Frank and Squeaks cover Paramount's massive week of moves after the Skydance merger, including a new UFC deal, a bigger theatrical slate, a push for family adventure movies, and fresh Star Trek film plans. They react to Greta Gerwig's Narnia set photos, talk through the young Rambo prequel casting, and share practical steps for Roblox safety that parents can use right now. Reviews land for Alien Earth and King of the Hill. Plus, Frank chats with Alex Austin about building a social platform out of a podcast app and what moderation and growth look like in 2025. Convention plans and network updates round it out.
00:00 Introduction and announcements
00:41 LA Comic Con plans September 26 to 28 and Crocker Con preview
02:13 Paramount and Skydance overview and why it matters
03:28 UFC rights to Paramount Plus with select cards on CBS and the TKO wrinkle
06:19 Theatrical strategy shift to more movies per year and why mid range films matter
07:24 Family adventure focus with Goonies vibes and what that could mean
08:48 Duffer Brothers heading to Paramount and hopes for new franchises
12:36 Two Star Trek films in development and creative teams
15:29 Narnia first look from Greta Gerwig and why starting with The Magician's Nephew works
19:23 Rambo prequel casting and the case for original action stories
27:28 Roblox safety concerns and simple parent safeguards that actually help
39:31 Reviews segment setup
40:03 Alien Earth first impressions, tone craft, and that practical suit
45:00 Why it feels like Fargo in space, pacing structure and synth lore
54:53 Scores for Alien Earth
55:05 King of the Hill revival thoughts and why it feels like a real continuation
01:01:49 Interview with Alex Austin on building a social platform for podcasters
01:02:24 Network news Challenge Accepted Outlast Distance Nerding Fandom Portals Anime Plus
01:03:08 Frank joins the Sacramento Developer Collective board, and what that means
01:03:58 Weekly recommendations: Red Sonja reading and Peacemaker podcast
01:07:01 Ninja Turtles anniversary note and wrap up
Paramount is shifting from eight theatrical releases this year to a target of 15 to 20 per year, which can revive mid-budget comedies and adventures and help theaters thrive.
Family adventure is a priority which fills a gap left by pure superhero focus and could broaden audience reach.
Two Star Trek films are on deck, one tied to the Kelvin crew and one new project from Toby Haynes.
Narnia starts with The Magician's Nephew, which makes the world feel fresh while connecting to classic imagery.
Dateline NBC
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Are You A Charlotte?
In 1997, actress Kristin Davis’ life was forever changed when she took on the role of Charlotte York in Sex and the City. As we watched Carrie, Samantha, Miranda and Charlotte navigate relationships in NYC, the show helped push once unacceptable conversation topics out of the shadows and altered the narrative around women and sex. We all saw ourselves in them as they searched for fulfillment in life, sex and friendships. Now, Kristin Davis wants to connect with you, the fans, and share untold stories and all the behind the scenes. Together, with Kristin and special guests, what will begin with Sex and the City will evolve into talks about themes that are still so relevant today. "Are you a Charlotte?" is much more than just rewatching this beloved show, it brings the past and the present together as we talk with heart, humor and of course some optimism.
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