On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why Lionsgate’s “Michael” made a surprise return to No. 1 in a weekend that marks the calm before the start of summer blockbuster season with Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” opening over Memorial Day weekend.



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On today’s episode, in our Box Office segment, Variety’s Rebecca Rubin explains why Lionsgate’s <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/box-office/box-office-michael-reclaims-first-place-obsession-starts-strong-1236751550/">“Michael” made a surprise return to No. 1 in a weekend </a>that marks the calm before the start of summer blockbuster season with Disney’s “The Mandalorian and Grogu” opening over Memorial Day weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit <a href="https://megaphone.fm/adchoices">megaphone.fm/adchoices</a>

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Daily Variety

Box Office: ‘Michael’ Returns to No. 1 as Exhibitors Brace for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and the Start of Summer Blockbuster Season

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.

Box Office: ‘Michael’ Returns to No. 1 as Exhibitors Brace for ‘The Mandalorian and Grogu’ and the Start of Summer Blockbuster Season

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