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Netflix CEO to appear in cameo role in upcoming Apple TV+ comedy

The upcoming Seth Rogen comedy The Studio will feature a surprise appearance from Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos. Despite the series being ordered by Apple TV+, Rogen explained to Vanity Fair that Sarandos agreed to feature in one of its rival streamer’s work as a favor. Rogen described the ask as a long shot, but as they say, you never got nothing unless you ask.

The Studio is a ten-part satirical comedy about the machinations of a movie studio that is trying to stay relevant; in the show, Rogen plays the newly appointed studio head Matt Remick.

Rogen says that his relationship with Sarandos goes back years, back to the days when Netflix was only known as a DVD-by-mail company. In arranging the cameo for Sarandos, Rogen said he didn’t really check whether Apple would be okay with it:

Part of it required not getting permission. “I just emailed him. I did not ask our Apple partners if I could do this,” Rogen says, with his signature chuckle. (Presumably, Apple had enough swagger to not consider this a problem.) “I went ahead and sent him the script and was like, ‘We have this joke. You actually deliver this wisdom that helps permeate throughout my arc in some ways.’ He instantly was like, ‘Yes, if I can make this work in my schedule, I’d love to do it.’”

The show is about an egomaniacal exec slowly losing grip on status as the role of Hollywood movies diminishes in culture, in a somewhat meta-commentary of reality. As such, The Studio will feature many more guest roles of prominent Hollywood stars, including esteemed director Martin Scorsese, director Zack Snyder, Bryan Cranston (Breaking Bad), Adam Scott (Severance), and many more.

The regular cast includes Rogen, Catherine O’Hara, Kathryn Hahn, Ike Barinholtz and Chase Sui Wonders. This is Rogen’s second project for Apple TV+, following the success of 2023 comedy Platonic starring Rogen and Rose Byrne (which has been renewed for a second season).

The show premieres exclusively on Apple TV+ streaming service on March 28, 2025 with the first two episodes. The remainder of the season rolls out weekly through May 23.

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Avatar for Benjamin Mayo Benjamin Mayo

Benjamin develops iOS apps professionally and covers Apple news and rumors for 9to5Mac. Listen to Benjamin, every week, on the Happy Hour podcast. Check out his personal blog. Message Benjamin over email or Twitter.


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