN+, death of Venu, and Tubi spikes the football.) This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: TV Picks: Joe: New Hollywood Squares (CBS/P+); The Pitt (Max) Jason: Severance (Apple TV+), SNL50 (Peacock), St. Denis Medical (Peacock) Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Netflix Q4 2024 Earnings: Subscriber Tally Passes 301M, Smashing Estimates Netflix Q4 2024 Earnings: NFL and Jake Paul Help Drive Subscribers Netflix Raises Prices in First Major Hike Since 2023
Thu, January 09, 2025
Fubulunu
Will Carroll joins for a mega Sports Corner: Fubo meets Hulu to enable Venu, Netflix goes full force into live sports, how football dominates American TV, NFL announcers, and our TV picks! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Memberful : Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required. Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: TV Picks: Will: Traitors (US and UK, Peacock), Landman (JERRY JONES!, Paramount+) Jason: Ludwig (UK, coming to Britbox), All Creatures Great and Small (UK, PBS) Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Jeopardy: Behind the Scenes With Ken Jennings Disney Deal Will Combine Hulu + Live TV With Fubo, Ending Venu Lawsuit NFL Owns 72 of Top 100 Broadcasts as Pols Undermine Sports' TV Might Arctos co-founder on the future of private equity in sports Takeaways from Netflix’s NFL Christmas ratings door-buster: The streaming giant could be here to stay - The Athletic Netflix Spent $5B on WWE Monday Night Raw, Convinced Me to Watch Netflix secures U.S. broadcast rights for 2027, 2031 Women’s World Cups - The Athletic Netflix Scores FIFA Women's World Cup Exclusive Rights for 2027, 2031 Netflix’s FIFA Women’s World Cup deal feels like a page out of the
Tue, December 24, 2024
A Holiday Visit from Tim Goodman
Down the chimney comes Tim Goodman, reuniting with Jason to discuss his super-secret insider TV reviews, streaming's influence in the rise of international TV here in the U.S., and Jason's top TV shows of the year. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Tim Goodman Links and Show Notes: Jason mentioned: Shogun (Hulu), Dark Matter (Apple TV+), Bad Monkey (Apple TV+), Hacks (Max), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Silo (Apple TV+), Shoresy (Hulu), Masters of the Air (Apple TV+), The Diplomat (Netflix), and A Man on the Inside (Netflix). Tim Mentioned: Black Doves (Netflix), Giri/Haji (Netflix), Moving (Hulu), House of Ninjas (Netflix), A Shop For Killers (Hulu), The Frog (Netflix), Kleo (Netflix), and Black Twitter: A Peoplpe's History (Hulu). Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Tim Goodman / Bastard Machine | Substack TV Talk Machine - a podcast from The Incomparable Our Silent Nights are Getting Loud (Apple Music) Merry Christmas, Baby. (Apple Music) Our Silent Nights are Getting Loud (Spotify) Merry Christmas, Baby. (Spotify)
Wed, December 11, 2024
The Hulu of It All
How Disney's strategy has led to ESPN inside the Disney+ app, Disney and Netflix content strategies, Warner Bros. Discovery and Comcast make a deal, the ramifications of Comcast's "SpinCo," crafting a theatrical hit out of a Disney+ TV show, and TV picks! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Show picks: Jason: Somebody Somewhere (HBO) Joe: Shrinking (Apple TV+); Sugarplummed (Hallmark Channel– yes, really) Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Disney’s Grand Streaming Vision Is Finally Coming Together Is ESPN+ Going Away? How the Disney+ App Integration Works Comcast Gets Max Bundling Rights Under Warner Bros. Discovery Deal ‘Moana 2’ Shatters Box Office Records Around the World | The Walt Disney Company 'Moana 2': Why Disney Decided to Turn a Series Into a Theatrical Movie
Wed, November 27, 2024
CNBC without NBC is just C
Apple's movie mistakes, Comcast pushes cable channels onto the ice floe, Diamond exits bankruptcy, Netflix goes live, the holiday season as a streaming opportunity, and our TV picks! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Natalie Jarvey Links and Show Notes: Natalie mentioned: A Man on the Inside (Netflix), No Good Deed (Netflix), Squid Game (Netflix), The Agency (Paramount+), Skeleton Crew (Disney+), Scotland's Home of the Year, and Rivals (Hulu/Disney+). Jason mentioned "Planes, Trains and Automobiles" (Paramount+). Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Jon Watts On Why He Canceled George Clooney & Brad Pitt 'Wolfs' Sequel Comcast Announces Intention to Create Leading Independent Media Business Through Spin-Off of Select Cable Television Networks Comcast Cable Spinoff Employee Reaction: Skepticism but Also Optimism Diamond Sports cleared to emerge from bankruptcy after new MLB deals | Reuters MLB plans new national TV packages for 2028; changes to revenue sharing, CBA crucial - The Athletic Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson Was the Most Streamed Sporting Event in History - Netflix Tudum
Thu, November 14, 2024
What Is This Horror?
Monday Night football on ABC, streaming delays, and more TV picks. (Downstream+ subscribers also get: an Unrivaled new sports TV product; Amazon's deal with the NBA; and pondering the limits of the NFL.) This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback ESPN’s Delicate Streaming Balance - Puck Grand Designs Australia - Wikipedia
Fri, November 01, 2024
Reba Reboot
Holiday specials and streaming rights; the questionable future of linear cable channels; Bob Iger's Endgame gets interesting; Sports Corner with Rob Manfred, Jason Kelce, and Charles Barkley; Behold, the power of CBS; and some TV shows you should watch. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Joe's picks: Kathy Griffin's My Life on the D-List (Peacock) CBS Thursdays: Ghosts, Matlock, Elsbeth Jason's picks: Bad Monkey (Apple TV+) The Diplomat (Netflix) Don Giller’s YouTube channel Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback ‘Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer’ Is Moving From CBS to NBC Why Is "Rudolph" and "Frosty the Snowman" Not Streaming? Can Comcast Save Cable TV With a Channel Rollup Company? Disney Names James Gorman Chairman, Sets ‘Early 2026’ for C.E.O. Change - The New York Times Disney’s Race to Replace Bob Iger: The Succession Strategy Game Watch Kathy Griffin: My Life on the D-List Streaming Online | Peacock Don Giller - YouTube Letterman - YouTube
Fri, October 18, 2024
Shifting Landscape
Apple TV+ comes to Prime Video, and the Diamond bankruptcy continues to disrupt the entire economy of sports. [Downstream+ listeners get: ESPN Flagship, Paramount and the NFL, the future of sports rights, and in praise of narrowcasting.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Apple TV+ Coming to Amazon Prime Video as Subscription Add On Diamond Looks to Retain Some MLB Contracts as Chapter 11 Exit Looms Texas Rangers leaving Diamond Sports Group, considering local media options for 2025
Thu, October 03, 2024
Decade of Confusion
Brian Williams will bring live news to Prime Video, but what's the future of streaming news? Also: More cable bundles include streaming services; Amazon programs a night of game shows; Netflix's coming compensation crunch; and a Diamond/MLB update. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback "Max Headroom" War (TV Episode 1987) - IMDb Does Brian Williams’ Return Offer a Future for Cable News? - Puck Brian Williams is set to anchor election night coverage on Prime Video. Is Amazon getting into live news? | CNN Business ‘Free HBO’ Isn’t the Full Picture of WBD’s Charter Bundle NBCU-Charter Renewal Deal: Peacock Bundled With Spectrum Select TV Are You Smarter Than an Amazon Streaming Executive? What We Watched the First Half of 2024 - About Netflix The Limits of Netflix’s Semiannual Viewing Ratings Broadcaster Diamond Sports Group drops two MLB teams, implies nine others are in danger - The Athletic
Tue, September 17, 2024
The Calgorithm
Will Carroll re-joins for a mega Sports Corner episode. We discuss the power of the NFL and the future of highlights. [Downstream+ subscribers also get: sports rights, Diamond bankruptcy, Venu doom, and tangents.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback | NTangible™ - Measure The Unmeasurable | Instagram (3) Under The Knife | Will Carroll | Substack NBC draws strong viewership for NFL Kickoff The NFL’s $20B Gamble on “Sunday Ticket” - Puck .@jessica_smetana gives @mikegolicjr and @golic the lowdown on the "Cal-gorithm".
