Downstream

Is this phase of the streaming wars reaching an endgame? We discuss the fates of Peacock and Paramount+, and consider Max after a year under its new name. Also, we share more listener streaming suggestions!

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The clock is ticking on Disney’s streaming strategy. - The Verge

Peacock’s M&A Endgame - Puck

The Paramount Sale: Gerry & The Jeffs Come for Shari’s Baby - Puck

It’s Not HBO, It’s Max - Puck

Is it time for a Disney pep talk? We discuss what's working and not working, and how Disney's ready for streaming success if it's willing to change. Plus, streaming advice! [For Downstream+ subscribers only: Disney/Apple bundling and Baseball streaming.]

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The Story of Disney+ - Puck

A WWE Business Smackdown With Nick Khan - The Ringer

Dropout

Lots of Disney this time! We talk Disney's big succession question, Taylor Swift's Disney+ numbers, and Disney's deal in India. Also, a quick Sports Corner on NFL streaming rights, Spulu, and ESPN as a streaming aggregator.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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No One Is Ever Ready to Be the Next CEO of Disney - Bloomberg

How Disney Makes Money: Media, Entertainment, Parks, and Experiences

'Taylor Swift: The Eras Tour' Most Watched Music Film Disney+ 4.6M Views

Disney had big plans in India — here's why it's pulling back

NFL announces two exclusive streaming games for 2024 season, including one postseason game

ESPN Integrates Regional Sports Network Streams Into Its Main App And Website

Someone new is in charge of Netflix's film output, which lets us ponder the company's past and future film strategy. [Downstream+ members get: Max's new Harry Potter approach, and lessons we could learn from The CW's mid-budget approach to superhero TV.]

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Video version of the show is on YouTube.

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Dan Lin to Replace Scott Stuber as Netflix Film Boss

Walt Disney Movie President Sean Bailey Exits; David Greenbaum Takes Over

Will AI Video Replace Hollywood? - Puck

Fallout from the "Spulu" announcement from Disney, Fox, and WBD continues; picking apart HBO's "Last Week Tonight" YouTube strategy; and what does Peacock have in common with the New York Jets?

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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Fubo sues Fox, Disney, and Warner Bros. to block their combined sports streaming app - The Verge

Iger’s ‘Spulu’ Starter Marriage - Puck

The Sports Bundle Holy Wars Have Begun - Puck

An Interview with Michael Nathanson About Netflix and the Media Industry – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

HBO Delays Last Week Tonight With John Oliver Clips Posted on YouTube

YouTube dominates TV streaming in US, per Nielsen’s latest report

Taskmaster - YouTube

Disney, Fox, and WBD come together to create a sports streaming joint venture, but what does it all mean? [Downstream+ subscribers also get to hear us discuss Disney's Epic investment, Sports Corner updates, and the most streamed originals of last year.]

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ESPN, Fox, WBD to team up

ESPN, Fox, WBD to team up (Apple News)

Subtitle: Sports Pentagon

After some Apple Vision Pro opinions, it's time for a veritable Sports Pentagon of topics, including: Regional sports streaming alliances, the NFL cozying up to ESPN, Amazon cozying up to Diamond Sports, and the value of Peacock's streamed playoff game.

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Julia uses Vision Pro

NFL in advanced talks with ESPN to acquire equity stake in network: Sources - The Athletic

The NFL May Buy a Stake in ESPN. Is This the Death of the Network’s Journalism? | The Nation

Diamond Sports to receive Amazon investment in bankruptcy plan: What does it mean for MLB, NBA, NHL? - The Athletic

What the new Diamond-Amazon deal means for MLB, NBA, NHL - ESPN

Peacock’s Pyrrhic NFL Victory - Puck

Dunkey's Guide to Streaming Services - YouTube

The fate of Paramount Global hangs in the balance, and our favorites of the year. [Downstream+ subscribers get an extra half hour, including RSN collapses and potential streaming solutions, and our predictions for 2024.]

