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The music world dimmed a little darker this past Friday when Mark Volman, the spirited soul behind The Turtles’ sunshine-pop classics, took his final bow in Nashville. At 78, the curly-haired musician who gave us “Happy Together” left behind more than just chart-topping hits — he carved out a legacy that speaks to the very heart of rock ‘n’ roll’s golden age.

Born into the buzzing landscape of 1947 Los Angeles, Volman’s story reads like a classic American dream with a psychedelic twist. From jamming in high school bands to crafting some of the ’60s most memorable harmonies, his journey embodied the wild spirit of an era when anything seemed possible.

The Turtles — Volman’s brainchild with Howard Kaylan — started their climb with an unlikely choice: a Bob Dylan cover. But it was their original hit “Happy Together” that would become their calling card, soaring to Billboard’s top spot and embedding itself in the cultural consciousness. Even now, nearly six decades later, those opening notes still trigger smiles across generations.

When The Turtles’ run ended in 1970, Volman didn’t miss a beat. He and Kaylan morphed into Flo & Eddie, becoming rock’s go-to harmony specialists. Their voices decorated T. Rex’s glam-rock anthem “Bang a Gong (Get It On)” and added depth to Springsteen’s “Hungry Heart.” A stint with Frank Zappa’s Mothers of Invention proved they could hang with rock’s most experimental crowds.

But perhaps Volman’s most surprising encore came in middle age. While many rockers were content to ride the nostalgia circuit, he hit the books. Armed with fresh degrees from Loyola Marymount University — including an M.F.A. — he transformed into Professor Volman at Belmont University, sharing hard-won wisdom with music’s next generation.

Life threw its final curveball in 2020: a diagnosis of Lewy body dementia. Yet Volman faced it with characteristic optimism. “This was going to create a whole new part of my life,” he mused to People magazine last year. Even as tremors and hallucinations became unwanted touring partners, he kept performing on the Happy Together tour, refusing to let illness write his ending.

His 2023 memoir, “Happy Forever,” arrived just in time to capture his remarkable tales — from chance encounters with Lennon to adventures with Hendrix. These weren’t just stories; they were firsthand accounts from someone who’d lived through rock’s most colorful chapters.

Volman leaves behind his partner Emily, ex-wife Pat, daughters Hallie and Sarina, and brother Phil. But his real family extends far beyond blood relations — it includes countless musicians he’s inspired, students he’s mentored, and fans whose lives were brightened by his infectious melodies.

In an age of manufactured pop stars and algorithm-driven hits, Volman’s passing reminds us of a time when music felt more like magic than mathematics. His voice may be silent now, but those harmonies? They’ll keep ringing out, happy together with the soundtrack of American music history.

Hold onto your designer handbags, soap opera devotees — the latest casting shake-up in daytime television feels like something ripped straight from a sweeps week storyline. Matt Cohen, that brooding heartthrob who captured hearts on “Supernatural” and “General Hospital,” is trading his stethoscope for a badge as he steps into Genoa City’s most intriguing new role.

The news dropped like a perfectly timed bombshell: Cohen will debut as Detective Burrow on “The Young and the Restless” starting October 16. (And let’s be honest — daytime television could use a few more smoldering detectives prowling around palatial estates and dimly lit corporate offices.)

His understated social media response — “excited and appreciative” — barely scratches the surface of what this means for daytime’s most-watched drama. Here’s a man whose acting chops have graced everything from “NCIS: Los Angeles” to “How to Get Away with Murder,” now stepping into the void left by Chance Chancellor’s departure. Talk about big shoes to fill.

The timing couldn’t be more delicious. While streaming services duke it out over subscriber numbers and network television grapples with the aftermath of 2024’s writers’ strike, soap operas keep serving up the kind of drama that’s sustained them for decades. Cohen isn’t just joining any show — he’s diving into a world where family dynasties clash over breakfast and corporate takeovers happen between lunch and dinner.

