The Town with Matthew Belloni
The Ringer
Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni takes you inside Hollywood, using exclusive reporting and insight to explain the backstories on everything from Marvel movies to streaming wars. Multiple times each week, Matt is joined by major executives, dealmakers, and journalists, to discuss what is getting made and why, who is winning and losing, and what people in show business are actually talking about.
Recent Episodes
20 episodesEmergency Pod! Paramount Outbids Netflix and Wins Warner Bros.
Emergency episode! Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to react to Netflix pulling out of the Warner Bros sweepstakes after Paramount raised its bid to $31 per share, bringing the overall offer to $111B. They break down why this happened, why Netflix abruptly backed out, if this deal will close, what this means for Hollywood, how powerful the new Ellison mega platform can be, and what comes next. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Retro Innovation of ‘The Pitt,’ With Lead Producer John Wells
Matt is joined by John Wells, executive producer of ‘The Pitt,’ to discuss how ‘The Pitt’ is reviving an old model of television and why it is considered innovative in 2026. John talks about how the show is made, the benefits of filming in Los Angeles, and whether streaming TV is going back to the broadcast model (00:00). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Scream 7’ (28:30). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: John Wells Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Part 2: Sony Film CEO on Marvel’s Decline and Hollywood’s Originality Crisis
Live from the American Film Institute, Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw and the CEO of Sony Film Tom Rothman to discuss the future of the Spider Man franchise, Marvel’s recent struggles, if movie stars should make movies for streamers, and the biggest crisis facing the movie industry right now. Matt finishes the show with a prediction about who will be cast as the next James Bond. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw, Tom Rothman Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sony Film CEO on Losing ‘Sinners’ and the Endless Big Tech Battle
Live from the American Film Institute, Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw and the CEO of Sony Film, Tom Rothman, to discuss why now is the fifth moment of crisis in the history of the movie industry, how large-scale tech companies have disrupted Hollywood, reasons for optimism, legacy studios vs. streamers, and the future of the 'Spider-Man' franchise. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw, Tom Rothman Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Why the Former Sony Head Blames Himself for the Infamous Hack
Matt is joined by Michael Lynton, former head of Sony Pictures and current chairman of Snap Inc., to open up about his regrets greenlighting the movie ‘The Interview,' which ultimately led to the infamous Sony hack. Michael walks us through the unique scenario that led to him greenlighting the film, what he should have done differently, and highlights some of the challenges that come with dealing with A-list talent (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the Best Actor race for this year's Academy Awards (26:55). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Michael Lynton Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos Makes the Case for Buying Warner Bros.
Matt is joined by Netflix Co-CEO Ted Sarandos to discuss why they reopened the Warner Bros. sale process for 7 days, why he thinks the Netflix bid is better for Warners Bros, consumers, and the industry at large, if they will commit to a theatrical window and robust marketing spends for Warner Bros. films, and much more. Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Ted Sarandos Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Casey Wasserman Scandal, and Who Wants to Buy His Agency
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Casey Wasserman putting his company up for sale, why this happened, the Hollywood jockeying at play, and who the potential buyers might be (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Paramount’s next bid to acquire Warner Bros (24:35). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Should Hollywood Take the Microdrama Boom Seriously?
Matt is joined by Shicong Zhu, head of West Coast Studios at DramaBox, to discuss just how successful and profitable vertical micro-dramas have become, how they are produced so cheaply, the genres that work best for vertical video, and whether this is a threat to traditional Hollywood filmmaking (00:00). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Wuthering Heights,’ ‘Goat,’ and ‘Crime 101’ (25:47). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Shicong Zhu Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jeff Probst on What It Takes to Produce ‘Survivor’
Matt is joined by ‘Survivor’ host and showrunner Jeff Probst to go behind the scenes of one of America’s most iconic reality television shows and discuss how the show has sustained its success for 50 seasons, the complicated production challenges, how much the show costs, casting, and why no one has managed to replicate it (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Timothée Chalamet after visiting the Oscars luncheon (33:24). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Jeff Probst Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Netflix in the Senate Hot Seat, and Disney’s Demographic Problem
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to get his thoughts after attending the Netflix hearing in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee’s Antitrust Subcommittee examining the proposed acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix. They discuss the most valid arguments made during the hearing, Ted Sarandos’s comments on theatrical distribution, and if Paramount has any chance to still win the bidding war (00:00). Later, they discuss new Disney CEO Josh D’Maro’s biggest problems to hurdle as he ushers in a new era at Disney (15:54). Finally, Matt makes a prediction about Casey Wasserman’s involvement in the 2028 Olympics (27:16). Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Behind-the-Scenes Jockeying for $10M Super Bowl Ads
