Best Lowdown Media Group Podcasts (2025)

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9/22/25 - Box Office: What Went Wrong With ‘Him’ and ‘A Big Bold Beautiful Journey’; What’s Next for Jimmy Kimmel and Disney 19:42

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30m ago19:42

19:42

On today’s episode, Variety box office chief Rebecca Rubin explains the weak starts for “Him” and “A Big Bold Beautiful Journey,” and why Taylor Swift is a friend to exhibition. Brian Steinberg, Variety’s senior TV editor, breaks down the five-way brawl among Jimmy Kimmel, Disney, the FCC, Nexstar and Sinclair. Learn more about your ad choices. Vis…

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157A Rm9 ("Followers") w/ Keith Uhlich (Part 1) 1:35:12

2h ago1:35:12

1:35:12

We're back! Annie and Jenn are joined by Keith Uhlich as we kick off the new season with a chat about "Rm9sbG93ZXJz" (Followers): directed by Glen Morgan, written by Kristen Cloke Morgan & Shannon Hamblin.

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COVER STORY: Julia Roberts Gets Provocative in Luca Guadagnino's 'After the Hunt'; Revisiting the Days of Lilith Fair in Hulu's New Documentary 20:31

4m ago20:31

20:31

Variety co-Editor in Chief Ramin Setoodeh tells all in our Cover Story segment about his sit down with Julia Roberts and the cast of Luca Gaudagnino’s provocative new film “After the Hunt.” And chief music critic Chris Willman revisits a moment in time that defines an era: Lilith Fair. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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9/17/25 - Shari Redstone on Why She Invested in Israel's Sipur; Why Paramount Wants to Pounce on Warner Bros. Discovery 19:48

5m ago19:48

19:48

In today's episode, former Paramount Global majority owner Shari Redstone details her new investment in Israeli production banner Sipur. Variety business editor Todd Spangler and TV news editor Joe Otterson break down the latest on Redstone’s old shop as Paramount prepares a bid for Warner Bros. Discovery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me…

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Fifth Season Chiefs on 'Severance,' Emmys and Building an Indie Studio; A Bold Proposal for the Next Emmy Awards TV Contract 18:29

3d ago18:29

18:29

In today's episode, Fifth Season co-CEOs Chris Rice and Graham Taylor talk "Severance" and what its Emmy noms haul means for the business. And TV editor Michael Schneider has a big idea for the new Emmy Awards TV contract. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Variety

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COVER STORY: The Transformation of Kathy Bates; Variety TV Producers Impact Report: Who Made the Cut? 17:38

4d ago17:38

17:38

In today’s episode, Variety TV editor Michael Schneider details his sit-down with Kathy Bates, the “Matlock” star who graces the cover of Variety’s annual pre-Emmy Awards issue. And Emily Longeretta details the movers, shakers and influential creatives who made Variety’s annual TV Producers Impact Report. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit meg…

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AI Legal Jousting in Hollywood Intensifies; ‘Saturday Night Live’ Sets Season 51 Cast Amid Comedy’s ‘Mad Dash’ 18:31

5d ago18:31

18:31

In today’s episode, Variety’s Todd Spangler and Gene Maddaus discuss the latest legal moves for AI heavyweights Anthropic and Midjourney in their copyright infringement battles. And Variety’s Ethan Shanfeld describes comedy’s annual “mad dash” as “Saturday Night Live” finalizes its Season 51 cast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.f…

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Box Office Monday: ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ Slays; Giancarlo Esposito, Shawn Hatosy at Creative Arts Emmys 20:36

6d ago20:36

20:36

In today’s episode, Variety’s box office chief Rebecca Rubin breaks down the impressive numbers from “The Conjuring: Last Rites” and how it extends Warner Bros.’ box office streak to record territory. And Michael Schneider and Jazz Tangcay weigh in from backstage at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards, where Giancarlo Esposito and Shawn Hatosy spoke from…

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XFD Encore: Glen Morgan Interview 1:22:43

14d ago1:22:43

1:22:43

We'll be back next time with new episodes! In the meantime, enjoy this encore release of our fun and enlightening interview with Glen Morgan (and find out what compelled him to tell Annie & Jenn, “You two need therapy!”)By A&J Media

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Michael Lewis Revisits ‘The Big Short’ as Part of Pushkin’s Fall Podcast Slate; Variety’s Jem Aswad Goes Inside the Brain of David Byrne 21:38

11d ago21:38

21:38

In today’s episode, Eric Sandler, chief strategy officer for Pushkin Industries, details the audio studio’s fall slate, which includes a look back at “The Big Short” with Michael Lewis and Pushkin co-founder Malcolm Gladwell taking on an infamous Alabama murder case on “Revisionist History.” Also, Jem Aswad, Variety’s executive editor of music, det…