Fri, September 06, 2024
TV Show Movies
Larry Ellison's ownership of Paramount and what it might mean for CBS News; why Netflix and Apple just don't get movies; Hallmark's new streaming service; the rise of Tubi and FAST; and streaming's lack of curation. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Trakt.tv : Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what's hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Larry Ellison Will Control Paramount After Skydance Deal Closes Hallmark+ Is Launching the Company Into the Streaming Wars Chiefs' Hallmark Christmas Movie Gets Debut Date, First Look Photos Tubi’s Free Streaming Explodes in Popularity, Outranking Max and Apple TV+ - The New York Times Apple Rethinks Its Movie Strategy After a String of Misses - The New York Times Edgar Bronfman Jr. Drops Pursuit of Paramount - The New York Times
Fri, August 23, 2024
Defund the Bundle
A judge puts a stop to the launch of Venu, bringing the entire economics of the cable bundle into question. [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Paramount's sale complication, Disney+ success metrics, Olympics wrap-up, and theatrical's revival.] Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Venu Sports launch temporarily blocked following Fubo’s legal challenge - The Athletic Legal Headaches for the Venu Sports Streamer - Puck Venu Trial: Is the New Sports Streaming Service in Trouble? - Puck Live & On-Demand TV | Frndly TV
Fri, August 09, 2024
Playing the Long Game
Meg James of the Los Angeles Times joins Jason to discuss Paramount and WBD results, the WBD/NBA conundrum, Peacock and the Olympics, Venu's price, the NFL dodging the antitrust bullet, a Disney price hike, and the high cost of prestige TV. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Meg James Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Paramount Global takes $6-billion write-down, announces layoffs - Los Angeles Times Warner Bros. Discovery Hits $107M Streaming Unit Loss, 103.3M Subs Warner Bros. Discovery's David Zaslav's struggles extend to a lost NBA contract - Los Angeles Times Warner Bros. Discovery sues NBA for not accepting its matching offer | AP News Warner Bros. Discovery-NBA lawsuit proceedings to drag into October How David Zaslav Killed the NBA on TNT - Puck Forget retirement or new network. Charles Barkley is staying with TNT - Los Angeles Times Roger Goodell’s $5 Billion Triumph & Michael Rubin Blowback - Puck Crunchyroll Officially Surpasses 15 Million Subscribers - Crunchyroll News
Thu, July 18, 2024
The Infinite Stadium
Sportswriter Will Carroll joins Jason for an all-Sports Corner edition. We discuss the NBA TV deal, the NFL lawsuit, and the future of sports broadcasting. [Downstream+ members also get: the post-RSN world, Netflix and live sports, and more.] Guest Starring: Will Carroll Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback
Thu, July 11, 2024
Must-Stream TV
Vulture's Josef Adalian returns to discuss the ramifications of the sale of Paramount, and where the company might go next. We also once again consider that classic streaming question--to binge or not to binge? Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Vox Media: Podcast Network | Land of the Giants RedBird’s Gerry Cardinale on the Next Steps for Paramount - Puck David Ellison Reveals Plans for Paramount - Puck Why Streaming Services Keep Screwing Up Binge-Watching | WIRED When 'The Bear' Release Strategy Is Working, Why Would Hulu Go Weekly?
Thu, June 27, 2024
Harpoon Gun Salvaged from the Wreckage
TV critic Tim Goodman guests to discuss the WBD and Paramount messes and give an update about what he's been up to over at his Substack. [Downstream+ subscribers get to hear us talk about a very weird New York Times article about media moguls on a yacht.] Guest Starring: Tim Goodman Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback CNN Reportedly Exploring Digital Subscriptions as News Gets the Streaming Treatment | PYMNTS.com 'Harry Potter' HBO Series Hires Writer, Director Dish Bundles Netflix for Free With New Two-Year Offer Paramount Chiefs: We're Cutting $500 Million in Costs After Profit Drop Shari Redstone's Paramount Sale Options: Who's In the Mix Now? Kanopy - Stream Classic Cinema, Indie Film and Top Documentaries hoopla | streaming audiobooks, music, video & ebooks Hoopla, Kanopy and the Most Obvious Thing You're Not Doing Ever.
