While we’re on the topic of streaming services – I’m watching Squid Game: The Challenge as I write this. I’m only one episode in (and am barely paying attention, since I’m, y’know, writing this), so I can’t say for sure how it stacks up against the first season. But that first season is the best season of reality TV ever.

Yes, 90 Day Fiance has more heart and more memorable characters. And yes, Jersey Shore is more entertaining, also with more heart (in later seasons) and more memorable characters. That one season of The Bachelor with the gal and the thing was also good. Ever seen First Dates? Also great. Yes, yes.

What those shows don’t have, though, is thrilling excitement, which in my view, is essential when you can’t really afford a second vacation this year. It also has puzzles. Who doesn’t like puzzles? Especially when millions of dollars in prize money are at stake, and the cutthroat nature of all mankind is on full display in simulated situations, as these contestants plot and scheme to win said prize money. It’s a show about betrayal – I think. It’s been awhile since I saw the first season. Anyway, check it out. It’s good.

Speaking of cutthroat betrayal for large stacks of cash – let’s talk about that Warner Bros. deal!

- Stephen Smysnuik

Netflix and Paramount are in competition to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery, which would include HBO, HBO Max (no they’re not the same thing), Discovery, TLC and the DC Studios libraries, among other properties.

Today, we explore just how lousy both of these options would be for end-users – certainly in the U.S., but also here in Canada. Netflix uses viewer data and complex classification systems to predict content performance, and to make creative and production decisions. This is the antithesis of HBO’s strategy, which has long positioned itself as the flagship company for prestige television.

But while potential fallout to a Netflix acquisition is creative, the ramifications for the Paramount deal are very political, and very troubling. Trump’s involved. His son-in-law, Jared Kushner, is involved. The Saudis are involved. There’s too much to it. Just click the button below to find out more.

Adios!