Podcast · Society & Culture

The Town with Matthew Belloni

by The Ringer · English · Society & Culture

Puck founding partner Matthew Belloni takes you inside Hollywood, using exclusive reporting and insight to explain the backstories on everything from Marvel movies to streaming wars. Multiple times each week, Matt is joined by major executives, dealmakers, and journalists, to discuss what is getting

New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 38 min
Latest: 8 Oct 2026
Language: English

Latest episode

8 Oct 2026 · 41 minNew

Welcome to Skydance! Movies, TV ... and Massive Debt

Matt is joined by Rich Greenfield from LightShed Partners to discuss the complicated financials behind Hollywood's new media behemoth, Skydance, how the company will be heavily influenced by being nearly $80 billion in debt, how the NFL, movie studios, cable channels, and more will be affected, and if there is a chance this megadeal comes crashing down (02:57). Matt finishes the show with opening weekend box office predictions for ‘The Social Reckoning’ and ‘Other Mommy’ (33:56). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Rich Greenfield Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme…

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Earlier episodes 29 most recent

5 Oct 2026 · 42 min

The Hollywood Stock Market: Johnny Depp, Curry Barker, Spielberg, MrBeast, and More!

Live from Bloomberg’s Screentime event in Hollywood, Matt and Lucas Shaw make the case to buy or sell various entities across the entertainment industry, including Johnny Depp, Curry Barker, Steven Spielberg, DreamWorks Animation, Alex Cooper, MrBeast, the World Cup, and more (01:28). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo The Ringer is committed to responsible gaming. Please visit https://fanduel.com/playwithaplan to learn more about the resources and helplines. The Social Reckoning is in theatres October…
2 Oct 2026 · 39 min

Why Every Agency Wants a Piece of the Creator Economy

Matt is joined by Saul Goldberg, producer, investor, and former agent, to discuss how the creator economy has taken on a new importance in Hollywood, and how traditional entertainment players are making the transition over to director to consumer, if creators even needed agents and professional production companies, where the money is being made, and more (02:58). Matt finishes the show with opening weekend box office predictions for ‘Digger’ and ‘Verity’ (31:18). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Saul Goldberg Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo…
30 Sep 2026 · 52 min

The Ari Emanuel Experience

Matt is joined by Ari Emanuel—executive chair and CEO of TKO, executive chair of WME Group, and founder and principal investor of Mari—to discuss his new memoir, 'Roll the Calls'; why he didn’t mention CAA’s Bryan Lourd in the book; his relationship with Patrick Whitesell, David Ellison, and Donald Trump; Elon Musk; and the current state of Hollywood. Plus, a lightning round about failures, paydays, and worms (02:19). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Ari Emanuel Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Stefano Sanchez, and Steve Ahlman Theme Song: Devon Renaldo SAP GROW. AI cloud ERP for any size business. Learn…
29 Sep 2026 · 35 min

The Six Toughest Decisions David Ellison Faces With WarnerMount

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to look ahead at what WarnerMount will look like now that the merger is likely to go through. They discuss the biggest questions surrounding the new megacompany, including who will run their multiple movie studios, how involved David Ellison will be creatively, what's going to happen to CNN and CBS, what role will Elon Musk play, how quickly will they announce layoffs and other synergies, and how they will integrate Paramount+ and HBO MAX (01:46). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the new name of the combined Paramount Skydance Warner…
24 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Dissecting the Bill That Could Transform Hollywood, With Its Co-Author

Matt is joined by California Congresswoman Laura Friedman to discuss the new bipartisan federal tax incentive bill she helped author that was just introduced today in both houses of Congress. Congresswoman Friedman outlines exactly what is in the bill, what isn't, if a vote could happen this year, Jon Voight’s role, and how this bill could transform filmmaking in the United States (01:55). Matt finishes the show with a ratings prediction for the season premiere of 'SNL' (29:58). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Laura Friedman Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song:…
24 Sep 2026 · 41 min

Jeffrey Katzenberg on Why Hollywood Must Embrace AI

Matt is joined by Jeffrey Katzenberg and Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Jeffrey’s latest essay insisting that Hollywood embrace AI, similarities to CGI animation in the '90s and 2000s, the importance of consent and compensation, and why this could create more jobs and opportunities for storytellers (02:23). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Heart of the Beast,’ 'Forgotten Island,’ and ‘Primetime’ (33:10). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw, Jeffrey Katzenberg Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo…
21 Sep 2026 · 31 min