But wait, there’s more. Because apparently one casting coup wasn’t enough, “Y&R” has also snagged Roger Howarth fresh from his mind-bending triple-role performance on “General Hospital.” And as if that weren’t enough to keep viewers glued to their screens, Tamara Braun is sashaying into town as Sienna Bacall, a character whose mysterious “personal connections” practically guarantee fireworks.

Detective Burrow will be “investigating a major case involving key characters in the series” — which, in soap opera terms, probably means uncovering enough secrets to fuel storylines well into 2026. Because nothing spices up afternoon television quite like a handsome detective asking uncomfortable questions at charity galas.

Cohen’s journey from playing young John Winchester and the archangel Michael to this latest role showcases exactly the kind of range soap operas thrive on. His recent ventures into directing and producing — including that wickedly clever animated comedy “Public Domain” — suggest we’re dealing with someone who knows how to craft a compelling narrative from any angle.

Meanwhile, over at “General Hospital,” fans are practically storming the castle with pitchforks, demanding Cameron Mathison’s Drew character get the boot. Proof positive that in the soap world, today’s hero can become tomorrow’s pariah faster than you can say “evil twin reveal.”

When Detective Burrow hits the streets of Genoa City next month, expect the unexpected. After all, in a town where corporate mergers lead to bedroom mergers and everyone’s got at least one skeleton doing the cha-cha in their closet, a new detective might be exactly what the script doctor ordered.

And darling, isn’t that exactly why we’ve been tuning in all these years?

Oh darlings, Hollywood’s latest plot twist might just be its most audacious yet. In a move that would make even the most seasoned studio exec reach for their smelling salts, artificial intelligence is stepping into Orson Welles’ directorial shoes.

Remember those fabled 43 minutes of “The Magnificent Ambersons” that vanished faster than a starlet’s career after a box office bomb? That holy grail of cinema that’s had film buffs combing through dusty vaults from Pomona to São Paulo? Well, Showrunner (the tech world’s latest “it girl” who’s branded herself the “Netflix of AI”) has decided to wave her digital wand and — honey, hold onto your vintage Valentino — recreate the whole thing.

The delicious irony would make even the most jaded critic crack a smile. Here we are, using 2025’s cutting-edge tech to restore a film that practically screamed “careful what you wish for” about technological progress. Somewhere, Welles is either applauding or ordering a very stiff drink.

Edward Saatchi — Showrunner’s CEO who’s got more chutzpah than a young Weinstein (minus the ick factor, thank heavens) — has declared Welles “the greatest storyteller of the last 200 years.” Honestly, sweetie, why stop at 200?

Now, before you start clutching those vintage pearls, here’s where it gets interesting. They’ve assembled quite the odd couple: Brian Rose, who’s spent five years recreating the film through charcoal drawings (darling, how delightfully analog), and Tom Clive, fresh from working his AI magic on Zemeckis’ “Here.” It’s like pairing Audrey Hepburn with a Kardashian — shouldn’t work, but somehow…?

Showrunner’s playing it smart, mind you. They’re calling this an “academic project” — the same clever little loophole they used to play in South Park’s sandbox without getting Matt and Trey’s blessing. (Speaking of which, have you seen their latest NFT venture? But that’s tea for another time.)

The technical mumbo-jumbo is enough to make your head spin faster than Linda Blair’s — AI keyframe generation, face transfer, voice synthesis… It’s either brilliant innovation or cinema’s most elaborate cosplay, depending on which side of the velvet rope you’re standing.

But here’s the real showstopper: Saatchi’s team is hinting at a future where movies become “playable experiences.” Imagine “Citizen Kane” where you decide what “Rosebud” means. Actually, don’t — some mysteries are better left in their vintage packaging.

As we barrel toward what Saatchi calls “a scary, strange future of generative storytelling,” one can’t help but wonder: Are we preserving art, or are we simply playing dress-up with algorithms? Then again, darling, isn’t that what Hollywood’s always done — just with different tools?

