Tech Talk, Streaming, Sports and Reboots Dominate Upfronts; NBCUniversal’s Liz Jenkins on Risk-Taking Amid Disruption

'Backrooms' and 'Obsession' Rattle the Box Office as Gen Z Embraces its Own Horror Helmers

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin unpacks the eye-popping stats delivered by A24’s “Backrooms” [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/backrooms-box-office-kane-parsons-1236763407/] and weekend three of Focus Features' “Obsession.” It’s a one-two punch of low-budget horror from digital-native directors, [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/backrooms-box-office-record-opening-weekend-obsession-jumps-star-wars-crumbles-1236763355/] and it was enough to KO the second weekend of Disney and Lucasfilm’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” However, theater owners aren't complaining, as Rubin explains. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

'The U.S. Against the World' Director-Producer Rand Getlin Documents the Road to the World Cup

On today’s episode of “Daily Variety” podcast, [https://variety.com/p/daily-variety-podcast/] Rand Getlin, director-executive producer of the HBO documentary “U.S. Against the World: Four Years With the Men’s National Soccer Team,” [https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2026/04/usmnt/us-against-the-world-introducing-the-players-hbo-documentary-fifa-world-cup] discusses the road to the World Cup and the rising popularity of men’s and women’s soccer in America. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Karen Bass, Spencer Pratt and the Brawl in the L.A. Mayoral Race

On today’s episode, Variety’s Gene Maddaus tries to make sense of California’s fractious electoral politics as the June 2 primary approaches. He explains why incumbent Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass [https://variety.com/2026/politics/news/karen-bass-iatse-endorsement-mayor-1236754365/]is hoping that the primary leaves her in a runoff against reality star Spencer Pratt, [https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/spencer-pratt-hills-persona-created-mayor-run-real-1236759752/]and why so many top contenders opted to sit out the state’s gubernatorial race. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

'The Mandalorian and Grogu' and a Magnificent 'Obsession' Drive Holiday Box Office

On today's episode, in our box office segment, Variety's Rebecca Rubin carefully measures the turnout over the Memorial Day weekend holiday for Disney's “The Mandalorian and Grogu.” [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/memorial-day-weekend-box-office-mandalorian-grogu-debut-1236758284/] It was a big test for Disney and Lucasfilm and the strength of the Star Wars franchise at the turnstiles. Meanwhile, Focus Features' horror pic "Obsession" [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/obsession-box-office-breakout-hit-horror-1236757946/] had a strong sophomore weekend outing. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]

Box Office: ‘Michael’ Returns to No. 1 as Exhibitors Brace for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and the Start of Summer Blockbuster Season

On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why Lionsgate’s “Michael” made a surprise return to No. 1 in a weekend [https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/box-office-michael-reclaims-first-place-obsession-starts-strong-1236751550/]that marks the calm before the start of summer blockbuster season with Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” opening over Memorial Day weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices [https://megaphone.fm/adchoices]