‘Giggly Squad’ Bidding War; PE Comes for Authors — Dead or Alive

It was a very good week for scoops at The Ankler.

Like & Subscribe’s Natalie Jarvey broke open the bidding war for Giggly Squad, revealing the $150 million offers, three suitors and the economics behind Hannah Berner and Paige DeSorbo’s new SiriusXM deal — a pact that says a lot about where creator-driven entertainment is headed. If you aren’t reading Like & Subscribe, you’re missing out. Check it out!

Inside the ‘Giggly Squad’ Podcast Bidding War — $150M Offers, 3 Suitors

Meanwhile, The Optionist’s Andy Lewis went inside private equity’s growing appetite for literary catalogs and estates, from Evelyn Waugh to Tennessee Williams, and the firms betting that author catalogs may be among Hollywood’s most durable IP. He reveals the two biggest firms chasing writers and how they’re changing deals, development and storytelling.

And Friday night, Elaine Low broke another biggie: A federal film and TV tax incentive bill could be introduced as early as next week in the House, with sponsors already lining up. She names the likely sponsors — and will have a lot more on the bipartisan effort for paid subscribers in Monday’s Series Business.

Lastly, Elaine and Natalie both hit the stage at L.A.’s Unscripted Summit on Tuesday, where Natalie spoke to Wheelhouse CEO Brent Montgomery about working with creators and investing in new formats, including microseries — always a hot topic, and also the focus of a separate panel led by Elaine.

Now, ICYMI, Richard on the Emmys debacle, Hollywood’s rogue-AI problem, TIFF’s Oscar shake-up and the rest of the week at The Ankler.

Richard Rushfield

↑ What the Hell Was That Emmys Broadcast? Product placement galore and they couldn’t even fill three hours — but at least no one’s watching, says Richard.

Movie Freaks, Producers and Hope: Postcards From TIFF From presidential suites and midnight screenings to $800 tickets, Richard’s account of his four days among the dreamers

Series Business

↑ Apple TV Wins, HBO Humbled, Netflix at No. 3: Emmys Expose Streaming’s Divide Widow’s Bay won 14 times despite being the least-watched comedy nominee, as Lesley Goldberg chronicles the trio betting on very different futures.

Mr. Darcy for Less: BritBox Bets on the Period Piece the U.S. Abandoned Austen power: Elaine reveals how the streamer is doubling down as its new drama drives record subs — at a third the cost of The Crown.

TV in 3: Paramount’s L.A. Exit Threat — Insiders Aren’t Buying It Plus, broadcast’s fall premiere fizzle — and Felicia Pride on using beloved IP to get a new Black YA show made

Dealmakers

↑ 4 Bellwether Deals Show Where Money’s Moving — and the NFL Shock Ahead James Cameron’s AI buy to Unwell’s valuation reveal new opportunity. Plus: Ashley Cullins explains why football rights are about to rock the industry.

Reel AI

↑ What Happens When AI Goes Rogue Inside Netflix, Disney and Paramount? AI CEOs spent the weekend warning the tech could destroy humanity. But first, Erik Barmack warns, it might release your movie without you.

Prestige Junkie

↑ Highs, Lows & Whoas of the 2026 Emmys Katey Rich and Christopher Rosen break down Allison Janney’s upset, a record night for Widow’s Bay and the baffling choices that nearly derailed the show:

TIFF’s Oscar Shake-Up: I Play Rocky and Julianne Moore Surge Katey explains what the fest changed: the movies, performances and studio bets gaining momentum.

Plus, catch up on all the action from Ankler Studios at TIFF with our festival dailies, featuring Austin Hargrave’s portraits and Katey and Chris’ interviews with Jesse Eisenberg, Cynthia Erivo, Channing Tatum, Julianne Moore and more top stars of the fest

Podcasts

Ankler Agenda

Rep. Laura Friedman tells Elaine how lawmakers from both parties are working with guilds and Donald Trump’s Hollywood ambassador Jon Voight to secure a federal film & TV tax incentive: