Topic: Hbo

The HBO series "The Pit" is criticized for a storyline involving a 13-year-old with measles-induced pneumonia and potential brain damage. The episode depicts a dramatic conflict between doctors and "anti-vax" parents, culminating in a forced spinal tap. This portrayal is characterized as medical propaganda designed to shame parents who do their own research, contrasting sharply with the "wholesome" era of 1970s television.

The final donation segment includes contributions from the Archduke of Luna and a detailed note about the St. Louis nuclear waste issue. A producer recommended the HBO documentary "Atomic Homefront" and noted that RFK Jr. visited the town to hear from affected residents. The hosts thank all contributors for their "numerology" and support of the show's independent model.

Ronan Farrow's new HBO documentary, "Surveilled," explores the world of commercial spyware, specifically focusing on the Israeli companies NSO Group (Pegasus) and Paragon. The film highlights how this technology is used by governments to target journalists and political dissidents. The discussion notes a potential "spyware war" within the U.S. government regarding which platforms are authorized for use by federal agencies like DHS and ICE.

A Hollywood executive reported that securing a carriage deal for a new cable channel is nearly impossible in the current economic environment. Even a hypothetical channel featuring top-tier talent like Joe Rogan or Megyn Kelly would face rejection due to tightening budgets and the "death knell" of an aging cable demographic. The industry is moving away from adding channels as cord-cutting continues to accelerate.

The history of cable television, originally known as Community Antenna Television (CATV), is discussed. The hosts reflect on how the business model flipped from stations paying for reach to cable operators paying for content, and how they might apply these lessons to a new media venture.

The film industry is undergoing a massive shift as major studios like Warner Bros. move their entire 2021 slate to streaming platforms like HBO Max. "Wonder Woman 1984" earned significantly less in its opening weekend compared to traditional blockbusters, signaling the potential death of the theatrical experience. The hosts argue that movies designed for THX and giant screens lose their impact when watched on home soundbars or mobile phones.

Warner Bros. Discovery has canceled the $90 million "Batgirl" movie, opting for a tax write-off rather than a streaming release. CEO David Zaslav cited a lack of economic viability for high-budget streaming-only films, signaling an end to the era of "free money" in Hollywood.

The New York Times reports a resurgence in the use of psychedelic toad toxins, mirroring 1970s "toad licking" myths. Other cultural throwbacks discussed include the 1970s anti-littering campaigns featuring the "Crying Indian" and the new HBO series *Minx*, which focuses on a 1970s erotic magazine for women. The hosts suggest that fashion trends like bell bottoms and mini-skirts are poised for a return as part of a broader cultural cycle.

The HBO Max show "Santa Inc.," starring Seth Rogen and Sarah Silverman, has received historically low ratings on IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes. Rogen attributed the negative reviews to "tens of thousands of white supremacists." The hosts critique the show for its extreme profanity and claymation style, which they argue is deceptively marketed toward a demographic that includes children.

Comedian Bill Maher expressed skepticism regarding the requirement for recurring vaccine boosters on his HBO show. Maher argued for medical autonomy, stating that while he "took one for the team" with the initial shot, he is reluctant to accept indefinite injections. The segment also recalls Maher's early career appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson.

John Oliver attacked Tucker Carlson on his HBO show, labeling him a "super spreader" of vaccine misinformation. The segment reviews Carlson's questions regarding vaccine efficacy and the continuation of mask mandates for the vaccinated. The hosts discuss the "vasectomy look" theory regarding certain media personalities.

Warner Brothers' decision to release its entire 2021 movie slate on streaming services simultaneously with theaters is seen as a potential death knell for Hollywood. The move has forced the studio to pay top actors millions in extra compensation to make up for the loss of back-end residuals and the increased risk of piracy.

Warner Bros. announced that its entire 2021 film slate, including *Dune* and *The Matrix 4*, will debut on HBO Max simultaneously with theaters. This move has sent the Hollywood studio system into a panic, signaling a potential permanent shift away from traditional cinema. The hosts discuss the implications for theater chains and the consolidation of media under giants like Disney.

The HBO Max streaming application experienced significant technical issues during the finale of the limited series The Undoing. Viewers expressed frustration on social media over the inability to access the episode starring Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant. The discussion also mentions the Netflix series The Queen's Gambit, praising its direction and production quality.

The fourth season of the popular series "13 Reasons Why" is being criticized for its overt "social justice warrior" (SJW) themes and deviations from the original novel. Producers noted that characters were changed to fit diversity quotas and a student revolt scene mirrored Black Lives Matter rhetoric. Critics argue that Hollywood is using young adult dramas to push Marxist ideologies and encourage civil unrest.

The concept of the "Noodle Gun" is introduced to describe how social media activists use shaming tactics to influence advertisers and corporations. Recent examples include HBO Max temporarily removing "Gone with the Wind" to add historical context and the cancellation of long-running television shows like "Cops" and "Live PD." The hosts argue that these "noodle kids" have figured out how to weaponize digital platforms to force cultural shifts.

The hosts discuss the reported failure of Luminary, a subscription-based podcast network that aimed to be the "HBO of podcasts." Jason Calacanis is quoted as saying the network failed because it didn't give equity to top podcasters like Joe Rogan or Sam Harris. Adam Curry performs an impression of Calacanis, arguing that "tribal media" and independent groups are the true future of the industry.

Bill Maher's attempt to broadcast his HBO show from his basement is critiqued for its poor audio quality, specifically a failure to select the correct microphone input. During the segment, Maher interviews Bernie Sanders, who calls the crisis "unprecedented." Maher also accuses President Trump of favoring "nice" governors with medical aid, an assertion that is challenged by the hosts.

A host questions why President Trump uses an antiquated-looking desk phone for high-stakes international calls with leaders like President Zelensky, while the fictional show "Veep" depicts advanced encrypted video conferencing. The discussion touches on the "theatre" of presidential communications and the reality of modern diplomatic technology.

The discussion opens with the growth of the No Agenda YouTube channel and the potential for a Netflix deal. Attention shifts to Apple TV Plus and its new leadership from HBO, specifically the original programming featuring Jennifer Aniston. An anecdote follows regarding a Salman Rushdie lookalike at a Whole Foods in Berkeley, California.