Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Mar 27, 2025
Table of Contents
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s ‘The Studio’ In-Depth Review
Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg’s ‘The Studio’ is a love letter to Hollywood old school classical Hollywood, filled with comedic satire, executive in-jokes, and an energy reminiscent of Robert Altman’s ‘ThePlayer‘. The series explores the power dynamics of 90s Hollywood through the lens of a contemporary setting, offering a humorous yet biting critique of the film industry’s inner workings. It’s a tale as old as time, showing the ins and outs of Hollywood’s execs.
The show is a modern twist on ‘The Player’, capturing the chaos, excess, and extremes of Hollywood’s executive culture. Seth Rogen stars as Matt Remick, a new studio head who’s thrown into the deep end after his mentor is fired. The thing here is that Matt has no idea what he’s doing. His first major decision comes down to choosing between two films: a ridiculous Kool-Aid Man blockbuster trying to capitalize on Barbie’s success, or a serious, artistic film about the Jonestown Massacre from none other than Martin Scorsese.
Matt, caught between making money and keeping up with the artistic integrity, greenlights both films… only to cancel Scorsese’s project, leaving the legendary director in actual tears (I’m telling you, the show gets crazy). It nails Hollywood’s absurdities, where egos clash, and decisions are made in the most unpredictable (but also on the contrary, pretty predictable) ways. With comedy legends like Bryan Cranston, Catherine O’Hara, and Rogen’s usual awkward charm, ‘The Studio’ is a hilarious and painfully relatable take on the film industry.
One of ‘The Studio’s’ biggest draws is its treasure trove of industry references and cameos. Catherine O’Hara’s character, Patty Leigh, is an undeniable nod to former Sony executive Amy Pascal, complete with an iconic wig and a negotiating style that feels ripped straight from Hollywood lore. While knowing these references adds another layer of entertainment, the show remains accessible and enjoyable for those less familiar with industry figures.
‘The Player’ Homage: ‘The Studio’ takes a nod to ‘The Player’—a 1992 thriller where a studio exec gets mixed up in a murder mystery. The name Griffin Mill (played by Bryan Cranston in ‘The Studio’) comes from the movie, as does the studio’s slogan: “Movies, now more than ever.” Plus, Mill’s look? Straight-up Bob Evans style.
Amy Pascal Inspiration: Catherine O’Hara’s character, Patty Leigh, feels a lot like Amy Pascal, former Sony boss and huge influence on Rogen and Goldberg. Patty, like Pascal, finds herself fired and reborn as a producer, giving her a big, powerful voice in the industry—just like the real-life inspiration. She’s got the wig, the over-the-top exaggeration, and everything.
Kool-Aid Deep Cut: The Kool-Aid movie idea? It’s a perfect mix of art and commerce. Martin Scorsese pitches a movie about the Jonestown massacre—but it has to be called “Kool-Aid.” And here’s the deep cut: Scorsese originally wanted ‘The Irishman‘ called ‘I Heard You Paint Houses’, but Netflix wanted something more commercial. Still, in the movie’s credits, it’s a playful nod to the original title. I won’t lie, I would watch Scorsese’s ‘Kool-Aid’.
Gen CCX: Rogen and Goldberg’s real-life pitching mishap gets mentioned through ‘The Studio’s’ plot. The fictional movie ‘Gen CCX’ is a nod to a project they once pitched about ancient Rome that never took off. Matt’s rue about ruining movies? It’s based on a real line they overheard from an executive.
Ike Barinholtz and Kathryn Hahn deliver fantastic performances, fully committing to their roles in a way that toes the line between satire and reality. Is it a bit over the top? Honestly, no, I don’t think so. The exaggerated performances feel appropriate given the show’s broad comedic style, reflecting the larger-than-life personalities that have long shaped Hollywood.
However, certain moments veer into unrealistic territory. When Seth Rogen’s character hops into a car with his assistant Quinn Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders), their conversation feels overly expositional—explaining concepts like “legacy” and “continental” in a way that slows the pacing. In contrast, ‘The Player’ allowed its audience to catch up rather than over-explaining industry lingo. It’s more of a “let the audience catch up to us” approach, rather than slowing down to match their pace.