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How Channing Tatum and Derek Cianfrance Raised ‘Roofman’; Lowdown on the Lido Fest With Elsa Keslassy 18:41

12d ago18:41

18:41

In today’s episode, Daniel D’Addario, Variety’s chief correspondent, details for our Cover Story segment how Channing Tatum and director Derek Cianfrance revisited a true-crime tale for our times in “Roofman.” And international editor Elsa Keslassy breaks down the important buzz for the biz coming out of the Venice Film Festival. Learn more about y…

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Box Office: ‘Weapons’ Impresses as Summer Haul Stays Flat; Why Telluride Film Festival is the Ultimate Binge for Movie Lovers 18:42

13d ago18:42

18:42

In today’s episode, Brent Lang, Variety’s executive editor, breaks down an impressive week 4 box office performance for “Weapons” and a less-than-impressive industry-wide B.O. haul for the summer frame. Peter Debruge, chief film critic for Variety, details the reaction to Bruce Springsteen biopic “Deliver Me From Nowhere” at the Telluride Film Fest…

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XFD Encore: "Better Call Saul" 1:14:27

1M ago1:14:27

1:14:27

XFD will be back with new episodes in September, but in the meantime, enjoy this episode in which Annie made Jenn watch "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul" in preparation for the newest Vince Gilligan domination!

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The Wizardry of Industrial Light and Magic; Netflix’s ‘Long Story Short’ Celebrates the Jewish American Experience 19:40

25d ago19:40

19:40

In today’s episode, Jazz Tangcay, Variety’s senior artisans editor, details her report on visual effects stalwart Industrial Light and Magic on its 50th anniversary. TV critic Alison Herman explains why she’s given the coveted Critics Pick seal of approval to the new Netflix comedy “Long Story Short.” And Tatiana Siegel previews the final installme…

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COVER STORY: How Guillermo del Toro, Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac brought ‘Frankenstein’ to Life; Gamescom Boots Up in Germany; ESPN’s Big Send Off for Streaming App 20:43

25d ago20:43

20:43

In today’s episode, the Cover Story segment features Variety’s Brent Lang and Ramin Setoodeh detailing director Guillermo del Toro’s $120 million bet on a new vision for “Frankenstein” with help from Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac. Variety’s Jennifer Maas reports on the Sun Valley of gaming that is underway in Cologne, Germany. And Brian Steinberg se…

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Chris McGurk and Jana Winograde on Cineverse’s Big Plans for Micro Dramas; How AI is Fueling Product Placement in TV and Film 19:41

27d ago19:41

19:41

In today’s episode, Cineverse CEO Chris McGurk and MicroCo CEO Jana Winograde join host Cynthia Littleton to discuss their new venture to bring super short, low budget drama series to the U.S. They gamely answer the question: How is this not Quibi? And Variety reporter Ethan Shanfeld details how AI tools are accelerating product placement in TV and…

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Box Office Monday: ‘Weapons’ Flexes in Week 2; Lowdown on Upfront Ad Sales; Truth Seekers Highlights With Jake Tapper, Ronny Chieng, Amber Ruffin and Roy Wood Jr. 23:17

28d ago23:17

23:17

In today’s episode, we talk box office with Variety’s Rebecca Rubin about “Weapons” week 2 and a ho-hum start for “Nobody 2.” Brian Steinberg has the lowdown on the final tally of this year’s upfront advertising sales. And Tatiana Siegel sets the scene that unfolded at Variety’s Truth Seekers conference, including highlights from sessions with Jake…

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David Ellison and Paramount’s New Regime Meets the Media in L.A. and New York; The Backstory on Variety’s 10 Storytellers to Watch 17:51

1M ago17:51

17:51

In today’s episode, host Cynthia Littleton and Variety business editor Todd Spangler compare notes on Paramount Skydance and the vibes and vision shared by CEO David Ellison and his new regime at media Q&A sessions in New York and L.A. And Jenelle Riley, deputy awards and features editor, explains how Variety selected this year’s 10 Storytellers to…

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COVER STORY: Clayton Davis Remembers Everything About His Time With Tramell Tillman; Sharon Stone Talks ‘Euphoria’ on ‘Nobody 2’ Red Carpet 16:01

1M ago16:01

16:01

In today’s episode, Variety chief awards editor Clayton Davis unpacks his interview with “Severance” star Tramell Tillman in our Cover Story segment. Marc Malkin dishes with Bob Odenkirk and Sharon Stone on the “Nobody 2” Red Carpet. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety slanguage superlatives boffo, whammo and socko. Learn more a…

