How Real Is Seth Rogen’s The Studio? Hollywood Execs Weigh In

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Working in Hollywood isn’t always as glamorous as it appears on screen. For evidence, consider “The Studio,” a series that focuses on Seth Rogen’s character Matt Remick, a new head of production company Continental Studios, who grapples with finding a balance between creating quality films and the demanding task of producing blockbusters.

In a particular episode of The Apple TV+ series, Remick expresses, “My fascination with films initially led me here, but now I’m grappling with the anxiety that my role might be to undermine them instead.

This show has swiftly gained massive acclaim in Hollywood, amassing a total of 23 Emmy nominations, among which is the category for Outstanding Comedy Series. Moreover, its impressive lineup should not be overlooked, featuring the likes of Seth Rogen alongside Catherine O’Hara, Chase Sui Wonders, Kathryn Hahn, and Ike Barinholtz. To add to that, you’ll find a plethora of guest stars such as Bryan Cranston, Dave Franco, Zoë Kravitz, Charlize Theron, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde, Martin Scorsese, Ice Cube, Adam Scott, Steve Buscemi, and Quinta Brunson.

To confirm, the show does draw from real-life experiences. As Rogen confessed, he took some creative cues from Steve Asbell, an executive at 20th Century Fox Studios. In a conversation on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert in March, Rogen described him as a wonderful individual who grapples with his professional responsibilities.

In simpler terms, while some executives were happy with the show’s acknowledgments, others, like one who supposedly cried at a Golden Globes event for not being thanked during an acceptance speech, were decidedly less thrilled. Rogen added that they had made an entire episode about this issue, and the person it pertains to is aware of it, and they recently expressed their displeasure quite forcefully to him.

But how close to reality is this comedy? Well, it depends on who you ask.

Tom Rothman, the Chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, shared with Letterboxd in August that, similar to how Oscar Wilde once said, ‘every joke contains a grain of truth that will eventually ripen,’ each episode of the show has a core element of brilliant, stark truth which makes it great satire. However, Rothman added that while there is this central truth, much of the rest may not always be accurate or sensible. He emphasized that he interprets it as intended humor and found it amusing.

So, what does that kernel of truth entail?

In Rothman’s words, “Each episode portrayed by studio executives attempting to do what’s right faces numerous challenges, but they accurately capture the struggle. However, they significantly emphasize moral compromises in this pursuit, which is not a common occurrence. People like me, who are movie enthusiasts with high integrity, strive to do our best.

Then again, some would argue executive roles like Remick’s have changed.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in April, former Paramount Pictures president Adam Goodman expressed that his previous role was remarkable, allowing him to lend a voice to those who deserved it and contribute to something impactful. He now feels that there’s less recognition for taking risks or supporting favored scripts or new filmmakers. Instead, it seems as if one becomes more of a brand manager rather than a creative champion, and playing it safe appears to be the wiser career choice.

Rogen and the cast are set to discover if joining The Studio turned out to be a wiser career choice when the Emmy Awards broadcast live from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Sunday, September 14. Until that date, continue reading to find out how he, along with other stars, responded to their nominations.

After receiving her fourth nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role as Barbara Howard, Sheryl shared on Instagram her heartfelt thanks.

In a July 15 Instagram video, she beamed with joy as she exclaimed, “Wow! I’m absolutely thrilled!” She acknowledged that she might come across as quite sentimental, but admitted that the feeling never fades. Expressing her gratitude, she thanked everyone who played a role in voting for her. Incredulous at being listed among seven exceptional actresses, she humbly expressed her continued appreciation and felt deeply grateful for the recognition.

Over the moon with joy, I penned down on my Instagram post dated July 15th, “Feeling honored and proud :)” after learning that my beloved ABC series scored six additional nominations, one of which was a personal recognition – an Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy award! What a moment! #blessedfan

The actor from the series “Severance,” who earned his second nomination for his role as Mark Scout, expressed excitement on Instagram about the show’s 27 nominations. Along with pictures of some of the awards, he wrote, “Wow, amazing!” or “Unbelievable!” in a more family-friendly manner.

Goodness gracious me!”, Connor exclaimed in a video shared with TopMob News upon hearing that the Netflix reality series won five Emmys. “Simply fantastic!

The show’s star broke out into dance before adding, “I feel like a leprechan on St. Patrick’s Day.”

Meanwhile, the show’s co-creators Cian O’Clery and Karina Holden were similarly floored. 