While ‘The Studio’ will undoubtedly resonate with Hollywood insiders and cinephiles in major cities like LA and New York, its broader appeal remains uncertain. The star-studded cast—featuring the likes of Zac Efron (‘Neighbors’) and Zoë Kravitz (‘The Batman’) (read more for a full list of every Cameo)—may draw in casual viewers, but will its industry-specific satire land with audiences in places like Ohio or Kansas?
Possibly, given Rogen’s widespread appeal, but its humor is undeniably niche. But again, you don’t necessarily need a deep understanding to thoroughly enjoy the show. The cast and the way it’s filmed do an incredible job of keeping things entertaining and captivating, drawing you in so you want to follow along.
‘The Studio’ employs a seamless, roving camera technique, keeping the energy high while offering an immersive perspective. The jazzy score enhances the show’s dynamic pacing, ensuring that each estimated 45-minute episode feels lively and engaging.
Visually, the show embraces a 70s Hollywood aesthetic, with characters dressed in era-appropriate suits and brown tones. Kathryn Hahn’s character perfectly embodies a Hollywood marketing executive, capturing the essence of industry professionals we’ve all encountered (or at least seen in boardrooms). There were times when I felt as though I had practically been in a meeting with Hahn herself because of the excellent job she did.
Maybe. Given its narrative structure and pacing, one could argue ‘The Studio’ might have worked as a feature film. However, the episodic format allows for deeper character exploration and an ongoing satirical commentary on Hollywood’s ever-evolving landscape. With 10 episodes in the season, there’s still plenty to explore in dive into.
Based on the pilot, there were moments when I could see it working better as a movie. However, it’s hard to make a definitive judgment without having followed the entire season. I’ll be able to offer a deeper analysis once I’ve finished watching the season.
Cast List, Whose Who
Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) – The newly appointed head of Continental Studios, navigating the absurdity of Hollywood with a mix of confidence and panic. Rogen brings his signature comedic anxiety to the role, reminiscent of his performances in ‘Funny People’, ‘Long Shot’, and ‘Pineapple Express’.
Patty Leigh (Catherine O’Hara) – The former studio head and Matt’s mentor-turned-rival. O’Hara delivers a brilliantly sharp and hilarious performance, embodying the cutthroat yet eccentric Hollywood executive archetype, reminiscent of her work in ‘Beetlejuice‘ and ‘Schitt’s Creek‘.
Sal Saperstein (Ike Barinholtz) – Matt’s best friend and fellow studio exec, balancing chaotic decision-making with loyalty. Barinholtz brings his usual high-energy comedy to the role, making every scene with him unpredictable, much like his performances in ‘Blockers’ and ‘The Mindy Project‘.
Maya (Kathryn Hahn) – The sharp-tongued head of marketing, always scheming her next move. Hahn’s impeccable comedic timing and commanding presence make Maya a standout character, much like her unforgettable roles in ‘Bad Moms’, ‘Step Brothers‘, ‘WandaVision‘, ‘Agatha All Along’.
Quinn Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders) – A young, ambitious creative executive eager to make her mark. Wonders brings a fresh energy to the role, capturing the mix of idealism and cynicism needed to survive Hollywood, similar to her roles in ‘Generation‘ and ‘Emergency’.
Notable Cameos in ‘The Studio’s’ Pilot
Bryan Cranston – Plays Griffin Mill, CEO of Continental Studios and Matt’s boss, who is determined to greenlight a ‘Kool-Aid’ movie.
Paul Dano – Appears as himself in the series’ opening, filming an intense death scene.
Peter Berg – Directs the fictional movie Dano stars in, playing himself as the filmmaker behind hits like ‘Friday Night Lights’.
Dewayne Perkins – Stars as Tyler, a marketing team member working alongside Kathryn Hahn’s Maya.
Keyla Monterroso Mejia – Plays Petra, the studio’s quick-witted secretary.
David Krumholtz – Portrays Mitch Weitz, a Hollywood agent representing real-life director Nicholas Stoller.
Matt Belloni – The entertainment journalist doesn’t appear on-screen but lends his voice to a fictional episode of ‘The Town’ podcast.
Nicholas Stoller – The ‘Forgetting Sarah Marshall‘ director plays himself, pitching his own take on ‘Kool-Aid’ The Movie.
Martin Scorsese – Yes, that Martin Scorsese. He hilariously pitches a film about the Jonestown massacre, which Matt tries to merge with the
‘Kool-Aid’ project.