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'Grand Theft Auto 6' and the Gaming Debate Over Pricing; Inside Variety's Emmy Extra Editions 16:20

1M ago16:20

16:20

In today’s episode, Jennifer Maas, Variety’s senior business writer for TV and gaming, discusses the debate in gaming over the pricing of premium titles, as well as the anticipation building for next year’s release of “Grand Theft Auto 6”; Emily Longeretta, senior TV features editor, details how Variety assembles its annual baker’s dozen Emmy Extra…

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Box Office Monday: ‘Weapons,’ ‘Freakier Friday’ Impress as Superhero Alternatives; Why the Locarno Film Festival Punches Above its Weight 20:10

1M ago20:10

20:10

On today’s episode Variety executive editor Brent Lang explains why the strong opening for “Weapons” and “Freakier Friday” are a good sign that mid-budget movies can still be superhero counter-programming at the box office. And Variety international veteran John Hopewell weighs in from Locarno on why mid-sized European film festivals are more impor…

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XFD Encore: "Perihelion" with Chris Carter 1:59:53

1M ago1:59:53

1:59:53

Turn off Netflix and pick up some summer reading... this week, we revisit the X Files novel "Perihelion" with Chris Carter!

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A Deep Look at Paramount Pictures: What’s Next for the House that Adolph Zukor Built and David Ellison Just Bought 29:58

1M ago29:58

29:58

A special Paramount-themed episode as Skydance Media completes its $8 billion takeover after a yearlong battle to acquire the storied studio. Hollywood historian Jeanine Basinger, Variety chief film critics Peter Debruge and Owen Gleiberman and MoffettNathanson analyst Robert Fishman join host Cynthia Littleton to examine the pioneering film factor…

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COVER STORY: Inside the Power of Young Hollywood Issue; WGA 2026 Contract Priorities Take Shape 19:13

1M ago19:13

19:13

In today's episode, Ramin Setoodeh, Variety's co-Editor in Chief, breaks down the Power of Young Hollywood Issue and why Tyla, Sam Nivola and Finn Wolfhard are this year's honorees. And Gene Maddaus, Variety's senior media reporter, details the WGA West's upcoming election and the priorities that are emerging for the guild's 2026 contract talks. Le…

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Eva Longoria on 'Necaxa' and Building Hyphenate Media Group; Hello Hank and Peggy, 'King of the Hill' is Back 15:56

1M ago15:56

15:56

In today's episode, Eva Longoria previews her FX sports-docu series "Necaxa," and she discusses Hyphenate Media Group content venture with business partner Cris Abrego. Joe Otterson, Variety's TV news editor, weighs in on the return of Hank and Peggy Hill et al as Hulu revives "King of the Hill" for a new era in America. Learn more about your ad ch…

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Box Office: 'The Fantastic Four' Stumbles; KCON Lights Up K-Pop Fandom; Jason Momoa Triumphs in 'Chief of War' 21:15

1M ago21:15

21:15

In today's episode, Rebecca Rubin analyzes week 2 of "Fantastic Four: First Steps" and three new wide releases: "Bad Guys 2," "The Naked Gun" and "Together." Host Cynthia Littleton journeys deep into K-pop fandom at the KCON festival, and TV critic Aramide Tinubu explains why she's so high on Jason Momoa's new drama "Chief of War." Learn more about…

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Tatiana Siegel Sits Down With Trump-Loving Superman Alum Dean Cain; Sports Fuels Upfront Sales as Disney, NBCU and Fox Wrap the Haggle 17:31

2M ago17:31

17:31

In today’s episode, Tatiana Siegel, Variety’s executive editor of film and media, details her interview with actor Dean Cain, who bucks the trends in Hollywood in more ways the one. And Brian Steinberg, senior TV editor, gives detail on upfront ad sales as Disney, NBCUniversal and Fox call it a wrap on advance advertising commitments for the coming…

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XFD: BONUS ENTRY "PLUR1BUS" 35:43

2M ago35:43

35:43

The new Vince Gilligan show is real! Annie and Jenn discuss the possibilities and break down the clues (kinda) as God and Vince hath intended.

