On today’s episode, writer and showrunner Justin Halpern speaks with Variety’s Michael Schneider about the road to writing his novel “Get Lost." Halpern also updates Schneider on a few TV development projects, including the status of high school memoir “I Suck at Girls” at Netflix and the upcoming season of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” on which he is an EP.



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On today’s episode, writer and showrunner Justin Halpern speaks with Variety’s Michael Schneider about the road to writing his novel “Get Lost." Halpern also updates Schneider on a few TV development projects, including <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/i-suck-at-girls-tv-show-netflix-1236627791/">the status of high school memoir “I Suck at Girls” at Netflix </a>and the upcoming season of ABC’s “Abbott Elementary,” on which he is an EP. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

Variety journalists and entertainment leaders deliver business news and analysis tailored for industry insiders.

Daily Variety

'Abbott Elementary' Exec Producer Justin Halpern Juggles Series and a New Novel

On today's episode, host Cynthia Littleton,Variety's co-Editor in Chief, brings the curtain down on the "Daily Variety" podcast after 13 months and more than 200 episodes. Starting Sept. 8, this show will be rebranded "Strictly Business Daily" and feature a stronger emphasis on business analysis, data and insights. We'll also go deep on emerging markets, including the creator economy, vertical media and AI.

On today's episode, host Cynthia Littleton,Variety's co-Editor in Chief, brings the curtain down on the <a href="https://variety.com/p/daily-variety-podcast/">"Daily Variety" podcast</a> after 13 months and more than 200 episodes. Starting Sept. 8, this show will be rebranded "Strictly Business Daily" and feature a stronger emphasis on business analysis, data and insights. We'll also go deep on emerging markets, including the creator economy, vertical media and AI.

It's Time to Say Goodbye to 'Daily Variety' and Hello to 'Strictly Business Daily'

On today's episode,Variety's Michael Schneider speaks with the pillars of "Big Brother" as the U.S. rendition of the franchise hits its milestone 1,000th episode. Chen Moonves remembers the first time she saw herself referred to as the "Chen Bot." And showrunners Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan reflect on the "crazy social experiment" that has become a hallmark of CBS' summer schedule.

On today's episode,Variety's Michael Schneider speaks with the pillars of <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/features/big-brother-1000-episodes-history-all-winners-season-1236837808/">"Big Brother" as the U.S. rendition of the franchise hits its milestone 1,000th episode.</a> Chen Moonves remembers the first time she saw herself referred to as the "Chen Bot." And showrunners Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan reflect on the "crazy social experiment" that has become a hallmark of CBS' summer schedule.

A Grand Celebration for 'Big Brother' With Julie Chen Moonves, Allison Grodner and Rich Meehan

On today’s episode, host Cynthia Littleton details the plan to streamline Variety’s business podcast offerings under the “Strictly Business” brand. And we pay tribute to a titan of music and pop culture, Dolly Parton, and to Shelley Fabares, the “Coach” and “Donna Reed Show” star who helped define the image of young America in the late 1950s and ‘60s.

On today&rsquo;s episode, host Cynthia Littleton details the plan to streamline Variety&rsquo;s business podcast offerings under the &ldquo;Strictly Business&rdquo; brand. And we pay tribute to <a href="https://variety.com/2026/music/news/dolly-parton-dead-dies-country-music-1236842727/">a titan of music and pop culture, Dolly Parton,</a> and to <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/shelley-fabares-dead-coach-the-donna-reed-show-1236841162/">Shelley Fabares, the &ldquo;Coach&rdquo; and &ldquo;Donna Reed Show&rdquo; star</a> who helped define the image of young America in the late 1950s and &lsquo;60s.

'Abbott Elementary' Exec Producer Justin Halpern Juggles Series and a New Novel

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