Steve Buscemi – Pops up at the end of the episode as Scorsese’s ideal casting choice for his dark and twisted vision.
Charlize Theron – Closes out the episode by hosting an A-list Hollywood party, attended by Scorsese, Buscemi, and, of course, Matt.
Cameos to Look out For
Arthur Keng – ‘The Studio’ (Apple TV+ series)
Bill Watterson – ‘Calvin and Hobbes’ (comic strip)
Charli D’Amelio – ‘TikTok’ (social media platform)
Chris Gann – ‘The Studio’ (Apple TV+ series)
Courtney Pauroso – ‘The Studio’ (Apple TV+ series)
Dan Black – ‘The Studio’ (Apple TV+ series)
Dave Franco – ‘The Disaster Artist’, ‘Neighbors’, ‘Now You See Me’
Derek Wilson – ‘The Righteous Gemstones’, ‘Preacher’
Thomas Barbusca – ‘The Mick’, ‘Big Time Adolescence’
Trevor Tordjman – ‘The Next Step’
Zac Efron – ‘High School Musical’, ‘The Greatest Showman’
Zack Snyder – ‘300’, ‘Justice League’
Ziwe – ‘Ziwe’
Zoë Kravitz – ‘Big Little Lies’, ‘Mad Max: Fury Road’
Final Thoughts
At its core, ‘The Studio’ is a wildly entertaining satire that skewers Hollywood’s obsession with IP-driven projects (‘Kool-Aid’ The Movie) while celebrating the industry’s larger-than-life personalities. It’s a show that thrives on its insider references, but even without catching every Easter egg, it remains a smart, stylish, and engaging ride.
Whether or not it resonates with mainstream audiences, one thing is certain—I’d absolutely watch Martin Scorsese’s ‘Kool-Aid’ movie.
By Emma Gladstone
Click here to read The Hollywood Insider’s CEO Pritan Ambroase’s love letter to Cinema, TV and Media. An excerpt from the love letter: The Hollywood Insider’s CEO/editor-in-chief Pritan Ambroase affirms, “We have the space and time for all your stories, no matter who/what/where you are. Media/Cinema/TV have a responsibility to better the world and The Hollywood Insider will continue to do so. Talent, diversity and authenticity matter in Cinema/TV, media and storytelling. In fact, I reckon that we should announce “talent-diversity-authenticity-storytelling-Cinema-Oscars-Academy-Awards” as synonyms of each other. We show respect to talent and stories regardless of their skin color, race, gender, sexuality, religion, nationality, etc., thus allowing authenticity into this system just by something as simple as accepting and showing respect to the human species’ factual diversity. We become greater just by respecting and appreciating talent in all its shapes, sizes, and forms. Award winners, which includes nominees, must be chosen on the greatness of their talent ALONE.
I am sure I am speaking for a multitude of Cinema lovers all over the world when I speak of the following sentiments that this medium of art has blessed me with. Cinema taught me about our world, at times in English and at times through the beautiful one-inch bar of subtitles. I learned from the stories in the global movies that we are all alike across all borders. Remember that one of the best symbols of many great civilizations and their prosperity has been the art they have left behind. This art can be in the form of paintings, sculptures, architecture, writings, inventions, etc. For our modern society, Cinema happens to be one of them. Cinema is more than just a form of entertainment, it is an integral part of society. I love the world uniting, be it for Cinema, TV, media, art, fashion, sport, etc.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Emma Gladstone is an entertainment journalist dedicated to offering a fresh perspective in today’s media landscape. As a content writer for The Hollywood Insider, her goal is to serve as a break from negativity by focusing on positive, human-centered angles that uplift and inspire. Writing reviews and feature stories for The Hollywood Insider, Emma celebrates the transformative and authentic power of reporting, to promote meaningful change and substance in media. Her passion for global entertainment fuels her writing, creating stories that educate, empower, and resonate deeply with readers. Emma is truly thrilled to be writing for The Hollywood Insider, as their values align closely with hers.
Limited Time Offer: Join for FREE today and get unlimited
The Hollywood Insider is against gossip and scandal, fully focused on substance & meaningful entertainment.
We choose quality over quantity, compassion over oppression, wisdom over intelligence.
Newsletter Subscription
We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you continue to use this site we will assume that you are happy with it.Ok