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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• Favorite movies: "Godzilla Minus One" (JA) and "Oppenheimer" (JS)
• Favorite TV shows: "Succession" (JA) and either "The Bear" or "Strange New Worlds" (JS)
• Favorite books: The Subprime Attention Crisis by Tim Hwang, Otaku: Japan’s Database Animals by Hiroki Azuma, and Hiroshima by John Hersey (JA) and The Mountain in the Sea by Ray Nayler and My Murder by Katie Williams (JS)

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What Is Paramount Actually Worth? - Puck

Cortex #150: 2024 Yearly Themes - Relay FM

(3) Your Theme - YouTube

Paramount’s Sale, YouTube’s Trojan Horse & Netflix’s Next Gamble - Puck

It's finally happened: Netflix has made its viewing data public... via an Excel spreadsheet? Also: Disney+ and Hulu get connected in the U.S., it might be the endgame for Paramount Global, and your letters!

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Pixar's Soul, Turning Red, Luca Coming to Theaters in 2024

Netflix’s Data Bomb & Iger’s Hulu Wish List - Puck

Netflix’s Data Drop, Power Laws, Netflix’s Motivations – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

Streaming’s ‘Suits’ Lesson - Puck

Disney just put Hulu shows in Disney Plus. Here's why that was so hard

Shari Redstone Inches Toward Parting With Paramount - Puck

The College Football Playoff, Events Over Inventory, NASCAR’s New Deal – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

The holiday season is peak streaming season, too! We discuss the seasonal opportunities for streamers, plus: letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Amazon's Black Friday NFL experiment, YouTube & Sunday Ticket, and the coming sports/RSN implosion.]

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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The Christmas Streaming Miracle - Puck

Disney's going to own all of Hulu. Does this uniquely position them to be the most legitimate challenger to Netflix? We also discuss the power of platforms, Apple's "Napoleon" opportunity, and Disney's Marvel experimentation.

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Disney is about to own all of Hulu - The Verge

Iger’s Real Hulu Price Tag - Puck

The Apple-Amazon-Google Streaming O.S. Mega War - Puck

julia alexander on X about Napoleon

Marvel’s Echo is coming to Disney Plus and Hulu at the same time - The Verge

Netflix adapts to selling ads, and your letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also got: Apple TV+ cancelling Jon Stewart and raising prices, YouTube's news challenge and the value of YouTube culture, and Jason Kilar's big idea.]

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Netflix, Pushing Into AVOD Fray, Plans New Ad Formats, Sponsorships

One Year Into Netflix Ads - About Netflix

Upgrade #482: It’s Covered in Soap! - Relay FM

Apple’s Price Hike Economics - Puck

YouTube wants to get you watching more news from ‘authoritative sources’ - The Verge

Investing in a multi-format news watching experience

How Hollywood Can Create its Biggest Hit Ever

Netflix (which is still top dog) reports results and makes price hikes. Also: Disney+'s value proposition, the complexity of selling ads for streaming, Marvel discovers TV, and your letters.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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‘Daredevil’ Overhaul: Marvel Plans Major TV Show Changes – The Hollywood Reporter

Netflix Lessons for the Max+ Era - Puck

Netflix’s Advertising Reality Check - Puck

The WGA strike is over, so what does it mean? Also, your letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Don't blame the writers for the end of Peak TV, Max gets interesting, Amazon adds ads, and Disney ♥️ Charter.]

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Writers Guild Tentative Agreement Details Released – The Hollywood Reporter

The Great Streamer Transparency Fallacy - Puck

TASKMASTER SUPERMAX+

Houston Astros and Houston Rockets To Launch New TV Network Next Week - Sports Illustrated Inside The Astros

We break down the arrival of Mark Thompson as CNN's new boss. Also, there's a mega letters segment! [This episode was recorded September 7. See you in two weeks!]

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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Does the battle between Disney and Charter augur the end of the cable business model as we know it? Is the entertainment industry going bankrupt slowly, then all at once? It's time for an all-Sports Corner episode of Downstream!

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The CNN streaming era re-begins--and we're still trying to figure out how TV news adapts to the streaming era. Also: Netflix makes a franchise bet on Zach Snyder, but is it shooting itself in the foot? And are streaming sports rights worth the high cost?

