The Monthly September 2025

I don’t know how it’s possible, but we’ve reached the end of September. Gone are the hot days of summer, replaced by the ... um ... hot days of fall. Let’s jump into this edition of The Monthly and cover the three stories you need to know, two trailers you need to watch and one article you need to read.

3 THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

Someone’s gonna buy Warner Bros. Discovery

A few weeks ago, it looked like Warner Bros. Discovery was on its way to splitting in two, with the movie and TV studios forming one company and CNN and the conglomerates collection of cable networks forming another company. But now potential suitors are circling the company, possibly looking to gobble it up before CEO David Zaslav even has the chance to execute that spilt.

While it looks like the newly formed Paramount Skydance — led by David Ellison and backed by the growing financial power of his dad, Larry Ellison — is the likely winner when it comes to which studio might buy the entirety of WBD, it also sounds like Netflix might in the mix too.

No matter who winds up buying WBD, it’ll result in yet another seismic shift in the media landscape, collapsing studios into studios, wiping out existing jobs and continuing to shrink the voices that decide what makes it into theaters and onto TV. (The Wall Street Journal) (Puck)

James Gunn looks to Man of Tomorrow

James Gunn and DC Studios are moving quickly on the follow-up to Superman, revealing earlier this month that Man of Tomorrow — which Gunn insists is not a direct sequel to Superman — will fly into theaters on July 9, 2027.

“It’s a story about Lex Luthor and Superman having to work together to a certain degree against a much, much bigger threat,” Gunn told Howard Stern while appearing on his show.

And while we haven’t gotten an official announcement, it looks like that threat might be Brainiac, finally bringing that iconic member of Superman’s rogue gallery to the big screen. (Although Gunn did play coy later in the week, telling Entertainment Weekly, “Listen, of course I wasn't unaware that when I posted the cover of the script that there was going to be discussion around that particular topic.” (James Gunn)

Is this finally the Muppets’ moment?

It shouldn’t be hard to keep the Muppets in the public eye. They’re one of the most recognizable groups of characters in pop culture history. They’ve been in movies, TV shows and specials for decades. Yet Disney just can’t seem to figure out how to do this.

They’re going to give it another shot, with Seth Rogen and Sabrina Carpenter executive producing a revival of The Muppet Show, which Carpenter — who’s everywhere these days — also starring in the special. (The Hollywood Reporter)

2 TRAILERS YOU NEED TO WATCH

The Mandalorian and Grogu

So, um, we can all admit that the first trailer for The Mandalorian and Grogu is bad, right? There’s zero substance to it, just a flash after flash of a Star Wars character, creature or vehicle we’re supposed to excitedly point at like the Leonardo DiCaprio meme. Is this what Disney and Lucasfilm think of Star Wars fans now?

The Chair Company

I’m so excited for The Chair Company. Watching Tim Robinson do his thing — whether it’s in I Think You Should Leave, Friendship or even “Roundball Rock” — gives me so much joy. I can’t wait to see what he’s going to do with an HBO series.

1 ARTICLE YOU NEED TO READ

Is The Pitt Really an ER Spinoff? Michael Crichton’s Estate Says It Is.

Everyone loves The Pitt. It won a bunch of Emmys a few weeks ago. People were psyched to see the trailer for its upcoming second season. But we still haven’t settled the question of whether or not The Pitt is, at its core and origins, a spinoff of ER.

This matters if you’re the estate of Michael Crichton and you nixed the idea of bringing Noah Wyle back for a revival of the beloved medical drama that ran for 15 seasons on NBC. (The New York Times)

CATCHING UP

Here’s what you might have missed from The Omnicosm this month ...

Friday Newsletter

• The Mandalorian and Grogu are contractually obligated to be here
• The Muppet Show set to return with Seth Rogen and Sabrina Carpenter
• ‘A far-reaching conspiracy’: HBO teases Tim Robinson and The Chair Company
• James Gunn sets Man of Tomorrow as his ‘Superman’ follow-up

Deep SNL Thoughts

• Bad Bunny, Amy Poehler and Sabrina Carpenter to host SNL
• 5 more people who need to host SNL again — and 3 more people who should never host again
• Ego Nwodim exits SNL
• Wait, SNL chose to not renew Heidi Gardner’s contract?
• SNL elevates Please Don’t Destroy’s Ben Marshall to cast, hires four more
• Heidi Gardner leads the SNL exodus

The Box Office Report

• Demon Slayer overthrows ‘Pokémon’ to claim anime box office crown
• Anime Demon Slayer sequel scores shocking $70M weekend
• The Conjuring: Last Rites lands a hauntingly historic debut for franchise
• Caught Stealing strikes out against ‘Weapons’ and ‘Jaws’ anniversary release

Snackology

• Josh Allen. Snickers. Sauces?
• Snack Chat September 2025
• What’s the buzz on Honey Roasted Peanut M&M’s?
• Crunch White shines bright
• This is Snackology, and you’re eating the Hot Ones and Popeyes menu
• Nerds Gummy Clusters Cherry Lemonade Blitz are a home run
• Swedish gummy candy BUBS make their American debut
• Will the Mountain Dew and Trolli crossover worm its way into your heart?
• The Olipop and SpongeBob collab might’ve changed my mind about probiotic sodas
• Do the Monsters Cereal mash with this Henson crossover
• The Golden Arches rolls out a Special Edition Gold Sauce
• Jump back in time with A&W Ice Cream Sundae soda