‘TV’s Top 5’: The Latest on the Actors Strike, Plus What’s Next for Jon Stewart?

Welcome to the 235th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.

Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).

This week’s episode features the latest updates on the SAG-AFTRA strike, a supersized Critic’s Corner as well as a look at what’s next for Jon Stewart after his, ahem, Problem with Apple.

Here’s how the episode plays out:

1. Headlines

Fatal Attraction, Rabbit Hole, The Bear creator, Zachary Quinto and The Boys highlight the week’s top television headlines.

2. Strike Zone

THR labor and media reporter Katie Kilkenny joins the podcast this week to offer the latest insights on the state of the SAG-AFTRA strike. The work stoppage, now at more than 100 days, centers on streaming revenue as the performers union and the studios return to the table after a failed but kind-hearted attempt by A-list stars to get everyone back to work.

3. Jon Stewart’s future

The former Daily Show host and Apple parted ways on Stewart’s The Problem following creative differences. Stewart opted to walk away from the show rather than cede control over topics to the iPhone maker and tech company, which wanted its host to avoid hot-button topics like AI and China. So, what’s next for Stewart? Yes, the Daily Show is hiring…but can he go home again?

4. SNL Season 49

The NBC variety and sketch show returned this month following its strike-shortened 48th season. The cast is back, with one new addition, and hosts have included Pete Davidson and Bad Bunny. This segment offers Dan’s thoughts on the state of the Lorne Michaels hit.

5. Critic’s Corner

As usual, we end with Dan’s thoughts on this week’s new and returning series. In this episode, he weighs in on Fellow Travelers, The Gilded Age, All the Light We Cannot See, a potential breakout comedy for The CW (yes, that CW) and more in a supersized segment.  

Hear it all now on TV’s Top 5. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode. (Reviews welcome!) You can also email us with any topics or Mailbag questions you’d like addressed in future episodes at TVsTop5@THR.com.