At the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit, leading media executives shared insights on audience engagement and the challenges posed by AI in Hollywood.
On September 17, 2026, a panel of leading media executives convened at the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit in Los Angeles, where they discussed how media companies are responding to the fast-evolving landscape of Hollywood. The event, presented by EY, featured executives from Warner Bros. Television, Hulu, NBCUniversal, Blumhouse, and Crunchyroll.
The panel included prominent figures such as Clancy Collins White from Warner Bros. Television, Simran Sethi from Hulu Originals and ABC Entertainment, Liz Jenkins from NBCUniversal, Abhijay Prakash from Blumhouse, and Rahul Purini from Crunchyroll.
Liz Jenkins noted that the television industry experienced unsustainable economics during the "peak TV" era, mentioning that the overabundance of content may have exceeded audience demand. This prompted a shift towards more targeted engagement with priority audiences. This strategy aims to create content that resonates deeply with specific viewer segments, allowing for growth from a more solid foundation.
Simran Sethi elaborated on Disney's distribution strategy, explaining that streaming services like Hulu and Disney+ do not cannibalize one another; rather, they serve distinct audience groups, contributing to an expansion of viewership. She emphasized the importance of the weekly episode release model, contrasting it with Netflix's binge-watching approach. Sethi argued that this model fosters a collective viewing experience, particularly among younger audiences.
Clancy Collins White highlighted the success of Warner Bros. Television's series "The Pitt," which has thrived thanks to its weekly episode drops. The show recently garnered seven 2026 Emmy Awards, including Best Drama Series. White asserted that the audience's enjoyment of this format reflects a growing desire for shared viewing experiences.
Jenkins provided further insights into how platforms like Peacock approach programming. She mentioned that certain shows require time to build an audience, referencing the sixth season of "Love Island USA" and its success influenced by casting decisions. This suggests that careful planning and adaptation of the release schedule can significantly impact viewership.
The discussion also delved into rising concerns surrounding the use of AI in content creation. Abhijay Prakash emphasized the potential for "AI slop" to disrupt the industry, particularly affecting lower-production content. He argued that unique storytelling, as showcased in Blumhouse's hit films "Obsession" and "Backrooms," cannot be easily replicated by artificial intelligence.
Prakash advocated for the importance of delivering unique experiences that compel audiences to venture out of their homes, pointing to the cinematic engagement with original horror films.
Rahul Purini from Crunchyroll discussed strategies to enhance the audience's relationship with anime. He highlighted research indicating a significant and growing global audience for anime, particularly outside Japan and China, with 650 million weekly viewers. Purini pointed out that storytelling themes such as grief and found family resonate with fans and differentiate Crunchyroll's offerings from mainstream content.
Jenkins reiterated the need for quality storytelling amidst the surge in content production. She suggested that the focus should shift back to great narratives and emotional connections that drive viewer engagement, rather than the mere quantity of content.
The insights shared by these industry leaders at the Variety Entertainment & Technology Summit underscore the evolving nature of audience engagement in the media landscape. The shift towards targeted, quality storytelling and an adjustment to traditional viewing models could signal a more sustainable and audience-centric future in entertainment. These developments may encourage other studios to reassess their content strategies and adapt to changing audience preferences while navigating the challenges posed by emerging technologies. The dialogue among these executives reflects a proactive approach to addressing current trends while reaffirming the importance of authentic storytelling in maintaining viewer interest.
For additional industry insights, check out Hollywood Embraces AI: Variety Explores Industry Dynamics and Variety Announces 2026 Women's Impact Report Recognizing Industry Leaders.
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