Sat, June 15, 2024
Mountain of Mishegas
Vulture's Josef Adalian joins Jason to discuss the fate of Paramount after the latest deal has fallen through, Warner Bros. Discovery moves to plan B on sports rights, and Joe walks us through his Vulture streamer rankings. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Guest Starring: Josef Adalian Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Josef Adalian Author Archive So What Happens With Paramount Now? Why Shari Redstone Killed the Paramount-Skydance Deal - Puck It’s the End of Paramount+ As We Know It (and That’s Fine) Warner Bros. Discovery Lands US Broadcast Rights to the French Open The 2024 Streaming Power Rankings: Best and Worst Services The Comfortable Problem of Mid TV - The New York Times
Thu, May 30, 2024
They Stole Your Brain
Other strategies for WBD if it loses the NBA, we answer a bumper crop of listener letters, and Julia has some big career news. [Downstream+ subscribers also get to hear us discuss Netflix potential sports futures and the changing face of broadcast TV.] Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback If the NBA on NBC Returns, Could Charles Barkley Defect? - Puck David Zaslav on TNT Without the NBA, and the Disney-Max Bundle Maybe TNT Doesn’t Need the NBA After All - Puck "Like the X Games"
Sat, May 18, 2024
Pay the Gatekeeper
Why the "great rebundling" isn't the return of the cable bundle; recalibrating how talent is paid for streaming shows; Paramount twists in the wind; Spulu gets a real name; the NFL makes a deal with Netflix; and Diamond Sports meets with skepticism. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback M4 iPad Pro Review: Here we go again – Six Colors Is the new Max/Disney+ Bundle Just Cable 2.0? Not Really - Puck Apple, Netflix Amazon Want to Change How They Pay Hollywood Stars - Bloomberg Netflix Reconsiders Its Massive Talent Paydays - Puck Shari Redstone’s Ticking Clock - Puck Netflix and the N.F.L. Sign a Three-Season Deal - The New York Times John Mulaney’s ‘Everybody’s in L.A.’ Was a Live TV Miracle MLB attorney: Loss of Comcast as TV carrier 'devastating' - ESPN NBA, NHL join MLB as skeptics of Diamond Sports reorganization
Fri, May 03, 2024
Gentle Hum
We revisit the philosophy of binge drops versus weekly releases--because it's complicated. [Downstream+ members also get to hear us discuss the future of Paramount, complicated NBA rights negotiations, and more RSN drama.] Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Baby Reindeer, Fallout & Binge Game Theory - Puck Welcome to the Entertainment Strategy Guy - Entertainment Strategy Guy TV Grim Reaper | Substack
Thu, April 18, 2024
Paramount, Peacock, Peas in a Pod
Is this phase of the streaming wars reaching an endgame? We discuss the fates of Peacock and Paramount+, and consider Max after a year under its new name. Also, we share more listener streaming suggestions! Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback The clock is ticking on Disney’s streaming strategy. - The Verge Peacock’s M&A Endgame - Puck The Paramount Sale: Gerry & The Jeffs Come for Shari’s Baby - Puck It’s Not HBO, It’s Max - Puck
Thu, April 04, 2024
What We Want Hasn't Changed
Is it time for a Disney pep talk? We discuss what's working and not working, and how Disney's ready for streaming success if it's willing to change. Plus, streaming advice! [For Downstream+ subscribers only: Disney/Apple bundling and Baseball streaming.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback The Story of Disney+ - Puck A WWE Business Smackdown With Nick Khan - The Ringer Dropout
Thu, March 28, 2024
More Serotonin
Lots of Disney this time! We talk Disney's big succession question, Taylor Swift's Disney+ numbers, and Disney's deal in India. Also, a quick Sports Corner on NFL streaming rights, Spulu, and ESPN as a streaming aggregator. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Good Chop : High-quality American meat & seafood. Get $120 off your first 4 boxes with code downstream120. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback No One Is Ever Ready to Be the Next CEO of Disney - Bloomberg How Disney Makes Money: Media, Entertainment, Parks, and Experiences 'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' Most Watched Music Film Disney+ 4.6M Views Disney had big plans in India — here's why it's pulling back NFL announces two exclusive streaming games for 2024 season, including one postseason game ESPN Integrates Regional Sports Network Streams Into Its Main App And Website
Wed, March 06, 2024
Still Do Everything
Someone new is in charge of Netflix's film output, which lets us ponder the company's past and future film strategy. [Downstream+ members get: Max's new Harry Potter approach, and lessons we could learn from The CW's mid-budget approach to superhero TV.] Links and Show Notes: Video version of the show is on YouTube . Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Dan Lin to Replace Scott Stuber as Netflix Film Boss Walt Disney Movie President Sean Bailey Exits; David Greenbaum Takes Over Will AI Video Replace Hollywood? - Puck
Fri, February 23, 2024
Everyone Loves a Bundle
Fallout from the "Spulu" announcement from Disney, Fox, and WBD continues; picking apart HBO's "Last Week Tonight" YouTube strategy; and what does Peacock have in common with the New York Jets? This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Good Chop : High-quality American meat & seafood. Get $120 off your first 4 boxes with code downstream120. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Fubo sues Fox, Disney, and Warner Bros. to block their combined sports streaming app - The Verge Iger’s ‘Spulu’ Starter Marriage - Puck The Sports Bundle Holy Wars Have Begun - Puck An Interview with Michael Nathanson About Netflix and the Media Industry – Stratechery by Ben Thompson HBO Delays Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Clips Posted on YouTube YouTube dominates TV streaming in US, per Nielsen’s latest report Taskmaster - YouTube
Fri, February 09, 2024
Spulu
Disney, Fox, and WBD come together to create a sports streaming joint venture, but what does it all mean? [Downstream+ subscribers also get to hear us discuss Disney's Epic investment, Sports Corner updates, and the most streamed originals of last year.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback ESPN, Fox, WBD to team up ESPN, Fox, WBD to team up (Apple News)
Thu, January 18, 2024
A Collector of Sports
Subtitle: Sports Pentagon After some Apple Vision Pro opinions, it's time for a veritable Sports Pentagon of topics, including: Regional sports streaming alliances, the NFL cozying up to ESPN, Amazon cozying up to Diamond Sports, and the value of Peacock's streamed playoff game. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Julia uses Vision Pro NFL in advanced talks with ESPN to acquire equity stake in network: Sources - The Athletic The NFL May Buy a Stake in ESPN. Is This the Death of the Network’s Journalism? | The Nation Diamond Sports to receive Amazon investment in bankruptcy plan: What does it mean for MLB, NBA, NHL? - The Athletic What the new Diamond-Amazon deal means for MLB, NBA, NHL - ESPN Peacock’s Pyrrhic NFL Victory - Puck Dunkey's Guide to Streaming Services - YouTube
Fri, December 29, 2023
You Heard It Here First
