On today's episode, Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, gives a wide-ranging interview on the evolution of Amazon’s media strategy, how the MGM acquisition has changed the company, why the streamer is investing heavily in sports and why Amazon has no regrets about the Melania Trump documentary film and upcoming docu-series. Hopkins also touches on the Amazon channels business and the boom in bundling, AI, Amazon MGM’s approach to theatrical film and, of course, the future of James Bond.

On today's episode, <a href="https://variety.com/t/mike-hopkins/">Mike Hopkins, head of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios, </a>gives a wide-ranging interview on the evolution of Amazon&rsquo;s media strategy, how the MGM acquisition has changed the company, why the streamer is investing heavily in sports and why Amazon has no regrets about the Melania Trump documentary film and upcoming docu-series. Hopkins also touches on the Amazon channels business and the boom in bundling, AI, Amazon MGM&rsquo;s approach to theatrical film and, of course, the future of James Bond.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment.

Strictly Business

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Industry leaders converse about business deals, strategy and the future of media and entertainment on Variety's weekly interview series.

Variety's Strictly Business

Mike Hopkins on Prime Video’s Evolution, the Bundling Boom, How MGM Changed Amazon, the Future of Bond and No Regrets on 'Melania'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/64cda20d-909f-4492-976f-b4670116b14c/transcript

On today’s episode, in our Cover Story segment, Variety’s Daniel D’Addario details his time with David Harbour as the actor tries to navigate that trickiest of transitions – moving on from a career-making role after five seasons as Jim Hopper on Netflix’s “Stranger Things.” And Marc Malkin brings us a Red Carpet Rundown with Taylor Swift and Joan Cusack from Disney’s “Toy Story 5” premiere.

On today&rsquo;s episode, in our Cover Story segment, <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/features/david-harbour-interview-lily-allen-mental-breakdown-1236769990/">Variety&rsquo;s Daniel D&rsquo;Addario details his time with David Harbour </a>as the actor tries to navigate that trickiest of transitions &ndash; moving on from a career-making role after five seasons as Jim Hopper on Netflix&rsquo;s &ldquo;Stranger Things.&rdquo; And <a href="https://variety.com/2026/film/columns/taylor-swift-toy-story-5-premiere-i-knew-it-i-knew-you-1236770359/">Marc Malkin brings us a Red Carpet Rundown with Taylor Swift </a>and Joan Cusack from Disney&rsquo;s &ldquo;Toy Story 5&rdquo; premiere.

Daily Variety – David Harbour Finds a Port in the Storm in ‘DTF St. Louis’; ‘Toy Story 5’ Red Carpet Rundown

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/209409bc-6efb-487d-9f25-b466010f6902/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety's Michael Schneider discusses Variety’s plans to take a long look at NBC's centennial and its role in advancing mass media in the electronic age with the creation of the first radio network. And we have highlights from Kate Aurthur’s recent sit-down with Andy Cohen at the Newport Beach TV Fest. The two reflect on the “ongoing documentary project” that is “The Real Housewives” franchise.

On today&rsquo;s episode,&nbsp;Variety's Michael Schneider discusses Variety&rsquo;s plans to take a long look at <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/news/nbc-firsts-broadcasting-color-late-night-garroway-nbc100-1236770818/">NBC's centennial and its role in advancing mass media in the electronic age with the creation of the first radio network.</a> And we have highlights from Kate Aurthur&rsquo;s recent sit-down with <a href="https://variety.com/2026/tv/features/andy-cohen-watch-what-happens-live-real-housewives-bravo-1236767367/">Andy Cohen at the Newport Beach TV Fest.</a> The two reflect on the &ldquo;ongoing documentary project&rdquo; that is &ldquo;The Real Housewives&rdquo; franchise.

Daily Variety -- How NBC Created the Broadcast Network Paradigm and Other Firsts; Andy Cohen Reflects on 20 Years of 'Real Housewives'

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/22dc725e-8e78-4185-96bb-b4650138bc22/transcript

On today’s episode, Variety’s Jennifer Maas reports on Summer Game Fest, the gaming industry’s annual product showcase. Xbox and Paramount made news with strategic shifts and an executive appointment. Overall, Maas observes that the mood among insiders was better at this year’s event compared to last year, when the games sector was hit by layoffs and disappointing releases.

On today&rsquo;s episode, Variety&rsquo;s Jennifer Maas reports on <a href="https://variety.com/t/summer-game-fest/">Summer Game Fest, the gaming industry&rsquo;s annual product showcase</a>. Xbox and Paramount made news with strategic shifts and an executive appointment. Overall, Maas observes that the mood among insiders was better at this year&rsquo;s event compared to last year, when the games sector was hit by layoffs and disappointing releases.

Daily Variety -- 'GTA 6,' Xbox Exclusives, Paramount Revs Game Studio and More From Summer Game Fest

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/83be0a1c-8394-4d54-bcc6-b4640110453d/transcript

Mike Hopkins on Prime Video’s Evolution, the Bundling Boom, How MGM Changed Amazon, the Future of Bond and No Regrets on 'Melania'

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