Ted Sarandos Latest Celebrity News & Gossip

J. Kim Murphy Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has offered further defense for the streamer’s curation of stand-up comedy specials from Ricky Gervais and Dave Chappelle, both of which have been criticized for including language that is considered transphobic.In an interview with Maureen Dowd at The New York Times, Sarandos reaffirmed his stance on airing the specials, saying that the way comedians figure out where the line is is by “crossing the line every once in a while.”“I think it’s very important to the American culture generally to have free expression, Sarandos told the Times.

In a wide-ranging interview published today in the New York Times, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos has doubled down on his prior defenses of artistic freedom, backing comedians Dave Chappelle and Ricky Gervais.

Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has said the show’s second season will be released by the end of 2023 or 2024.The show’s first season broke records for Netflix when it was released last year, with co-CEO Ted Sarandos confirming a second season had been ordered back in January.In an interview with Vanity Fair, Dong-hyuk provided an update on the second season’s progress. The report reads: “Hwang is in the midst of final discussions with Netflix for a second season of Squid Game and anticipates that it could be out by the end of 2023 or 2024.”It states that Dong-hyuk has “about three pages’ worth of ideas that he plans to turn into a script”.Teasing the new season, he added: “Humanity is going to be put to a test through those games once again.

Zack Sharf “Squid Game” is coming back to Netflix for a second season, but fans of the smash hit drama series are going to have to wait well over a year for  new episodes. Series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk told Vanity Fair that he predicts the next batch of episodes won’t be ready for release until the end of 2023 at the earliest.

The American Cinematheque has announced David Zaslav, CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery, is the newest addition to the group’s board of directors.Zaslav spearheaded the recent transaction between AT&T and Discovery, Inc.

Netflix employees should leave the company if they take issue with its programming, the streaming giant has said in an internal memo obtained ahead of its publication this week.Within the platform’s ‘Artistic Expression’ section of its corporate culture memo, which was due to be shared publicly on Thursday (May 19) although was obtained in advance by Variety, employees are advised that they should leave the company if they’re offended by the streamer’s “content breadth”.The anti-censorship drive comes months after Netflix aired Dave Chappelle’s controversial stand-up special The Closer, which prompted LGBTQ+ employees and supporters to walk out in protest over his transphobic and homophobic jokes.At the time Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos defended Chappelle, saying: “We don’t allow Netflix titles that are designed to incite hate or violence, and we don’t believe The Closer crosses that line.”Now, the ‘Artistic Expression’ of Netflix’s updated memo states: “Not everyone will like — or agree with — everything on our service.“While every title is different, we approach them based on the same set of principles: we support the artistic expression of the creators we choose to work with; we program for a diversity of audiences and tastes; and we let viewers decide what’s appropriate for them, versus having Netflix censor specific artists or voices.”The section concludes that employees’ “personal values” about what they consider “harmful” will not be taken into consideration.It continued: “As employees we support the principle that Netflix offers a diversity of stories, even if we find some titles counter to our own personal values. Depending on your role, you may need to work on titles you perceive to be harmful.

Netflix has a message for all of its employees who may not agree with the content it is making…

walk out in protest over his anti-trans and homophobic jokes. At the time, Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos sided with Chappelle and now he’s doubled down by telling employees that if anyone is going anywhere, it should be them.As various outlets have reported, the Netflix Culture memo includes a new section called “Artistic Expression,” which declares the streamer will not “censor specific artists or voices” even if employees consider the content “harmful.” “Not everyone will like — or agree with — everything on our service,” the Artistic Expression section states.

wokeworkers to bed. In light of internal dissension triggered by productions like Dave Chappelle’s chaotically controversial stand-up special, Netflix has reportedly issued a shady missive to its disgruntled staffers, underscoring that the streaming behemoth values the “artistic expression” of its content creators over each employee’s personal thoughts, beliefs and lifestyles. And any worker who doesn’t like it can ’Flix off. “As employees we support the principle that Netflix offers a diversity of stories, even if we find some titles counter to our own personal values,” read the memo, titled “Netflix Culture — Seeking Excellence.”“Depending on your role, you may need to work on titles you perceive to be harmful,” the communiqué continued.

Netflix’s hit K-drama Squid Game made surprise appearances at locations around London today, ahead of the BAFTA TV Awards.The show, which premiered on the streaming platform last year, was nominated for two categories at tonight’s (May 8) ceremony – International and Virgin Media’s Must-See Moment for its “red light, green light” game.Before the event kicked off, the ominous, red-clad figures surprised fans across London, popping up at landmarks including Buckingham Palace and Piccadilly Circus. The three costumed guards posed for selfies and recreated The Beatles’ iconic album cover at Abbey Road.Other locations visited by the anonymous guards included Embankment Bridge, Southbank and the Royal Festival Hall.

Lionsgate CEO Jon Feltheimer believes Netflix still has a “tremendous business,” but they “didn’t pivot quite quickly enough” as their subscriber momentum stalled.

