In 2017, Netflix stuns Hollywood by paying television producer Shonda Rhimes an unprecedented amount of money to develop shows exclusively for the streamer. The move announces Netflix as a true rival to the legacy studios and kicks off the streaming wars. But when the business takes a sudden turn after the pandemic, Netflix is forced to make some key pivots ... Show More
May 2025
Netflix and the Fall of Television | The Mouse Strikes Back | 2
<p>After Netflix poaches Shonda Rimes, one of the most successful television producers on ABC, a Disney-owned network, Disney decides it can’t just sit back and let Netflix keep eating into their market share. Disney CEO Bob Iger decides that Disney is going to launch its ow ... Show More
37m 53s
Jun 2025
Netflix and the Fall of Television | To the Max | 3
<p>After AT&T takes over Time Warner in 2018, the media company decides it's time to enter the streaming wars. They don’t have the brand recognition that Disney has, but they do have HBO, considered the most prestigious cable television on the market. But transforming a ... Show More
44m 31s
Dec 2024
Oprah's Empire | The Oprah Effect | 3
<p>Oprah launches her book club, fights off an entire industry of cattlemen - and becomes a billionaire in the process.</p><p><br></p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletter</p ... Show More
32m 26s
Nov 2024
Oprah's Empire | Taking Control | 2
<p>As The Oprah Winfrey Show goes from strength to strength, Oprah Winfrey starts building her media empire by creating Harpo Productions. </p><p><br></p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wonder ... Show More
33m 17s
Aug 28
Howard Hughes Blows Up Hollywood | Author Jeffrey Richardson explores Howard Hughes’s impact on Hollywood and the American film industry | 5
<p>Author Jeffrey Richardson discusses Howard Hughes’s career in Hollywood, and evaluates how far he changed the American film industry.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewslet ... Show More
39m 58s
Feb 2025
Pioneers and Rivals - Annie Turnbo Malone and Madam C.J. Walker | Crowning Achievements | 4
<p>With successful businesses and vast fortunes at their disposal, Black entrepreneurs Annie Malone and Sarah Walker turn their attention to their legacies.</p><p>Be the first to know about Wondery’s newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wonde ... Show More
33m 16s