Entertainment

(Welcome to the Entertainment Strategy Guy, a newsletter on the entertainment industry and business strategy. I write a weekly Streaming Ratings Report and a bi-weekly strategy column, along with occasional deep dives into other topics, like today’s article. Please subscribe.)I just heard someone say that if you’re reading a pundit or data analyst, and they don’t tell you that they got anything wrong, they’re not a pundit but an “influencer”. I agree with that. You have to tell your audience when you get things wrong, or they won’t (or shouldn’t) trust you as much. Today, we’ve got another edition of “What I Got Right, What I Got Wrong”. In general, I’m patting myself on the back (and patting very hard) about a few things like IP at the box office, LIV golf, horror films, crowdfunding movies, superheroes, and old people going to the theaters. That said, I also made a couple of data mistakes on the streaming bubble popping and HBO’s datecdotes, so I’m not perfect. But first, I need your feedback...

Television writer and producer Chuck Lorre is reflecting on his less-than-positive experience working with Roseanne Barr on early seasons of the sitcom “Roseanne.” Chatting with actor Jesse Tyler Ferguson on Tuesday’s episode of the “Dinner’s on Me” podcast, Lorre described his time with Barr as “malice,” which he partly blamed on her years on the stand-up circuit. “Roseanne hated that there were writers, fundamentally hated that other people wrote words that she would say,” he explained. “She was a stand-up comedian. She made herself a superstar based on her words, her writing. Then transition to a television show where [you] can’t do it alone. It’s impossible.”He went on to note: “That transition was not going to happen, so there was this built-in animosity between Rosie and the writing staff, any writing staff ... the premise of other people putting words in a stand-up comedian’s mouth is fundamentally flawed.”“Roseanne” aired on ABC from 1988 to 1997. Lorre, a New York native, joined the show’s writing team for two seasons, starting in 1990. Roseanne Barr, center, and the cast of “Roseanne” in 1989.

Calinos Entertainment is expanding its Mipcom 2026 slate with three Turkish limited series: “Between the World and Us”, “Runaway” and “The Choice”. The titles will be presented to international buyers and partners in Cannes from October 12–15. Produced by MF Yapım, “Between the World and Us” stars Demet Özdemir, Buğra Gülsoy and Hafsanur Sancaktutan. The series follows a relationship tested by distance and deception after a woman creates a fake social media profile to test her partner’s feelings.

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Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc. Copyright © 2026, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC filings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2026 TradingView, Inc. SOC 2

Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc. Copyright © 2026, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC filings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2026 TradingView, Inc. SOC 2

Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc. Copyright © 2026, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC filings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2026 TradingView, Inc. SOC 2

Two European audio manufacturers will collaborate on a spatial audio system inside a new, unnamed immersive venue. A rendering of the interior of Las Vegas’ Sphere. Image: Sphere Entertainment.

Movie reviewThere’s a moment in “The Social Reckoning” when a character cites Antigone, John Proctor, “A Tale of Two Cities,” Gandalf and Chicken Little, all in the same sentence; in other words, this is an Aaron Sorkin movie, for better or worse. The writer/director’s famous verbosity is on full display in this sort-of sequel to 2010’s “The Social Network,” which was written by Sorkin and directed by David Fincher. You miss Fincher’s stabilizing presence here; Sorkin can’t always get past his instinct to turn everything into fast-talking screwball comedy, and “The Social Reckoning,” while never less than watchable and occasionally mesmerizing, is littered with throwaway lines that lie there on the floor, unnecessary and quickly forgotten. Beneath all the talking, there’s an irresistible based-on-fact story here. Taking place mostly from 2019 to 2021 (Sorkin jumps us around the time period, often confusingly), it follows Jeff Horwitz (Jeremy Allen White, of “The Bear”), a tech reporter at The Wall Street Journal’s San Francisco bureau who’s chasing Silicon Valley rumors that Facebook’s algorithms are being used to shape user experiences in damaging ways.

On Saturday, CAPE (Coalition of Asian Pacifics in Entertainment) held its 35th anniversary gala in Los Angeles. The event, hosted by Asif Ali (Deli Boys), featured a musical performance by New York indie rock group Chanpan, and awards presented to a number of individuals from the Asian and Pacific Islander diaspora, representing various parts of the entertainment industry.

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Select market data provided by ICE Data Services. Select reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc. Copyright © 2026, American Bankers Association. CUSIP Database provided by FactSet Research Systems Inc. All rights reserved. SEC filings and other documents provided by Quartr.© 2026 TradingView, Inc. SOC 2

MSC Cruises has announced the entertainment lineup for MSC World Asia, which will debut in the Mediterranean on December 4, 2026. The ship will feature six theatrical productions, including three new shows in the World Theatre and a new live music show in Panorama Lounge. MSC World Asia will also introduce 13 new experiences and reimagined spaces compared with MSC World Europa. Entertainment will span the World Theatre, Panorama Lounge, Luna Park, The Harbour, and Clubhouse. Steve Leatham, Vice President of Entertainment for MSC Cruises, said: “MSC World Asia invites guests to experience the Art of Cruising through an exceptional mix of new and returning world-class entertainment. From spectacular productions in the World Theatre to innovative shows in the Panorama Lounge, guests will discover unforgettable experiences for every age and taste. Beyond our spectacular stage shows, MSC World Asia will feature an extensive live music program, alongside enriching activities, games and interactive experiences, creating unforgettable moments from day to night.

According to estimates from 33 analysts, Flutter Entertainment plc stock's average price target has fallen from $132.23 to $131.5, with forecasts ranging from $85 to $360 per shareBased on the Oct. 6 closing price, the updated target implies approximately 72% potential upsideConsensus rating remains at “Buy” across 37 covering analysts, with 27 Buys, 9 Holds and 1 SellsExplore more price target data and ratings for Flutter Entertainment plc on the Forecasts tab, and track all previous and future analyst recommendations for Flutter Entertainment plc in the dedicated News Flow. DisclaimerSelect reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc. This information is not a recommendation for what you should do personally and does not constitute investment advice.

According to estimates from 8 analysts, Accel Entertainment, Inc. stock's average price target has risen from $16 to $16.12, with forecasts ranging from $14 to $19 per shareBased on the Oct. 6 closing price, the updated target implies approximately 47% potential upsideConsensus rating remains at “Buy” across 8 covering analysts, with 6 Buys, 2 Holds and 0 SellsExplore more price target data and ratings for Accel Entertainment, Inc. on the Forecasts tab, and track all previous and future analyst recommendations for Accel Entertainment, Inc. in the dedicated News Flow. DisclaimerSelect reference data provided by FactSet. Copyright © 2026 FactSet Research Systems Inc. This information is not a recommendation for what you should do personally and does not constitute investment advice.