The fate of Paramount Global hangs in the balance, and our favorites of the year. [Downstream+ subscribers get an extra half hour, including RSN collapses and potential streaming solutions, and our predictions for 2024.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Links and Show Notes: Favorite movies: "Godzilla Minus One" (JA) and "Oppenheimer" (JS) Favorite TV shows: "Succession" (JA) and either "The Bear" or "Strange New Worlds" (JS) Favorite books: The Subprime Attention Crisis by Tim Hwang, Otaku: Japan’s Database Animals by Hiroki Azuma, and Hiroshima by John Hersey (JA) and The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler and My Murder by Katie Williams (JS) Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback What Is Paramount Actually Worth? - Puck Cortex #150: 2024 Yearly Themes - Relay FM (3) Your Theme - YouTube Paramount’s Sale, YouTube’s Trojan Horse & Netflix’s Next Gamble - Puck
Thu, December 14, 2023
Netflix's Spreadsheet
It's finally happened: Netflix has made its viewing data public... via an Excel spreadsheet? Also: Disney+ and Hulu get connected in the U.S., it might be the endgame for Paramount Global, and your letters! Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Pixar's Soul, Turning Red, Luca Coming to Theaters in 2024 Netflix’s Data Bomb & Iger’s Hulu Wish List - Puck Netflix’s Data Drop, Power Laws, Netflix’s Motivations – Stratechery by Ben Thompson Streaming’s ‘Suits’ Lesson - Puck Disney just put Hulu shows in Disney Plus. Here's why that was so hard Shari Redstone Inches Toward Parting With Paramount - Puck The College Football Playoff, Events Over Inventory, NASCAR’s New Deal – Stratechery by Ben Thompson
Fri, December 01, 2023
Christmas Is the Franchise
The holiday season is peak streaming season, too! We discuss the seasonal opportunities for streamers, plus: letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Amazon's Black Friday NFL experiment, YouTube & Sunday Ticket, and the coming sports/RSN implosion.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback The Christmas Streaming Miracle - Puck
Fri, November 17, 2023
Challenging! But Fun
Disney's going to own all of Hulu. Does this uniquely position them to be the most legitimate challenger to Netflix? We also discuss the power of platforms, Apple's "Napoleon" opportunity, and Disney's Marvel experimentation. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Memberful : Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Disney is about to own all of Hulu - The Verge Iger’s Real Hulu Price Tag - Puck The Apple-Amazon-Google Streaming O.S. Mega War - Puck julia alexander on X about Napoleon Marvel’s Echo is coming to Disney Plus and Hulu at the same time - The Verge
Thu, November 02, 2023
"The Crown" Presented By Crown Royal
Netflix adapts to selling ads, and your letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also got: Apple TV+ cancelling Jon Stewart and raising prices, YouTube's news challenge and the value of YouTube culture, and Jason Kilar's big idea.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Get Downstream+! - No ads and extra content every other week. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Netflix, Pushing Into AVOD Fray, Plans New Ad Formats, Sponsorships One Year Into Netflix Ads - About Netflix Upgrade #482: It’s Covered in Soap! - Relay FM Apple’s Price Hike Economics - Puck YouTube wants to get you watching more news from ‘authoritative sources’ - The Verge Investing in a multi-format news watching experience How Hollywood Can Create its Biggest Hit Ever
Fri, October 20, 2023
It's Netflix 2013 again
Netflix (which is still top dog) reports results and makes price hikes. Also: Disney+'s value proposition, the complexity of selling ads for streaming, Marvel discovers TV, and your letters. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Memberful : Best-in-class membership software for independent creators, publishers, educators, podcasters, and more. Get started now, no credit card required. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback ‘Daredevil’ Overhaul: Marvel Plans Major TV Show Changes – The Hollywood Reporter Netflix Lessons for the Max+ Era - Puck Netflix’s Advertising Reality Check - Puck
Fri, October 06, 2023
NIRP
The WGA strike is over, so what does it mean? Also, your letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Don't blame the writers for the end of Peak TV, Max gets interesting, Amazon adds ads, and Disney ♥️ Charter.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Electric : Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Writers Guild Tentative Agreement Details Released – The Hollywood Reporter The Great Streamer Transparency Fallacy - Puck TASKMASTER SUPERMAX+ Houston Astros and Houston Rockets To Launch New TV Network Next Week - Sports Illustrated Inside The Astros
Thu, September 21, 2023
I'm Living With a Criminal
We break down the arrival of Mark Thompson as CNN's new boss. Also, there's a mega letters segment! [This episode was recorded September 7. See you in two weeks!] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Electric : Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback
Thu, September 07, 2023
Defying Gravity
Does the battle between Disney and Charter augur the end of the cable business model as we know it? Is the entertainment industry going bankrupt slowly, then all at once? It's time for an all-Sports Corner episode of Downstream! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Electric : Unbury yourself from IT tasks. Get a free pair of Beats Solo3 Wireless Headphones when you schedule a meeting. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback
Fri, August 25, 2023
Cool, Man, But What Happened After?
The CNN streaming era re-begins--and we're still trying to figure out how TV news adapts to the streaming era. Also: Netflix makes a franchise bet on Zach Snyder, but is it shooting itself in the foot? And are streaming sports rights worth the high cost? This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Callsheet : Find information about your favorite movies and shows, without constant login prompts, ads, auto-playing videos, and other junk. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback CNN Taps Anchors for Original Streaming Shows on Max - Variety The Streamers’ Strike Vulnerability Index - Puck Apple’s Messi Complex - Puck
Fri, August 11, 2023
Platform Chess
Disney alters the deal--pray they don't alter it further. But is Disney suffering from franchise fatigue, and is aggressively bunding Hulu with Disney+ the solution? Also: Jason's sad about Apple's failed college football deal. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Callsheet : Find information about your favorite movies and shows, without constant login prompts, ads, auto-playing videos, and other junk. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Disney Plus Price Increase, Hulu, ESPN Plus Hikes Coming This Fall - Variety Apple’s college football TV deal, and a century-old athletic conference, fall apart – Six Colors
Fri, July 28, 2023
Selling Shovels
Did Netflix lure the rest of the streaming industry into quicksand? We explore the difference between being an entertainment retailer and wholesaler. Then it's time to talk about the man, the legend, the human topic: Disney's Bob Iger. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Factor : Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback How Hollywood Drove Its Business Model Off a Cliff - Plain English with Derek Thompson | Podcast on Spotify Has Netflix Officially Won the Streaming War? - The Ringer The Iger Streaming Beta Blocker - Puck
