108: Darth Vader Versus Ariel

It's time to say goodbye. But before we go, we read some final letters, Steven hides in Sports Corner, and Jason answers a bit of podcast lore. Thank you all for listening to Downstream.

Jeopardy experiments more with streaming (and Jason lost), we reminisce about Netflix history, Paramount+ hugs Pluto, "The Pitt" should brace for franchising, and the sad fate of "Star Trek." And a big announcement!

Sports Corner! Jason and Will discuss Apple and F1, the FCC and "free" TV sports, World Cup issues, and then we make some TV picks. [Downstream+ subscribers also got to hear us talk a lot about baseball!]

We break down the aftermath of the Warner Bros. Discovery sale, including positives for Netflix and questions for Paramount Skydance.

Main Street goes bust, the Super Bowl soars, the Winter Olympics rule, and the Great Rebundling proceeds apace. Plus: our TV picks! [Downstream+ subscribers also get: Big changes at Disney, and the lastest on WBD/Netflix/Paramount.]

It's Super Bowl week and the start of the Olympics, so Will Carroll joins Jason to discuss Peacock's almost-make-or-break moment, streaming fights and wrestling, and the fate of a clutch of Regional Sports Networks and other cable channels.

Netflix and Paramount continue their battle for Warner, why Ted Sarandos might not be the villain he's painted to be, plus letters and TV picks. (Downstream+ listeners also get: YouTube's letter, Oscar noms, Star Search, and Heated Rivalry.)

Jason helps guest Casey Liss figure out what his cord-cutting strategy might be. We also discuss his Callsheet app, touch on the rise of CanCon including "Heated Rivalry," and offer some very nice TV picks.

Tim Goodman pops down the chimney again to reunite with Jason and discuss the Oscars on YouTube, finding balance in the TV review game, the rise of international content, episode deconstructions, "Pluribus," and his top shows of the year.

Bob Iger burnishes his legacy by... making a deal with OpenAI? Also, TV picks and a Listener Letter Challenge! (Downstream+ subscribers also get to hear us talk at length about the potential Netflix purchase of Warner Bros. Discovery.)