Downstream

By Relay FM

What's Downstream about?

Julia Alexander and Jason Snell break down the business of binge-watching in the era of the Streaming Wars. Hosted by Jason Snell.

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Downstream episodes:

06.15.2024
71: Mountain of Mishegas
Vulture's Josef Adalian joins Jason to discuss the fate of Paramount after the latest deal has fallen through, Warner Bros. Discovery moves to plan B on sports rights, and Joe walks us through his Vulture streamer rankings. This episode of...
05.30.2024
70: They Stole Your Brain
Other strategies for WBD if it loses the NBA, we answer a bumper crop of listener letters, and Julia has some big career news. [Downstream+ subscribers also get to hear us discuss Netflix potential sports futures and the changing face...
05.18.2024
69: Pay the Gatekeeper
Why the "great rebundling" isn't the return of the cable bundle; recalibrating how talent is paid for streaming shows; Paramount twists in the wind; Spulu gets a real name; the NFL makes a deal with Netflix; and Diamond Sports meets...
05.03.2024
68: Gentle Hum
We revisit the philosophy of binge drops versus weekly releases--because it's complicated. [Downstream+ members also get to hear us discuss the future of Paramount, complicated NBA rights negotiations, and more RSN drama.] Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and...
04.18.2024
67: Paramount, Peacock, Peas in a Pod
Is this phase of the streaming wars reaching an endgame? We discuss the fates of Peacock and Paramount+, and consider Max after a year under its new name. Also, we share more listener streaming suggestions! Links and Show Notes: ...
04.04.2024
66: What We Want Hasn't Changed
Is it time for a Disney pep talk? We discuss what's working and not working, and how Disney's ready for streaming success if it's willing to change. Plus, streaming advice! [For Downstream+ subscribers only: Disney/Apple bundling and Baseball streaming.] This...
03.28.2024
65: More Serotonin
Lots of Disney this time! We talk Disney's big succession question, Taylor Swift's Disney+ numbers, and Disney's deal in India. Also, a quick Sports Corner on NFL streaming rights, Spulu, and ESPN as a streaming aggregator. This episode of Downstream...
03.06.2024
64: Still Do Everything
Someone new is in charge of Netflix's film output, which lets us ponder the company's past and future film strategy. [Downstream+ members get: Max's new Harry Potter approach, and lessons we could learn from The CW's mid-budget approach to superhero...
02.23.2024
63: Everyone Loves a Bundle
Fallout from the "Spulu" announcement from Disney, Fox, and WBD continues; picking apart HBO's "Last Week Tonight" YouTube strategy; and what does Peacock have in common with the New York Jets? This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Good Chop:...
02.09.2024
62: Spulu
Disney, Fox, and WBD come together to create a sports streaming joint venture, but what does it all mean? [Downstream+ subscribers also get to hear us discuss Disney's Epic investment, Sports Corner updates, and the most streamed originals of last...
01.18.2024
61: A Collector of Sports
Subtitle: Sports PentagonAfter some Apple Vision Pro opinions, it's time for a veritable Sports Pentagon of topics, including: Regional sports streaming alliances, the NFL cozying up to ESPN, Amazon cozying up to Diamond Sports, and the value of Peacock's streamed...
12.29.2023
60: You Heard It Here First
The fate of Paramount Global hangs in the balance, and our favorites of the year. [Downstream+ subscribers get an extra half hour, including RSN collapses and potential streaming solutions, and our predictions for 2024.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored...
12.14.2023
59: Netflix's Spreadsheet
It's finally happened: Netflix has made its viewing data public... via an Excel spreadsheet? Also: Disney+ and Hulu get connected in the U.S., it might be the endgame for Paramount Global, and your letters! Links and Show Notes: Get...
12.01.2023
58: Christmas Is the Franchise
The holiday season is peak streaming season, too! We discuss the seasonal opportunities for streamers, plus: letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Amazon's Black Friday NFL experiment, YouTube & Sunday Ticket, and the coming sports/RSN implosion.] This episode of Downstream is...
11.17.2023
57: Challenging! But Fun
Disney's going to own all of Hulu. Does this uniquely position them to be the most legitimate challenger to Netflix? We also discuss the power of platforms, Apple's "Napoleon" opportunity, and Disney's Marvel experimentation. This episode of Downstream is sponsored...
11.02.2023
56: "The Crown" Presented By Crown Royal
Netflix adapts to selling ads, and your letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also got: Apple TV+ cancelling Jon Stewart and raising prices, YouTube's news challenge and the value of YouTube culture, and Jason Kilar's big idea.] This episode of Downstream is sponsored...
10.20.2023
55: It's Netflix 2013 again
Netflix (which is still top dog) reports results and makes price hikes. Also: Disney+'s value proposition, the complexity of selling ads for streaming, Marvel discovers TV, and your letters. This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Memberful: Best-in-class membership...
10.06.2023
54: NIRP
The WGA strike is over, so what does it mean? Also, your letters! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Don't blame the writers for the end of Peak TV, Max gets interesting, Amazon adds ads, and Disney ♥️ Charter.] This episode of...
09.21.2023
53: I'm Living With a Criminal
We break down the arrival of Mark Thompson as CNN's new boss. Also, there's a mega letters segment! [This episode was recorded September 7. See you in two weeks!] This episode of Downstream is sponsored by: Electric: Unbury yourself from...
09.07.2023
52: Defying Gravity
Does the battle between Disney and Charter augur the end of the cable business model as we know it? Is the entertainment industry going bankrupt slowly, then all at once? It's time for an all-Sports Corner episode of Downstream! This...
08.25.2023
51: Cool, Man, But What Happened After?
The CNN streaming era re-begins--and we're still trying to figure out how TV news adapts to the streaming era. Also: Netflix makes a franchise bet on Zach Snyder, but is it shooting itself in the foot? And are streaming sports...
08.11.2023
50: Platform Chess
Disney alters the deal--pray they don't alter it further. But is Disney suffering from franchise fatigue, and is aggressively bunding Hulu with Disney+ the solution? Also: Jason's sad about Apple's failed college football deal. This episode of Downstream is sponsored...
07.28.2023
49: Selling Shovels
Did Netflix lure the rest of the streaming industry into quicksand? We explore the difference between being an entertainment retailer and wholesaler. Then it's time to talk about the man, the legend, the human topic: Disney's Bob Iger. This episode...
07.12.2023
48: "The Bear" Is Not a Comedy
In a tale as old as time, we try and fail to understand the Emmy Awards. Also: Breaking down Netflix's new ratings math. Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Netflix’s New Math...