The Ambersons themselves might appreciate the irony. After all, they too struggled to adapt as their world transformed around them. Now here we are, watching AI try to piece together their story, one digital frame at a time. How’s that for a plot twist?

Sometimes life serves up moments that feel straight out of a sitcom. Take last Tuesday in Cheshire, where former Atomic Kitten star Kerry Katona found herself in a rather peculiar traffic kerfuffle — all thanks to an enthusiastic fan who apparently missed the memo about road safety.

Picture this: A £200,000 neon green Lamborghini (subtle, right?) cruising through town, drawing exactly the kind of attention you’d expect. Behind the wheel? None other than Kerry Katona, whose rags-to-riches-to-rags-to-riches story might just be the most compelling narrative in British pop culture since the Beatles split.

The scene unfolded like something from a British comedy sketch. An overeager bloke, phone at the ready, darting into traffic for that coveted selfie moment. “Quick!” Katona called out — ever the professional, mind you — before making a swift exit as local police descended upon the scene like disapproving parents at a teenage house party.

“What are you playing at?” demanded the officer, clearly unimpressed. The fan’s response? Pure gold: “I was trying to get a video for my missus.” Brilliant. Though something suggests the subsequent lecture about road safety might’ve gone in one ear and out the other, given the chap’s triumphant grin.

But hang on — let’s talk about that Lamborghini for a minute. It’s not just any flashy motor; it’s a symbol of one of the most remarkable comebacks in entertainment history. Remember when Kerry was earning £250 per week with Atomic Kitten? Those days feel like ancient history now, don’t they?

“I left Atomic Kitten with 36 grand in my bank account and bought my mum a house and moved to Ireland. It was ridiculous; you’re given everything for free,” she recently shared on Paul C. Brunson’s We Need to Talk podcast. Proper down-to-earth chat, that.

The road to that eye-watering Lambo hasn’t exactly been smooth sailing. Two bankruptcies (2008 and 2013, if you’re keeping score) would’ve knocked most people for six. But Kerry? She’s got more comebacks than a boomerang factory. Through various ventures — most notably OnlyFans, where subscribers fork out £19.99 monthly for exclusive content — she’s engineered quite the financial turnaround.

“How lucky am I to have two cars like this?” she mused in a recent Instagram video, showing off her automotive collection that’d make any petrolhead weak at the knees. “I’ve worked really, really hard and I’ve been bankrupt twice, but I’ve grafted my a**e off.”

The contrast with her early life hits hard: “We had no Christmas presents, no furniture, but then the refuge dropped off a bag of second-hand stuff, and I was eternally grateful.” It’s the kind of story that’d sound too dramatic for EastEnders if it weren’t true.

“I keep fighting for another day,” she emphasizes, and honestly? In today’s cost-of-living crisis, where even a trip to Tesco feels like highway robbery, her story of resilience hits different. “All I’m trying to do is encourage other people out there that if I can do it, anyone can do it! Believe in yourself and surround yourself with good people.”

So perhaps that traffic-stopping moment in Cheshire wasn’t just about a fan seeking a selfie. Maybe it was a peculiar testament to Kerry’s journey — from someone who once couldn’t afford to stop traffic to someone whose mere presence in a luxury vehicle creates spontaneous fan moments. In the ever-shifting landscape of celebrity culture, that’s quite something, innit?

For those keeping tabs on Kerry’s story (and let’s face it, who isn’t?), it’s clear her narrative continues to evolve. Even if it occasionally means bringing Cheshire traffic to a standstill. Though next time, maybe that eager fan might want to wait for a red light, eh?

Pop culture has a funny way of serving up perfect timing. Just ask anyone who’s witnessed this past week’s remarkable parade of comebacks, revelations, and fresh starts — proving that in showbiz, timing isn’t just everything; it’s the only thing.

