If you thought this year was going to start quieter than last year, well, it looks like we’re in for a ride. And I know you’re probably awash in predictions for 2026, but I’ve got one more for you — 100 percent guaranteed: Generative AI will continue its onslaught into entertainment.
Anyone who’s been reading Erik Barmack’s Reel AI already understands the drastic impact of Sora 2, how ChatGPT is changing writers rooms and how AI search is remaking film and TV discovery. This week, Erik helped take some fear out of the future with a list of eight “good” AI companies working with Hollywood — those focused on maximizing creative potential while respecting IP, and operating with real ethical safeguards and transparency.
Meanwhile, Stat Significant’s Daniel Parris, a data journalist and former senior leader at DoorDash, surfaced revealing new polling on how audiences actually feel about AI in movies and music. His analysis cuts through the noise, and it’s just the beginning of the ahead-of-the-curve AI coverage you can expect from us in 2026, as the stakes only get higher:
But AI isn’t the only set of letters shaping Hollywood’s future. IP still reigns supreme.
Sister title The Optionist’s Andy Lewis went deep — polling execs, agents and collecting unvarnished industry sentiment — to answer priceless questions: What actually moved the market in 2025, which genres were hot (and not), what we learned from the bestseller lists, and what does all this portend for selling IP in 2026?
Plus: Andy’s separate report featuring five amazing properties up for grabs (including a Zorro-like YA adventure) is free this week only. You won’t get this invaluable intel anywhere else, and you can now subscribe to The Optionist for 60% OFF, a special New Year’s discount:
Now, here’s what The Ankler’s got going for this back-to-business week:
CES: Natalie Jarvey of our hit creator economy newsletter, Like & Subscribe, is heading to Vegas for Monday’s Samsung TV Plus Forum at the Wynn, where she’ll lead a conversation about the future of FAST with Samsung’s Salek Brodsky, NBCUniversal’s Bruce Casino and Smosh’s Ale Catanese.
The Critics Choice Awards: They air tonight (live on E! and USA Network at 4 p.m. PT) — which means today’s the day to join Prestige Junkie After Party, because as soon as the telecast wraps, Katey Rich and Christopher Rosen will break down what the results mean for Oscar on Substack Live, but only for PJAP subscribers.
Documentary Spotlight: All Ankler subscribers are invited on Wed., Jan. 7 at 9 a.m. PT to our virtual event hosted by Pure Nonfiction’s Thom Powers and featuring four Oscar-shortlisted films. RSVP here and catch it live, or stream on demand for 24 hours.
Ankler Invitational: Lastly, more than 50 big-time Hollywood aces will come out swinging on Saturday at our invite-only tennis tourney cohosted by Elaine Low and Propagate Content CEO Howard Owens at the LA Tennis Club. Check out our socials @theankler for who’s who, highlights and greatest hits!
And ICYMI, here’s more of our best of the week:
Series Business: 20 Shows With Buzz in ’26
Lesley Goldberg breaks down where the industry is placing its biggest bets heading into 2026:
Want to stay ahead of the game this year? Catch up on 2025’s most valuable reporting from our TV team:
Prestige Junkie: Our Top Three’s Top 10s
Katey welcomes Richard Rushfield and Chris on the pod to share their top 10 films of the year, from blockbusters and indies to major Oscar contenders. Plus, Katey chats with Amy Madigan about her frightful turn in Weapons and talks The Testament of Ann Lee with director Mona Fastvold and star Amanda Seyfried:
The Wakeup
Sean McNulty broke down the make-or-break Christmas week — and the staggering 18–34 opening night numbers Hollywood can’t afford to ignore:
🎧 PODCASTS
ANKLER AGENDA
Elaine, Sean and Natalie answer your most burning questions for Ankler Agenda’s last episode of the year:
📱 LIKE & SUBSCRIBE BY NATALIE JARVEY
FINAL HOUSEKEEPING!
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