06.30.2023
47: My Phantom Limb
CNN rises to the top of the conversation again, Netflix gets the ball back, Paramount sells some crown jewels, Sports Corner travels to Utah, and we answer four listener letters! Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss...
06.16.2023
46: The Chris Licht Conundrum
The head of CNN is out, but the larger issue is: what's the future of TV news in the age of streaming? Links and Show Notes: Get Downstream+ and don't miss a segment! Submit Feedback Zaz’s CNN Streaming Conundrum...
06.01.2023
45: I Wasn't Surprised
Subtitle: Introducing Downstream+The Max launch and prioritizing tech stacks; Netflix's ad viewers and the future of ad-free streaming; and in Sports Corner the regional sports network collapse has begun. Also, we announce our own plus--Downstream+! Links and Show Notes: ...
05.19.2023
44: Max Headroom Made a Fortune
Julia's back at last, so we blast through discussing HBO Max becoming Max, Hulu going inside the Disney+ app, the WGA's "streaming strike", the NFL's Peacock playoff game, and ESPN plotting its inevitable over-the-top service. Links and Show Notes: ...
05.02.2023
43: The Two-Episode Test
Jason's former co-host from another TV podcast, Tim Goodman, drops by to discuss his decision to be a TV writer at the very end of the Peak TV era, the challenges of TV criticism, and his return to writing about...
04.18.2023
42: The Sitcom-Industrial Complex
Sitcoms are one of the most popular genres of television, yet streaming services tend to do better repurposing someone else's catalog rather than creating their own. What's behind this trend, and what will the future hold? Links and Show Notes:...
04.03.2023
41: I've Never Heard of This Movie
Marvel hits the brakes, Apple embraces theatrical releases, Netflix can make anything a hit, two combat sports combine forces, and Major League Baseball keeps fans confused about when you're allowed to watch a ballgame. Links and Show Notes: Support...
03.21.2023
40: The Reckoning
HBO has another hit, Jason Kilar has some advice for Bob Iger about the future of Hulu, and Sports Corner returns to discuss the ongoing saga of regional sports networks bankruptcies and the future of streaming sports. Links and Show...
03.07.2023
39: Renancelled
Jason returns from New Zealand as a better wizard, just in time for Zaz to announce new "Lord of the Rings" films. Has it been done, or can you not keep a good Hobbit down? Also, Netflix explores lower prices,...
02.21.2023
38: Aggressively Fine
Susan Wojcicki steps down as YouTube CEO, what will her legacy be? Ant-Man performs well at the box office, but do reviews indicate 'Marvel Fatigue'? And guest-host Myke Hurley quizzes Julia on why he has to wait for shows to...
02.09.2023
37: ESPN Minus
Disney's first financial results of the Iger II era make us consider the future of Hulu and ESPN. Discovery+ pulls a fast one, Showtime can't dodge its fate, Peacock looks surprisingly robust, and Netflix's password crackdown is stuff you already...
01.25.2023
36: Commercial Inception
Netflix shows Disney how CEO transitions happen, as Reed Hastings is elevated to chairmanship and Greg Peters becomes co-CEO. Julia has analysis of Netflix's earnings report, we discuss streaming Oscar nominees, and we answer your amazing letters! This episode of...
01.10.2023
35: Streaming Scrooge
It's a new year, so it's time to consider the lessons of 2022 and make some predictions for streaming trends in 2023. Plus: was "Glass Onion" a success for Netflix? Is your next workout coming from Netflix? And to Julia's...
12.27.2022
34: Rating The Pluses
In a very special (and silly) end-of-year episode, Julia and Jason create tier lists for everything with a plus. Happy new year! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback
12.13.2022
33: So Thirsty for Content
What's the point of HBO Max if it doesn't have all the HBO shows on it? Julia ponders the strange goings on at HBO and WarnerMedia. We also discuss Jason Kilar's predictions for the future of streaming, the BBC, and...
11.29.2022
32: Disney Bobs
Bob Chapek is out and Bob Iger is back in! What does this mean for the future of Disney? We don't have the answers, but we have lots of questions! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay...
11.15.2022
31: Yeah, Disney's Fine
Disney's latest financial results lead us to ponder where we are in the dramatic change from old-school media to the streaming world. Also, Warner Bros. Discovery claims to have all its franchises in order, but that doesn't seem remotely realistic. ...
11.01.2022
30: I'm Fun to Have Drinks With
Peacock pivots, Netflix gets to know itself, "Doctor Who" is on the move, "Andor" teaches some important lessons, and Sports Corner returns! Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream with a Relay FM Membership Submit Feedback Peacock’s ‘Girls5eva’ Renewed for...
10.18.2022
29: Let the Sharks Feast and Fight
Is "Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story" the real winner of this fall's battle between Dragons and Elves? Also: Netflix opens itself up to ratings, Sports Corner covers Apple's negotiations with the NFL, and we discuss the merits of Paramount and...
10.04.2022
28: SimSub
An accidental Sports Corner, understanding Peacock's slow growth, EPIX becomes MGM+, a "House of the Dragon" / "Rings of Power" check-in, Apple's "Luck", Julia and Parrot provide data to creators, and a listener explains Canadian TV quirks. Links and Show...
09.21.2022
27: Sports Corner
Julia's under the weather, so Jason asked our editor, Steven, to join him to talk about Amazon's NFL broadcast, Apple TV+ exclusivity of MLB record-breaking games, the insolvency of Bally Sports, and the mystery of NFL Sunday Ticket. Guest...
09.06.2022
26: Everything Comes With Asterisks
"The Rings of Power" has arrived, but do Amazon's viewing numbers mean anything? Also: Netflix's weird identity crisis, NBC might give up its 10pm time slots, the difficulty of making sitcom hits, and your letters! This episode of Downstream is...
08.25.2022
25: Hot Evil Blondes
We discuss what the House of the Dragon premiere means for HBO, how Netflix judges the success of "The Sandman" and other shows, the business reasons behind Warner Bros. Discovery's cuts, and why Sony is sitting pretty without its own...
08.09.2022
24: Caught in the Middle of an Ocean
The big story in streaming is Warner Bros. Discovery and David Zaslav's cuts, cancellations, and the merger of HBO Max with Discovery+. Julia and Jason break it all down. Links and Show Notes: Edited by Steven Schapansky. Support Downstream with...
07.26.2022
23: The All-Letters Episode
Jason and Julia answer your letters. So many questions! We discuss live TV on Apple channels, merger mania, niche streaming, valuable hot-dog streaming rights, "it's just an eight-hour movie", and tactical release times. Links and Show Notes: Support Downstream...
07.12.2022
22: When Success Isn't Success
How do the creators of TV shows know how well their shows are doing when their streaming services won't share meaningful data? Is the Marvel Cinematic Universe tired, or getting creative? And which streamer ranked tops in Vulture's survey? Links...

