The Daily Wire Takes On Woke Hollywood

Episode Summary

Executive Summary: Ben Shapiro and Megyn Kelly discuss the reception and strategy behind The Daily Wire’s thriller "Shudden," arguing that audiences want non-woke entertainment and that conservative creators need direct consumer support. They then pivot to a sharp critique of CNN’s leadership turmoil after Jeff Zucker’s exit, condemning the network’s culture, ratings collapse, and hostility toward alternative media like Joe Rogan.

Main Topics: Daily Wire film strategy and 'Shudden' (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro explains that the film was chosen because it was a strong script on the Hollywood blacklist, feasible to produce quickly, and aligned with Daily Wire values. Kelly praises the movie as a compelling thriller. Building a conservative entertainment lane (Priority: 5/5): Both hosts argue that conservative-leaning films and actors need audience support because Hollywood and streaming platforms are heavily one-sided. They frame Daily Wire productions as an alternative market. Critique of Hollywood and 'woke' content (Priority: 4/5): They claim mainstream entertainment constantly lectures viewers through identity politics and activism, while audiences are increasingly appreciative when a film simply entertains without ideological messaging. Yellowstone as flawed but popular counterexample (Priority: 4/5): They discuss Yellowstone as a successful show with conservative appeal, while criticizing its later seasons for overt left-wing choices and for writing Beth Dutton as an exaggerated, male-written tough woman. CNN turmoil after Jeff Zucker’s departure (Priority: 5/5): The conversation shifts to CNN employees mourning Zucker’s exit and the hosts condemn the network’s ethics, internal hypocrisy, and declining relevance, especially in light of his alleged affair and favoritism. Attack on CNN’s credibility and ratings (Priority: 5/5): Shapiro argues CNN has become far less trusted and far less watched, claiming the network’s decline is self-inflicted and that its staff act entitled to public attention despite audience abandonment. Brian Stelter, Joe Rogan, and media gatekeeping (Priority: 4/5): They criticize Stelter’s attacks on Joe Rogan, saying CNN wants to suppress competing voices rather than compete on trust and quality, which they see as evidence of media gatekeeping.

Key Arguments: The Daily Wire is trying to create a viable entertainment alternative for viewers who are tired of being preached at by mainstream Hollywood. Shudden succeeded because it is a well-written thriller with strong performances, including unusually good child actors, and does not rely on ideology. Conservative performers and productions need direct consumer support because Hollywood punishes political heterodoxy. Mainstream TV and streaming content are dominated by identity politics and overt activism, which has created demand for alternatives like Yellowstone and Daily Wire films. CNN’s internal mourning for Jeff Zucker reflects institutional loyalty and hypocrisy, especially given allegations of ethical misconduct and favoritism. Jeff Zucker deserved to lose his job, and CNN’s broader decline is evidenced by its weak ratings, loss of trust, and reliance on partisan personalities. Brian Stelter’s criticism of Joe Rogan is framed as a bid for gatekeeping and suppression of competitors rather than a defense of journalism.

Data Points: Audience loss at CNN: 90% year to year - Shapiro claims CNN lost 90% of its audience compared with the previous year. Number of stories cited by CNN: 80 stories posted today - Referenced by Shapiro when mocking Brian Stelter’s claim that CNN is a serious news source. Daily Wire film slate: Several upcoming projects - Shapiro mentions "Terror on the Prairie" with Gina Carano, a surprise movie, and more projects in development. Years of alleged affair: Since 1996 - Shapiro cites a Rolling Stone reporter’s source claiming Jeff Zucker’s affair started in 1996. Career timeline: Since I was 12; I'm 38 now - Shapiro jokes that the affair allegedly spans most of his life, emphasizing duration.

Pivotal Quotes: "If people are sick of getting slapped in the face by Netflix and Apple TV and Hulu and all the rest." — Ben Shapiro: Describing why Daily Wire’s film strategy can appeal to viewers frustrated by mainstream streaming content. "It is amazing how Hollywood is so unbelievably one-sided that when you just watch a film that doesn't overtly smack you in the face, like, wow, that was pleasant." — Megyn Kelly: Kelly explaining the audience appeal of non-ideological entertainment. "They're all morons. And they deserve everything they get." — Ben Shapiro: His blunt conclusion about CNN leadership and staff culture after discussing Jeff Zucker and the network’s internal reactions.

Implications: The exchange frames conservative media as both a business opportunity and a cultural counterweight, while arguing that CNN’s credibility crisis and declining audience show the risks of elitist, agenda-driven journalism.