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CNN Taps Anchors for Original Streaming Shows on Max - Variety

The Streamers’ Strike Vulnerability Index - Puck

Apple’s Messi Complex - Puck

Disney alters the deal--pray they don't alter it further. But is Disney suffering from franchise fatigue, and is aggressively bunding Hulu with Disney+ the solution? Also: Jason's sad about Apple's failed college football deal.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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Disney Plus Price Increase, Hulu, ESPN Plus Hikes Coming This Fall - Variety

Apple’s college football TV deal, and a century-old athletic conference, fall apart – Six Colors

Did Netflix lure the rest of the streaming industry into quicksand? We explore the difference between being an entertainment retailer and wholesaler. Then it's time to talk about the man, the legend, the human topic: Disney's Bob Iger.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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How Hollywood Drove Its Business Model Off a Cliff - Plain English with Derek Thompson | Podcast on Spotify

Has Netflix Officially Won the Streaming War? - The Ringer

The Iger Streaming Beta Blocker - Puck

In a tale as old as time, we try and fail to understand the Emmy Awards. Also: Breaking down Netflix's new ratings math.

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Netflix’s New Math & HBO’s Pivot - Puck

CNN rises to the top of the conversation again, Netflix gets the ball back, Paramount sells some crown jewels, Sports Corner travels to Utah, and we answer four listener letters!

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Raiders of the Lost Art - Puck

CNN Makes Plans to Go Live on Max Streaming Service - Bloomberg

Warner Bros. Discovery In Talks To License HBO Originals To Netflix  – Deadline

Netflix’s New Math & HBO’s Pivot - Puck

Utah Jazz will have ‘entirely new model’ for TV deal — a sign of what’s to come for NBA teams - The Athletic

The head of CNN is out, but the larger issue is: what's the future of TV news in the age of streaming?

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Zaz’s CNN Streaming Conundrum - Puck

In The Room

Subtitle: Introducing Downstream+

The Max launch and prioritizing tech stacks; Netflix's ad viewers and the future of ad-free streaming; and in Sports Corner the regional sports network collapse has begun. Also, we announce our own plus--Downstream+!

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Max Credits Display Changes Irk Creatives Amid Labor Standoff – The Hollywood Reporter

We Need to Talk About Netflix’s Ad Numbers - Puck

Cord-Cutting Q1 2023: Pay-TV Ops Lose 2.3M Subs, Worst Quarter to Date - Variety

Phoenix Suns Strike New TV Deal With Local Stations, Streaming Firm – The Hollywood Reporter

MLB to produce and broadcast Padres games

Jason's Tweet about the Padres

John Ourand's tweet

Julia's back at last, so we blast through discussing HBO Max becoming Max, Hulu going inside the Disney+ app, the WGA's "streaming strike", the NFL's Peacock playoff game, and ESPN plotting its inevitable over-the-top service.

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HBO Max Renamed Max With Discovery+ Merger; Price and Launch Date - Variety

Disney CFO Reveals More Details On Hulu Being Added Into Disney+ – What's On Disney Plus

The Iger-Hulu Flip-Flop - Puck

The Town Podcast

Hollywood is calling it 'the Netflix strike.' Here's why - Los Angeles Times

NFL fans will need to subscribe to Peacock if they don't want to miss a playoff game

Jim Trotter on Twitter

ESPN Plans to Stream Flagship Channel, Eyeing Cable TV’s Demise - WSJ

ESPN WSJ story (Apple News+ link)

Jason's former co-host from another TV podcast, Tim Goodman, drops by to discuss his decision to be a TV writer at the very end of the Peak TV era, the challenges of TV criticism, and his return to writing about TV on his own terms via Substack.

Guest Starring:

Tim Goodman

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Sitcoms are one of the most popular genres of television, yet streaming services tend to do better repurposing someone else's catalog rather than creating their own. What's behind this trend, and what will the future hold?

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Recorded April 4, 2023.

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The Streaming Book

Brandon Katz tweet

Marvel hits the brakes, Apple embraces theatrical releases, Netflix can make anything a hit, two combat sports combine forces, and Major League Baseball keeps fans confused about when you're allowed to watch a ballgame.

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Apple to Spend $1 Billion a Year on Films to Break Into Cinemas (AAPL) - Bloomberg

Netflix & the Most Valuable Real Estate in Hollywood - Puck

Endeavor’s UFC, WWE to Merge; Vince McMahon Named Executive Chairman – The Hollywood Reporter

MLB blackout restrictions, explained: Map shows why you can't watch out-of-market baseball games in 2022 | Sporting News

YES Network launching streaming service

HBO has another hit, Jason Kilar has some advice for Bob Iger about the future of Hulu, and Sports Corner returns to discuss the ongoing saga of regional sports networks bankruptcies and the future of streaming sports.

