Jason Aldean’s Town Without Pity Jason Aldean’s Town Without Pity
The country star’s new single and video cash in on long-running racial resentments.
Aug 1, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Actors Join Writers on Picket Lines to Fight the Studio Oligarchy Actors Join Writers on Picket Lines to Fight the Studio Oligarchy
The two major Hollywood unions are joining forces for the first time in 63 years.
Jul 14, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
The Great Collapsing Culture Bubble The Great Collapsing Culture Bubble
From classic movies to documentaries, the foundations of film culture are under siege from cost-cutting executives.
Jun 29, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Raging Bullshit: Credits and the Hollywood Economy Raging Bullshit: Credits and the Hollywood Economy
The Max streaming platform debuted a credit system that obscures the actual work done by film writers and other creative workers.
Jun 8, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Why Barack Obama’s “Working” Isn’t Quite… Working Why Barack Obama’s “Working” Isn’t Quite… Working
The former president explores what we do all day in a Netflix series that says little about what is to be done.
May 25, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
AI and the Hollywood Writers’ Strike AI and the Hollywood Writers’ Strike
Creative workers are fighting to preserve the human factor in the entertainment industry.
May 8, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
How Woke Bob Hope Got Canceled by the Right How Woke Bob Hope Got Canceled by the Right
The conservative comedian spoke out for gay rights and gun control, and got boycotted and ostracized by friends on the right, including Ronald Reagan.
Apr 14, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Rock Steady: How the Former Oscars Host Spent a Year Plotting His Slap Back Rock Steady: How the Former Oscars Host Spent a Year Plotting His Slap Back
Chris Rock revives the furor over The Slap on the eve of the 2023 Oscars.
Mar 9, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Academy Fight Song: The Politics Behind Andrea Riseborough’s Surprise Oscar Nod Academy Fight Song: The Politics Behind Andrea Riseborough’s Surprise Oscar Nod
Was a viral nomination push another exercise in white privilege?
Feb 24, 2023 / Ben Schwartz
Always That Guy: Bill Maher’s Pliable Right-Wing Brand Always That Guy: Bill Maher’s Pliable Right-Wing Brand
CNN banks on the commentary of an obliging provocateur as it veers rightward.
Feb 6, 2023 / Ben Schwartz