What to read, watch, and listen to if you lovedUnscripted
James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams · Book
If you loved Unscripted, start with Succession (Jesse Armstrong, 2018) — a series on the same thread. Below: 4 films, 4 series and 2 podcasts, each matched to Unscripted across media.
What hooked you in Unscripted was the way the cold, calculated mechanics of corporate power struggles consume the lives of those wielding it.
Films on the same thread
Quiz Show
Robert Redford · Film · 1994
Explores: Integrity vs. Ambition, The Price of Fame, Truth vs. Deception.
Like the internal battles found in Unscripted, this film explores the toxic intersection of unchecked ambition and corporate deception that ultimately threatens to dismantle a trusted media institution.
Bombshell
Jay Roach · Film · 2019
Explores: Sexual Harassment, Corporate Culture, Female Empowerment.
This film mirrors the investigative rigor of Unscripted, exposing the corrosive workplace culture and systemic abuse of power that define the legacy of a massive media empire.
Wall Street
Oliver Stone · Film · 1987
Explores: Greed, Ambition, Moral corruption.
If the moral corruption documented in Unscripted resonated with you, this classic study of ruthless ambition and the high price of corporate greed will feel like familiar territory.
Broadcast News
James L. Brooks · Film · 1987
Explores: Ethics in Journalism, Love Triangle, Ambition vs. Integrity.
This drama captures the same tension between journalistic integrity and commercial pressure found in Unscripted, highlighting how the evolving media landscape forces individuals to choose between ethics and success.
Series on the same thread
Succession
Jesse Armstrong · Series · 2018
Explores: Wealth and Power, Dysfunctional Family, Corporate Intrigue.
Fans of the dynastic infighting in Unscripted will recognize the same high-stakes power dynamics and complex, fractured family relationships that define the battle for control over a media conglomerate.
The Studio
Peter Huyck · Series · 2025
Shares a thread with Unscripted: Power Dynamics.
This satire reflects the same volatile power dynamics depicted in Unscripted, showcasing the absurd and often desperate measures taken by executives to maintain relevance within an unforgiving studio system.
Empire
Danny Strong · Series · 2015
Explores: Succession, Dynastic Power Struggles, Music Industry.
This series echoes the central conflict of Unscripted, focusing on the volatile succession battles and the ruthless pursuit of influence within a family-controlled entertainment empire.
The Morning Show
Jay Carson · Series · 2019
Shares a thread with Unscripted: Power Dynamics.
Mirroring the focus on media ethics in Unscripted, this drama investigates how power imbalances and corporate scandals impact the daily operations of a prominent morning news program.
Podcasts on the same thread
Infamous
Podcast
Shares a thread with Unscripted: power dynamics.
Much like the investigative spirit of Unscripted, this podcast provides an unflinching look at the scandals and power shifts that occur behind the scenes of today's most influential media stories.
Pivot
New York Magazine · Podcast · 2026
Shares a thread with Unscripted: power dynamics.
If you appreciated the sharp corporate accountability in Unscripted, this podcast offers the same analytical depth regarding the power dynamics and market trends shaping the modern business landscape.
Keep exploring
Common questions
Is Unscripted a fictional story?
No, Unscripted is a work of journalism written by New York Times reporters James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams. It documents the real-world power struggles occurring within the multibillion-dollar entertainment empire controlled by the Redstone family.
What is the primary focus of Unscripted?
Unscripted focuses on the internal corporate dynamics and power struggles within Paramount Global. The book details how the Redstone family maintained control over the multibillion-dollar entertainment empire and the challenges faced during their tenure.
Who are the authors of Unscripted?
Unscripted was written by James B. Stewart and Rachel Abrams. Both authors are journalists for the New York Times who utilized their reporting expertise to examine the complex business dealings and leadership conflicts at Paramount Global.
Does Unscripted cover companies other than Paramount Global?
Unscripted primarily centers its narrative on Paramount Global. The book examines the specific power struggles and corporate governance issues surrounding the Redstone family as they navigated the operations of this multibillion-dollar entertainment empire.