Take Gina ‘G.NA’ Choi, for instance. The former K-pop powerhouse just broke her decade-long silence with a gut-punch of an Instagram post that stopped her 300,000 followers dead in their scrolling tracks. Remember “Black and White”? That chart-topper feels like ancient history now, buried under the weight of that devastating 2016 scandal that sent her packing.

“What hurt most wasn’t what happened… it was the silence,” she wrote, her words carrying the weight of years spent away from the spotlight. “I disappeared not to hide, but to survive.” Talk about timing — her return coincides with K-pop’s unprecedented global takeover, making her story feel less like ancient history and more like a cautionary tale for today’s industry.

And speaking of timing, the landscape she’s stepping back into barely resembles the one she left. Netflix’s “K-pop Demon Hunters” is shattering streaming records (who’d have thought demonic choreography would be 2025’s hot ticket?), while Stray Kids casually dethrone Western chart royalty like they’re playing musical chairs. The genre’s gone from regional curiosity to global juggernaut, with shows like Apple TV+’s “KPOPPED” throwing Western artists into the K-pop pressure cooker — because apparently, that’s what the world needed.

Meanwhile, in a completely different corner of the celebrity universe, Harry Styles and Zoë Kravitz are writing their own little romance novel on New York City streets. “They were holding hands and laughing together, like, very casual,” some eagle-eyed witness spilled to Page Six. Because nothing says “we’re totally not trying to make headlines” quite like canoodling in Manhattan’s most paparazzi-heavy spots.

But wait — there’s more. The Spice Girls (yes, those Spice Girls) have somehow managed to spice up women’s rugby, of all things. They’ve joined forces with England’s Red Roses rugby team, marking their first major move since last year’s “Spiceworld” anniversary edition. “That’s incredible Girl Power,” they declared, nodding to the RFU’s first female president. Who had ’90s pop icons meets rugby on their 2025 bingo card?

This weird, wonderful convergence of comebacks speaks volumes about entertainment’s cyclical nature. Whether it’s K-pop breaking cultural barriers, new celebrity couples making us forget about the old ones, or ’90s icons finding relevance in the most unexpected places — the industry keeps spinning, reinventing, and surprising.

For G.NA, whose journey from K-pop sensation to scandal survivor mirrors the industry’s own evolution, her words hit different: “I’m no longer defined by the past, but by what I choose to do now.” In an era where authenticity sometimes feels like a marketing strategy, that kind of raw honesty almost feels revolutionary.

Perhaps that’s the real story here — not just the comebacks themselves, but what they say about an industry that’s finally learning to embrace its scars alongside its stars.

Entertainment’s grand traditions have a peculiar way of reinventing themselves. Take, for instance, the curious parallel between a beloved musical turning 60 and pop’s reigning queen building unexpected bridges to rock royalty.

The Sound of Music — that timeless tale of singing nuns and escape from Nazi-occupied Austria — is getting quite the birthday present. Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment has announced a meticulous 4K restoration, arriving just as we’re all upgrading our home theaters for the 2025 viewing season. The enhancement promises to bring those sweeping Alpine vistas and Julie Andrews’ crystalline vocals into sharp relief, perhaps even catching a glimpse of Christopher Plummer’s knowing smirk in previously unseen detail.

Meanwhile, in an entirely different corner of the entertainment universe, Taylor Swift continues her fascinating dance with rock’s elder statesmen. Remember that slightly shaky 2010 Grammy performance with Stevie Nicks? What could’ve been a career-stumbling moment instead became a catalyst. Swift, never one to shy away from a challenge, doubled down on vocal training — a decision that would shape her trajectory from country darling to global phenomenon.

The Pennsylvania native’s rock credentials run deeper than casual observers might expect. Her early collaboration with Def Leppard (which she rather cheekily described as “metal as hell”) marked just the beginning. Swift’s performed alongside an impressive roster of rock legends — trading stage time with Paul McCartney, learning Mick Jagger’s signature moves during a Nashville rendition of “Satisfaction,” and earning praise from Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler, who drew intriguing parallels between Swift and Madonna’s industry-shifting impact.