Nick Vivarelli International CorrespondentReed Hastings made the trek to Rome to open Netflix’s new Italian headquarters in an elegant building just off the Via Veneto of “La Dolce Vita” fame — and the Roman rain gods made sure they knew he was there.Menacing dark clouds interspersed with flashes of sunlight had hovered over the hour-long outdoor presentation of a rich slate of Netflix Italian originals, headlined by a high-end series adaptation of classic Italian novel “The Leopard.” Yet the weather had somehow held up.Right until, that is, a minute after Hastings took the stage.“To start [in Italy] with this facility, with all the creators that we have today, is such an honor, especially as I feel the first drop of rain,” said Netflix’s founder and co-CEO. As it gradually began to pour, Hastings reminisced about the fact that 20 years ago, when his wife and children moved to Rome while he remained in the U.S.

A Netflix shareholder has sued the streamer for violating securities law after slowing subscriber growth led to a sharp decline in the company’s stock price.

After Dave Chappelle was knocked to the ground during his Netflix Is a Joke festival set, his attacker has since been identified and arrested.

Dave Chappelle was attacked on stage after a person interrupted his performance at the Netflix Is a Joke festival in Los Angeles.

Dave Chappelle has been attacked by a man during a Netflix stand-up show at the Hollywood Bowl.Footage has surfaced online from last night’s show (May 3) which appears to show a man charging and tackling the comedian.The man was then said to have been dragged away by security, according to The Hollywood Reporter.Following the incident at the Netflix Is A Joke festival, Chappelle regained his composure and joked that “it was a trans man” in reference to the backlash last year over his stand-up special The Closer, where he described himself as “team TERF” as he spoke on the controversy surrounding J.K. Rowling.Dave Chappelle just got attacked on stage pic.twitter.com/E4gAfmkPgQ— Hoodville (@Hoodville_) May 4, 2022Here is a video of the aftermath.

for murdering Jacqueline Avant, the wife of legendary music executive Clarence Avant.Aariel Maynor, 30, was sentenced yesterday (April 19) after pleading guilty to murder and other charges in Los Angeles’ Superior Court last month and admitting he used an AR-15 style semi-automatic rifle to shoot Avant in her Beverly Hills home on December 1 2021, before firing several rounds at her security guard as he fled, reports Billboard.According to prosecutors, Maynor shot Avant in the back when she surprised him after he broke into the couple’s house during a burglary attempt in which he hoped to steal $50,000 (£38,288).After fleeing the scene, prosecuters claimed that he broke into a separate home in the Hollywood Hills and then accidentally shot himself in the foot as he was leaving.It was alleged that Maynor had searched for information on Clarence Avant and the couple’s address the day before the killing.Jacqueline was known for her philanthropic efforts including being on the board of directors of UCLA’s International Student Center and having acted as president of the Neighbors of Watts.Her husband, Clarence, has been celebrated by artists including JAY-Z and Diddy for cultivating African American artists’ careers.

A crew of sober Netflix execs said a password-sharing crackdown on the army of 100 million viewers who use the service for free is front and center and being tested but could take about a year to roll out, and it’s not clear what it will look like.

Netflix has long been asked whether it would eventually move into live sports.

life in prison with a minimum of 150 years for the murder of philanthropist Jacqueline Avant, wife of celebrated music executive Clarence Avant.Maynor, 30, broke into the Avant family home on Dec. 1, and shot Jacqueline Avant in the back. About an hour later, he was taken into custody in the Hollywood Hills after shooting himself while burglarizing a second home.

Matt Donnelly Senior Film WriterNetflix has promoted Emily Feingold to vice president of communications, Variety has learned exclusively.The experienced and well-liked executive will now oversee communications for the streaming giant across the United States and Canada. She reports to Rachel Whetstone, Netflix chief communications officer.“I am thrilled that Emily has been appointed as Netflix’s new VP of communications.

proxy statement, Hastings received a pay package of $40.8 million and Sarandos earned $38.2 million, primarily from stock awards. Hastings received a $650,000 annual salary and $39.7 million in stock awards and Sarandos took home a $20 million salary and $17.1 million in stock awards. Sarandos also had nearly $900,000 in security costs covered by Netflix.Netflix had a record-setting year in 2020 and its top executives were rewarded handsomely for it, with co-CEOs Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos bringing home a combined $82.5 million last year.

Todd Spangler NY Digital EditorReed Hastings and Ted Sarandos, the two top executives at Netflix, saw their overall pay packages drop a bit in 2021 — but they still raked in tens of millions each.Hastings’ total compensation package for 2021 was worth $40.8 million, including $39.7 million in stock grants and $650,000 in salary, according to the company’s 2022 proxy statement, filed Friday with the Securities and Exchange Commission. That’s down 6% from the year prior for the co-founder and co-CEO of Netflix.Sarandos, who serves as co-CEO and chief content officer, earned $38.2 million last year, comprising $20 million in annual salary and $17.1 million in stock — a 2.7% drop from 2020.For 2022, Sarandos is set to receive $40 million in compensation and Hastings stands to make north of $34 million.

