Origins with James Andrew Miller: HBO Present, Past, and Future – Episode 1: "Chief"

Introduction

In the inaugural episode of Chapter 7, titled "HBO: Present, Past, and Future," host Jim Miller delves deep into the evolution of one of the television industry's most iconic premium content brands—HBO. Drawing from his extensive research and subsequent interviews beyond his book, “Tinderbox: HBO’s Ruthless Pursuit of New Frontiers,” Miller engages with key figures both inside and outside HBO to uncover the network's journey, its programming philosophy, and the challenges it faces as it approaches its 50th anniversary.

Personal Reflections and HBO's Legacy

Jim Miller opens the episode with a heartfelt reflection on his departure from HBO, sharing the personal toll it took. He recounts the isolation and the abrupt end of his connections within the company:

Jim Miller [00:02]: "No more lunch dates. I didn't have HBO anymore. I was just an old person without a job."

This candid admission sets the tone for an episode that intertwines personal narratives with HBO’s broader corporate story.

Interview with Casey Bloys: Leadership and Vision at HBO

Casey Bloys, HBO’s Chief Content Officer, provides insights into his career trajectory and his role in shaping the network’s content landscape. Bloys emphasizes the importance of focusing on critical reception over traditional Nielsen ratings:

Casey Bloys [02:21]: "It didn't matter to us, really how many people were watching the show. We were selling you a month of something distinctive."

He discusses the strategic decisions behind flagship shows like Veep, Westworld, and Succession, highlighting how these programs not only defined HBO’s brand but also elevated his reputation within the industry. Bloys reflects on the challenges of managing diverse genres—from comedy to high-budget dramas—and the balance between creative freedom and business imperatives.

Carolyn Strauss: The Pillar of HBO’s Creative Success

Carolyn Strauss, a monumental figure in HBO’s history, shares her journey from an assistant to a powerhouse executive. Her influence is evident in her work on groundbreaking series such as Sex and the City, The Sopranos, and Curb Your Enthusiasm. Strauss underscores the significance of quality over quantity in programming:

Carolyn Strauss [02:04]: "Looking at my cell phone and not seeing any calls. I used to come home and there were 50 calls. You know, you don't have the job, you don't have the power, you don't have the muscle. You're zero."

Strauss discusses her collaborative relationship with Chris Albrecht, emphasizing the importance of a unified vision among creatives:

Carolyn Strauss [03:12]: "Some of the most important things in a creative process are when the various parties can look at something and see the same thing. Conflict is great in that, but ultimately, do we know what this is about and are we all together in wanting a certain thing out of it?"

She highlights the culture of trust and mutual respect that HBO fostered, allowing creators the freedom to explore bold and unconventional narratives without micromanagement.

Chris Albrecht: Navigating HBO’s Growth and Challenges

Chris Albrecht, Strauss’s predecessor, provides a historical perspective on HBO’s expansion and the strategic shifts under different leaderships. Albrecht reflects on the transition from Michael Fuchs to Jeff Bewkes:

Chris Albrecht [16:39]: "Jeff was the leader of the team. He’s looking to field the best team and make sure that they can play their best game… It was about empowering the team."

He discusses the delicate balance between maintaining HBO's esteemed reputation and pushing creative boundaries. Albrecht acknowledges the strain that comes with HBO’s success, noting how it can sometimes stifle the very creativity that made the network renowned:

Chris Albrecht [18:08]: "When you start to achieve a kind of notoriety and a reputation that is revered… the fear of people who didn't understand the process started to seep into Carolyn and my psyche."

Albrecht also touches on the impact of major acquisitions, particularly the AT&T takeover, which he describes as a "fundamentally transformative" moment for HBO’s culture and operational dynamics.

Programming Philosophy: Quality Over Quantity

A recurring theme throughout the episode is HBO’s unwavering commitment to quality content. Both Bloys and Strauss emphasize that HBO prioritized distinctive and compelling storytelling over chasing high viewer numbers. This approach not only differentiated HBO from traditional networks but also attracted top-tier talent eager to experiment without the constraints of conventional television metrics.

Casey Bloys [02:49]: "We sold you a month of stuff, all of it pretty distinctive."

This philosophy is evident in the creation of complex characters who are interesting rather than necessarily likable, a departure from network television norms:

Casey Bloys [04:44]: "The whole notion that characters need to be likable is very network television… I kind of push back a little bit. They need to be interesting and compelling."

The Impact of Major Shows

The episode highlights the pivotal role of landmark series in HBO’s ascent:

• Veep: Bloys discusses the show's development and its balancing act between humor and political commentary.

  Casey Bloys [23:48]: "Sometimes I would get notes from people almost stamping out the comedy… but I was like, this should be a funny show."

• Westworld: Bloys recounts his efforts to revive the beleaguered series, emphasizing rebuilding trust between creatives and the network.

  Casey Bloys [24:32]: "I thought, if nothing else, I got to spend as much time as I can on this and try to get it into shape. It was a happy ending."

• Succession: Bloys credits the show for its authentic portrayal of family dynamics and its critical success.

  Casey Bloys [26:37]: "Succession was a family show where their dysfunction reverberates around the globe… It's something you don't see that often."

Challenges and Adaptations

The conversation also delves into the challenges HBO faced, particularly with high expectations set by previous successes. Strauss and Albrecht discuss how the network's reputation sometimes became a double-edged sword, leading to increased pressure and reduced willingness to take creative risks.

Carolyn Strauss [19:08]: "There are days when I think, I'm so glad I'm not operating in those executive hallways nowadays."

Strauss reflects on the acquisition by AT&T, noting its disruptive impact on HBO’s operational culture and the increased workload that came with it. Both Strauss and Albrecht express nostalgia for the pre-acquisition HBO, where a smaller, more focused team could dedicate time and care to fewer projects.

Future Outlook

As HBO navigates its future amidst changing ownership and a competitive streaming landscape, Bloys remains optimistic about the network’s position. He cites HBO’s strong show portfolio and strategic content decisions as key factors ensuring continued success:

Casey Bloys [34:03]: "Between HBO and HBO Max, we dominated the top 10 best shows list… I think we're doing pretty well."

Strauss, now working on projects outside HBO, expresses confidence in the network’s ability to maintain its high standards despite the challenges.

Conclusion

Episode 1: "Chief" of Chapter 7 offers a comprehensive exploration of HBO’s illustrious past, its dynamic present, and the strategic foresight shaping its future. Through candid conversations with influential figures like Casey Bloys, Carolyn Strauss, and Chris Albrecht, Jim Miller paints a vivid picture of HBO’s enduring legacy in premium television. The episode underscores the network’s commitment to quality, creative freedom, and its ability to adapt in an ever-evolving media landscape.

Notable Quotes

• Jim Miller [00:02]: "No more lunch dates. I didn't have HBO anymore. I was just an old person without a job."

• Casey Bloys [02:21]: "We were selling you a month of something distinctive."

• Carolyn Strauss [03:12]: "Do we know what this is about and are we all together in wanting a certain thing out of it?"

• Chris Albrecht [16:39]: "It was about empowering the team."

• Casey Bloys [04:44]: "Characters need to be interesting and compelling."

This summary is based on the first episode of Chapter 7 of the Origins podcast, "HBO: Present, Past, and Future." For more insights and detailed discussions, listeners are encouraged to tune into the full episode.