Viewers of the Apple TV+ hit The Studio might have been stunned to see Ted Sarandos — CEO of Apple’s largest rival, Netflix — pop up for a outstanding visitor spot on newest episode.

It was really the second performing gig for Sarandos, who a couple of years in the past voiced himself on Fox’s The Simpsons. However you could possibly be forgiven for considering the Netflix boss would possibly make his on-screen debut on, you already know, Netflix.

Within the episode, entitled “The Golden Globes,” Sarandos is repeatedly thanked from the stage because the Hollywood Overseas Press Affiliation palms out its annual awards. The slew of visitor stars who play themselves on the ceremony embrace Zack Snyder, Quinta Brunson, Aaron Sorkin, and Adam Scott — star of Apple TV+’s Severance.

The episode is constructed upon studio chief Matt Remick (performed by The Studio co-creator Seth Rogen) making an attempt to get Zoë Kravitz (performed by Zoë Kravitz) will thank him in her awards speech.

Standing beside Sarandos at a urinal, Remick asks how he will get so many stars to thank him of their speeches.

Additionally Learn: Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos: ‘We’re Saving Hollywood’ and Theatrical Expertise Is Principally ‘Outdated’

Sarandos, fairly convincing as Sarandos, explains matter-of-factly that they’re contractually obligated. This leads Remick to share his opinion that he and Sarandos are artists, not simply bean counters. Sarandos is well mannered, however not precisely sympathetic, and advises Remick by no means to share that opinion with creatives.

How Ted Sarandos Ended Up on The Studio

The visitor spot happened as a result of Rogen and Sarandos have been pals for years. Rogen informed Enterprise Insider just lately that Apple requested if Apple CEO Tim Prepare dinner could possibly be within the episode as an alternative of Sarandos.

“They requested if we might use Tim Prepare dinner as an alternative, and we stated no,” Rogen stated.

Rogen additionally informed Vainness Honest that casting Sarandos “was the longest shot we had,” however that he emailed the Netflix CEO a script.

“He immediately was like, ‘Sure, if I could make this work in my schedule, I’d like to do it,’” Rogen recalled.

Sarandos informed Deadline that he didn’t hesitate to be on a rival streamer’s present.

“After 25 years in Hollywood, secretly what I used to be actually hoping for was to be found for the silver display screen,” Sarandos informed Deadline. “After all it was my pal Seth Rogen who noticed my ‘sure one thing’ and forged me. He has additionally promised an FYC marketing campaign for my visitor look — so it was a suggestion that I couldn’t refuse.”

Sarandos joins an extended record of stars who’ve performed themselves within the first season of the present, together with Anthony Mackie, Charlize Theron, Zac Efron, Martin Scorsese, Olivia Wilde, Ron Howard, Sarah Polley, Steve Buscemi, Peter Berg, and Jean Sensible. The Studio, which Rogen created along with his longtime producing accomplice Evan Godberg, in addition to Alex Gregory and Peter Huyck, was simply renewed for a second season.

The common forged additionally contains Catherine O’Hara and Ike Barinholtz, whose character, Sal Saperstein, goes viral within the Golden Globes episode for being always thanked in awards speeches.

If Rogen follows by means of on that FYC marketing campaign, possibly Sarandos can go gather a statue at the actual Golden Globes. We hope he remembers to thank Rogen — and naturally Sal Saperstein.

The Studio is now streaming on Apple TV+.

Most important picture: Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos, courtesy of Shutterstock.