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Disney Weighs Fate of Hulu Amid “Very Tricky” Streaming Environment – The Hollywood Reporter

Hulu M&A Hunger Games - Puck

‘Iger is stuck’: Disney chief debates future of Hulu and ESPN

The Launch of Ad-Supported Disney+ and The Rise of AVOD - Antenna Blog

Diamond Blows Through Grace Period, Skips Diamondbacks Payment – Sportico.com

John Ourand on Twitter: "It's official: Diamond has filed for bankruptcy protection." / Twitter

SBJ Media: Can MLB get a cable deal?

Diamond Sports Bankruptcy: Why MLB Feeling RSN Pinch the Most – Sportico.com

Crunchyroll - Watch Popular Anime & Read Manga Online

Jason returns from New Zealand as a better wizard, just in time for Zaz to announce new "Lord of the Rings" films. Has it been done, or can you not keep a good Hobbit down? Also, Netflix explores lower prices, and there's Sports Corner, too.

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Lord of the Rings New Movies Set at Warner Bros - Variety

Creators, Creativity, and Technology with Bob Iger | a16z Podcast

Netflix’s Growth Play & Zaz’s New Era - Puck

MLB Could Take Back Bally Sports’ Local TV Rights

What the NBA Can Learn From Formula 1 – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

MSG+ to Air Knicks, Rangers Games Online for $10 Each – Sportico.com

ESPN wants to be the hub of all live sports streaming

Susan Wojcicki steps down as YouTube CEO, what will her legacy be? Ant-Man performs well at the box office, but do reviews indicate 'Marvel Fatigue'? And guest-host Myke Hurley quizzes Julia on why he has to wait for shows to premiere in the UK.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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Guest Starring:

Myke Hurley

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YouTube CEO Susan Wojcicki Stepping Down After 25 Years at Google - Variety

Ant-Man opens big at box office with $104M for 'Quantumania' - ABC News

List of Marvel Cinematic Universe television series - Wikipedia

The Marvels is being delayed to November - The Verge

SkyShowtime | The New Home of Iconic Entertainment

Disney's first financial results of the Iger II era make us consider the future of Hulu and ESPN. Discovery+ pulls a fast one, Showtime can't dodge its fate, Peacock looks surprisingly robust, and Netflix's password crackdown is stuff you already knew!

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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Warner Bros Discovery Abandons Plan To Merge HBO Max With Discovery+ – Report – Deadline

Showtime Merging With Paramount+ in Both Streaming, Linear TV – The Hollywood Reporter

Peacock’s Double-Edged Sword - Puck

Netflix’s US Password-Sharing Crackdown Isn’t Happening—Yet | WIRED

Netflix accidentally posts guidelines for cracking down on password sharing | Netflix | The Guardian

Downstream #13: We covered Netflix and password sharing a year ago!

Netflix shows Disney how CEO transitions happen, as Reed Hastings is elevated to chairmanship and Greg Peters becomes co-CEO. Julia has analysis of Netflix's earnings report, we discuss streaming Oscar nominees, and we answer your amazing letters!

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Iger’s $27.5 Billion Hulu Question - Puck

Restore The Magic at Disney | View Trian's Case for Change

Behind Reed Hastings’s Step Back as Netflix Co-C.E.O. - The New York Times

It's a new year, so it's time to consider the lessons of 2022 and make some predictions for streaming trends in 2023. Plus: was "Glass Onion" a success for Netflix? Is your next workout coming from Netflix? And to Julia's delight, Sports Corner is back!

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Amazon Has Discussed a Stand-Alone Sports App as Andy Jassy Doubles Down on Prime Video — The Information

Netflix’s Peloton Pivot - Puck

The Real ‘Knives Out’ Mystery - Puck

As Apple TV deal awaits, MLS is in a race against time to build a broadcast operation - The Athletic

In a very special (and silly) end-of-year episode, Julia and Jason create tier lists for everything with a plus. Happy new year!

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What's the point of HBO Max if it doesn't have all the HBO shows on it? Julia ponders the strange goings on at HBO and WarnerMedia. We also discuss Jason Kilar's predictions for the future of streaming, the BBC, and how studios handle self-dealing.

