Forget the Next Netflix: Meet the Companies Trying to Build the Next HBO of Podcasts
Media companies are betting the next entertainment giants could emerge from podcast personalities rather than
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Media companies are betting the next entertainment giants could emerge from podcast personalities rather than traditional studios. Newcomer ROSE Media, launched in January 2026, aims to become the HBO of podcasts, reporting over 100 million cumulative views and 5 signal awards.
Los Angeles – October 20, 2026 –
Hollywood built empires around studios, stars and networks. Now media companies are betting the next giants could emerge from compelling personalities and loyal communities.
The next HBO might lack a studio lot.
It might have a YouTube account, a few microphones and a surprisingly good barber.
The New Podcast Empires
Podcast superstars like Joe Rogan built enormous audiences. Alex Cooper turned Call Her Daddy into a phenomenon.
Now entrepreneurs are asking: Can you build not just one hit, but a company producing many?
Consider Britain’s Goalhanger, home to The Rest Is History and The Rest Is Politics. It has attracted subscribers and Hollywood-backed investment.
Fox acquired Red Seat Ventures, which helps personalities build media businesses. Max Cutler’s PAVE Studios is developing franchises for Disney+ and Hulu.
The ambition: develop talent and build lasting franchises.
Think Motown, but with microphones.
A Silicon Valley Upstart
One newcomer is ROSE Media, launched in January 2026 by entrepreneur Carlos Watson, his sisters Beverly and Carolyn, and investor Kosmas Kalliarekos.
Named for their late mother, Dr. Rose Watson, it aims to become the HBO of podcasts.
Its three shows couldn’t be more different.
The Carlos Watson Podcastfeatures conversations ranging from billionaire Mark Cuban to former CIA officer John Kiriakou.
The Watsons: Stronger Togetherexplores family and relationships through the hilarious dynamics of three siblings.
From Behind This Chair features Anthony “Doc” Hamilton, a 65-year-old barber and former football player, holding court in a Silicon Valley barbershop.
ROSE reports more than 100 million cumulative views across episodes, social clips and third-party distribution.
Then came five wins at the 2026 Signal Awards, sometimes called the “Oscars of podcasting.” All three ROSE shows won honors, including Gold for Best Video Podcast, alongside heavyweights like Oprah Winfrey, Michelle Obama, Jon Stewart, Mel Robbins and Anderson Cooper.
Commercial momentum intrigues. ROSE says it has signed more than a dozen advertisers and affiliate partners, from established names to emerging brands. More importantly, advertisers aren’t just signing up. They’re renewing.
For a nine-month-old company, that’s striking traction.
The Real Prize
A viral clip is a moment. A beloved show is a relationship. A company that repeatedly creates beloved shows could be far more valuable.
Views aren’t profits, awards aren’t business models, and audiences are fickle.
But Netflix, Disney, Fox and other established players are taking video podcasts seriously.
It’s about who builds shows, personalities and communities that make millions come back next Tuesday.
And somewhere between a British history podcast, a Hollywood-backed creator network and a Silicon Valley barbershop, the next great entertainment company may already be taking shape.
About: ROSE Media is a next-generation digital media company founded in 2026, focused on building premium video podcasts, developing compelling personalities, and creating entertainment franchises that connect with audiences worldwide.
Contact: Shadon Hamedani,shadon@sphereinfluencer.com
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Media Contact
Company: Sphere Influencer
Contact Person: Shadon Hamedani
Email: Send email
Website: sphereinfluencer.com