Emergency Pod: Paramount Settles—and Bonta Caves

Matt is joined by Bloomberg's Lucas Shaw to discuss Paramount settling its lawsuit with a group of states led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, paving the way for Paramount Skydance to acquire Warner Bros. Discovery. They dig into the details of the deal, including the concessions (or lack thereof) made by Paramount, who really had leverage in this negotiation, David Ellison’s next move, how the industry is reacting, other winners and losers of the settlement, and more (00:00). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme…
19 Sep 2026 · 40 min

Tom Cruise and the New Age of Celebrity Profiles

Matt is joined by Zach Baron, GQ's senior special projects editor and host of new show ‘One More Question,’ to discuss the modern celebrity press tour, the art of celebrity profiles, interviewing Tom Cruise, what celebs want out of the media in 2026, and the state of access journalism (02:22). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for Zach Cregger’s new film ‘Resident Evil’ (33:40). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Zach Baron Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
15 Sep 2026 · 38 min

2026 Emmys Instant Reactions: Is Apple Really the New HBO? What Happened to Netflix?

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to recap the 2026 Emmys and give their takes on the biggest narratives coming ou)t of the show, including Apple’s big night with 'Widow’s Bay,' its ascent in the prestige TV genre over the past few years, its competition with HBO, Netflix’s recent struggles to make a splash, Disney’s quiet year, and the new power ranking of TV streamers (01:51). Matt finishes the show by recapping his trip to TIFF and predicting which movie will win the People’s Choice Award (29:28). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and…
15 Sep 2026 · 49 min

How to Run a Specialty Studio in 2026, with Searchlight President

Live from TIFF, Matt is joined by the president of Searchlight Pictures, Matthew Greenfield along with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss how to run a specialty film division in 2026, what it's like being a part of the Disney machine, how to know if a movie is theatrical, how they compare themselves to their competitors, and how they choose sequels to greenlight (00:00). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Matthew Greenfield, Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
10 Sep 2026 · 36 min

‘Resident Evil’ and the Tightrope of Relaunching Old IP

Matt is joined by Oliver Berben, CEO of Constantin Film, to discuss the upcoming ‘Resident Evil’ film, how Zach Cregger got involved, how Constantin gained control of the IP, the international film business, franchise management, Constantin’s involvement in Marvel, and how European companies stay relevant in America (01:47). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘Practical Magic 2’ (30:44). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Oliver Berben Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit…
8 Sep 2026 · 37 min

Four Big Stories: Emmys ’26, Summer Box Office Pushback, Fed Tax Credit Odds, and ‘60 Minutes’ 2.0

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss a slew of topics from around town, including the biggest narratives around this year's Emmy Awards, a new report offering skepticism about this summer's huge box office, the chances of a federal tax credit passing, and whether the changes to ‘60 Minutes’ are a good idea (00:00). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo SAP GROW. AI cloud ERP for any size business. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
4 Sep 2026 · 50 min

The 2026 Summer Box Office Winners, Losers, and Head-Scratchers

Matt is joined by Puck’s box office expert Scott Mendelson to judge their early summer box office predictions by looking at the biggest hits, misses, and questions from the 2026 summer slate. 'The Devil Wears Prada 2' (02:53) 'Mortal Kombat II' (05:41) 'Mandalorian & Grogu' (06:51) 'Masters of the Universe' (09:09) 'Scary Movie 6' (11:55) 'Disclosure Day' (13:46) 'Toy Story 5' (15:55) 'Supergirl' (17:53) 'Minions & Monsters' (22:15) 'Moana' (27:09) 'The Odyssey' (33:31) 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day' (37:11) 'The End of Oak Street' (42:35) Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Scott Mendelson Producers:…
2 Sep 2026 · 36 min

Did Donald Trump Just Save Filmmaking in America?