But here’s where things get interesting.

Both these seemingly disparate stories — a classic musical’s technological resurrection and Swift’s genre-bending journey — speak volumes about how entertainment evolves while maintaining its essential DNA. The Sound of Music’s upcoming 4K release (complete with an ambitious 80-city touring production) mirrors Swift’s careful curation of her own artistic legacy, albeit through wildly different means.

Steven Tyler perhaps said it best in his candid GQ interview: “She is an incredible entity — it’s unreal what that woman is.” Coming from a rock icon who’s witnessed decades of industry evolution, that’s no small praise.

The von Trapp family’s story, soon to be preserved in pristine 4K clarity, and Swift’s ongoing rock renaissance represent different facets of the same truth: great art finds new ways to speak to each generation. Whether through digital enhancement or genre-crossing performances, these cultural touchstones continue to resonate, finding fresh audiences in unexpected places.

And isn’t that what entertainment’s all about?

Somewhere in the misty forests of upstate New York, Big Thief has been quietly shape-shifting. Not with the dramatic flair of a headline-grabbing reinvention, but with the subtle grace of leaves changing color in autumn.

The Grammy-nominated indie darlings have emerged from their chrysalis as a trio, following bassist Max Oleartchik’s departure. But calling this merely a lineup change would be like describing a butterfly’s metamorphosis as just growing wings. The transformation runs deeper — right to the marrow of their creative DNA.

Their latest album “Double Infinity” captures this evolution with startling clarity. The record feels like stumbling upon a secret clearing in those same upstate forests where the band retreated to reinvent themselves. Nine carefully chosen tracks (culled from over a hundred possibilities) create a sonic landscape that’s both familiar and thrillingly new.

Adrianne Lenker, the band’s enigmatic frontwoman, has always been something of a musical nomad. These days she drifts between the Northeast, Minnesota, and Texas like some modern-day folk troubadour — though she’ll tell you, with characteristic mysticism, that “the forests” are her true home. In early 2025, that rootless existence seems particularly fitting for an artist whose work increasingly explores themes of transformation and rebirth.

“Let me be incomprehensible,” Lenker sings on the aptly titled new track “Incomprehensible” — a line that might make seasoned music journalists chuckle. When has Big Thief ever made things easy for their listeners? But there’s something different this time — a rawness that cuts through their usual ethereal haze.

The remaining members have found their own anchors amidst the change. Buck Meek settled into Topanga Canyon’s creative community, while James Krivchenia holds down the fort in Brooklyn. Their geographical dispersion somehow adds to the album’s expansive feel, as if the music itself is stretching across the continent.

“It was kind of like a breakup,” Krivchenia admits about Oleartchik’s departure, his words carrying the weight of unspoken history. The band’s careful dance around the specifics — they cite only “interpersonal reasons” — speaks volumes about their integrity. Some stories, after all, belong to the shadows between the notes.

Perhaps most intriguing is the evolved dynamic between Lenker and Meek. Their history — former spouses, now “deep friends” following Lenker’s coming out — adds fascinating layers to their artistic partnership. “We dream our dreams together/Even without laying in the same bed,” Lenker sings in “Los Angeles,” a line that captures their transformed relationship with devastating simplicity.

The band’s reinvention required what Lenker describes as “spring cleaning” — reaching into “all the dusty corners” of their friendships. It’s the kind of metaphor that might sound precious coming from another artist, but Lenker has earned the right to such poetic license.

“Double Infinity” proves that sometimes becoming smaller creates space for something bigger. The trio’s decision to work with additional collaborators reflects this paradox — they’ve opened their windows to the world, letting in fresh air and unexpected sounds (including, somewhat surprisingly, a zither).

In the end, Big Thief’s metamorphosis feels less like an ending and more like a beginning. Or maybe it’s both — like that symbol of infinity they’ve chosen for their album title, forever folding back on itself while stretching endlessly forward.