Wed, July 12, 2023
"The Bear" Is Not a Comedy
In a tale as old as time, we try and fail to understand the Emmy Awards. Also: Breaking down Netflix's new ratings math. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Netflix’s New Math & HBO’s Pivot - Puck
Fri, June 30, 2023
My Phantom Limb
CNN rises to the top of the conversation again, Netflix gets the ball back, Paramount sells some crown jewels, Sports Corner travels to Utah, and we answer four listener letters! Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Raiders of the Lost Art - Puck CNN Makes Plans to Go Live on Max Streaming Service - Bloomberg Warner Bros. Discovery In Talks To License HBO Originals To Netflix – Deadline Netflix’s New Math & HBO’s Pivot - Puck Utah Jazz will have ‘entirely new model’ for TV deal — a sign of what’s to come for NBA teams - The Athletic
Fri, June 16, 2023
The Chris Licht Conundrum
The head of CNN is out, but the larger issue is: what's the future of TV news in the age of streaming? Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Zaz’s CNN Streaming Conundrum - Puck In The Room
Thu, June 01, 2023
I Wasn't Surprised
Subtitle: Introducing Downstream+ The Max launch and prioritizing tech stacks; Netflix's ad viewers and the future of ad-free streaming; and in Sports Corner the regional sports network collapse has begun. Also, we announce our own plus--Downstream+! Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Max Credits Display Changes Irk Creatives Amid Labor Standoff – The Hollywood Reporter We Need to Talk About Netflix’s Ad Numbers - Puck Cord-Cutting Q1 2023: Pay-TV Ops Lose 2.3M Subs, Worst Quarter to Date - Variety Phoenix Suns Strike New TV Deal With Local Stations, Streaming Firm – The Hollywood Reporter MLB to produce and broadcast Padres games Jason's Tweet about the Padres John Ourand's tweet
Fri, May 19, 2023
Max Headroom Made a Fortune
Julia's back at last, so we blast through discussing HBO Max becoming Max, Hulu going inside the Disney+ app, the WGA's "streaming strike", the NFL's Peacock playoff game, and ESPN plotting its inevitable over-the-top service. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback HBO Max Renamed Max With Discovery+ Merger; Price and Launch Date - Variety Disney CFO Reveals More Details On Hulu Being Added Into Disney+ – What's On Disney Plus The Iger-Hulu Flip-Flop - Puck The Town Podcast Hollywood is calling it 'the Netflix strike.' Here's why - Los Angeles Times NFL fans will need to subscribe to Peacock if they don't want to miss a playoff game Jim Trotter on Twitter ESPN Plans to Stream Flagship Channel, Eyeing Cable TV’s Demise - WSJ ESPN WSJ story (Apple News+ link)
Tue, May 02, 2023
The Two-Episode Test
Jason's former co-host from another TV podcast, Tim Goodman, drops by to discuss his decision to be a TV writer at the very end of the Peak TV era, the challenges of TV criticism, and his return to writing about TV on his own terms via Substack. Guest Starring: Tim Goodman Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, April 18, 2023
The Sitcom-Industrial Complex
Sitcoms are one of the most popular genres of television, yet streaming services tend to do better repurposing someone else's catalog rather than creating their own. What's behind this trend, and what will the future hold? Links and Show Notes: Recorded April 4, 2023. Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback The Streaming Book Brandon Katz tweet
Mon, April 03, 2023
I've Never Heard of This Movie
Marvel hits the brakes, Apple embraces theatrical releases, Netflix can make anything a hit, two combat sports combine forces, and Major League Baseball keeps fans confused about when you're allowed to watch a ballgame. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Apple to Spend $1 Billion a Year on Films to Break Into Cinemas (AAPL) - Bloomberg Netflix & the Most Valuable Real Estate in Hollywood - Puck Endeavor’s UFC, WWE to Merge; Vince McMahon Named Executive Chairman – The Hollywood Reporter MLB blackout restrictions, explained: Map shows why you can't watch out-of-market baseball games in 2022 | Sporting News YES Network launching streaming service
Tue, March 21, 2023
The Reckoning
HBO has another hit, Jason Kilar has some advice for Bob Iger about the future of Hulu, and Sports Corner returns to discuss the ongoing saga of regional sports networks bankruptcies and the future of streaming sports. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Disney Weighs Fate of Hulu Amid “Very Tricky” Streaming Environment – The Hollywood Reporter Hulu M&A Hunger Games - Puck ‘Iger is stuck’: Disney chief debates future of Hulu and ESPN The Launch of Ad-Supported Disney+ and The Rise of AVOD - Antenna Blog Diamond Blows Through Grace Period, Skips Diamondbacks Payment – Sportico.com John Ourand on Twitter: "It's official: Diamond has filed for bankruptcy protection." / Twitter SBJ Media: Can MLB get a cable deal? Diamond Sports Bankruptcy: Why MLB Feeling RSN Pinch the Most – Sportico.com Crunchyroll - Watch Popular Anime & Read Manga Online
Tue, March 07, 2023
Renancelled
Jason returns from New Zealand as a better wizard, just in time for Zaz to announce new "Lord of the Rings" films. Has it been done, or can you not keep a good Hobbit down? Also, Netflix explores lower prices, and there's Sports Corner, too. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Lord of the Rings New Movies Set at Warner Bros - Variety Creators, Creativity, and Technology with Bob Iger | a16z Podcast Netflix’s Growth Play & Zaz’s New Era - Puck MLB Could Take Back Bally Sports’ Local TV Rights What the NBA Can Learn From Formula 1 – Stratechery by Ben Thompson MSG+ to Air Knicks, Rangers Games Online for $10 Each – Sportico.com ESPN wants to be the hub of all live sports streaming
Tue, February 21, 2023
Aggressively Fine
Susan Wojcicki steps down as YouTube CEO, what will her legacy be? Ant-Man performs well at the box office, but do reviews indicate 'Marvel Fatigue'? And guest-host Myke Hurley quizzes Julia on why he has to wait for shows to premiere in the UK. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: SnapStream : Get 10 free recording hours with an annual subscription. Guest Starring: Myke Hurley Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Stepping Down After 25 Years at Google - Variety Ant-Man opens big at box office with $104M for 'Quantumania' - ABC News List of Marvel Cinematic Universe television series - Wikipedia The Marvels is being delayed to November - The Verge SkyShowtime | The New Home of Iconic Entertainment
Thu, February 09, 2023
ESPN Minus
Disney's first financial results of the Iger II era make us consider the future of Hulu and ESPN. Discovery+ pulls a fast one, Showtime can't dodge its fate, Peacock looks surprisingly robust, and Netflix's password crackdown is stuff you already knew! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: SnapStream : Get 10 free recording hours with an annual subscription. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Warner Bros Discovery Abandons Plan To Merge HBO Max With Discovery+ – Report – Deadline Showtime Merging With Paramount+ in Both Streaming, Linear TV – The Hollywood Reporter Peacock’s Double-Edged Sword - Puck Netflix’s US Password-Sharing Crackdown Isn’t Happening—Yet | WIRED Netflix accidentally posts guidelines for cracking down on password sharing | Netflix | The Guardian Downstream #13: We covered Netflix and password sharing a year ago!