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Julia's HBO twitter thread

'Westworld,' 'The Nevers' Canceled and Pulled From HBO Max - Variety

Bob Chapek is out and Bob Iger is back in! What does this mean for the future of Disney? We don't have the answers, but we have lots of questions!

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How Did AT&T’s $100 Billion Time Warner Deal Go So Wrong? - The New York Times

Disney's latest financial results lead us to ponder where we are in the dramatic change from old-school media to the streaming world. Also, Warner Bros. Discovery claims to have all its franchises in order, but that doesn't seem remotely realistic.

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Bob Chapek’s New Streaming Moneyball - Puck

Warner Bros. Discovery Reports Q3 Earnings – The Hollywood Reporter

Warner Bros. Discovery Stock: Analysts Views After Q3 Earnings – The Hollywood Reporter

Comcast’s big rival to Roku and the smart TV is called… Xumo - The Verge

The Trouble With Netflix. - Tim Goodman / Bastard Machine

J.K. Rowling’s transphobic tweets failed Harry Potter fans - Vox

MarsEdit 5 Public Beta - Red Sweater Blog

Peacock pivots, Netflix gets to know itself, "Doctor Who" is on the move, "Andor" teaches some important lessons, and Sports Corner returns!

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Peacock’s ‘Girls5eva’ Renewed for Season 3 — at Netflix – The Hollywood Reporter

Hallmark Channel on Peacock in New Streaming Deal, Includes Live Channels – The Hollywood Reporter

'Doctor Who' Heads to Disney+ Internationally - Variety

Disney’s Star Wars Streaming Puzzle - Puck

The New Netflix Age Has Arrived - Puck

Is "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" the real winner of this fall's battle between Dragons and Elves? Also: Netflix opens itself up to ratings, Sports Corner covers Apple's negotiations with the NFL, and we discuss the merits of Paramount and Hulu.

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Edited by Steven Schapansky.

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An accidental Sports Corner, understanding Peacock's slow growth, EPIX becomes MGM+, a "House of the Dragon" / "Rings of Power" check-in, Apple's "Luck", Julia and Parrot provide data to creators, and a listener explains Canadian TV quirks.

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The Town - The Ringer

Epix Takes MGM+ Name in January, Timed to Godfather of Harlem Season 3 - Variety

Apple’s Pixar Fantasy - Puck

Julia's Parrot deal tweet

Disney will buy the rest of Hulu, stick to plan, Comcast executives expect

Julia's under the weather, so Jason asked our editor, Steven, to join him to talk about Amazon's NFL broadcast, Apple TV+ exclusivity of MLB record-breaking games, the insolvency of Bally Sports, and the mystery of NFL Sunday Ticket.

Guest Starring:

Steven Schapansky

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"The Rings of Power" has arrived, but do Amazon's viewing numbers mean anything? Also: Netflix's weird identity crisis, NBC might give up its 10pm time slots, the difficulty of making sitcom hits, and your letters!

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Kasey Moore, Author at What's on Netflix

Netflix’s Catch-22 Milestone - Puck

The Tendo Exit and the New Netflix - Puck

NBC Considers Cutting Back Programming Hours in Prime Time - WSJ

We discuss what the House of the Dragon premiere means for HBO, how Netflix judges the success of "The Sandman" and other shows, the business reasons behind Warner Bros. Discovery's cuts, and why Sony is sitting pretty without its own streaming service.

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House of the Dragon Premiere Ratings: 9.99 Million Viewers - Variety

DC After 'Batgirl': 'Joker 2' Paydays, the Search for New Kevin Feige - Variety

Zaslav’s Disappearing Act - Puck

So uh... what's going on with Infinity Train?

Bob Chapek’s Funny Math on Streaming - Puck

Neil Gaiman on Twitter: "It does, yes. Because they are looking at "completion rates". So people watching it at their own pace don't show up." / Twitter

The big story in streaming is Warner Bros. Discovery and David Zaslav's cuts, cancellations, and the merger of HBO Max with Discovery+. Julia and Jason break it all down.

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Edited by Steven Schapansky.

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Jason and Julia answer your letters. So many questions! We discuss live TV on Apple channels, merger mania, niche streaming, valuable hot-dog streaming rights, "it's just an eight-hour movie", and tactical release times.