Matt is joined by Film USA cofounders Tony Armer and Katie Pryor to discuss President Trump’s public endorsement of a federal tax credit for film production in the United States, how this could reshape filmmaking in America, how it could transform the filmmaking industry, how the tax credit would work, the odds of this passing, what needs to happen next, and more (02:08). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘By Any Means,’ starring Mark Wahlberg (26:57). Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Tony Armer and Katie Pryor Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and…
1 Sep 2026 · 37 min

The Five Biggest Hollywood Storylines for the Rest of 2026

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to examine the biggest industry narratives heading into the final stretch of the year. Can Netflix break its slump? How much will Netflix vs. YouTube continue to escalate? How disruptive will 'Grand Theft Auto VI' be? Who will get World Cup rights in 2030? Will Congress pass a federal tax incentive (01:30)? Matt finishes the show with a prediction about a new venture from AMC Theatres (30:32). Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 26 Emmy Awards,…
28 Aug 2026 · 42 min

Disney's Biggest Swings and Misses, Plus Iger vs. Eisner—With the Acquired Guys

Matt is joined by the hosts of the Acquired podcast, Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal, to discuss their two-part series on the history of The Walt Disney Company; what surprised them the most during their deep research; Disney's most precarious investments, biggest missteps, and best acquisitions; where Disney is today; and how it's positioned for the future (02:08). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for 'Coyote vs. Acme' (34:57). Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Ben Gilbert and David Rosenthal Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme…
27 Aug 2026 · 47 min

America vs. the U.K.: Who Makes Better TV Shows?

Live from the Edinburgh International Television Festival, Matt is joined by veteran TV execs Patrick Holland, Jane Root, and Dimitri Doganis to discuss why the U.K. is so good at making hit TV shows, how producers can own more of their shows, YouTube’s influence, and, of course, Harry and Meghan (02:01). Host: Matt Belloni Guests: Patrick Holland, Jane Root, and Dimitri Doganis Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 26 Emmy Awards, including OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES. Bob Iger, James Cameron, Kevin Feige, Jon Favreau and More…
25 Aug 2026 · 32 min

The WarnerMount PR War and the 'Dune 3' Ticket Crash

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Rob Bonta canceling the scheduled talks between Paramount and California over the Warner Bros. merger, the strategy behind this cancellation, and whether California is overplaying its hand. They also discuss the 'Dune 3' ticketing debacle that outraged fans after ticketing apps for IMAX 70 mm showings of 'Dune: Part Three' crashed (02:11). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about a celebrity starting their own talk show (25:05). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme…
22 Aug 2026 · 39 min

Mailbag! Marvel’s Future, Johnny Depp’s Comeback, L.A.’s Recession, and Awkward Celeb Interactions.

(00:00) Matt opens up the summer mailbag to answer listener questions about Marvel’s future after 'Avengers: Doomsday,' the X-Men casting, Netflix’s need to lure big filmmakers, whether Johnny Depp’s comeback will work, why Meghan and Harry’s failed in Hollywood, worries that L.A. could become the next Detroit, and Matt's and Craig’s most awkward celebrity interactions. Host: Matt Belloni Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 26 Emmy Awards, including OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES. Nominated for 7 Emmy Awards, ALL HER FAULT is…
19 Aug 2026 · 36 min

The Business Secrets Behind the ‘Love Island’ Juggernaut

Matt is joined by David George, the CEO of ITV America, to dive into the massive success of 'Love Island,' how it became one of the biggest brands in unscripted TV, why they sold the show to Peacock, the market for selling reality shows nowadays, how much the show is really worth, sharing Fiji hotels with ‘Survivor,’ and more (02:31). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for 'Insidious: Out of the Further' (30:36). Host: Matt Belloni Gust: David George Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 26 Emmy…
17 Aug 2026 · 40 min

What Will It Take to End the Paramount–Warner Bros. Standoff?

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss Paramount’s threat to leave California if it doesn’t get a settlement, the discourse’s effect on David Ellison’s ability to get a deal done, how an extended delay could negatively impact Hollywood, and what needs to happen to get this deal done (02:01). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about a new Disneyland attraction (31:57). Host: Matt Belloni Gust: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 26 Emmy Awards, including OUTSTANDING DRAMA SERIES. For more…
13 Aug 2026 · 38 min

Where Have All the Action Heroes Gone? With 'John Wick' Producer Basil Iwanyk

Matt is joined by producer Basil Iwanyk (John Wick, The Town, Sicario, The Expendables) to discuss the struggling state of the action movie market in America, why most studios have abandoned the original action movie business, casting an action star, and more (02:28). Matt finishes the show with an opening weekend box office prediction for ‘The End of Oak Street’ (32:05). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Basil Iwanyk Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 25 Emmy Awards, including OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES. Taylor Swift | The Eras Tour |…
12 Aug 2026 · 40 min

