The Studio (2025)

Directed by: Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg

Starring: Seth Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Ike Barinholtz, Bryan Cranston, and Chase Sui Wonders

Guest Stars: Martin Scorsese, Steve Buscemi

Episode 1: The Promotion

---

The entertainment industry has been portrayed in media through various lenses, but Seth Rogen and Evan Goldberg craft a winner of a series with The Studio—a satirical yet topically engaging exploration of the struggles and dynamics within Hollywood.

Matt Remick (Seth Rogen) is unexpectedly promoted to studio head at Continental Studios after his mentor, Patty Leigh (Catherine O’Hara), is ousted. His appointment comes via a hilariously pandering meeting with Griffin Mill (Bryan Cranston), the CEO of Continental Studios. Matt enters the role with an idealistic vision, hoping to prioritize artistic integrity, but Griffin quickly challenges him to balance creativity with commercial success.

From here, Matt must navigate the delicate tightrope between greenlighting passion projects and producing marketable films. Assisting him are his fellow executive Sal Saperstein (Ike Barinholtz), marketing head Maya Mason (Kathryn Hahn), and his assistant-turned-creative-executive, Quinn Hackett (Chase Sui Wonders).
In a twist of irony, Patty—who claims she was “screwed over” by the studio—is reluctantly brought back into the fold in a desperate bid by Matt.

Rogen, Goldberg, and their ensemble cast skillfully depict the added layers of responsibility that come with a high-stakes promotion. The pilot expertly sets the stage for Matt’s world, showing that his greatest asset will be his ability to adapt. With the comedic brilliance of O’Hara and Barinholtz complementing Rogen’s performance, the series is primed for success.

Packed with sharp dialogue, stunning cinematography, and stellar performances, The Studio is shaping up to be not only one of the funniest depictions of Hollywood in recent years but also one of the most relevant.

Episode 2: The Oner

---

Guest Stars: Sarah Polley, Greta Lee

This episode takes a more meta approach, offering a behind-the-scenes look at filmmaking itself. The Studio continues to highlight Matt’s growing pains as he settles into his new role, proving that while the position may be enviable, it comes with its fair share of challenges.

Matt finds himself tested on set, navigating negotiations with directors, actors, and even PAs. His main challenge? Figuring out how to keep productions running smoothly while respecting creative boundaries.

On the set of a film directed by Sarah Polley and starring Greta Lee (both playing themselves), Matt attempts to be useful—offering creative insight and helping where he can. However, in classic comedic fashion, his well-intended efforts repeatedly interfere with the production of a oner—a complex, single-take shot that relies on perfect timing and lighting.

This episode cleverly explores the consequences of overstepping on set while reinforcing Matt’s central struggle: balancing artistic integrity with practical decision-making. Ultimately, despite his efforts to accommodate everyone’s needs, the crucial shot is missed, resulting in financial setbacks and production headaches.

A brilliant storytelling touch comes in the form of a “bookend” motif—something Matt had suggested to Polley—which ultimately finds its way into the final cut of the episode itself, adding a self-referential layer to the show’s structure.

Final Thoughts

---

With its first two episodes, The Studio delivers a refreshingly sharp and hilarious take on the entertainment industry, tackling behind-the-scenes complexities with wit and authenticity. Rogen, O’Hara, and Barinholtz form a strong comedic core, while Hahn, Wonders, and Cranston provide stellar support. The show’s cinematography, industry nods, and snappy dialogue only add to its appeal. If these episodes are any indication, The Studio is set to be one of the most compelling and entertaining series of the year.