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How do the creators of TV shows know how well their shows are doing when their streaming services won't share meaningful data? Is the Marvel Cinematic Universe tired, or getting creative? And which streamer ranked tops in Vulture's survey?

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Kasey Moore((@kasey__moore) on Twitter

‘I Don’t Know How My Show Is Doing’

Skam (TV series) - Wikipedia

Frank Pallotta on Marvel CinemaScores

The Hottest Streamer (Right Now)

We discuss the "Lightyear" box office and the future of Pixar, finding better ways to binge through smart software, and how streaming franchises are constructed. And then, once again, there's Sports Corner.

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There has to be a better way to binge - The Verge

Star Wars: The Clone Wars: The Watchlist

‘Game of Thrones’ Jon Snow Sequel Series in Development at HBO – The Hollywood Reporter

Sinclair to launch $20/month direct-to-consumer streaming service Bally Sports+ on June 23 | TechCrunch

F1 renews with ESPN for U.S. media rights through 2025

With the clash between "Stranger Things" and Star Wars, the summer streaming blockbuster season has begun! And we inaugurate a new segment, Sports Corner, as the path of sports on streaming media sports has begun to change dramatically.

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Netflix cracks down on password sharing, but early efforts in Peru are a mess - Rest of World

The ‘Stranger Things’ vs. ‘Obi-Wan Kenobi’ Value War - The Ringer

‘The Acolyte’: How ‘Star Wars’ Is About to Venture Back in Time | Vanity Fair

Disney CEO Bob Chapek Supported Peter Rice. Until He Didn’t. - WSJ

Apple and MLS to present all MLS matches for 10 years, beginning in 2023 - Apple

NESN launches streaming service with the Boston Red Sox and Bruins | Engadget

What do "Stranger Things" and "Obi Wan Kenobi" tell us about the present and future of Netflix and Disney+? Also, Netflix's "The Gray Man," a revived "Daredevil," and we answer your letters!

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

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Can ‘Stranger Things’ Save Netflix From Its New Self? - Puck

Parrot Perspective: The Rebundling Era | Parrot Analytics

After years watching the old Netflix cruise along as the top streamer, things are getting interesting as it shifts gears and engages the realities of today's streaming scene. We discuss Netflix changes and Julia reviews Disney's financial results.

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Mad About The CW Cancellations? Blame Streaming – The Hollywood Reporter

Netflix Wants to Put Movies in Theaters As Soon As This Year - Bloomberg

How Did ‘New Girl’ Become a Netflix Lifeboat? | Vanity Fair

Disney Earnings: Disney+ Hits 138M Subscribers – The Hollywood Reporter

Bob Chapek’s Hail Mary - Puck

We're sifting through the fallout of Netflix's trying times, pondering the future of ads on streaming services and trying to identify which shows benefit from binge-watching--and which don't.

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Netflix’s Big Power Clash and Rivalries Behind the Crash – The Hollywood Reporter

Emergency podcast! Julia and Jason reconvene for a second time in a week to discuss Netflix's very bad quarterly results (and how the company will change its behavior and strategy as a result) and the rapid but not entirely surprising death of CNN+.

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Julia has some advice for David Zaslav as he takes the reins of Warner Bros. Discovery--mostly about the fates of CNN+ and the Harry Potter franchise. Plus, the rise of streaming sports.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

• Pocket Casts: No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now.

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Scoop: CNN+ looks doomed

Dear Zaz, Read This Before the “Synergies” Start… - Puck

Apple TV+ wins Best Picture, "Our Flag Means Death" is... a hit?, why being the fan of a baseball team is going to bring you pain, "Obi-Wan" takes on "Stranger Things" directly, and Jason subscribed to CNN+... for science!

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

• Microsoft Lists – MSA Preview: Sign up, sign in and track what matters most.

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Julia is hiring

Strategy Analyst - Parrot Analytics

Industry Strategist - Parrot Analytics

Yankees will have 21 games only available on Amazon Prime

Parrot Analytics – Talent Demand Whitepaper: Hallyu and Beyond

'Our Flag Means Death' Is the Biggest New Series in the US Right Now

JustWatch - The Streaming Guide

Is Wall Street souring on the streaming wars? Is Netflix coming for your shared passwords? Both issues are way more complicated than they might seem.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

• Pocket Casts: No matter how you listen to podcasts, Pocket Casts has you covered. Download now.