We’re absolutely thrilled that ‘Love on the Spectrum’ has received five Primetime Emmy nominations! As a team, we’ve poured our hearts into this project – both in honoring the amazing individuals who have trusted us with their stories, and in bringing those tales to life with great dedication. A heartfelt thank you to the Academy for acknowledging the passion and effort that goes into creating our show.

 

Pedro shared on his Instagram Story on July 15 that he was nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. He also acknowledged the nominations of his co-stars, Bella Ramsey and Kaitlyn Dever, for their performances.

On July 15, Jean posted on Instagram Stories, expressing his excitement with the words, “I am absolutely delighted! I couldn’t be more pleased with us. A big thank you to everyone!

Christine expressed her deep gratitude in a statement on July 15, stating, “I am overjoyed and incredibly proud to be nominated! Being recognized as part of the incredible team working on ‘Adolescence’ is truly an honor. Our goal with ‘Adolescence’ was to spark essential discussions, and witnessing its profound impact on people surpasses all expectations I had. It has been a privilege to contribute to something so meaningful. This acknowledgement serves as a reflection of everyone’s dedication and determination.

Christine, having been recognized for her exceptional supporting performance in a Limited Series or Anthology, took the opportunity to express gratitude towards those instrumental in making the hugely successful Netflix production come alive.

She expressed her gratitude towards Stephen Graham, Hannah Walters, Jack Thorne, Philip Barantini, Jo Johnson, Netflix, Warp Films, and Plan B for making this project a reality. She also extended heartfelt congratulations to Ashley Walters, Erin Doherty, Owen Cooper, and once again, Stephen Graham, for their exceptional performances.

Ashley, nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Limited Series, expressed his gratitude in a statement, saying, “This nomination is an incredible honor to me. It’s not just about recognition, but also serves as a testament to my journey. This acknowledgement is for everyone who supported me throughout the ups and downs, who had faith in me during my most challenging times.

Indeed, Ashley couldn’t believe how far he’s come to get to this honor. 

He went on to say, “This experience is proof of the strength of determination.” He emphasized that dreams are valuable, yet it’s the effort, the struggles, the learning process, and the persistence that turn them into reality. Five years ago, this seemed unattainable. Now, I am immensely proud-not just for myself, but to be with artists I greatly respect. The work we created together is something I will cherish always, and to see it recognized at this level is truly remarkable.

Ashley expressed her gratitude by saying, “I’m grateful to the Emmys for this nomination. I want to thank my wife and kids for keeping me grounded and giving me a sense of purpose. To my family and friends, you are my foundation. To my dedicated team who’ve been working hard behind the scenes, I appreciate your tireless efforts. And to our entire cast and crew, your brilliance and heart made this moment possible. This nomination is a shared victory for all of us.

Javier expressed his heartfelt appreciation to TopMob News, acknowledging the nomination he received alongside the talented cast and crew of “Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story.” He stated that this story, while complex and challenging to portray, was brought to life with a sense of humanity in each character. He extended his gratitude to Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan, and Netflix for their courageous vision. Lastly, he praised his exceptional co-stars, Cooper, Nicholas, and Chloe, for their trust and vulnerability during the production process.

 

Jason, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, expressed his excitement in a statement about being honored among an exceptional ensemble of actors. He added that he’s particularly delighted about the show and his fellow cast members receiving nominations as well. In essence, they consider each other like family, making this a truly joyous day for the Shrinking team!

As a humbled young actor, still only 14 years old, I can’t express enough how surreal it feels to be nominated for such an esteemed award. Sharing this recognition with so many outstanding artists in our industry is truly an honor beyond words.

I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the entire cast and crew of our Netflix series. Each one of them played a crucial role in helping me deliver my best performances. A special thank you goes out to Erin Doherty, Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Faye Marsay, under the brilliant direction of Phil Barantini. The writing duo Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham have crafted captivating narratives that brought our characters to life. Last but certainly not least, I would like to thank the producers Jo Johnson, Hannah Walters, Mark Herbert, Warp Films, Plan B, for their unwavering support and dedication to our project.

Just wow! This nomination is a testament to all the hard work we’ve put in together. Thank you!

Owen, who made history as the youngest Emmy nominee ever, also went on to thank Netflix. 

In a heartfelt expression of gratitude, I want to extend my deepest thanks to everyone who’s stood by me and my family throughout our journey. And, let the thrill surge through me as I acknowledge each one of my category peers who are also nominated. The anticipation for the event is palpable; it’s like a buzzing energy coursing through my veins!