Netflix Co-CEOs Reed Hastings and Ted Sarandos each saw a slight dip in their total compensation in 2021 compared to 2020, according to a new SEC filing.

NEW YORK -- Shonda Rhimes was on vacation when she stumbled upon the first book in the Regency-era “Bridgerton” book series, “The Duke & I," by Julia Quinn and quickly was all in.“I immediately went out and bought all the rest of her books,” said Rhimes in a recent interview. "Her way with words is delightful. I thought, ’These are characters I'd want to know.' They had a universal feeling to them and I thought they'd make amazing television."Rhimes passed the books on to Chris Van Dusen, who was equally besotted.“I took them home and fell in love with them from the very first moment I read them,” he said.

With less than four weeks until the festival begins, Netflix Is A Joke: The Festival has added new shows to its lineup, including top stand-up performances, Netflix series cast events, as well as a free outdoor fan experience. The festival, which now boasts over 250 live shows across over 30 venues covering Los Angeles, is produced by Netflix in association with Live Nation. 

Squid Game, has revealed that the series’ much-anticipated second season has not been written yet.During an appearance at the MIPTV festival in Cannas, the 50-year-old director shared to the media that he has yet to write the script for the much-anticipated second season of Squid Game, but also hinted at when the show might be returning.“I have to work on season 2. Hopefully, I can show it to the fans by the end of 2024,” said Hwang on Monday (April 4), per The Straits Times.

Cynthia Littleton Business EditorThe battlegrounds in the streaming wars are shifting fast, just as real-life battle lines are being dug out in Eastern Europe.Russia has drawn near-universal condemnation because of its unprovoked attack on its neighbor Ukraine, launching a war with the country. The conflict has also rattled world markets and made investors nervous about geopolitical instability as the entertainment industry is banking more than ever before on the value of building platforms with global reach.

Gene Maddaus Senior Media WriterFive candidates took the stage for an L.A. mayoral debate last week, but as far as Hollywood is concerned, there might as well be only two.Karen Bass, the former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, is the favorite among the industry’s Democratic donor community, led by Jeffrey Katzenberg and J.J. Abrams.

For those Oscar nominees whose eight categories are sidelined in a pre-show, it’s a slap in the face, but for Netflix Co-CEO and Chief Content Officer Ted Sarandos, it’s just business.

Producers Guild of America Awards panel over the weekend, the 75-year-old applauded the streaming service for awarding “unknown actors” the opportunity to helm projects.“A long time ago, it was domestic stars that brought the audience into movies,” Spielberg said. “Today, it’s interesting, unknown people can star entire miniseries, can be in movies.”“Squid Game” is a 2021 South Korean production that shocked viewers and brought in very high ratings for the streamer.“’Squid Game’ comes along and changes the math entirely for all of us,” the “West Side Story” filmmaker added before directing his attention to Netflix’s co-CEO and chief content officer Ted Sarandos.

Squid Game “unknown people”.The legendary Hollywood director made an appearance at a PGA Awards panel on Saturday (March 19), where he spoke about the game-changing impact the hit K-drama has had on the entertainment industry and praised Netflix for its decision to cast actors that are supposedly lesser known in the West.“Squid Game comes along and changes the math entirely for all of us,” Spielberg said while gesturing towards Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, who was in the audience, according to Deadline. “Thank you, Ted [Sarandos].”Spielberg’s statement came while the panel were discussing whether it was important to cast well-known actors in lead roles for projects to succeed, during which the director also credited the streaming platform for supposedly opening the doors for lesser-known actors to star in shows.“A long time ago it was domestic stars that brought the audience into movies,” Spielberg added.

Jonathan Bailey gets in between Simone Ashley and Charithra Chandran for the premiere of Bridgerton‘s season two held at Tate Modern on Tuesday (March 22) in London, England.

Squid Game creator Hwang Dong-hyuk has teased that he’s “brainstorming and collecting the ideas” for the smash-hit Netflix thriller’s second season, hinting in the process that breakout star Jung Ho-yeon could return for a new role.Appearing on the red carpet at this year’s PGA Awards, Hwang told Deadline that Squid Game fans should temper their hopes that season two might see an imminent release, as the new episodes are yet to begin production.Asked what fans can expect from the South Korean show’s return, Hwang said: “There will be more great games, that’s all I can say. I’m just still brainstorming and collecting the ideas for season two.

Squid Game breakout star Jung Ho-yeon has expressed an interest in appearing on hit American teen drama, Euphoria.In a recent interview with Entertainment Tonight on the red carpet of the Critics Choice Awards 2022, Jung briefly spoke about her experience visiting the set of the popular HBO show. The South Korean actress had visited the set of Euphoria last year, after being invited by lead actor Zendaya.“I visited the set of Euphoria and it was so nice to see the set because it’s been a while [since I’ve been on set] after Squid Game,” Jung said.

Kirsten Dunst and Jesse Plemons are hitting the red carpet!