Why Can’t We Build More IMAX Theaters? With CEO Rich Gelfond

Matt is joined by IMAX CEO Rich Gelfond to discuss the massive summer at the box office, 'The Odyssey' being the highest grossing IMAX movie of all time, IMAX being openly for sale, why there aren't more true 70mm IMAX theaters, if there will be more, Infinity Vision, the cost of shooting a movie entirely in IMAX, and more (02:12). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about whether or not Paramount would move its headquarters out of California (31:46). Host: Matt Belloni Gust: Rich Gelfond Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated…
10 Aug 2026 · 37 min

Fox Stands Up to the NFL, a Big Change to TV Ownership, and Ellison Commits to 30 Movies

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to discuss why Fox is refusing to renegotiate their media rights deal with the NFL until their current deal expires after the 2029 season, the impact of the FCC repealing the local television ownership cap, and David Ellison’s contractual pledge with theater owners to release at least 30 movies per year under WarnerMount (02:30). We finish the show by announcing a slate of live events for The Town this fall (31:18). Host: Matt Belloni Gust: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Get your…
7 Aug 2026 · 31 min

The Case for Disney Exiting the Streaming Wars

Matt is joined by Wells Fargo analyst Steven Cahall to make the case for why Disney should exit the streaming business and focus only on producing and licensing its content. Steven digs into why Disney is well-positioned to leave streaming, the strength of its IP, and what Disney CEO Josh D’Amaro had to say about Steven’s idea (02:24). Matt finishes the show with another weekend box office prediction for ‘Spider-Man: Brand New Day’ (24:13). Host: Matt Belloni Gust: Steven Cahall Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 25 Emmy…
5 Aug 2026 · 37 min

Can the Paramount-WBD Merger Survive a Trial, Midterms, and a $650 Million Clock?

Matt is joined by Puck’s Eriq Gardner to discuss the March 2027 trial date that has been set for the Paramount–Warner Bros. Discovery antitrust case and what it means for the likelihood of this merger going through. They highlight the $650 million per quarter ticking fee Paramount has to pay in the meantime, how the November midterm elections could play a factor, who has the best leverage, whether Netflix could end up back in the mix, David Ellison’s New York Times column, and the other major legal issues at play (02:03). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about Season 4 of 'Ted Lasso'…
3 Aug 2026 · 38 min

Why Spider-Man Broke Records, and Why Peacock Partnered With YouTube

Matt is joined by Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw to catch up with the biggest news around town, including a record-breaking opening weekend for 'Spider-Man: Brand New Day,' WarnerMount trial-date jockeying, and YouTube’s new deal with Peacock (02:24). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about a ‘Barbie’ sequel (31:03). Host: Matt Belloni Gust: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo Nominated for 25 Emmy Awards, including OUTSTANDING COMEDY SERIES. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
28 Jul 2026 · 32 min

The Future Blockbusters Draft, Part 2

Matt and Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw finish The Town’s first Future Blockbusters Draft by filling the remaining five slots on their teams (01:12). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo This episode is brought to you by AMC+. Start your free trial today at join.amcplus.com This episode is brought to you by Accenture. https://Accenture.com/Spotify Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
27 Jul 2026 · 34 min

The Future Blockbusters Draft: The Directors, Actors, and IP That Will Define the Next Decade

Matt and Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw put on their studio chief hats and conduct the first Future Blockbusters Draft. In Part 1, they draft five elements (director, actor, or IP) they believe will define the box office for the next 10 years (00:34). Matt finishes the show with a prediction about the Paramount–Warner Bros. merger (24:18). Host: Matt Belloni Guest: Lucas Shaw Producers: Craig Horlbeck, Jessie Lopez, and Stefano Sanchez Theme Song: Devon Renaldo This episode is brought to you by AMC+. Start your free trial today at join.amcplus.com This episode is brought to you by Accenture.…

About The Town with Matthew Belloni

The Town with Matthew Belloni is a English society & culture podcast from The Ringer. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.

Publisher: The Ringer
Language: English
Category: Society & Culture
New episodes: Several times a week
Typical length: 38 min
Latest episode: 8 Oct 2026
Feed: RSS — paste into any podcast app
Apple Podcasts: podcasts.apple.com/podcast/id1612131897

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