Adam expressed his heartfelt gratitude in a statement to TopMob News, stating that working on “Nobody Wants This” has been an incredibly fulfilling experience in his career. He is deeply appreciative of being a part of such a remarkable and collaborative cast and crew, whom he considers extraordinarily talented. Additionally, Adam expressed his sincere thanks to the Television Academy for recognizing him with a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series. This honor holds great significance to him.

As an over-the-top fanboy, let me tell you, “Holy smokes!” Brian, nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Limited Series or Anthology! I’m beyond grateful for this recognition and even more so to be part of the coolest cast and crew I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with. We gave viewers weekly heart-stopping moments, and it was all thanks to these talented individuals. And let me tell you, we didn’t just work, we played! Thank you for this incredible journey. Every breath I take will be spent praising and thanking you.

And, Peter Craig, I practically worship the ground you walk on, sir! You created a rich, vibrant world for me to play in, and I’ll follow you wherever you go. A special shoutout goes to my brother and best friend, Wagner. You’ve made me a better person, a better spirit. I feel so lucky to share this life with you. Thank you for existing the way you do. I love you, brother!

 
 

On July 15, Aimee shared multiple posts from her friends and family celebrating her on her Instagram Story. However, when it came to commenting on the news, she was quite brief, simply exclaiming, “Wtf.

Following the recognition my wife, Robby, received for her guest role on the show Hacks, I couldn’t contain my joy and jumped onto Instagram to express my pride and happiness.

Gabby posted on her Instagram story on July 15, “It seems as if we had always anticipated this all along!!” She went on to say, “Bravo to the wittiest, most gifted spouse anyone could ask for. I am so proud of you, dear one!!

On July 15th, I shared the breaking news across my social media platform, punctuating it with a series of stunned emojis, as I was left speechless by the development.

Ayo was genuinely thrilled when she shared on her Instagram Story on July 15th, expressing her overwhelming sense of honor and gratitude. She’s deeply moved and thankful to everyone involved, from our talented cast to the exceptional, flawless, and simply beautiful crew, who make everything we achieve possible.

Leslie was thrilled to see her fellow stars from The White Lotus, including Carrie Coon, Natasha Rothwell, Parker Posey, Jason Isaacs, Walton Goggins, and Aimee Lou Wood, earning nominations, even though she wasn’t nominated herself.

Leslie excitedly congratulated her incredibly skilled friends on the nominations they received for the Emmys, which she announced on her Instagram Story on July 15.

Later, she included a picture showing affectionate moments with her partner, Sam Rockwell, accompanied by the caption, “Also, bravo to my dear one! I’m incredibly proud of your achievements.

It’s a great pleasure and immense joy for us to have been nominated by our colleagues for ‘The Pitt’. This acknowledgement comes alongside fellow creators John Wells and R. Scott Gemmill. Crafting this project has been more than just work, it’s been a heartfelt endeavor that wouldn’t be possible without the unparalleled efforts of numerous talented collaborators. Our team based in Los Angeles is comprised of over 350 individuals including crew, cast, writers, directors, producers, and local artisans. We are thrilled and deeply moved to be nominated alongside our exceptional fellow nominees.

In response to being nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series, Noah expressed, “I’m thrilled that the nominations were shared among various departments, as it underscores our united teamwork. I extend my sincere congratulations to all my fellow nominees. I feel humbled and grateful.

In a heartfelt statement, I am profoundly grateful for the recognition bestowed upon me and my fellow talented cast members – Pedro, Kaitlyn, Catherine, Jeffrey, Joe, among others – for our work in ‘The Last of Us’ Season Two. This acknowledgement extends to each and every member of our dedicated crew who put in countless hours, ensuring they crafted the ideal setting that enabled our performances to shine.

Hannah celebrated and acknowledged everyone nominated from the HBO Max series, and also couldn’t help but feel delighted about her own nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series.

As a devoted admirer, I’d like to express my gratitude in a post dated July 15th on Instagram: “A shoutout to my cherished family, for it’s their unwavering support that makes Hacks a reality. I am profoundly grateful and feel incredibly humbled by their presence.

Jake expressed his gratitude to the Television Academy for their recognition, as he was nominated for Outstanding Actor in a Limited or Anthology Series. In addition, he expressed deep appreciation to the entire talented cast of “Presumed Innocent”, the dedication and expertise of our amazing crew, and to AppleTV+ for their unwavering support. (TopMob News)

Of course, Jake took the chance to acknowledge Maggie Gyllenhaal’s spouse as well.

