The Prestige TV Podcast: ‘The Studio’ Series Premiere – What Seth Rogen’s Hollywood Satire Gets Right (And Wrong)
Release Date: March 26, 2025
Introduction to 'The Studio'
In the premiere episode of The Prestige TV Podcast, hosts Bill Simmons, Chris Ryan, and guest Snoop Dogg delve into the newly released series 'The Studio', a Hollywood satire crafted by Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg. The discussion centers on the show's strengths, shortcomings, and its place within the landscape of television satires about the entertainment industry.
Show Premise and Inspirations
Chris Ryan introduces 'The Studio' as a contemporary spin on 'The Player', a 1990s film by Robert Altman that offers a behind-the-scenes look at Hollywood's executive side. Ryan emphasizes that 'The Studio' maintains a similar critique of the industry's moral compromises and creative struggles, rendered through a comedic lens.
Chris Ryan [02:00]: "It's a contemporary spin on 'The Player,' a movie we covered on the Rewatchables, about people who work in Hollywood, particularly on the executive side, and what they allow to happen and not happen on their watch."
Characters and Performances
Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, a high-level development executive grappling with the transition of taking over a legendary studio head's position. Bryan Cranston joins the cast as Griffin Mill, a character reminiscent of Tim Robbins' role in 'The Player'. Catherine O'Hara appears as Patty Harris, a marketing executive based on real-life figure Amy Pascal.
Bill Simmons [03:19]: "I loved it. I had the same feeling as Snoop."
Snoop Dogg praises Rogen's performance, noting his ability to infuse Matt with genuine passion for cinema despite his shortcomings.
Snoop Dogg [16:43]: "I thought Rogan was really good. And I've always liked him in things like this."
Technical Excellence and Aesthetic Choices
The hosts commend 'The Studio' for its high production values, particularly its camera work, kinetic score, and meticulous costuming. Chris Ryan highlights the seamless, roving camera that follows Matt, creating an immersive viewing experience.
Chris Ryan [08:00]: "From a formal technical perspective, this is one of the best looking and best made TV shows I've ever seen."
Bill Simmons adds that the show's aesthetic choices, such as the 70s-inspired wardrobe and mid-century modern architecture, contribute to its unique feel.
Bill Simmons [10:43]: "They're dressed how people dress, but there's also this out-of-time element to the way they're dressing because they're so aspirationally trying to do 70s Hollywood."
Comparisons to Past Satires
The conversation draws parallels between 'The Studio' and previous works like 'Extras', 'Tropic Thunder', and 'The Larry Sanders Show'. The hosts discuss how 'The Studio' continues the tradition of satirizing Hollywood executives, albeit with a more bombastic and frenetic approach compared to the subtlety of earlier shows.
Snoop Dogg [44:50]: "It's a slightly more elevated Les Grossman Tropic Thunder."
Character Dynamics and Development
A significant portion of the discussion focuses on Matt Remick's character development. While Matt is portrayed as an earnest yet bumbling executive, the hosts debate his likability and whether he serves as a traditional antihero or a more sympathetic underdog.
Bill Simmons [44:02]: "I find Matt likable. And I think it's because people are constantly, like making fun of him and putting him down, that he's just got this underdog spirit to him."
However, Snoop Dogg expresses concerns over Matt's potential lack of depth and the show's reliance on over-the-top character portrayals.
Snoop Dogg [49:50]: "Is he fucking his assistant? Like, what’s going on with him?"
Accessibility and Audience Appeal
The hosts debate whether 'The Studio' will resonate beyond industry insiders. Bill Simmons doubts its broad popularity, suggesting that the show's layered references and insider jokes might alienate general audiences.
Bill Simmons [05:20]: "I don't think this is going to be a broadly popular show, but I think it's going to be a show that everyone who likes to talk about film and television wants to talk about."
Conversely, Chris Ryan points out that the show's technical prowess and engaging storytelling might attract viewers who appreciate high-quality television, even if they aren't industry experts.
Chris Ryan [09:33]: "From a formal technical perspective, this is one of the best looking and best made TV shows I've ever seen."
Celebrity Cameos and Realism
Celebrity appearances, such as Ron Howard and Olivia Wilde playing themselves, are discussed in terms of their impact on the show's authenticity and entertainment value. While some guests feel these cameos enhance the satire, others question their necessity and execution.
Snoop Dogg [43:15]: "I didn't think he was good. I didn't think he was good either, but Chris really liked episode three."
Industry Insights and Real-World Parallels
The conversation often ties the show's themes to real-world Hollywood dynamics, including the shift towards tech-driven studios and the influence of streaming platforms. The hosts speculate on how 'The Studio' addresses current industry challenges, such as intellectual property (IP) management and the impact of corporate decisions on creativity.
Bill Simmons [28:35]: "But can you make a show about the horrors of a white work, white walled workplace if you're at Apple? That's what severance is."
Future Expectations and Season Outlook
Looking ahead, the hosts express curiosity about the show's narrative direction, hoping for deeper character arcs and more nuanced storytelling. They also anticipate how the series will handle ongoing plot elements like the development of the "Kool Aid" movie within the show's universe.
Bill Simmons [35:15]: "I think it's brilliant inside of this."
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
Concluding the episode, the hosts affirm their overall positive impression of 'The Studio', despite some reservations about its accessibility and character portrayals. They express excitement for future episodes and the potential evolution of the show's satire on Hollywood.
Snoop Dogg [52:12]: "The studio. You can find it on Apple. Great TV stretch right now. Best we've had in a long time."
Notable Quotes:
- Chris Ryan [02:00]: "It's a contemporary spin on 'The Player,' a movie we covered on the Rewatchables, about people who work in Hollywood, particularly on the executive side, and what they allow to happen and not happen on their watch."
- Snoop Dogg [44:50]: "It's a slightly more elevated Les Grossman Tropic Thunder."
- Bill Simmons [44:02]: "I find Matt likable. And I think it's because people are constantly, like making fun of him and putting him down, that he's just got this underdog spirit to him."
Final Recommendation
The Prestige TV Podcast provides an insightful and engaging analysis of 'The Studio', offering listeners a comprehensive understanding of the show's intricacies and its commentary on Hollywood. Whether you're a seasoned industry insider or a casual viewer, this episode delivers valuable perspectives on Seth Rogen's latest foray into television satire.