Matt is joined by Adweek’s Bill Bradley to discuss the expensive and competitive battle of Super Bowl advertising. Bill breaks down how many ad slots are available each year, how much they cost, which parts of the game are the most lucrative, why A-lister fees for commercial cameos are going down, what’s up with those Jesus ads you see every year, the ad auction if the game goes into overtime, and more (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a Super Bowl ratings prediction (26:41). Host: Matt BelloniGuest: Bill Bradley Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon JonesTheme Song: Devon Renaldo ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What Disney’s CEO Choice Reveals About Its Next Chapter
Matt is joined by LightShed media analyst Rich Greenfield to react to Disney hiring Josh D’Amaro as its next CEO. They discuss why Disney chose the head of Disney Parks in D’Amaro rather than its cochairman of entertainment in Dana Walden, what this says about the company's priorities moving forward, whether now is the right time for Bob Iger to leave, and whether this is the beginning of a reevaluation of Disney’s entire business strategy. They also discuss why this decision could be seen as a reflection of the current state of the entertainment business (00:00). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Dracula’ (27:47). Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Netflix's Growth, Peacock's Struggles, and the New Streaming Hierarchy
The Town is on video! Subscribe to our new YouTube channel HERE! Matt and Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw parse through the final batch of year-end streaming reports and bring their most interesting stats and story lines to debate what they say about the state of streaming. They discuss the overwhelming success of 'KPop Demon Hunters,' Peacock’s disastrous Q4, the power of syndicated TV shows, and the new streaming hierarchy (00:00). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Disney theme parks (30:20). Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo ZOOTOPIA 2. FOR YOUR CONSIDERATION FOR BEST ANIMATED FEATURE. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
How a YouTuber Took His Self-Financed Movie Wide Without a Studio
Matt is joined by YouTuber Mark Fischbach (also known as Markiplier) to discuss his new movie, ‘Iron Lung,' why he adapted a low-budget indie horror video game, and how he self-financed the film and pulled off a wide release without a studio attached. Later, Mark talks about the state of the creator economy, YouTube vs. Netflix, and whether his model is viable path for other up-and-coming creators (01:31). Matt finishes the show with a ratings prediction for the Grammy Awards (25:45). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Mark Fischbach Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Life of a ‘White Lotus’ Producer, and the ‘Jury Duty’ Sequel Revealed
Matt is joined by producer Dave Bernad to pull back the curtain on what goes into producing 'The White Lotus' and 'Jury Duty' and discuss the challenges and misconceptions around the former show. He also talks about his old-school path to success in the industry, his past projects, and the appetite for comedy (01:40). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Send Help’ (29:30). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Dave Bernad Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sundance ’26 Bidding Wars and ‘Melania’ Box Office Prospects
Live from the last Sundance Film Festival in Park City, Matt is joined by John Sloss, founder and CEO of Cinetic Media, to discuss how the Sundance experience has changed over the past 40 years, how the market has changed in just the past three years, who the hungriest buyers are, young filmmakers' opinions on streaming vs. theatrical, and how Harvey Weinstein changed the awards film genre (01:30). Matt finishes the show with an early opening weekend box office prediction for the ‘Melania’ documentary (26:06). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: John Sloss Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oscar Noms ‘26! Five Big Takeaways and Industry Narratives.
Matt is joined by New York Times reporter and awards season columnist Kyle Buchanan to discuss the biggest industry narratives surrounding this year's Academy Awards nominations (01:29). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for the new Chris Pratt film, ‘Mercy’ (31:58). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Kyle Buchanan Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Jon Jones Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Last Sundance (in Park City) and Why Boulder?
Matt is joined by Eugene Hernandez, director of the Sundance Film Festival, to discuss the last year in Park City, the decision to leave Utah, and what we can expect in Boulder, Colorado. Later, they share some of their favorite stories from their time at the festival over the years (01:30). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the biggest acquisition at Sundance this year (25:38). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Eugene Hernandez Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The 2026 Box Office Draft
Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to conduct the fourth annual box office draft. Matt and Lucas each draft seven blockbuster movies set to be released in 2026 with the goal of making the most money possible against the production budget. Plus, an added twist that allows each person to saddle the other's team with a movie they believe will flop. Follow along with Matt and Lucas here! For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Actors vs. Studios, and the Existential AI War, With SAG-AFTRA Lead Negotiator
Matt is joined by national executive director and chief negotiator for SAG-AFTRA Duncan Crabtree-Ireland to discuss the union's upcoming negotiations with the AMPTP, the possibility of another strike, what he wants to achieve in this negotiation, why they are starting their negotiations before other guilds, the state of AI disruptions, and what the actors actually want in their new CBA (01:21). Matt finishes the show with an updated prediction on who will win the bidding for Warner Bros. Discovery (33:06). For a 20 percent discount on Matt’s Hollywood insider newsletter, ‘What I’m Hearing ...,’ click here. Email us your thoughts! [email protected] Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Duncan Crabtree-Ireland Producers: Craig Horlbeck and Jessie Lopez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices