The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

Execs on Eggshells: 'This Puts Us in a Weird Place'

The Ankler • 864 implied HN points • 31 May 23
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Executives are feeling awkward and unsure of how to engage with writers due to the WGA strike
  2. The strike is impacting the personal and professional relationships in the entertainment industry
  3. Communication about the strike is sensitive, with executives being cautious about what they say and not putting anything in writing

How two college friends reunited to build a thriving politics podcast

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 424 implied HN points • 11 Jul 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Two friends started a podcast called Pantsuit Politics after reconnecting and realizing they enjoyed discussing politics together. They began recording during late nights after their babies went to bed.
  2. The podcast became successful not only because of its political content but also because of the unique dynamic between the hosts, who represent different political views.
  3. Instead of focusing only on popular coastal audiences, they built a strong listener base in other areas, proving that there is a demand for diverse political conversations.

Coming soon

Remarkable People • 139 implied HN points • 30 May 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Something exciting is on the way, so keep an eye out for updates.
  2. You can subscribe to learn more about remarkable people and their stories.
  3. Sharing the post with friends helps spread the word about what's coming.

The Romance Novel Edition

Why is this interesting? • 965 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Romance novels offer escapism and predictable happy endings that many readers enjoy during tough times. They have become popular among diverse groups of women, from stay-at-home moms to college students.
  2. The romance genre focuses on female pleasure and sexuality while challenging societal views about women's desires. It mixes fun storytelling with important cultural discussions.
  3. Romance novels are a big business, outselling even the Bible. Many readers are not just fans—they are part of a community that engages with the genre through discussions, fan fiction, and events.
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Adventure Time and the Subversion of Whimsy, or How The Rightwing Lost Their Children

Trantor Publishing • 738 implied HN points • 02 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Conservatives lost the ability to pass down their values to the youth, showing the importance of storytelling and children's entertainment in shaping culture.
  2. Children's stories should be taken seriously, as they can convey deep meanings in a way that is understandable and impactful to young minds.
  3. The show Adventure Time delves into complex themes and characters but also contains dark and subversive elements, reflecting a trend in modern storytelling where innocence is lost in pursuit of adult themes.

'We like to challenge our audiences'

NN Journal • 536 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. White Cobra theater company founders aim to challenge their audiences with serious plays alongside lighter shows
  2. The company tours across the UK, exploring different locations and building a local following
  3. Richard and Kate, the founders, prioritize audience enjoyment over financial gain and work with a mix of professionals and local talent

Drippin' Fresh--now on Youtube!

Disaffected Newsletter • 259 implied HN points • 31 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. 'Drippin' Fresh' is now available on YouTube, making it easier for more people to watch and enjoy.
  2. There will be a live event with DJ Jazzy Josh and the Fresh Drippers, happening at 9 PM on Sunday.
  3. Supporting the Disaffected Newsletter by subscribing helps keep the content coming and lets you receive new updates.

‘Severance’ and the Trauma of the Bullshit Job

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The show 'Severance' highlights the frustration many people feel about their jobs, especially the long hours spent in a dull office.
  2. In 'Severance', employees have a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, creating two different versions of themselves.
  3. The concept of 'severance' raises an interesting question: Would you want to forget your work life completely if you could?

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 63

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 19 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. People are rating sticks on Instagram now, creating a fun community called #StickNation. It's a quirky trend that's taken off online.
  2. TV shows today focus more on work and less on friends just hanging out. The style of storytelling has really changed over time.
  3. Odysseus is becoming popular again, with new interest sparked by Hollywood. It's cool to see old stories getting new attention.

Welcome to Oceania

Disaffected Newsletter • 819 implied HN points • 17 Sep 23
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Apple released a strange commercial featuring an angry Mother Nature character who confronts corporate leaders, which some people found awkward and uncomfortable.
  2. President Biden struggled during a speech in Vietnam and made funny but confusing remarks that raised concerns about his readiness to lead.
  3. In Canada, some classic books are being removed from schools for inclusivity reasons, leading to strong reactions, including a heated argument at a school board meeting.