Hollywood’s serving up quite the spectacle as we head into autumn 2025, and the entertainment landscape hasn’t looked this promising in ages. Between boundary-pushing cinema and fresh takes on television favorites, there’s barely enough time to catch one’s breath — let alone digest all the delectable offerings heading our way.

TIFF’s golden anniversary celebration is stealing the spotlight, naturally. The Toronto International Film Festival marks 50 years with an absolutely massive lineup that would make even the most jaded industry veteran raise an eyebrow: 209 feature films, 6 restored classics, and enough A-list talent to make the Hollywood Walk of Fame look like amateur hour.

Remember how the first “Knives Out” took everyone by surprise? Well, Daniel Craig’s bringing Detective Benoit Blanc back for a third round in “Wake Up Dead Man” — and this time he’s joined by Glenn Close (still radiant as ever) and Mila Kunis. The franchise keeps getting better, which almost never happens in Hollywood these days.

Speaking of pleasant surprises… Sydney Sweeney’s trading in those viral denim moments for something completely unexpected. Her turn as an underdog boxer in “Christy” is generating serious awards buzz — and rightfully so. Meanwhile, Matthew McConaughey’s “The Lost Bus” tackles California’s devastating wildfires with the kind of raw intensity that reminds us why he’s got that Oscar sitting on his shelf.

Over in TV land, CBS is taking a gamble that’s actually paying off. Their “FBI” spinoff “CIA” sounds like it could’ve been a tired rehash, but the casting of Tom Ellis (yes, Lucifer himself) alongside “Chicago Med” veteran Nick Gehlfuss is pure genius. The show’s had its share of behind-the-scenes drama — what doesn’t in television these days? — but early footage suggests it’s worth the wait.

Michael Michele’s addition as the CIA supervisor adds another layer of intrigue. She brings that rare combination of steel and charm that’s been missing from network procedurals lately.

Back at TIFF, Russell Crowe’s taking on perhaps the most challenging role of his career as Hermann Goering in “Nuremberg.” Early whispers suggest he’s delivered something unnervingly complex — the kind of performance that makes audiences squirm in their seats while unable to look away. Then there’s Brendan Fraser, riding high on his comeback wave, exploring the fascinating world of rental families in Tokyo. Who knew Fraser speaking Japanese would be one of 2025’s most talked-about performances?

The festival’s paying proper tribute to some of cinema’s finest, too. Guillermo del Toro, Idris Elba, and Jodie Foster are all getting their due — because darling, what’s a 50th birthday without acknowledging the storytellers who’ve shaped our cultural landscape?

As Toronto prepares to host the entertainment world from September 4-14, one thing’s becoming crystal clear: whether it’s groundbreaking cinema or innovative television, the industry’s finally delivering exactly what audiences have been craving — substance with style, depth with dazzle. And isn’t that worth celebrating?

Hollywood’s latest power play feels like something straight out of a blockbuster script. Paramount Pictures — once the quiet kid at the back of the class — has suddenly transformed into the studio everyone wants to dance with.

Fresh off their Skydance collaboration (which, let’s be real, raised more than a few perfectly-groomed eyebrows in Beverly Hills), Paramount’s now cozying up to Legendary Entertainment. And darling, this isn’t just another tepid industry handshake — we’re talking full-blown entertainment matrimony.

The crown jewel of this union? A deliciously retro “Street Fighter” adaptation that’s either going to be brilliant or beautifully bonkers. Andrew Koji and Noah Centineo as Ryu and Ken? That’s the kind of casting that makes entertainment columnists reach for their smelling salts. The October 2026 release date feels like an eternity away, but at least it gives us plenty of time to prepare our bodies for IMAX-sized hadoukens.

Josh Greenstein and Dana Goldberg (Paramount’s answer to Batman and Robin, minus the rubber suits) are throwing around numbers that would make an accountant swoon — 15 films annually, with whispers of pushing to 20. In an era where some studios are still nursing their post-pandemic hangover, that’s what we call swagger.

