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Temple of Geek Podcast hosts Suhaila and Maria provided an in-depth review of Apple TV+’s “The Studio”. The show, which stars Seth Rogen along with numerous guest stars, has been praised for its meta-commentary on the entertainment industry.
Described as a very good show by our hosts, “The Studio” is a quality original idea. The series has intricate storytelling, film callbacks, and meta-moments. Both hosts agreed that the series is a solid show that appeals to those who love movies and shows. It feels made for those who have some insight into the industry, while also being entertaining and easy to understand for newcomers. The performances were highly praised, and the show’s ability to spark conversation and even predict industry trends was noted.
Temple of Geek Podcast Apple TV+’s “The Studio”
Suhaila (Su’s Theories) and Maria (Maria Watches Everything) offer a comprehensive breakdown of Apple TV+’s hit show, “The Studio.” They explore the series’ satirical take on Hollywood, the pressures faced by studio executives, and the ever-evolving landscape of film and television.
Art vs. Commerce Called Out
The podcast extensively discussed the show’s central theme: the tension between artistic integrity and commercial viability in Hollywood. Matt Remick (Seth Rogen), the newly appointed head of Continental Studios, struggles to balance his artistic aspirations with the demands of corporate overlords and the pursuit of making profitable films. The hosts highlighted how the industry often views studios as “money guys” who can be detrimental to art, even when individuals within the studio genuinely care about creative endeavors.
The Influence of IP
The show critiques Hollywood’s increasing reliance on established intellectual property (IP) due to its low risk and guaranteed brand awareness. The example of Matt Remick having to develop a movie based on Kool-Aid, despite his desire to create art, perfectly illustrates this point. Maria pointed out the irony of this, noting that even successful IP-driven films like Barbie are essentially “glorified ads”. The hosts drew parallels to real-world examples, such as the Hershey’s movie and numerous remakes, emphasizing how studios prioritize financial returns over artistic risk-taking.
Industry Pressures and Realities
“The Studio” vividly portrays the high-stakes and stressful nature of the entertainment industry. It challenges the glamorous perception often associated with it. Suhaila and Maria discuss the pressure on shows having to be immediate hits. Hinting at the shorter attention spans of audiences and the impact of streaming services on traditional revenue models.
Representation and Diversity (DEI)
The episode “The Casting” was singled out as one of the most important episodes for its critical examination of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) in Hollywood. The hosts praised the show for accurately depicting how often diversity is an “afterthought” in production, leading to cringeworthy attempts at political correctness by predominantly white decision-makers. The discussion highlighted the importance of having diverse voices in the room from the very beginning of the creative process to ensure authentic representation. The episode “The Casting” was praised for its crucial commentary on DEI in Hollywood.
AI in Art
The podcast also delved into the show’s commentary on the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in the arts. The hosts, drawing on their STEM backgrounds, differentiated between AI’s beneficial applications in fields like medicine and its detrimental use in replacing human artists in creative industries. They argued that AI, as currently utilized in art, is a “shortcut” that steals from artists and lacks genuine intelligence, ultimately devaluing the artistic process.
Notable Episodes and Cameos
“The Promotion” (Episode 1)
This episode introduces Matt Remick and the pressure to create a “banging idea of a movie” for the Kool-Aid IP. It features a memorable cameo by Martin Scorsese, who pitches a film about the Jonestown cult massacre (which famously involved Kool-Aid), creating a meta-commentary on artistic integrity versus brand image. Charlize Theron also makes a brief appearance.
“The One-er”
This episode was a strong contender for favorite. Particularly for its meta-narrative, as the entire episode is presented as a single, continuous take (a “one-er”) and utilizes “bookends” in its storytelling. It highlights Matt’s struggle to be seen as an artist while inadvertently disrupting the filmmaking process.
Finale (CinemaCon Presentation)
The last two episodes were praised for their comedic chaos and high stakes. The plot revolves around the studio team needing to deliver a successful presentation at CinemaCon to prevent their parent company from selling Continental Studios to Amazon. The hosts appreciated the show’s accurate portrayal of such industry events and the ironic callback to Amazon being a potential buyer. Ted Sarandos (Netflix CEO) also makes a notable cameo, showcasing the contrasting approaches of different studio heads.
“The War” and “Pediatric Oncologist”
While “The War” was appreciated for its comedic escalation, “Pediatric Oncologist” was considered the weaker episode. Though it sparked an important conversation about the societal value of STEM versus art.
Join The Conversation! What’s your review?
“The Studio” is a pretty solid show that masterfully blends meta-commentary, humor, and insightful critique of the entertainment industry. Its willingness to “call out the industry” and expose its inner workings was highly appreciated. The series has been renewed for a second season, and both hosts are excited for its continuation and further exploration of industry topics.
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Temple Of Geek Podcast
Since 2012, the Temple of Geek Podcast has enthusiastically explored the world of geek culture! Join us on our weekly adventures, discussing their passions and fandoms.
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