The Saturday Selection, Vol. 66

Why is this interesting? • 301 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Many people dislike their jobs but often dream of doing something simpler or more fun, like running a coffee shop. It's worth thinking deeply about what would truly make you happy in your career.
  2. Working multiple jobs can lead to burnout and stress, especially in the tech industry where hustle culture is common. It's important to find a balance that works for you.
  3. Golf can be more enjoyable if beginners bend the rules a little. Cheating might actually help newcomers feel more relaxed and included in the game.

🎧 Fragile Egos Don't Take Fountain

The Ankler • 412 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Bette Davis advised actors to 'take Fountain' for a shortcut, but really they wanted their feelings protected instead of practical advice.
  2. Executives often soften criticism with fluffy language to avoid hurting feelings.
  3. Rob Long was shocked when someone asked if his canceled show meant he was washed up, highlighting the delicate nature of egos in Hollywood.

A Business Upended: The Streaming Disruption of the Movie & Broadcasting Business

Musings on Markets • 759 implied HN points • 12 Sep 23
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. The rise of streaming services like Netflix has drastically changed how we consume movies and shows. Many people are moving away from cable TV and preferring the convenience of streaming platforms.
  2. The movie industry may face a fate similar to the music industry due to streaming disruptions. Just as music labels struggled to adapt, traditional movie companies might find it hard to survive without significant changes.
  3. Streaming has led to increased content production but also rising costs. While there's more choice for viewers, the quality can sometimes suffer, leaving many overwhelmed by the options available.

Buffalo Bill's Not-So-Wild Home

Non-Boring History • 412 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
💾 History Entertainment
  1. Buffalo Bill's mansion in North Platte, Nebraska is a Victorian house with an interesting history.
  2. Buffalo Bill Cody's life story involved dramatic turns, from being a scout, buffalo hunter, to a showman.
  3. Buffalo Bill's impact on American showbiz and the Western theme continues to influence entertainment today.

Wandering Beneath the Shadows of Fallen Idols

Trantor Publishing • 439 implied HN points • 14 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The entertainment industry is facing diminishing returns and struggles with quality as a result of increased competition and financial pressures.
  2. Amidst cultural decay, there is a need for reactionary artists to create real, impactful narratives that connect with human experience and offer something meaningful.
  3. Traditional storytelling tropes and old archetypes in media are evolving, calling for the emergence of new, more relevant narratives that reflect the challenges of the current societal landscape.

🎧 Disney's Next Decade

The Ankler • 353 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Disney CEO Bob Iger announced big plans for a 'sports Hulu' and gaming partnerships
  2. Theme park revenue is thriving, but linear TV profits are dropping
  3. The TV industry job market is shifting, with some areas growing while others decline

John Menick: The Narco-Image

Do Not Research • 718 implied HN points • 09 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Viewer-consumers today are like addicts, seeking more and more content - movies, TV shows, clicks - leading to extreme viewing habits.
  2. The media industry has created a dependency on what's termed as 'narco-images,' which deliver intense, explicit, and shocking content to desensitized audiences.
  3. Capitalist consumerism mirrors addictive behavior, pushing for continuous product consumption and loyalty, resulting in harmful consequences just like the tobacco and opioid industries.

How to Save a $70B Business We Don't Know What To Do With

The Ankler • 353 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. The movie industry is facing challenges due to poor decision-making and leadership, which is threatening its survival.
  2. Hollywood should focus on creating hits to attract audiences and regain financial stability.
  3. Instead of blaming streamers, the film industry needs to adapt and overcome bad habits and thought patterns to thrive.

