David Ellison’s Delusional Stab at Self-Justification David Ellison’s Delusional Stab at Self-Justification
While the Skydance–Warner Bros. merger is in legal limbo, the CEO seeking to pull it off makes a disingenuous case for it in the court of public opinion.
Aug 10, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
Why Amazon Ditched Its Prestige Sam Altman Biopic Why Amazon Ditched Its Prestige Sam Altman Biopic
Artificial had a roster of premier talent and a topical subject—but it no longer fit in with Jeff Bezos’s financial ambitions.
Jun 29, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
The Curious Case of the Nadav Lapid Boycott Campaign The Curious Case of the Nadav Lapid Boycott Campaign
In seeking to punish artists for ties to Israeli organizations, are boycotters choosing the right targets?
Jun 15, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
What’s Behind the Corporate Pillaging of “60 Minutes” What’s Behind the Corporate Pillaging of “60 Minutes”
By firing veteran correspondent Scott Pelley, the leaders of CBS News have elevated toadying over truth-telling.
Jun 5, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
Why Losing Colbert Hurts So Much Why Losing Colbert Hurts So Much
Trump would have all his comedian critics fired if he could. But Colbert represents a particular loss.
May 22, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
How Netflix Cashes In on the Comedy Culture Wars How Netflix Cashes In on the Comedy Culture Wars
The streamer managed to make a celebrity roast for the innocuous comedian Kevin Hart into an ideological free-fire zone—another sign of the Trumpification of pop culture.
May 15, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
Why Barbara Kopple’s Labor Films Remain As Urgent as Ever Why Barbara Kopple’s Labor Films Remain As Urgent as Ever
As her Oscar-winning labor documentaries return to theaters, Kopple reflects on union-busting, gig work, and her latest film on unions.
May 1, 2026 / Q&A / Ben Schwartz
Waging a Culture War by Promoting Comedic Mediocrity Waging a Culture War by Promoting Comedic Mediocrity
The Ellison family, poised to continue dominating the media landscape with its Warner deal, signs on an infomercial-grade comic to replace Stephen Colbert.
Apr 8, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
The Trump White House’s Vision of War as Nihilist Entertainment The Trump White House’s Vision of War as Nihilist Entertainment
In a new X post building on an earlier Hollywood action-clip montage, the White House tries to render the horrors of war as a Wii game.
Mar 13, 2026 / Ben Schwartz
How Jane Fonda Is Rethinking the Hollywood Resistance How Jane Fonda Is Rethinking the Hollywood Resistance
The actress’s revived Committee for the First Amendment is taking aim at industry mergers as well as threats to the freedom of expression.
Mar 11, 2026 / Ben Schwartz