No. 1Streaming
HBO Max and Paramount+ will merge, but Discovery+ goes unmentioned
Skydance's David Ellison said the long-term plan is to combine HBO Max and Paramount+ into one app, with a bundle likely first. The word "Discovery" never came up at the day-one merger event. Antenna estimates Discovery+ has 4.9 million paying U.S. subscribers, against about 34.5 million for Paramount+ and 28.3 million for HBO Max. Sources told THR it is profitable, possibly in the low nine figures, with almost no costs. The new company carries $80 billion in debt, so smaller assets likely sit low on the list. HBO's Casey Bloys will now run streaming, and Skydance didn't answer questions about Discovery+.
No. 2Film
Nathan Fielder's Elizabeth Holmes documentary gets a Nov. 20 U.K. release
"You Can See Everything," co-directed by Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim, opens in U.K. and Irish cinemas on Nov. 20. A24 is releasing it itself. The film follows the Theranos founder in the weeks before she began an 11-year prison sentence. It premiered as a surprise Telluride screening in September to rave reviews and Oscar buzz, then went to the New York Film Festival. U.S. theaters get it first, on Oct. 16. Fielder says Holmes had approached A24 about documenting her final days, and he ended up moving into her home to film.
Why it mattersMark your calendar if you want one of this awards season's most talked-about documentaries on the big screen.
Full story at Variety →No. 3Music
Powderfinger fans spot cryptic clues hinting at something big
Powderfinger have been quiet since their 2010 farewell tour, but something is stirring. A mystery Instagram account shared billboards in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane carrying a code and band lyrics. On Thursday, an email from the band's HQ repeated the cipher, and the website and socials have been wiped except for one red letter. It could mean new music, a reissue for the 30th anniversary of Double Allergic, or a full reunion. The band's message ends: "something extraordinary happens…" Nothing is confirmed yet.
Why it mattersKeep an eye on the band's channels, because a long-awaited announcement could land any day.
Full story at Billboard →No. 4TV
Heated Rivalry has Crave chasing Canada's next global hit
Bell Media's Sean Cohan calls Heated Rivalry the biggest global hit Canada has produced. Its next season arrives in 2027, and he stopped short of confirming a third, saying "In success, this show continues." Crave has just over 5 million subscribers and aims for 6 million by the end of 2028. Cohan wants it in about half of Canadian TV homes by the end of 2029. Up next is Yaga, with Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss, pre-sold to AMC, Sky and HBO Max in continental Europe. It will be pushed hard at MIPCOM.
Why it mattersNotice where buyers are looking next, because Canada is suddenly a source of exportable hits.
Full story at Deadline →No. 5Film
Louis Garrel joins Bellocchio's Fiat drama 'Falcon' as John Elkann
Louis Garrel will play Fiat heir John Elkann in Marco Bellocchio's "Falcon," with Pierfrancesco Favino as executive Sergio Marchionne. Benedetta Cimatti and Barbara Ronchi join the cast, and Valeria Bruni Tedeschi has a cameo. Rai Cinema International has boarded sales, and 01 Distribution will release it in Italy. The film follows Marchionne's rescue of Fiat and its merger with Chrysler. It shot two weeks in Toronto and Niagara Falls in September, and heads to Piedmont and Rome next. Production returns to Canada and the U.S. in early 2027.
No. 6Music business
ARIA warns against changing copyright law for AI companies
ARIA and PPCA chief Annabelle Herd told a parliamentary AI inquiry in Sydney that bending copyright law for OpenAI and Anthropic could make Australia a "Trojan horse for Big AI." She argued AI firms should license content, not rewrite the rules. She said training in Australia is fine, but "on our terms." OpenAI is reportedly in talks with the government about hosting and training models locally. At the same hearing, OpenAI's Jason Kwon apologised for how it handled a June breach of Australian government platforms, including Medicare.
Why it mattersFollow this if you care how AI companies will be made to pay for the music and writing they learn from.
Full story at Billboard →No. 7Live music
Live Nation discloses data breach, calls it limited
Live Nation told Vermont's attorney general on Oct. 1 that two customers there were hit by a breach exposing Social Security numbers, government IDs and health records. It's unclear when it happened, how many people were affected, or whether they were customers or employees. The company says the incident was contained, limited in scope, and didn't affect operations. Three class action lawsuits have already been filed. Live Nation also had breaches in 2018 and 2024, both involving Ticketmaster.
Why it mattersCheck for a notice from Live Nation if you've shared personal details with the company.
Full story at Billboard →