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Why ‘The Baby-Sitters Club’ Was Canceled at Netflix

How ‘South Park’ Became the Envy of Streaming - Puck

The Town with Matt Beloni - Podcast

Why Hollywood Is Souring (Some) on Streaming - Puck

Netflix Test Will Let Members Pay for Password-Sharing Users - Variety

About Netflix - Paying to Share Netflix Outside Your Household

Disney inevitably embraces advertising, NBC inevitably takes its ball and goes home, and The Batman inevitably forces a discussion about the future of theatrical releases.

This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

• Microsoft Lists: A Microsoft 365 app that helps you track information and organize work.

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Disney+ Getting Cheaper Ad-Supported Tier – The Hollywood Reporter

NBCU Ends Hulu Next-Day TV Deal With Disney to Keep Shows for Peacock - Variety

Searching for a better guide: Live TV in the age of streaming – Six Colors

'Slave Play' becomes part of NYPL's Theatre on Film and Tape Archive | Broadway News

Theatre on Film and Tape Archive - Wikipedia

ViacomCBS changes its name, Peacock weathers the Super Bowl storm, the Disney brand continues to evolve, the culture of binge-dropping begins to fade away, Netflix is Doing Just Fine, and your letters!

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Why Disney+ Leaped as Netflix Stumbled - Puck

Alan Sepinwall on Twitter

Why did Paramount+ remove Survivor Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa? – reality blurred

BroadwayHD

When Apple TV’s ‘Universal Search’ is a black hole – Six Colors

Hypercritical: An Unsolicited Streaming App Spec

The future of CNN+ is called into question, the Oscars recognize streaming services of all kinds, and did Peacock finally get the Olympics right?

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Edited by Steven Schapansky.

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Jeff Zucker resignation may ease Discovery CEO David Zaslav's integration of CNN

Pam and Tommy on Disney+

Village Roadshow Sues Warner Bros. Over 'Matrix Resurrections' Release - Variety

Netflix's Connected Universe: the Parrot Perspective | Parrot Analytics

Will Peacock Get the Olympics Right This Time?

The CW Up for Sale by WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS – The Hollywood Reporter

Netflix's latest quarterly report makes us wonder: Is it a tech company or an entertainment company? Julia experiences live sports streaming success--and failure. HBO Max takes a victory lap. And why does Showtime still exist? Plus, your letters!

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Edited by Steven Schapansky.

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What If Netflix Raised Its Prices and Nobody Cared?

Why Does Showtime Still Exist? - Puck

HBO Max: The New Number 2? - Puck

Netflix Earnings, The Competition Question, Netflix’s Long-Term Value – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

Julia on Twitter: Is Netflix a tech company?

Netflix’s Black Friday - Puck

Netflix earnings to set the pace for 2022 streaming wars | Reuters

Beat Bobby Flay | Food Network

TV Talk Machine - a podcast from The Incomparable

Tim Goodman / Bastard Machine | Substack

It's a new year! Disney has moved another Pixar movie out of theaters and onto Disney+. Why "Don't Look Up" was the perfect movie for Netflix. "Yellowstone" is a legitimate hit and yet nobody is truly happy about it.

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Edited by Steven Schapansky of Castria.

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Julia digs HBO Max

Listener Nathan on the Video Privacy Protection Act

Pixar’s Turning Red is ditching theaters to premiere on Disney Plus - The Verge

Disney Theatrical Release Strategy: Disney CEO Outlines Plans – The Hollywood Reporter

The Triumph and Tragedy of ‘Yellowstone’ - Puck

Why Do So Many TV Shows Air on Sundays? | IndieWire

Tinderbox: HBO's Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers by James Andrew Miller

Jason and Julia are off for the holiday, but before they left, they took time to record this special episode featuring answers to listener letters! (Only two-thirds of the letters are from people named David.)

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We dig into why CNN+ has to exist, even though it doesn't make a lot of sense. Also, the strange divisions between what's on HBO and what's on HBO Max, we talk a surprising amount about The CW (again), and Netflix has... a blog?