He also extended a heartfelt congratulations to his brother-in-law, Peter Sarsgaard, who was similarly nominated. Not only is he talented in the series, but he certainly holds his own.

Catherine, who was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actress, expressed her excitement and gratitude in a statement to TopMob News, saying, “I’m overjoyed for all the wonderful people on the show, and feel privileged to be among them. I’m also incredibly happy that Ron Howard and Martin Scorsese are finally receiving long-overdue recognition, thanks to The Studio!

Jason, who was nominated for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series for his portrayal of Timothy Ratliff, expressed gratitude for the opportunity to embody such a complex and solitary character, created by the talented Mike White. He reflected that this role took him on a transformative journey from self-centeredness to humility and contentment. With today’s nomination, he may have replicated this journey once more – to be acknowledged by his fellow actors among such esteemed company feels unreal.

When Cristin was first notified about her Emmy nomination, her immediate thought was, “I can’t wait to indulge in a delicious dessert later!” She shared this excitement with Deadline shortly after the nominations were announced on July 15. “I am overjoyed by the number of nominations that The Penguin received,” she added.

Furthermore, because the program received an additional three nominations alongside Cristin’s, she graciously took a moment to thank everyone involved in producing the series.

She expressed her excitement for our directors, co-stars, scriptwriters, hair and makeup crew, visual effects team, and editors. She noted that it took numerous people to create this show as we know it today. Given the uncertainty of who might receive recognition, she’s incredibly grateful for the amount of accolades our production has received.

For many years, the well-known comedy team joyfully announced their delight upon receiving a nomination for their popular AppleTV+ program. This groundbreaking show, featuring an impressive 23 nominations, shattered the previous record held by a debuting comedy series.

In a joint statement to TopMob News, Rogen and Goldberg expressed surprise, saying, ‘We never imagined this would occur! What on earth can we say? A huge thank you to our parents, agents, publicists, preschool teachers, managers, The Television Academy, assistants, and Apple for their support. Or do you only express gratitude if you win? Oh dear, have we already messed up? Let’s refrain from commenting.’

In his statement to TopMob News, Dave, who was nominated for the Best Guest Actor in a Comedy Series, expressed gratitude towards the Television Academy, Point Grey, and everyone at Apple. He found it peculiar that his initial nomination was for portraying himself under the influence of alcohol, marijuana, cocaine, and mushrooms.

The actress from “Nobody Wants This” excitedly expressed her real-time feelings upon receiving a nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series, as well as the show’s recognition with an award for Outstanding Comedy Series, which was produced by Erin Foster.

In a July 15 post, Kristen expressed her excitement by saying, “Learned that I’ve been nominated for an Emmy!” accompanied by pictures. Also, she enthusiastically shared the news about her colleague, “@erinfoster,” being nominated for an Emmy too!!!

Colman confidently presented flowers to everyone as recognition for his nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series.

In his Instagram post on July 15, he expressed gratitude for working with Tina Fey, Lange Fisher, Tracey Wigfield, Steve Carell, Kerri Kenny-Silver, Alvani, Erika Henningsen, and Will Forte. He referred to them as an exceptional group of comedy geniuses. He stated that humor doesn’t exist without collaboration, praising their generosity and camaraderie. He is eagerly looking forward to working with them all again soon.

Scott expressed his heartfelt gratitude in a statement to TopMob News for the remarkable honor he received. He thanked the entire cast and crew of The White Lotus, HBO, and especially Mike White for embracing his unique, spontaneous acting style and even encouraging it.

It’s truly a privilege to be nominated alongside such an incredibly gifted group of actors this year,” Erin, who is nominated for Best Supporting Actress in a Limited Series or Anthology, expressed. “To my fellow nominees, I want to express my deep respect and admiration for your talents. Also, let me take a moment to shout out and congratulate Ashley Walters, Christine Tremarco, Owen Cooper, and Stephen Graham. I feel so fortunate to be sharing this journey with you all!

Of course, The Crown alum also went on to share the love to those behind the scenes. 

Thank you so much, Phil Barantini, for your exceptional directing skills, and Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne for your beautifully crafted dialogue,” she went on. “To the legendary producers Jo Johnson, Hannah Walters, Mark Herbert, Warp Films, and Plan B – I am eternally grateful for allowing me to be a part of this extraordinary project. Lastly, a massive thank you to the academy and Netflix for your unwavering support – it is truly invaluable. I am left speechless!

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2025-09-13 13:17