Inside TV’s Latest Exec Shuffle; ‘Big Bang’ Secrets Revealed — TV’s Top 5 Podcast

Welcome to the 188th episode of TV’s Top 5, The Hollywood Reporter’s TV podcast.

Every week, hosts Lesley Goldberg (West Coast TV editor) and Daniel Fienberg (chief TV critic) break down the latest TV news with context from the business and critical sides, welcome showrunners, executives and other guests, and provide a critical guide of what to watch (or skip, as the case may be).

We’re joined this week by Jessica Radloff, the author of a massive oral history on CBS’ The Big Bang Theory, who will share the many surprises she discovered while spending more than 115 hours interviewing nearly 40 people, including the cast and creators. Beyond that, it’s another ride on the executive carousel as we take a look at the big changes coming to The CW and Paramount Global.

Here’s how this week’s episode plays out:  

1. Headlines

Chuck Lorre, Frasier, Trevor Noah and Comedy Central, Community and Fox’s big exec change lead a busy week in headlines.

2. Paramount Global loses its top creative

David Nevins, who oversaw Showtime and originals at Paramount+, is leaving the conglomerate after a 12-year run. This segment breaks down the reasoning behind his decision as well as why his exit matters to lovers of premium television programming.

3. The CW loses its top cheerleader

Mark Pedowitz, who served as CEO of the younger-skewing network, is out as station group Nexstar officially takes control of the broadcaster. So what does this mean for what remains of its scripted slate after the wave of mass cancellations in May? Well, they’re safe. For now.

4. Big Bang secrets revealed

Author Jessica Radloff, a senior editor at Glamour who extensively covered the CBS hit, joins us this week to discuss her forthcoming oral history of the comedy favorite. Tune in as she reveals stories behind the cast’s salary renegotiations with CBS (blame Les Moonves!) and more from the actress who nearly played Penny.

5. Critic’s Corner

As usual, every episode ends with Dan’s thoughts on what to watch (or skip) this weekend. This week, he weighs in on ABC’s Alaska Daily, Peacock’s A Friend of the Family and Showtime’s Let the Right One In.

Hear it all now on TV’s Top 5. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast to never miss an episode. (Reviews welcome!) You can also email us with any topics or Mailbag questions you’d like addressed in future episodes at TVsTop5@THR.com.