Hollywood’s Biggest Stars Join Cast of Must-Watch New Series!

WHAT’S IT ABOUT?

Matt Remick is the newly appointed head of Continental Studios, a production company that’s seen better days. As their films struggle to stay relevant and make an impact, Matt and his team face their own doubts while dealing with narcissistic artists and cowardly corporate executives, never losing their relentless desire to create blockbuster movies.

Hiding their panic behind a facade of power, every party, set visit, casting decision, marketing meeting, and awards ceremony is an opportunity for either a brilliant success or a disaster that could end their careers. Living and breathing “movies,” Matt has landed the job he’s always dreamed of, but it might just be his undoing.

WHO’S IN IT?

Seth Rogen, a major figure in American comedy cinema, unveils his latest project, “The Studio.” Designed as a Hollywood satire, the series sees him playing an idealistic studio director navigating the treacherous waters of an industry he’s still getting to know.

Rogen not only stars in the series but also co-created and co-directed it with Evan Goldberg, his long-time collaborator. This new venture also allows the Canadian actor/director to leverage his impressive contacts, bringing in high-profile guest stars.

Announced cameos include Charlize Theron and Zac Efron, as well as directors Martin Scorsese and Ron Howard. Netflix chief Ted Sarandos also makes his very first acting appearance, playing himself in this fictional work.

“The Studio” also features Kathryn Hahn as a tough marketing head, with Ike Barinholtz playing the protagonist’s best friend (and potential rival), and Catherine O’Hara as a former studio head hoping to make a comeback.

IS IT WORTH WATCHING?

Do we really need to introduce Seth Rogen? At 42, the Canadian actor and director has become a Hollywood staple. After breaking out through Judd Apatow’s TV shows and movies, Rogen has since branched out on his own, developing his own projects.

A successful director (The Interview, This is the End), prolific screenwriter (Superbad, Neighbors, Sausage Party), and versatile producer (The Boys, the recent Ninja Turtles: Teenage Years animated movie), Rogen has also won over major film industry players. Still acting occasionally, he has appeared in Danny Boyle’s Steve Jobs biopic, Sarah Polley’s Take This Waltz, and recently in Steven Spielberg’s semi-autobiographical film, The Fabelmans.

Two Sides of Hollywood

Rogen’s immense popularity serves “The Studio,” his latest creation for the AppleTV+ platform. Similar to shows like “30 Rock” and “Entourage,” this series offers a satirical look at the Hollywood industry, featuring many celebrities playing themselves, while Rogen’s character remains fictional.

The show alternates between being a love letter from film enthusiast Rogen to the cinematic world that inspired him, and a critique of an industry more concerned with profits than the quality of its productions. Designed as entertainment, “The Studio” does not shy away from critiquing Hollywood.

Each episode is packed with stars and disasters. The almost procedural format, along with episode lengths of about forty minutes, suits any viewing style. Notably, each scene is shot in a single take, a meticulous approach that gives the series a unique, sometimes almost breathless rhythm.

Seth Rogen at His Peak?

Hailed by the American press as one of the best series of 2025, “The Studio” lives up to the praise. Typically, such productions lose steam after a few episodes due to a lack of sufficient guest stars to keep viewers engaged. This is not the case here, and the protagonist is refreshingly not just another egomaniacal, bumbling misanthrope like those found in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

The series may cater primarily to those familiar with Hollywood’s inner workings, as many technical terms are used without explanation, potentially making it seem exclusive. However, this shouldn’t prevent the general public from enjoying this high-quality series.

Produced with resources seldom allocated to a series, “The Studio” may well represent the pinnacle of Seth Rogen’s career as a comic actor, writer, and director. It could even be considered a mature work, if not for his decision to embrace his perennial adolescence as one of his defining traits.

You can catch “The Studio” now, exclusively on AppleTV+.

Check out the list of series currently available on the platform!