Larry Charles offers a glimpse into his storied career via new memoir ‘Comedy Samurai’
Kim Masters talks to writer & director Larry Charles about his new memoir Comedy Samurai. He shares stories about writing for Seinfeld, directing Curb Your Enthusiasm, and his chaotic experiences working with Sacha Baron Cohen on Borat and Bruno. Charles also tells the story of an early morning call from Ari Emanuel that pulled the plug on his Larry David documentary the day before its HBO premiere.
Also, it’s official: Paramount has settled with Donald Trump over a long-disputed 60 Minutes segment. The company agreed to pay $16 million, a move that could clear the path for David Ellison’s long-anticipated Skydance merger. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break down what this means for Paramount’s future… and what an Ellison-led studio might look like.
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Food > fights: Phil Rosenthal on ‘Somebody Feed Phil’
Eric Deggans chats with veteran sitcom showrunner Phil Rosenthal about the current state of the industry. The creator of Everybody Loves Raymond and host of the unscripted Netflix series Somebody Feed Phil reflects on how studios shape viewership data to fit their narratives. Rosenthal recalls challenging flawed testing at CBS early in his career and he reflects on the success of Raymond. He also shares how he pitched his food and travel series as: “Anthony Bourdain if he was afraid of everything.”
But first, we banter! As the Donald Trump-Paramount Global lawsuit continues, a mediator has floated a proposed settlement: $20 million, including a $17 million donation to Trump’s presidential foundation, plus legal fees and anti-semitism PSAs. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni unpack the latest chapter in the president’s standoff with Shari Redstone.
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GLAAD CEO discusses LGBTQ inclusivity in film; Disney and Universal sue over AI plagiarism
Disney and Universal sued generative AI company Midjourney last week over claims that the startup plagiarized characters from their movies and shows, such as The Simpsons and Star Wars. After remaining mum on the use of AI in movies and shows so far, studios are getting involved in this debate. But why now? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni break it down.
Plus, Masters talks to GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis about the organization’s 2025 Studio Responsibility Index, which evaluates studios on LGBTQ inclusivity in films. Ellis discusses the rise of mid-budget films as spaces for queer stories and shares why she feels optimistic about the newly elected Pope Leo.
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Adam Arkin on ‘Poker Face’ and nepo baby narratives; Warner Bros Discovery announces a split
Warner Bros Discovery is breaking into two entities: one dedicated to streaming and studios (HBO, DC, and Warner Bros Pictures) and another for global networks (CNN, TNT, TBS). What does this mean for the future of both divisions and CEO David Zaslav’s standing in Hollywood? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni unpack it all.
Plus, Eric Deggans talks with Adam Arkin about his career on both sides of the camera. Arkin shares what it was like executive producing and directing episodes of the second season of Poker Face, and the challenge of preserving the show’s distinctive tone. Plus, as the son of a legendary actor, he gets candid about the enduring nepo baby conversation.
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Seth Meyers on politics and dad jokes; David Zaslav’s problematic paycheck
A shareholder revolt is underway at Warner Bros. Discovery… meaning, a 60% vote against CEO David Zaslav’s $52 million pay package for 2024. What drove the investor backlash? Meanwhile, Disney is back in layoff mode, with hundreds affected in the latest wave of budget cuts. Kim Masters and Matt Belloni explain what’s behind both moves.
Plus, Masters talks to Late Night host Seth Meyers about how his years at SNL both shaped and traumatized him. The comedian also shares how fatherhood has given him plenty of material for his standup specials — Lobby Baby and Dad Man Walking.
Lively banter about entertainment industry news and in-depth interviews with directors, producers, writers and actors, hosted by award-winning journalist Kim Masters of The Hollywood Reporter.
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