logo
Sean Evans, Rhett & Link and Marques Brownlee to Headline Variety Podcasting Brunch, Presented by YouTube at SXSW

Sean Evans, Rhett & Link and Marques Brownlee to Headline Variety Podcasting Brunch, Presented by YouTube at SXSW

Yahoo27-02-2025
YouTube and Variety are teaming up to host the inaugural Variety Podcasting Brunch, presented by YouTube at SXSW, on March 8 in Austin, Texas.
The Variety Podcasting Brunch will be headlined by Sean Evans, host of 'Hot Ones'; Rhett McLaughlin and Link Neal, the hosts of 'Good Mythical Morning'; and Marques Brownlee, host of 'Waveform Podcast' in a panel discussion about how they are trailblazing storytelling and fan engagement across popular talk shows and podcasts.
Clayton Davis, Variety's chief awards editor, will moderate the panel, which will serve as the first live taping of his popular podcast Variety Awards Circuit.
'Hot Ones,' the Emmy-nominated talk show featuring interviews with guests such as Jennifer Lawrence, Pedro Pascal and Bad Bunny while eating spicy hot wings, attracts over 14 million subscribers and over 4 billion views on YouTube. 'Good Mythical Morning' counts over 18 million subscribers and is one of the most-watched daily shows on the internet. Brownlee attracts over 19 million subscribers to his YouTube content, which focuses on tech reviews and interviews with industry leaders.
Brunch attendees will be invited to record their own soundbites, immersing themselves in the experience of hosting their own podcast.
'Creators are driving innovation across media and entertainment, developing some of today's most-watched and listened-to podcasts and shows, while building global audiences and businesses on YouTube,' said Tim Katz, VP of partnerships at YouTube. 'These creators will bring their unique perspectives to SXSW to discuss with Variety the state of podcasting and the creator-led media and entertainment landscape.'
'We're honored to partner with YouTube and bring these voices front and center at SXSW,' said Dea Lawrence, Variety's chief operating and marketing officer. 'Content creators play a vital role in the entertainment ecosystem and we are excited for the thought-provoking conversations this panel will generate.'
Best of Variety
New Movies Out Now in Theaters: What to See This Week
Grammy Predictions, From Beyoncé to Kendrick Lamar: Who Will Win? Who Should Win?
What's Coming to Netflix in February 2025
Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

The 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream This Weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and More
The 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream This Weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and More

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

The 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream This Weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and More

