Hollywood's Problems Intersect With California Politics Like Never Before as Showbiz Rallies Around a Federal Production Tax Incentive

Cover Story: What’s Fueling the Box Office Rebound and How Can Hollywood Keep it Going?

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Brent Lang details the report he delivered with Rebecca Rubin on the summer box office rebound [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/movie-theaters-rebound-box-office-obsession-project-hail-mary-1236810214/], and what Hollywood and exhibitors must do to keep it going. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

How NBC’s ‘Must See TV’ Branding Campaign of the 1990s Changed America’s Viewing Habits

On today’s episode, as part of Variety’s ongoing series celebrating NBC’s centennial [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/nbc-firsts-broadcasting-color-late-night-garroway-nbc100-1236770818/], we revisit the history of NBC’s “Must See TV” branding campaign that came to define the network’s dominance in the 1990s. Jennifer Storms, NBCUniversal’s chief marketing officer for television and streaming, explains how that sturdy foundation helps them reach multiplatform viewers [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/nbc-america-250-promo-2028-olympics-nbc100-celebration-1236801253/] today. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

What’s Next for Paramount-Warner Bros. as State AGs Sue; Columbia University’s Eric Talley on Why the Case May Lead to Merger Concessions

On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus explains the legal rationale behind the lawsuit filed July 13 by 12 state attorneys general to block the Paramount-Warner Bros. takeover. [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-blasts-state-ags-lawsuit-warner-bros-deal-1236809840/] And Columbia University Law School professor Eric Talley breaks down the power the AGs have to wield [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/paramount-blasts-state-ags-lawsuit-warner-bros-deal-1236809840/] and why they will use the pressure of litigation to demand concessions from Paramount. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

Why ‘Moana’ Marks a Disney Misstep; ‘Young Washington’ Director Jon Erwin on Making Indie Films Work at the Multiplexes

On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, in our weekly Box Office segment, Variety‘s Rebecca Rubin unpacks what went wrong with Disney’s “Moana” live-action remake. [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/moana-box-office-opening-weekend-weakest-disney-live-action-remake-1236808979/] And Jon Erwin [https://variety.com/t/jon-erwin/], the filmmaker behind “Young Washington,” explains how his Wonder Project banner [https://variety.com/2026/film/news/young-washington-director-jon-erwin-ai-1236801002/] is making indie theatrical films work as a business. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.

James Corden Reunites ‘Late Late Show’ Team for Fox’s ‘After Hours’ World Cup Show

Three years after he signed off CBS’ “The Late Late Show,” James Corden is having the time of his life hosting the World Cup after show for Fox, “After Hours With James Corden.” [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/james-corden-world-cup-fox-after-hours-ben-winston-late-1236806207/] On today's episode, the multihyphenate discusses the joy of indulging in his lifelong love of football and why the call from Fox Sports was the one hosting gig that he’s been offered in recent years that he couldn’t turn down. See omnystudio.com/listener [https://omnystudio.com/listener] for privacy information.