Wed, January 25, 2023
Commercial Inception
Netflix shows Disney how CEO transitions happen, as Reed Hastings is elevated to chairmanship and Greg Peters becomes co-CEO. Julia has analysis of Netflix's earnings report, we discuss streaming Oscar nominees, and we answer your amazing letters! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: SnapStream : Get 10 free recording hours with an annual subscription. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Iger’s $27.5 Billion Hulu Question - Puck Restore The Magic at Disney | View Trian's Case for Change Behind Reed Hastings’s Step Back as Netflix Co-C.E.O. - The New York Times
Tue, January 10, 2023
Streaming Scrooge
It's a new year, so it's time to consider the lessons of 2022 and make some predictions for streaming trends in 2023. Plus: was "Glass Onion" a success for Netflix? Is your next workout coming from Netflix? And to Julia's delight, Sports Corner is back! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Amazon Has Discussed a Stand-Alone Sports App as Andy Jassy Doubles Down on Prime Video — The Information Netflix’s Peloton Pivot - Puck The Real ‘Knives Out’ Mystery - Puck As Apple TV deal awaits, MLS is in a race against time to build a broadcast operation - The Athletic
Tue, December 27, 2022
Rating The Pluses
In a very special (and silly) end-of-year episode, Julia and Jason create tier lists for everything with a plus. Happy new year! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, December 13, 2022
So Thirsty for Content
What's the point of HBO Max if it doesn't have all the HBO shows on it? Julia ponders the strange goings on at HBO and WarnerMedia. We also discuss Jason Kilar's predictions for the future of streaming, the BBC, and how studios handle self-dealing. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: MasterClass : This holiday, give one annual membership and get one free! Click this link now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Julia's HBO twitter thread 'Westworld,' 'The Nevers' Canceled and Pulled From HBO Max - Variety
Tue, November 29, 2022
Disney Bobs
Bob Chapek is out and Bob Iger is back in! What does this mean for the future of Disney? We don't have the answers, but we have lots of questions! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback How Did AT&T’s $100 Billion Time Warner Deal Go So Wrong? - The New York Times
Tue, November 15, 2022
Yeah, Disney's Fine
Disney's latest financial results lead us to ponder where we are in the dramatic change from old-school media to the streaming world. Also, Warner Bros. Discovery claims to have all its franchises in order, but that doesn't seem remotely realistic. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: MasterClass : This holiday, give one annual membership and get one free! Click this link now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Bob Chapek’s New Streaming Moneyball - Puck Warner Bros. Discovery Reports Q3 Earnings – The Hollywood Reporter Warner Bros. Discovery Stock: Analysts Views After Q3 Earnings – The Hollywood Reporter Comcast’s big rival to Roku and the smart TV is called… Xumo - The Verge The Trouble With Netflix. - Tim Goodman / Bastard Machine J.K. Rowling’s transphobic tweets failed Harry Potter fans - Vox MarsEdit 5 Public Beta - Red Sweater Blog
Tue, November 01, 2022
I'm Fun to Have Drinks With
Peacock pivots, Netflix gets to know itself, "Doctor Who" is on the move, "Andor" teaches some important lessons, and Sports Corner returns! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Peacock’s ‘Girls5eva’ Renewed for Season 3 — at Netflix – The Hollywood Reporter Hallmark Channel on Peacock in New Streaming Deal, Includes Live Channels – The Hollywood Reporter 'Doctor Who' Heads to Disney+ Internationally - Variety Disney’s Star Wars Streaming Puzzle - Puck The New Netflix Age Has Arrived - Puck
Tue, October 18, 2022
Let the Sharks Feast and Fight
Is "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" the real winner of this fall's battle between Dragons and Elves? Also: Netflix opens itself up to ratings, Sports Corner covers Apple's negotiations with the NFL, and we discuss the merits of Paramount and Hulu. Links and Show Notes: Edited by Steven Schapansky. Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, October 04, 2022
SimSub
An accidental Sports Corner, understanding Peacock's slow growth, EPIX becomes MGM+, a "House of the Dragon" / "Rings of Power" check-in, Apple's "Luck", Julia and Parrot provide data to creators, and a listener explains Canadian TV quirks. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback The Town - The Ringer Epix Takes MGM+ Name in January, Timed to Godfather of Harlem Season 3 - Variety Apple’s Pixar Fantasy - Puck Julia's Parrot deal tweet Disney will buy the rest of Hulu, stick to plan, Comcast executives expect
Wed, September 21, 2022
Sports Corner
Julia's under the weather, so Jason asked our editor, Steven, to join him to talk about Amazon's NFL broadcast, Apple TV+ exclusivity of MLB record-breaking games, the insolvency of Bally Sports, and the mystery of NFL Sunday Ticket. Guest Starring: Steven Schapansky Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, September 06, 2022
Everything Comes With Asterisks
"The Rings of Power" has arrived, but do Amazon's viewing numbers mean anything? Also: Netflix's weird identity crisis, NBC might give up its 10pm time slots, the difficulty of making sitcom hits, and your letters! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Sofa : Organize your downtime. Download now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Kasey Moore, Author at What's on Netflix Netflix’s Catch-22 Milestone - Puck The Tendo Exit and the New Netflix - Puck NBC Considers Cutting Back Programming Hours in Prime Time - WSJ
Thu, August 25, 2022
Hot Evil Blondes
We discuss what the House of the Dragon premiere means for HBO, how Netflix judges the success of "The Sandman" and other shows, the business reasons behind Warner Bros. Discovery's cuts, and why Sony is sitting pretty without its own streaming service. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback House of the Dragon Premiere Ratings: 9.99 Million Viewers - Variety DC After 'Batgirl': 'Joker 2' Paydays, the Search for New Kevin Feige - Variety Zaslav’s Disappearing Act - Puck So uh... what's going on with Infinity Train? Bob Chapek’s Funny Math on Streaming - Puck Neil Gaiman on Twitter: "It does, yes. Because they are looking at "completion rates". So people watching it at their own pace don't show up." / Twitter