It is a week packed full of animated and VOD premieres Three major blockbusters all arrive on streaming this week, as does one of the year's most acclaimed low-budget independent films. James Gunn's highly anticipated follow-up to 'Superman' makes its long-awaited premiere on HBO Max this week as well, while Netflix and Hulu subscribers have a trio of promising new TV shows to look forward to. You should not, in other words, have any trouble finding something new to watch at home over the coming few days. Here are the eight best new movies and shows you can stream this weekend. More from TheWrap The 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream This Weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and More 'South Park': Tim Cook and More Oligarchs Suck Up to Trump and Towelie Meets a Dark Fate in DC 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' Release Schedule: When Are New Episodes Out? 'Peacemaker' Season 2 Release Schedule: What Time Does It Premiere? 'The Bad Guys 2' (2025) One of the year's most fun animated comedies, 'The Bad Guys 2,' hit video-on-demand this week, which means you now have the chance to rent or buy it from the comfort of your own home. You should consider doing just that, too. A sequel to its hit 2022 predecessor, the film follows its central crew of 'Bad Guys' as they're forced out of retirement in order to join forces with a new, all-female squad of criminals to try to pull off one last, career-defining heist. Directed with the same slick sense of style and boasting the same endearing streak of tongue-in-cheek humor that made the first film so enjoyable, 'The Bad Guys 2' is the perfect way to spend a Friday or Saturday night. 'Elio' (2025) Speaking of endearing animated films that can entertain the whole family, Disney and Pixar's 'Elio' has also arrived on the VOD market this week. When it hit theaters in early June, the film's release was overshadowed a bit by its many delays and reports about its behind-the-scenes rewrites and creative overhauls. What was lost amidst all of that noise was the fact that the finished film was sweet, charming fun. Co-directed by 'Turning Red' filmmaker Domee Shi, 'Elio' follows an eleven-year-old misfit who finds himself transported to space when he is mistakenly identified as Earth's intergalactic ambassador. Featuring more than a few cute, cuddly aliens and enough sci-fi whimsy to make your heart flutter at least a few times, 'Elio' would be a worthy addition to any watchlists this weekend. 'Familiar Touch' (2025) Here is a film that probably was not on your radar this week. 'Familiar Touch,' writer-director Sarah Friedland's feature directorial debut, is one of the most acclaimed films of the year so far. Now available to rent or buy at home, the film follows an elderly woman (a spell-binding Kathleen Chalfant) whose transition to an assisted-living facility is challenged by her evolving relationships with herself and her new caregivers, as well as her own, declining cognitive abilities. Featuring a surprising supporting turn by 'Bob's Burgers' voice actor H. Jon Benjamin, 'Familiar Touch' is neither as emotionally manipulative as its premise suggests nor as oppressively bleak. It is a celebration of life, as well as an acknowledgement of the inevitable end of it. As far as this week's streaming offerings go, 'Familiar Touch' is unlike any other entry on this list, and if you give it a chance, you will likely find yourself moved by its grace and low-key, understated power. 'Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning' (2025) You could not find a movie that has less in common with 'Familiar Touch' than 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning.' The latter, which purports to be the last installment in the 'Mission: Impossible' franchise, is another action extravaganza overflowing with practical stunts that boggle the mind and set pieces that deserve to be seen on as big a screen as possible. Now, several months after it made its theatrical debut, the film has arrived on VOD. While 'The Final Reckoning' is nowhere near the best 'Mission: Impossible' movie, it is still a thrilling and often astounding blockbuster. If you put off watching it back in May, now is your chance to finally tick it off your standing watchlist. 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' (Hulu) A limited series that ambitiously tries to dramatize one of the 21st century's oddest and most well-publicized true-crime stories, 'The Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' has finally arrived on Hulu. Created by K.J. Steinberg, the series centers on its eponymous protagonist ('Tell Me Lies' star Grace Van Patten) as her study abroad in Italy takes a horrifying turn when she is wrongfully imprisoned for the murder of her roommate. The aptly titled 'Twisted Tale of Amanda Knox' follows Van Patten's Amanda as she is forced to prove her innocence — both in the court and in the press. The first two episodes of the series premiered Wednesday on Hulu. Its remaining six episodes are set to debut weekly on Wednesdays moving forward. If you're a true crime fan, this is one series you won't want to miss. 'Hostage' (Netflix) Netflix's 'Hostage' has the potential to be a riveting, pulpy breakout hit this week. Created by 'Bridge of Spies' co-writer Matt Charman, the series follows British Prime Minister Abigail Dalton (Suranne Jones) and French President Vivienne Toussaint (Julie Delpy) as their international summit is challenged by the kidnapping of Abigail's husband and sudden threats of blackmail against Vivienne. A U.K.-set drama, the limited series runs just five episodes long, all of which premiere Thursday on Netflix. If edge-of-your-seat political thrillers are your thing, then you may want to check out 'Hostage' this weekend. It's a seemingly straightforward series that promises to quickly grab your attention and hold onto it right up to its inevitable conclusion. 'Peacemaker' Season 2 (HBO Max) Over three years after its first season premiered, 'Peacemaker' is back. Helmed, once again, by DC Studios co-CEO and 'Superman' filmmaker James Gunn, 'Peacemaker' Season 2 sees Gunn and co. complete their soft reboot of the now-dead DC Extended Universe. It is unclear how 'Peacemaker' Season 2 will deal with its past episodes' ties to the DCEU, but viewers do know that the new season takes place after 'Superman' and that they should expect to see plenty more violence, humor, romance and universe-hopping shenanigans. The season's first episode premieres Thursday on HBO Max, and its remaining seven installments will follow one at a time every Wednesday through Oct. 9. Coming off the success of both its first season and 'Superman,' 'Peacemaker' Season 2 ranks easily one of this week's biggest streaming premieres. 'Long Story Short' (Netflix) 'BoJack Horseman' creator Raphael Bob-Waksberg returns this week with his newest Netflix original, 'Long Story Short.' Animated in the same colorful, zany style as Bob-Waksberg's previous series, 'Long Story Short' follows the members of a middle-class Jewish family as they grow up, change and experience their own victories and failures over the course of 30 years. Featuring a star-studded voice cast headlined by Ben Feldman, Abbi Jacobson, Max Greenfield, Lisa Edelstein and Paul Reiser, the series promises to offer the same mix of absurdist humor and melancholic emotions that made 'BoJack Horseman' such a fan-favorite hit. The series' entire first season premieres Friday on Netflix, and 'Long Story Short' has already been renewed for a second season as well. That should give you the confidence to dive right in this weekend. Unlike a lot of other Netflix originals, you won't have to worry about it going away anytime soon. The post The 8 Best New Movies and Shows to Stream This Weekend on Netflix, HBO Max and More appeared first on TheWrap. Solve the daily Crossword