What's Downstream about?

Download our free app to listen on your phone

Downstream episodes:

71: Mountain of Mishegas

70: They Stole Your Brain

69: Pay the Gatekeeper

68: Gentle Hum

67: Paramount, Peacock, Peas in a Pod

66: What We Want Hasn't Changed

65: More Serotonin

64: Still Do Everything

63: Everyone Loves a Bundle

62: Spulu

61: A Collector of Sports

60: You Heard It Here First

59: Netflix's Spreadsheet

58: Christmas Is the Franchise

57: Challenging! But Fun

56: "The Crown" Presented By Crown Royal

55: It's Netflix 2013 again

54: NIRP

53: I'm Living With a Criminal

52: Defying Gravity

51: Cool, Man, But What Happened After?

50: Platform Chess

49: Selling Shovels

48: "The Bear" Is Not a Comedy

47: My Phantom Limb

46: The Chris Licht Conundrum

45: I Wasn't Surprised

44: Max Headroom Made a Fortune

43: The Two-Episode Test

42: The Sitcom-Industrial Complex

41: I've Never Heard of This Movie

40: The Reckoning

39: Renancelled

38: Aggressively Fine

37: ESPN Minus

36: Commercial Inception

35: Streaming Scrooge

34: Rating The Pluses

33: So Thirsty for Content

32: Disney Bobs

31: Yeah, Disney's Fine

30: I'm Fun to Have Drinks With

29: Let the Sharks Feast and Fight

28: SimSub

27: Sports Corner

26: Everything Comes With Asterisks

25: Hot Evil Blondes

24: Caught in the Middle of an Ocean

23: The All-Letters Episode

22: When Success Isn't Success

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