Do movie theaters really have to die?

·55 min·5 clips

Sal argues that waiting five years for a Men in Black sequel was once considered too long, questioning today's franchise logic.

The episode opens with the hosts discussing how Hollywood's approach to franchise sequels has changed, noting that gaps like five years for Men in Black 2 were once seen as too long. They mention Joe Dante's initial reluctance about Gremlins 2, which later became a cult favorite. Conversation shifts to modern production constraints, with high budgets and long gaps between short seasons making TV feel like 'little movies.' The panel laments that excitement for new content is dampened by fear of cancellation, using Firefly's revival as a cartoon and the unlikely Community movie as examples. They argue Hollywood executives only greenlight 'sure bets,' leading to repetitive franchises. Ethan identifies time as the key constraint, with the 'black rectangle' of screens offering endless alternatives. Jason suggests a solution: studios should produce the 'weirdest' spec scripts and enforce theatrical exclusivity to create hype. Sal questions if movies need saving at all, comparing them to niche art forms like jazz or horseback riding. The hosts debate whether the shared social experience of theaters is essential for cultural cohesion. They reflect on how cable TV's decline and streaming fragmentation have eroded common cultural references. A tangent explores personal media habits, with Sal using Pluto TV for discovery while others curate specific shows. The discussion briefly touches on Star Trek series like Lower Decks and Discovery. The episode concludes with a Patreon question about favorite fictional characters, prompting answers like Michael Knight, Peter Parker, and Jay Gatsby.

As heard by us

A sequel-timing conversation opens into a measured look at theaters, streaming, and shifting moviegoing habits.

The episode begins with a clean question - whether movie theaters have to die - then widens it through franchise timing. Sal, Ethan, and Jason track how sequels once felt late after only a few years, moving from Men in Black 2, Gremlins 2, Ghostbusters, and Home Alone 2 toward…

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Why you'd press play

For a lively second-screen argument about sequel timing, movie theaters, streaming, and whether the big screen still has a special job.

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