Jussie Smollett revisits attack allegations in new Netflix documentary
Jussie Smollett revisits attack allegations in new Netflix documentary

NBC News

timean hour ago

  • NBC News

Jussie Smollett revisits attack allegations in new Netflix documentary

Six years after claiming that he was the victim of a hate crime, actor Jussie Smollett is continuing to push back against the narrative put forth by Chicago officials that it was all a "hoax." In "The Truth About Jussie Smollett?", a new Netflix documentary that debuts Thursday, the former "Empire" star revisits the legal battle surrounding the alleged attack, which police and city officials said he orchestrated against himself. While the documentary's release comes just over three months after Smollett and the city of Chicago reached a civil settlement, the actor spends much of his interview segments defending himself and maintaining his innocence. "At the end of the day, it doesn't matter whether someone likes me or doesn't like me," Smollett said in the documentary, adding that "the fact is: I didn't do that. And that's all that matters." Smollett, who is Black and gay, first reported a hate crime committed against him in January 2019, alleging that two men confronted him with racial and homophobic slurs, wrapped a rope around his neck, and poured bleach on him. However, city officials sued Smollett and accused him of submitting a false police report on Jan. 29, 2019, saying he knew his attackers and planned the attack. The city's lawsuit sought $130,000 in expenses spent on the police investigation. Smollett countersued, denying that he orchestrated the attack. Brothers Olabingo and Abimbola Osundairo, who worked on the "Empire" set and authored a book titled "Bigger Than Jussie: The Disturbing Need for a Modern-Day Lynching," said they were paid by Smollett to stage the hate crime and testified against the actor during his trial. In addition to Smollett, the documentary features interviews with: Smollett's attorney; former Chicago police officials; the Osundairobrothers; their attorney; and journalists who covered the case. "I believe he wanted to be the poster boy of activism for Black people, for gay people, for marginalized people," "Bola" Osundairo said of Smollett in the documentary. "Ola" Osundairo said when Smollett asked them to "beat him up," he "thought it was crazy." "But at the same time, I'm like, 'It's Hollywood.' This is how it goes," he said in the documentary. Smollett was found guilty on five criminal counts of felony disorderly conduct in December 2021 and sentenced to 150 days in jail and 30 months' probation in March 2022. But the Illinois Supreme Court overturned the conviction in November 2024. The state high court ruled that Smollett should have never been charged in the first place after entering a nonprosecution agreement with the Cook County State's Attorney's Office. The years-long case captivated the country, with many speculating about what actually happened as Smollett continued to make headlines. In the documentary, Smollett said he was "playing whack-a-mole with rumors, with lies" throughout the investigation. But, "at a certain point, it's too many, and you can't catch them all," he added. The documentary, which is from the producers of 'The Tinder Swindler,' says in its promotional materials that it wants the 'audience to decide for themselves who is telling' the truth. Smollett has not commented on the documentary on his social media. He gave a lengthy interview to Variety ahead of its release, in which he touched on the overall impact the case had on him. "Every single other person's story has changed multiple times. Mine has never," Smollett told the publication. "I saw firsthand how narratives are built. I saw firsthand the way that someone can take the exact opposite of who you are and literally sell it." The actor is currently promoting his new R&B album and was recently announced as a contestant on the reality show, ' Special Forces: World's Toughest Test.' The show airs on Fox, the same network that canceled 'Empire' in the aftermath of the Smollett saga.