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Harrison Ford Speaks! Behind the Scenes of Variety's Cover Story With the Industry Legend 19:38

2M ago19:38

19:38

Today's Cover Story segment features Variety's Angelique Jackson, senior entertainment writer, telling all about her experience interviewing Harrison Ford about the sweep of his career as he celebrates his first-ever Emmy nomination, for Apple TV+ comedy "Shrinking." Todd Spangler, business editor, also analyzes the latest moves in the cable TV div…

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Unpacking the Sony Pictures Shakeup as Josh Greenstein Heads to Paramount; Tubthumping and a Tutorial on Variety Slanguage 15:34

2M ago15:34

15:34

In today's episode, Brent Lang, Variety's executive editor, analyzes the recent executive moves and Sony Pictures and Paramount, and he discusses the mood in the broader film business amid encouraging signs from the summer box office. And host Cynthia Littleton offers a tutorial on Variety's famous "slanguage," starting with "tubthump." Learn more …

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Box Office: Good First Steps for ‘Fantastic Four’; Cosplay Soars at Quieter Comic Con 20:36

2M ago20:36

20:36

Marvel gets off on the good foot with the opening weekend of “The Fantastic Four: First Steps.” Michael Schneider breaks down four days of Comic Con that had more cosplay and less big Hollywood news than in recent years. He explains why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesBy Variety

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XFD Encore: Simply Irresistible 2:22:50

2M ago2:22:50

2:22:50

In this 2019 throwback episode, Annie & Jenn crank up the volume and count down their Top 10 source songs featured on The X-Files.

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Skydance Media Offers Olive Branches to FCC; Why Steve Stoute is Variety's Music Mogul of the Year 14:07

2M ago14:07

14:07

In today's episode, Todd Spangler, Variety business editor, breaks down Skydance's deal pledges to the FCC as it seeks to close the Paramount Global deal. And music chief Jem Aswad explains why UnitedMasters founder Steve Stoute was the choice for Variety's Music Mogul of the Year honor. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoice…

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How Noah Hawley and FX brought 'Alien: Earth' to Life; Kevin Feige Gets Candid as Comic Con Approaches 21:12

2M ago21:12

21:12

Daniel D'Addario, Variety chief correspondent, details his reporting on FX's massive bet on the sci-fi series "Alien: Earth," tapping into the franchise launched with the 1979 Ridley Scott film "Alien." Adam B. Vary, senior entertainment writer, offers a curtain-raiser on what to expect — and what not to expect — at San Diego Comic Con this year. H…

1
Venice Film Festival Lineup Blends Hollywood Star Power and World Cinema 13:35

2M ago13:35

13:35

Nick Vivarelli, Variety's Rome-based correspondent, and international editor Elsa Keslassy break down the significance of the Venice Film Festival lineup highlighted by Guillermo del Toro's "Frankenstein" and A24's "The Smashing Machine" starring Dwayne Johnson. The pair discuss the increased competition for Hollywood awards contenders between Veni…

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'Saiyaara' Lights Up Bollywood Box Office; 'Superman' Hangs Tough in Week 2 21:44

2M ago21:44

21:44

Naman Ramachandran gives a report on the biggest rom-com to hit Bollywood in years, "Saiyaara," and how its performance reflects India's changing movie market. Rebecca Rubin details "Superman's" week 2 performance at the box office. And Brian Steinberg discusses the fallout from CBS' decision to ax "The Late Show With Stephen Colbert" after next se…

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ESPY Awards Score Despite Host Shane Gillis; Happy 70th Birthday Disneyland 17:57

2M ago17:57

17:57

Today's episode features a rundown of the ESPYs and ESPN chief Jimmy Pitaro on how the Worldwide Leader is pitching its upcoming streaming app as a big evolution for sports. And Variety's Jazz Tangcay and Carole Horst discuss their deep dive into Walt Disney Imagineering and its work in Disney parks as Disneyland marks its 70th anniversary. Learn m…

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Netflix Q2 Earnings Preview; Cover Story: Unpacking Trump’s War on Truth 16:55

2M ago16:55

16:55

Senior business writer Jennifer Maas discusses what to expect from Netflix’s second quarter earnings report on Thursday. Business editor Todd Spangler details the “frog boiling in water” factor in his cover story on President Trump’s aggressive attacks on news media and First Amendment protections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.…

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Parsing the Emmy Nominations, Revisiting 'Nashville' After 50 Years 22:42

2M ago22:42

22:42

Variety's Michael Schneider and Clayton Davis discuss the surprises and the final tallies for the 77th annual Emmy Award nominations. Owen Gleiberman, Variety's chief film critic, revisits Robert Altman's "Nashville" on its 50th anniversary and recalls how the movie changed his life. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Welcome to Daily Variety — a Strictly Business Spinoff 17:47

2M ago17:47

17:47

Variety previews "Daily Variety," a new podcast featuring conversations with Variety journalists and guests about news, personalities and trends making headlines in the entertainment industry. It's hosted by Cynthia Littleton, co-editor in chief of Variety and host of Variety's "Strictly Business" podcast. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit me…

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XFD Encore: Snow Museum 2:01:45

2M ago2:01:45

2:01:45

As a tribute to the dearly departed composer of "The X-Files," Annie & Jenn are re-running our episode discussing our Top Ten Mark Snow cues from the show.