Tue, August 09, 2022
Caught in the Middle of an Ocean
The big story in streaming is Warner Bros. Discovery and David Zaslav's cuts, cancellations, and the merger of HBO Max with Discovery+. Julia and Jason break it all down. Links and Show Notes: Edited by Steven Schapansky. Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, July 26, 2022
The All-Letters Episode
Jason and Julia answer your letters. So many questions! We discuss live TV on Apple channels, merger mania, niche streaming, valuable hot-dog streaming rights, "it's just an eight-hour movie", and tactical release times. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, July 12, 2022
When Success Isn't Success
How do the creators of TV shows know how well their shows are doing when their streaming services won't share meaningful data? Is the Marvel Cinematic Universe tired, or getting creative? And which streamer ranked tops in Vulture's survey? Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Kasey Moore((@kasey__moore) on Twitter ‘I Don’t Know How My Show Is Doing’ Skam (TV series) - Wikipedia Frank Pallotta on Marvel CinemaScores The Hottest Streamer (Right Now)
Tue, June 28, 2022
I Love Sports Corner
We discuss the "Lightyear" box office and the future of Pixar, finding better ways to binge through smart software, and how streaming franchises are constructed. And then, once again, there's Sports Corner. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback There has to be a better way to binge - The Verge Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Watchlist ‘Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow Sequel Series in Development at HBO – The Hollywood Reporter Sinclair to launch $20/month direct-to-consumer streaming service Bally Sports+ on June 23 | TechCrunch F1 renews with ESPN for U.S. media rights through 2025
Tue, June 14, 2022
Entertainment Chess Move
With the clash between "Stranger Things" and Star Wars, the summer streaming blockbuster season has begun! And we inaugurate a new segment, Sports Corner, as the path of sports on streaming media sports has begun to change dramatically. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Netflix cracks down on password sharing, but early efforts in Peru are a mess - Rest of World The ‘Stranger Things’ vs. ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Value War - The Ringer ‘The Acolyte’: How ‘Star Wars’ Is About to Venture Back in Time | Vanity Fair Disney CEO Bob Chapek Supported Peter Rice. Until He Didn’t. - WSJ Apple and MLS to present all MLS matches for 10 years, beginning in 2023 - Apple NESN launches streaming service with the Boston Red Sox and Bruins | Engadget
Tue, May 31, 2022
Billionaires are Strange Creatures
What do "Stranger Things" and "Obi Wan Kenobi" tell us about the present and future of Netflix and Disney+? Also, Netflix's "The Gray Man," a revived "Daredevil," and we answer your letters! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Pocket Casts : No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Can ‘Stranger Things’ Save Netflix From Its New Self? - Puck Parrot Perspective: The Rebundling Era | Parrot Analytics
Tue, May 17, 2022
10,000 Other Tentacles
After years watching the old Netflix cruise along as the top streamer, things are getting interesting as it shifts gears and engages the realities of today's streaming scene. We discuss Netflix changes and Julia reviews Disney's financial results. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Pocket Casts : No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Mad About The CW Cancellations? Blame Streaming – The Hollywood Reporter Netflix Wants to Put Movies in Theaters As Soon As This Year - Bloomberg How Did ‘New Girl’ Become a Netflix Lifeboat? | Vanity Fair Disney Earnings: Disney+ Hits 138M Subscribers – The Hollywood Reporter Bob Chapek’s Hail Mary - Puck
Wed, May 04, 2022
A Lighthouse, But No Captain
We're sifting through the fallout of Netflix's trying times, pondering the future of ads on streaming services and trying to identify which shows benefit from binge-watching--and which don't. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Pocket Casts : No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Netflix’s Big Power Clash and Rivalries Behind the Crash – The Hollywood Reporter
Fri, April 22, 2022
Avatar of the Industry
Emergency podcast! Julia and Jason reconvene for a second time in a week to discuss Netflix's very bad quarterly results (and how the company will change its behavior and strategy as a result) and the rapid but not entirely surprising death of CNN+. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Tue, April 19, 2022
Magic Show
Julia has some advice for David Zaslav as he takes the reins of Warner Bros. Discovery--mostly about the fates of CNN+ and the Harry Potter franchise. Plus, the rise of streaming sports. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Pocket Casts : No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Scoop: CNN+ looks doomed Dear Zaz, Read This Before the “Synergies” Start… - Puck
Tue, April 05, 2022
Quintessential Identity Crisis
Apple TV+ wins Best Picture, "Our Flag Means Death" is... a hit?, why being the fan of a baseball team is going to bring you pain, "Obi-Wan" takes on "Stranger Things" directly, and Jason subscribed to CNN+... for science! This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Microsoft Lists – MSA Preview : Sign up, sign in and track what matters most. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Julia is hiring Strategy Analyst - Parrot Analytics Industry Strategist - Parrot Analytics Yankees will have 21 games only available on Amazon Prime Parrot Analytics – Talent Demand Whitepaper: Hallyu and Beyond 'Our Flag Means Death' Is the Biggest New Series in the US Right Now JustWatch - The Streaming Guide
Tue, March 22, 2022
The South Park Equation
Is Wall Street souring on the streaming wars? Is Netflix coming for your shared passwords? Both issues are way more complicated than they might seem. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Pocket Casts : No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Why ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ Was Canceled at Netflix How ‘South Park’ Became the Envy of Streaming - Puck The Town with Matt Beloni - Podcast Why Hollywood Is Souring (Some) on Streaming - Puck Netflix Test Will Let Members Pay for Password-Sharing Users - Variety About Netflix - Paying to Share Netflix Outside Your Household
Tue, March 08, 2022
Why? It's Batman.
