Netflix Cuts 1K Jobs in Largest Layoffs Since 2022, Including Top Film & TV Execs
Netflix is cutting roughly 1,000 jobs, or 6% of its workforce, in its largest layoffs since 2022. The cuts include film VP Doug Belgrad, a key deputy to film chief Dan Lin, and TV executives Lisa Lang McMullen, James Oh, Carolina Garcia, and Andrew McQuinn. The restructuring spans global operations, including product, HR, technology, and legal, as Netflix confronts slowing growth ahead of next week’s earnings report, where cost savings are expected to be a major focus.
Foot Locker Signs Multi-Year Partnership With the New York Knicks
Foot Locker has signed a multi-year deal to become the official athletic footwear retailer of the New York Knicks, beginning with the 2026-27 NBA season. The partnership includes retail pop-ups and dedicated Knicks merchandise at Madison Square Garden, in-arena activations, digital content, and promotions tied to select wins. Foot Locker will also launch the Fan Express, a mobile fan experience touring New York City with footwear, apparel, ticket giveaways, and live podcast recordings.
Google Launches Gemini 4 Argon to Compete With OpenAI, Anthropic
Google has released Gemini 4 Argon globally after weeks of cybersecurity testing, positioning its latest model as a lower-cost competitor to OpenAI and Anthropic. Designed for complex workflows across software engineering and enterprise knowledge work, Argon has also been tested in cyber defense, scientific research, quantum computing, and robotics. Google’s Argon demonstration included planning tasks for a Boston Dynamics robot dog, while Box CEO Aaron Levie publicly praised the model’s capabilities.
Muhammad Ali’s Story Comes to Life in Prime Video’s ‘The Greatest’ Trailer
Prime Video has released the official trailer for The Greatest, the first authorized scripted series about Muhammad Ali ahead of its Nov. 4 premiere. Newcomer Jaalen Best stars as Ali, charting his transformation from Cassius Clay into a boxing champion and cultural icon amid America’s political and social shifts. The eight-episode series was created by Ben Watkins, who serves as showrunner and executive producer, alongside Ali’s widow, Lonnie Ali, and Michael B. Jordan’s Outlier Society.
Watch the full trailer here. >>>
Shaq, KD, Goodell, Seinfeld to Join Ari Emanuel & Ben Persky’s ‘Rushmore’ for Season 2
Ari Emanuel and music manager Ben Persky are bringing their GOAT debate podcast Rushmore back for a second season on Oct. 20, with guests spanning sports and entertainment. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell and Pat McAfee will open the season discussing the greatest NFL comebacks, followed by Shaquille O’Neal and Kevin Durant debating the NBA’s best starting five. Later episodes will feature Larry David and Jerry Seinfeld discussing comedy’s greatest figures. Season 2 will stream on YouTube and major podcast platforms.
Ryan Coogler’s ‘The X-Files’ Reboot Moves Forward at Hulu
Ryan Coogler’s The X-Files reboot has received a series order from Hulu, bringing the filmmaker’s reimagining of the sci-fi franchise to life after more than three years in development. Starring Himesh Patel and Danielle Deadwyler, the series follows two contrasting FBI agents assigned to a shuttered division investigating unexplained phenomena. Coogler, who directed and wrote the pilot, executive produces alongside original series creator Chris Carter and showrunner Jennifer Yale.
Universal Music Restructuring Ousts Def Jam & Republic Records CEOs
Universal Music Group is cutting jobs across its global operations as part of a $270 million cost-saving initiative, with several senior executives departing. Def Jam CEO Tunji Balogun, Republic Records CEO Jim Roppo, and Interscope executives Sam Riback and Nicole Wyskoarko are reportedly among those leaving. UMG’s restructuring builds on organizational changes launched in 2024 amid broader cost-cutting across the music industry.
Nike Debuts China-Designed Collection in Effort to Revive Market
Nike is launching its first China-specific product line as it works to revive its business in the market. Developed by a Shanghai-based team formed earlier this year, the Local Creation Collections span Nike Sportswear and Jordan Streetwear, drawing on local lifestyle research and Chinese street style. The 20-plus-piece lineup features adaptable silhouettes, technical materials, and is inspired by Michael Jordan’s off-court wardrobe. The collection launches on Nov. 12 in China.
Barack & Michelle Obama’s Higher Ground Adds Basketball Podcast to Lineup
Higher Ground, the production company founded by Barack and Michelle Obama, is partnering with basketball podcast The Young Man and the Three as an executive producer and creative partner. Hosted by Tommy Alter, the show returns on Thursday with NBA players Jalen Williams, Jared McCain, and Ajay Mitchell. Obama previously appeared on the podcast, which expands Higher Ground’s basketball portfolio beyond Netflix’s Starting 5 and Court of Gold into the growing sports podcast space.
TikTok Expands Microdrama Push With Made By Us Studios Deal
TikTok is expanding its microdrama push with a new production deal with Made By Us Studios, its second major partnership in the vertical storytelling space. The companies will co-produce creator-led series for TikTok and its PineDrama app, including Player, a romantic revenge thriller starring Hannah Stocking, and The Knock, featuring Adam Rose and Zaria Simone. The deal follows TikTok’s partnership with Issa Rae’s Hoorae Media, whose series Screen Time has generated nearly 580 million global views since April.
Reese Witherspoon Partners With Mediawan to Buy Back Hello Sunshine
Reese Witherspoon is buying back her production company, Hello Sunshine, in a partnership with French studio Mediawan, ending its ownership under Candle Media. Witherspoon will invest alongside Mediawan and join its leadership, while co-founder Seth Rodsky will serve on the board. Founded in 2016, Hello Sunshine produced hits including Big Little Lies, The Morning Show, and Daisy Jones & The Six. Candle Media acquired the company in 2021 at a valuation approaching $1 billion.
Fake 49ers Player Scandal Explored in Netflix’s ‘Untold: Wide Deceiver’
Netflix’s Untold documentary series will next examine Daejon Love, who was arrested for wire fraud after allegedly posing as a San Francisco 49ers wide receiver to scam women out of money. Titled Untold: Wide Deceiver, the film will explore the viral case through firsthand accounts from those affected, including the women who came forward to law enforcement. The project comes from Propagate and Stardust Frames, alongside North of Now and The Cut.
Image: Soeren Stache / picture alliance via Getty Images
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