Upfronts 2026: What We Learned From TV's Biggest Platforms; Crafting the Music of ‘Heated Rivalry’

What’s Driving Microsoft’s Massive Overhaul of Xbox?

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas details Microsoft’s massive overhaul of its Xbox unit with 3,200 layoffs [https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/xbox-layoffs-3200-4-studios-sold-1236802326/] and a realignment of operations coming under newly appointed Xbox CEO Asha Sharma. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Box Office: ‘Minions and Monsters’ Delivers Tepid Debut in a Muted July 4th Weekend; Why Comcast’s Sky is Buying ITV

Variety’s Rebecca Rubin breaks down a muted July 4th holiday weekend at the box office with a tepid U.S. opening for Universal and Illumination’s “Minions and Monsters” [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/minions-and-monsters-box-office-franchise-worst-start-supergirl-brutal-drop-1236801905/]but a solid turnout for indie Angel Studios’ “Young Washington.” And Variety's K.J. Yossman explains why Comcast's Sky has struck a deal to buy U.K. broadcaster ITV [https://variety.com/2026/biz/global/itv-sky-takeover-carolyn-mccall-regulators-1236802239/] for $2.1 billion. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How David Fincher and Zach Cregger Secretly Shaped Netflix’s Game-TV Hybrid ‘Unhinged’

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas explains how notable directors David Fincher and Zach Cregger helped shape Netflix’s ambitious new property “Unhinged,” [https://variety.com/2026/gaming/news/unhinged-netflix-video-game-ending-fincher-zach-cregger-1236799166/] which is a video game that plays like a TV series and your smartphone is the controller. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

So Long, LeBron! What the Lakers Shakeup Means for the NBA and for L.A.'s Sports Star Power

On today’s episode, Variety’s Marlow Stern unpacks LeBron James’ decision to leave the Los Angeles Lakers after eight seasons [https://variety.com/2026/sports/news/lebron-james-leaving-los-angeles-lakers-nba-luka-doncic-1236799506/] and one championship title. The shakeup leaves one of the NBA’s most high-profile teams a little short on star power. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

CNBC Chief KC Sullivan on Transforming the Linear TV Business in a Global World: ‘We’re Very Much on Offense’

On today’s episode, CNBC president KC Sullivan discusses the channel’s evolution following the Versant Media spinoff. [https://variety.com/2025/tv/news/comcast-versant-spinoff-january-close-1236599205/] The preeminent financial news network is transforming from a business rooted in linear cable to multiplatform digital. “We’re very much on offense,” Sullivan told Variety during last week’s Cannes Lions festival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices] See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.