First Pass

104 stories from 9 sources

The week in Entertainment and Media

Emmy dominance and consolidation define entertainment’s week

July 2026

Week’s Recap

Click on a headline to see stories that shaped it.

Threads

Stories that evolved over the week.

8 threads

Defined the week

Emmys Cement Streaming’s Lead

HBO and Max led the nominations, with The Pitt and Hacks setting the pace, while Disney also posted a large total. Broadcast networks barely appeared in the major categories, reinforcing streaming’s awards advantage.

11 stories, Jul 8 to 11
Defined the week

Paramount-Warner Deal Nears Closing

Regulatory resistance in Oregon weakened over two successive days, removing requests that would have delayed the $111 billion Paramount-Warner Bros. merger. The deal could now close as soon as July 22 while antitrust investigations continue.

2 stories, Jul 10 to 11
Defined the week

World Cup Expands Cross-Platform Reach

World Cup coverage set multiple viewership records on Telemundo and also lifted Peacock through standout matches. The results strengthened live sports as a property that can grow both linear and streaming audiences.

1 story, Jul 11
Major

Moana Remake Stumbles

Disney’s live-action Moana generated extensive remake attention before opening below the animated original and below expectations. Its $43 million North American debut, alongside a reported $250 million budget, put the project’s profitability under pressure.

7 stories, Jul 8 to 12
Major

The Odyssey Courts Event Cinema

The Odyssey arrived as a large-scale Christopher Nolan event positioned as a test of director-led theatrical spectacle. Nolan’s defense of its modern dialogue and dismissal of casting backlash added to the film’s high-profile positioning.

3 stories, Jul 6 to 10
Major

Toy Story 5 Holds Strong

Toy Story 5 stayed atop the U.K. and Ireland box office for a third weekend before passing $800 million worldwide. Its run contrasted with softer openings elsewhere and reinforced the strength of established animated intellectual property.

2 stories, Jul 7 to 9
Major

Sky and Comcast Move on ITV

Sky agreed to acquire ITV for £1.6 billion, bringing two major UK broadcasters under Comcast. The proposed combination would broaden control over audiences, advertising, and domestic content investment.

2 stories, Jul 6
Notable

House of the Dragon Tightens

House of the Dragon shifted Rhaenyra’s rule toward paranoia, public challenges, and dynastic survival. The following episode continued the season’s turn toward instability rather than quick political control.

3 stories, all week

Day’s Recap

Dive deeper into the days that shaped this week