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When Will The CW Shows Leave Netflix? - What's on Netflix

Netflix Tudum - Go behind the streams

Chris Wallace leaves Fox News to host weekday show on CNN’s new streaming service - The Verge

CNN+: CNN will launch new streaming service in 2022 - CNN

Vulture: Did HBO Max Win the Year?

Diving into Netflix's brand new global and regional top 10 lists, and all the things they tell us about the global streaming giant. Also, ViacomCBS corrects its Star Trek mistake, and why Netflix is bad at movies.

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‘Star Trek: Discovery’ Season 4 Debuting Internationally On Friday On Pluto TV And Paramount+ – TrekMovie.com

Netflix to Reveal 'Top 10' Data Weekly for TV and Films - Variety

Netflix Top 10 - Global

Netflix Top 10 - By Country: United States

Kasey Moore on Twitter

Netflix Top 10 Title Search - What's on Netflix

I Dug Into the New Netflix “Ratings” Data So You Don’t Have To - Puck

Disney+ came out of the gate strong, but its growth is waning. What does it need to do to reach a broader audience? It's all about the 'Hamiltons.' Also, ViacomCBS pulls the rug out from underneath international Star Trek fans.

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How to Fix Disney’s Sluggish Streamer: It’s All About the ‘Hamiltons’ - Puck

Star Trek Discovery Leaves Netflix; Set To Debut Globally On Paramount+ In 2022 – Deadline

Disney CEO stresses Hamilton’s importance to Disney Plus in private all-hands meeting - The Verge

What happens when a TV network has a potential big hit, but doesn't have a streaming strategy to find an audience? Are sports leagues finally going to risk their fat cable contracts in order to build a local streaming service? And what's up in Australia?

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‘Harry Potter’ Live-Action TV Series in Early Development at HBO Max (Exclusive) – The Hollywood Reporter

"How long til a major streaming service drops an episodic series one episode per day for a week?"

Could La Brea Be NBC's Next Manifest | Parrot Analytics

Comcast CEO Roberts: NBC's 'La Brea' is 'best performing show on Peacock'

Global Demand Measurement | Parrot Analytics

MLB in talks to launch nationwide streaming service for home games

MLB Versus Sinclair, What Happened to Sinclair, The Problem for Sports Leagues – Stratechery by Ben Thompson

Why Gen Z Loves Closed Captioning | by Lance Ulanoff | OneZero

Peacock Struggles to Take Flight Amid Low Demand for Its TV Originals - Variety

There's a lot going on right now at Netflix, which is trying to manage growth, changing how it reports viewership, and facing internal criticism for some of its programming.

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TechScape: From Friends to Squid Game – why Netflix viewing figures matter | Technology | The Guardian

Netflix, Disney, Amazon, Apple, HBO, and Hulu Battle for Top TV Shows

The IATSE’s strike-averting deal means better pay on streaming - The Verge

Ted Sarandos Addresses Dave Chappelle Fallout: 'I Screwed Up' - Variety

Netflix’s Ted Sarandos Admits “I Screwed Up” Amid Dave Chappelle Controversy – Deadline

Fired Netflix Walkout Organizer Says Co-CEO Apology 'Missed the Point'

Netflix Workers Plan a Walkout Over Dave Chappelle - The New York Times

Trans employees at Netflix plan walkout even as one activist is reinstated following suspension - The Verge

The IATSE’s strike-averting deal means better pay on streaming - The Verge

Churn & Return: Gen Z, Millennials Most Likely to Cancel, Renew SVOD - Variety

"Squid Game" and Netflix's international strategy, the difference between a hit and a franchise, "Law & Order" and TV network brand extensions, successes and failures at the box office, and the best streaming services for scary movies.

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Bob Iger’s Long Disney Exit Amid Bob Chapek Succession – The Hollywood Reporter

Scarlett Johansson, Disney Lawsuit Settled Over ‘Black Widow’ – The Hollywood Reporter

Apple TV+ is More Than Just Its Disappointing Subscriptions Numbers | Observer

Why NBC’s ‘Law & Order’ Revival Isn’t a Peacock Original – The Hollywood Reporter

Downstream is about the future of streaming media. Tech and entertainment companies are vying to see who will become the media giants of the 21st century. Julia and Jason tell you a little about their background and what they'll be covering.

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