Don’t worry about existing franchises getting lost in the shuffle. Warner Bros. still gets to play in their “Dune” and “Godzilla” sandbox. But Paramount? They’re getting fresh intellectual property to work with, and honey, they’re hungrier than a vegan at a steakhouse.

Speaking of hunger games (see what we did there?), the “Street Fighter” cast list reads like someone’s fever dream after binge-watching action movies and MTV. Jason Momoa, Eric André, and — because why not — Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson are all joining the party. Set in 1993, it promises “a brutal clash of fists, fate, and fury,” which sounds suspiciously like awards season in Hollywood.

The streaming angle’s particularly fascinating. Unlike Sony’s past deals (bless their hearts), this one includes streaming rights for Paramount+. Because in 2026, if you’re not streaming, you might as well be screaming into the void.

But wait — there’s more. Paramount isn’t just chasing franchise dollars. They’re still wooing critical darlings like Damien Chazelle and just nabbed James Mangold for a project with everyone’s favorite cheekboned wonder, Timothée Chalamet. It’s like watching someone try to order both the burger and the kale salad — and somehow making it work.

The studio that gave us that iconic mountain logo isn’t just climbing mountains anymore — they’re moving them. With “Top Gun 3” and “Call of Duty” on the horizon, Paramount’s making it crystal clear: they’re not just playing the game, they’re changing it.

And honestly? In an industry that’s become more cutthroat than a sample sale at Bergdorf’s, that’s exactly the kind of audacity we need. Now excuse me while I practice my hadouken pose for 2026.

Remember when streaming was just a fancy alternative to cable? Well, the tables have officially turned. Roku’s meteoric rise to viewing dominance — outpacing traditional broadcast TV for the third straight month — isn’t just making waves; it’s reshaping the entire entertainment landscape.

The numbers tell quite a story. Roku’s devices now command an impressive 21.4% share of TV viewing across their platform, leaving broadcast TV’s 18.4% share in the dust. With 90 million active streaming households (as of January 2025), they’ve essentially become the new gatekeeper of modern entertainment — or as Charlie Collier, Roku Media’s president, puts it, “the ‘lead-in’ to TV for millions of viewers’ and partners’ journeys.”

But here’s where things get really interesting.

Take a look at the hardware space, where Roku’s dominance has reached almost absurd levels. Recent financial analysis from Pocket Option shows Roku-branded TV sets (both manufactured and co-branded) snagging a whopping 40.3% of all TV sets sold in Q1. They’re not just selling hardware — they’re printing money through advertising inventory (15-30% on ad-supported channels) and subscription fees (15-20% cut).

The company’s latest power move? Bringing Lisa Holme aboard as their new content chief. Fresh from Warner Bros. Discovery and Hulu, Holme steps into the role previously held by David Eilenberg (who’s moved on to ITV America). Her appointment couldn’t come at a more crucial time — she’ll be steering everything from original programming to sports content and partnerships.

The financial outlook seems equally promising, though perhaps not quite as straightforward. Platform revenue guidance suggests healthy growth — high teens organic growth in Q3, followed by mid-to-high teens in Q4. Dan Jedda, their new COO & CFO, recently laid out their strategy at the Bank of America 2025 Media conference. It’s refreshingly simple: build scale, focus on engagement, then monetize. (Sometimes the best strategies don’t need complicated buzzwords.)

Speaking of monetization — let’s talk about Roku Channel. Their free ad-supported streaming service has seen a remarkable 75% year-over-year jump, claiming a 2.8% share of total day viewing among viewers aged two and up, according to Nielsen’s “Gauge” report. In today’s cutthroat streaming landscape, that’s no small feat.

The writing’s on the wall: traditional TV’s grip on our viewing habits is loosening faster than anyone expected. Roku’s ascendancy might just be the clearest sign yet that the future of entertainment isn’t just streaming — it’s already streamed.