Imagineering

Austin Kleon • 1978 implied HN points • 25 Nov 22
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Traveling along the Pacific Coast Highway and visiting places like Disneyland can create unforgettable family moments. Exploring the beauty of nature and enjoying fun attractions brings joy to families.
  2. Disneyland is not just about the rides; it's also about the incredible detail and design of the park. Experiencing the atmosphere can feel energizing and magical.
  3. Taking a relaxed approach to exploring Disneyland can lead to surprising and delightful experiences. Enjoying the park at a slower pace helps you appreciate its creativity and charm even more.

The Problem(s) with Men

The Biblioracle Recommends • 707 implied HN points • 16 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Society is facing challenges with the well-being of men, showing disparities in education and mental health.
  2. There are varying issues affecting men, from societal pressures to toxic masculinity in tech moguls.
  3. Reading books can shape empathy and understanding, offering insights into diverse perspectives and relationships.

Sphere Entertainment’s New Playbook: Smaller Venues, Less Risk, Bigger Returns

Huddle Up • 26 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Sphere is shifting from one huge $2.3B flagship to smaller, cheaper venues (like a planned 6,000-seat National Harbor) to lower risk and scale the concept.
  2. The Las Vegas Sphere earns money from four pillars—immersive film-like shows, multi-night concert residencies, massive exterior advertising, and corporate/event rentals—so it has multiple revenue streams beyond ticket sales.
  3. Despite strong revenue and big-ticket events, high development and operating costs have produced losses, so smaller, less expensive venues could make the model profitable and more scalable.

Joyspan, Emotional AI Bumpers, Persona Designers, & More Wild Concepts Bound to Become Commonplace Plus Where High-Tech Entertainment Brings Us

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 471 implied HN points • 19 Dec 23
🕹 Technology Entertainment
  1. Society evolves as wild concepts become mainstream, like connected appliances and AI-powered persona designers.
  2. The future of entertainment will focus on shared, authentic, non-scalable experiences over high-tech extravagance.
  3. Scarcity and authenticity will be essential in the next wave of digital experiences, emphasizing uniqueness and community connections.

What's got my attention this week #38

The Shift With Sam Baker • 299 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Samantha Morton, 46, found solace in acting after nine years in foster care, receiving a BAFTA fellowship.
  2. Explore diverse topics like the gender gap in supplements, a dreamy morning routine from Kate Winslet, and the influence of women like Gloria Steinem at 90 years old.
  3. Discover intriguing stories like turning crossword constructing into a boys' club and the experience of a husband creating a murder podcast about his own family.

Amazon never figured out its podcast platform strategy

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 274 implied HN points • 06 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Amazon struggled with its podcast strategy because it had separate teams for Amazon Music and Audible, which made it hard to compete in the market. This led to a lot of wasted talent and opportunities.
  2. Using content marketing is often more effective than traditional PR. Creating valuable content lets businesses connect better with their audience compared to just sending press releases.
  3. More media companies are starting to hire influencers and independent creators, like ESPN has done. This trend shows that traditional career paths in media are changing, and new talent is being recognized.

Do short video clips actually drive value for podcasts?

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 249 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Short video clips can help promote podcasts, but they aren't always super effective. Many people who use platforms like TikTok quickly scroll past videos and may not check out the longer content.
  2. There's a growing interest in bite-sized, polished video content, showing that people enjoy shorter entertainment formats. Companies that create these micro dramas might have better success with manageable budgets.
  3. Creating a diverse strategy for media and content can lead to success, as seen with popular creators building extensive networks. This shows the importance of adapting to trends and engaging audiences in different ways.

Suzy Weiss: Comedians Should Not Be Hot

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 760 implied HN points • 17 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Comedians are often expected to be funny and not overly fashionable. This idea suggests that dressing too well can take away from their comedic persona.
  2. There is a concern that some comedians are focusing more on their appearance rather than their humor. Being stylish might not mix well with the rawness expected in comedy.
  3. The conversation reflects broader societal expectations on how different professions, like comedy, are perceived in terms of looks versus talent. It hints at a belief that authenticity in comedy is key.