Disney inevitably embraces advertising, NBC inevitably takes its ball and goes home, and The Batman inevitably forces a discussion about the future of theatrical releases. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Microsoft Lists : A Microsoft 365 app that helps you track information and organize work. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Disney+ Getting Cheaper Ad-Supported Tier – The Hollywood Reporter NBCU Ends Hulu Next-Day TV Deal With Disney to Keep Shows for Peacock - Variety Searching for a better guide: Live TV in the age of streaming – Six Colors 'Slave Play' becomes part of NYPL's Theatre on Film and Tape Archive | Broadway News Theatre on Film and Tape Archive - Wikipedia
Tue, February 22, 2022
Paramount's Paramount
ViacomCBS changes its name, Peacock weathers the Super Bowl storm, the Disney brand continues to evolve, the culture of binge-dropping begins to fade away, Netflix is Doing Just Fine, and your letters! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Why Disney+ Leaped as Netflix Stumbled - Puck Alan Sepinwall on Twitter Why did Paramount+ remove Survivor Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa? – reality blurred BroadwayHD When Apple TV’s ‘Universal Search’ is a black hole – Six Colors Hypercritical: An Unsolicited Streaming App Spec
Tue, February 08, 2022
C Against C
The future of CNN+ is called into question, the Oscars recognize streaming services of all kinds, and did Peacock finally get the Olympics right? Links and Show Notes: Edited by Steven Schapansky. Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Jeff Zucker resignation may ease Discovery CEO David Zaslav's integration of CNN Pam and Tommy on Disney+ Village Roadshow Sues Warner Bros. Over 'Matrix Resurrections' Release - Variety Netflix's Connected Universe: the Parrot Perspective | Parrot Analytics Will Peacock Get the Olympics Right This Time? The CW Up for Sale by WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS – The Hollywood Reporter
Tue, January 25, 2022
Little Crown Jewel
Netflix's latest quarterly report makes us wonder: Is it a tech company or an entertainment company? Julia experiences live sports streaming success--and failure. HBO Max takes a victory lap. And why does Showtime still exist? Plus, your letters! Links and Show Notes: Edited by Steven Schapansky. Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback What If Netflix Raised Its Prices and Nobody Cared? Why Does Showtime Still Exist? - Puck HBO Max: The New Number 2? - Puck Netflix Earnings, The Competition Question, Netflix’s Long-Term Value – Stratechery by Ben Thompson Julia on Twitter: Is Netflix a tech company? Netflix’s Black Friday - Puck Netflix earnings to set the pace for 2022 streaming wars | Reuters Beat Bobby Flay | Food Network TV Talk Machine - a podcast from The Incomparable Tim Goodman / Bastard Machine | Substack
Tue, January 11, 2022
Everyone's Talking About Bruno
It's a new year! Disney has moved another Pixar movie out of theaters and onto Disney+. Why "Don't Look Up" was the perfect movie for Netflix. "Yellowstone" is a legitimate hit and yet nobody is truly happy about it. Links and Show Notes: Edited by Steven Schapansky of Castria . Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Julia digs HBO Max Listener Nathan on the Video Privacy Protection Act Pixar’s Turning Red is ditching theaters to premiere on Disney Plus - The Verge Disney Theatrical Release Strategy: Disney CEO Outlines Plans – The Hollywood Reporter The Triumph and Tragedy of ‘Yellowstone’ - Puck Why Do So Many TV Shows Air on Sundays? | IndieWire Tinderbox: HBO's Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers by James Andrew Miller
Tue, December 28, 2021
The All-Letters Edition
Jason and Julia are off for the holiday, but before they left, they took time to record this special episode featuring answers to listener letters! (Only two-thirds of the letters are from people named David.) Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
Wed, December 15, 2021
All Four Quadrants
We dig into why CNN+ has to exist, even though it doesn't make a lot of sense. Also, the strange divisions between what's on HBO and what's on HBO Max, we talk a surprising amount about The CW (again), and Netflix has... a blog? Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback When Will The CW Shows Leave Netflix? - What's on Netflix Netflix Tudum - Go behind the streams Chris Wallace leaves Fox News to host weekday show on CNN’s new streaming service - The Verge CNN+: CNN will launch new streaming service in 2022 - CNN Vulture: Did HBO Max Win the Year?
Wed, December 01, 2021
The Netflix Connected Universe
Diving into Netflix's brand new global and regional top 10 lists, and all the things they tell us about the global streaming giant. Also, ViacomCBS corrects its Star Trek mistake, and why Netflix is bad at movies. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback ‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 4 Debuting Internationally On Friday On Pluto TV And Paramount+ – TrekMovie.com Netflix to Reveal 'Top 10' Data Weekly for TV and Films - Variety Netflix Top 10 - Global Netflix Top 10 - By Country: United States Kasey Moore on Twitter Netflix Top 10 Title Search - What's on Netflix I Dug Into the New Netflix “Ratings” Data So You Don’t Have To - Puck
Wed, November 17, 2021
Sorry, World!
Disney+ came out of the gate strong, but its growth is waning. What does it need to do to reach a broader audience? It's all about the 'Hamiltons.' Also, ViacomCBS pulls the rug out from underneath international Star Trek fans. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback How to Fix Disney’s Sluggish Streamer: It’s All About the ‘Hamiltons’ - Puck Star Trek Discovery Leaves Netflix; Set To Debut Globally On Paramount+ In 2022 – Deadline Disney CEO stresses Hamilton’s importance to Disney Plus in private all-hands meeting - The Verge
Wed, November 03, 2021
Snackable Trash
What happens when a TV network has a potential big hit, but doesn't have a streaming strategy to find an audience? Are sports leagues finally going to risk their fat cable contracts in order to build a local streaming service? And what's up in Australia? Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback ‘Harry Potter’ Live-Action TV Series in Early Development at HBO Max (Exclusive) – The Hollywood Reporter "How long til a major streaming service drops an episodic series one episode per day for a week?" Could La Brea Be NBC's Next Manifest | Parrot Analytics Comcast CEO Roberts: NBC's 'La Brea' is 'best performing show on Peacock' Global Demand Measurement | Parrot Analytics MLB in talks to launch nationwide streaming service for home games MLB Versus Sinclair, What Happened to Sinclair, The Problem for Sports Leagues – Stratechery by Ben Thompson Why Gen Z Loves Closed Captioning | by Lance Ulanoff | OneZero Peacock Struggles to Take Flight Amid Low Demand for Its TV Originals - Variety
Wed, October 20, 2021
Churn and Return
There's a lot going on right now at Netflix, which is trying to manage growth, changing how it reports viewership, and facing internal criticism for some of its programming. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback TechScape: From Friends to Squid Game – why Netflix viewing figures matter | Technology | The Guardian Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Apple, HBO, and Hulu Battle for Top TV Shows The IATSE’s strike-averting deal means better pay on streaming - The Verge Ted Sarandos Addresses Dave Chappelle Fallout: 'I Screwed Up' - Variety Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Admits “I Screwed Up” Amid Dave Chappelle Controversy – Deadline Fired Netflix Walkout Organizer Says Co-CEO Apology 'Missed the Point' Netflix Workers Plan a Walkout Over Dave Chappelle - The New York Times Trans employees at Netflix plan walkout even as one activist is reinstated following suspension - The Verge The IATSE’s strike-averting deal means better pay on streaming - The Verge Churn & Return: Gen Z, Millennials Most Likely to Cancel, Renew SVOD - Variety
Wed, October 06, 2021
Movies are Back! Movies are Dead!
"Squid Game" and Netflix's international strategy, the difference between a hit and a franchise, "Law & Order" and TV network brand extensions, successes and failures at the box office, and the best streaming services for scary movies. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Bob Iger’s Long Disney Exit Amid Bob Chapek Succession – The Hollywood Reporter Scarlett Johansson, Disney Lawsuit Settled Over ‘Black Widow’ – The Hollywood Reporter Apple TV+ is More Than Just Its Disappointing Subscriptions Numbers | Observer Why NBC’s ‘Law & Order’ Revival Isn’t a Peacock Original – The Hollywood Reporter
Wed, September 29, 2021
Welcome to Downstream
Downstream is about the future of streaming media. Tech and entertainment companies are vying to see who will become the media giants of the 21st century. Julia and Jason tell you a little about their background and what they'll be covering. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Parrot Analytics TV Talk Machine Upgrade #364: Content Arms Dealer
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