Netflix's APAC Focus Boosts Prospects: Will the Momentum Continue?
Netflix's APAC Focus Boosts Prospects: Will the Momentum Continue?

Yahoo

time2 hours ago

  • Yahoo

Netflix's APAC Focus Boosts Prospects: Will the Momentum Continue?

Netflix's NFLX Asia-Pacific (APAC) region has become its strongest growth engine, consistently outpacing other markets over the past three quarters. In the second quarter of 2025, APAC revenues increased 24.1% year over year — the highest among all regions — compared to 14.7% growth in the United States & Canada and 18% in EMEA. Subscriber numbers continue climbing; the region now accounts for about 57.5 million members, making APAC a pivotal pillar in the company's global 'local for local' content strategy plays a crucial role. By investing in culturally resonant originals across key markets like Korea, India, Japan, Thailand and Southeast Asia, the company is winning over audiences with stories that connect deeply with local preferences. The growing adoption of its ad-supported tier, particularly in price-sensitive APAC regions, adds a high-margin revenue stream, while favorable currency trends have modestly boosted international revenues. Upcoming releases such as Genie, Make a Wish (South Korea), Inspector Zende (India) and Romantics Anonymous (Japan) further strengthen its regional slate, reinforcing Netflix's commitment to dominating APAC streaming growth potential remains convincing, backed by a robust market outlook. The region's video streaming market is expected to grow at a 22.6% CAGR through 2030. Valued at $62.27 billion in 2022, the OTT sector is set for rapid expansion through 2028, driven by affordable data plans, rising internet penetration and an expanding middle class. India stands out as the company's fastest-growing market, poised to deliver the highest CAGR among all regions in the coming international regions contributing over half of total revenues and APAC emerging as a key driver, Netflix's projected 2025 revenues of $45 billion reflect strong investor confidence. Continued investment in local content and ad-supported plans indicates that this momentum is not over yet. How Rivals Stack Up Against NFLX in the APAC Region Amazon (Prime Video) and Disney (Disney+) are intensifying their battle with Netflix in the APAC region, leveraging their strengths while addressing weaknesses to sharpen their competitive AMZN leverages its powerful e-commerce ecosystem to grow Prime Video across APAC, offering multilingual access and live sports rights that strengthen appeal. Amazon also benefits from Prime's global scale, making Prime Video widely available in Asian markets with competitive pricing. Yet, Amazon faces a challenge in APAC, where audiences favor locally resonant storytelling. Without deeper investment in regional originals, Prime Video risks losing ground to Netflix and faster-moving regional DIS leverages its powerful franchises — Marvel, Star Wars and Pixar — to draw families across APAC, supported by competitive pricing and bundles like Hotstar in India that often undercut Netflix. Disney's localization efforts, including IPL cricket and regional films, have fueled strong subscriber growth, sometimes surpassing Netflix in key markets. However, a heavy focus on family content and reliance on a few blockbuster franchises risks limiting broader appeal. To sustain its APAC edge, Disney+ must diversify into edgier, locally relevant originals. NFLX's Price Performance, Valuation & Estimates Shares of Netflix have gained 36% year to date compared with the Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry's return of 27.4%. NFLX's YTD Price Performance Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Netflix trades at a premium with a forward 12-month P/S ratio of 10.59 compared to the broader Zacks Broadcast Radio and Television industry's forward earnings multiple of 5.03. NFLX carries a Value Score of F. NFLX's Valuation Image Source: Zacks Investment Research The Zacks Consensus Estimate for NFLX's 2025 revenues is pegged at $45.03 billion, reflecting 15.47% year-over-year growth. The consensus mark for earnings is pegged at $26.06 per share, unchanged over the past 30 days and up 2.9% over the past 60 days. This indicates a 31.42% increase from the previous year. Image Source: Zacks Investment Research NFLX stock currently sports a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of today's Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Inc. (AMZN) : Free Stock Analysis Report Netflix, Inc. (NFLX) : Free Stock Analysis Report The Walt Disney Company (DIS) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research ( Zacks Investment Research

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into a world of global content with local flavor? Download Daily8 app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store