The Breakfast Club
Episode: Things Are Getting Streaming
Date: December 18, 2025
Host(s): DJ Envy, Jess Hilarious, Charlamagne Tha God, Lauren LaRosa (segment host)
Overview
This episode dives into the rapidly changing landscape of television and content consumption, focusing on major shifts in the streaming world. Lauren LaRosa unpacks breaking news about the Oscars moving exclusively to YouTube starting in 2029, examines what this means for the entertainment industry, and celebrates The Breakfast Club’s move to Netflix—among other impactful podcast signings. Lauren shares personal insights on these transitions, reflecting on what streaming dominance means for creators, studios, and audiences.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. The Decline of Traditional Cable TV
- Personal Shifts: Lauren opens by reflecting on how she, like many, hasn’t paid for traditional cable TV in years, instead using streaming services for all her viewing.
- “I can't even remember...the last time I paid...an actual cable provider.” [05:11]
- Audience Engagement: She encourages listeners to weigh in on how they consume TV now, highlighting a near-total move away from cable among her peers and fans.
2. The Oscars’ Move to YouTube (2029)
- Major Industry News: The Oscars, broadcast on ABC since 1976, will move exclusively to YouTube starting in 2029, including all ceremony-adjacent content (red carpet, Governor’s Awards, nominations, etc.).
- “In the news that will send shock waves across the entertainment industry, the Oscar Ceremony...will be moving to YouTube starting in 2029.” [07:14]
- Global Reach: The event will be free and accessible to over 2 billion people worldwide on YouTube and U.S. YouTube TV.
- "The big shift is that after the 100th edition in 2028, the Oscars will be available live and for free...to over 2 billion people..." [09:12]
- Industry Significance: Lauren sees this as overdue but inevitable, noting that Hollywood’s old guard has been slow to embrace digital, while social platforms already host live award show streams.
3. Studio Competition & The Power Shift
- Studio Concerns: Traditional studios (Paramount, Warner Bros., etc.) fear loss of relevance as streaming platforms (Netflix, YouTube) gain power, with streaming platforms able to build their own production arms.
- “A Netflix or Paramount picking up...Warner Bros, it almost kills the studios because you don’t need the big Hollywood studios...” [12:39]
- Analogy to Fast Fashion: Lauren likens the change to designer clothing vs. fast fashion—legacy brands feel pressure to keep up with faster, mass-market producers.
- “It’s almost like if you’re a clothing designer...you don’t ever want to lean into fast fashion...But then you have companies like Shein or Fashion Nova running circles around you.” [15:39]
4. Opportunities for Creators & Content Evolution
- Wider Accessibility: Lauren views this shift as positive for creators, especially independent and Black creators. Social media and streaming services offer unprecedented opportunity.
- “This is the best time if you are the new generation of content creator... Just turn on your phone, upload and have a platform.” [19:40]
- Advice for Creators: She urges listeners to stop over-thinking and start creating, as the new ecosystem is open to all who can adapt and produce.
- Industry Democratization: The move to streaming decentralizes power, creating opportunities for “anybody who can do it well, consistently.”
5. The Breakfast Club & Podcasts Partner with Netflix
- Big Partnership: The Breakfast Club (alongside top podcasts like My Favorite Murder, Bobby Cast, and Chelsea Handler’s) is set to debut on Netflix as part of a massive podcast streamer expansion.
- “Congratulations to The Breakfast Club...and all these podcasts...With Netflix coming in as a partner...there’s no turning back at this point.” [21:26]
- True Crime Boom: Lauren remarks on the wild popularity of true crime podcasts, emphasizing how genre trends shape the industry.
6. The Digital Generation’s Advantage
- Personal Reflection: Lauren notes her “internet baby” generation is uniquely equipped to lead, having witnessed the rise of each tech platform—from MySpace to TikTok.
- “It’s so easy to predict where things are going...We’ve seen this evolution. Some people are just late to throwing in the full towel.” [20:06]
- Historic Perspective: The disruptive effect of digital on legacy entertainment (e.g. Oscars’ slow adaptation, writer strikes’ impact on creator livelihoods) underlines an irreversible transformation.
7. Final Takeaways – Embrace Change, Create Opportunity
- Silver Lining: The shrinking of traditional teams and doors shutting in big studio worlds means new doors open for digital-first talent.
- “There’s really, really big opportunity...if you do it consistently, there’s...big room for growth and partnership.” [22:58]
- Optimism for the Future: Lauren expresses excitement about the possibilities and encourages listeners—especially young or digitally savvy creatives—to build their positions and “let them come.”
- “Whenever we see shifts like this, there’s two things you can do: fight it, or figure out your positioning, build it—and let them come.” [23:19]
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
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“Oscars moving to YouTube...that’s a duh thing. But I do know that there were like small things happening...because you could watch the majority of these awards on social already.” – Lauren LaRosa [08:47]
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“If you are not streaming something somewhere digitally at this point, you’re burnt out...Like, we are miles ahead of you.” – Lauren LaRosa [09:50]
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“As regal and regarded as old Hollywood wants to remain...they can’t fight what’s happening. They’re already behind in trying to do things any other way.” – Lauren LaRosa [13:44]
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“This is the best time if you are the new generation of content creator...Just upload and have a platform.” – Lauren LaRosa [19:40]
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“True crime podcasts – the genre kills it...take me through there, where we going to? Eat it up, eat it up.” – Lauren LaRosa [17:21]
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“Congratulations to The Breakfast Club, heading on over to Netflix...I guess we’ll be seeing y’all at the Oscars on YouTube too.” – Lauren LaRosa [24:05]
Key Timestamps for Important Segments
- 05:11 – Lauren reflects on ditching cable TV for streaming
- 07:14 – Breaking: Oscars move to YouTube in 2029 explained
- 09:12 – What the YouTube deal includes; global, free access
- 12:39 – Studio anxieties as streaming giants gain power
- 13:44 – Hollywood as “old guard” holding on, but forced to change
- 15:39 – Fast fashion analogy: legacy versus disruption
- 17:21 – The popularity and impact of true crime podcasts
- 19:40 – Optimism for digital creators and the new streaming ecosystem
- 21:26 – Details on The Breakfast Club and “podcast to Netflix” partnership
- 22:58 – Silver lining: opportunity for consistent creators
- 23:19 – Embracing change as the way to succeed
Tone & Style
Lauren LaRosa keeps the tone lively, conversational, and empowering—addressing her audience directly (“y’all,” “let me know,” “get with it or get lost”). She mixes personal anecdotes, pop-culture references, and industry analysis with optimism and a dose of tough love for legacy media.
Summary
“Things Are Getting Streaming” is an incisive, upbeat look at tectonic shifts in how content is made, distributed, and consumed in the digital age. Lauren LaRosa walks listeners through the collapse of cable dominance, the Oscars’ historic platform move, and new horizons for podcasters. She highlights the opportunity these changes bring for young and diverse creators—reminding listeners to embrace the future, create fearlessly, and get “ahead of the game.”