Book description
Bestselling author of Easy Riders, Raging Bulls and Down and Dirty Pictures, cultural critic Peter Biskind turns his eye toward the new golden age of television, sparked by the fall of play-it-safe network TV and the rise of boundary-busting cable, followed by streaming, which overturned both--based on exclusive, candid, and colorful interviews with executives, writers, showrunners, directors, and actorsWe are now lucky enough to be living through the era of so-called Peak TV, in which television, in its various guises and formats, has seized the entertainment mantle from movies and dominates our leisure time. How and why this happened is the subject of this book. Instead of focusing on one service, like HBO, Pandora's Box asks, "What did HBO do, besides give us The Sopranos?" The answer: It gave us a revolution. Biskind bites off a big chunk of entertainment history, following HBO from its birth into maturity, moving on to the basic cablers like FX and AMC, and ending up with the streamers and their wars, pitting Netflix against Amazon Prime Video, Max, and the killer pluses--Disney, Apple TV, and Paramount. Since the creative and business sides of TV are thoroughly entwined, Biskind examines both, and the interplay between them. Through frank and shockingly intimate interviews with creators and executives, Pandora's Box investigates the dynamic interplay of commerce and art through the lens the game-changing shows they aired--not only old warhorses like The Sopranos, but recent shows like The White Lotus, Succession, and Yellow- (both -stone and -jackets)--as windows into the byzantine practices of the players as they use money and guile to destroy their competitors. In the end, this book crystal-balls the future in light of the success and failures of the streamers that, after apparently clearing the board, now face life-threatening problems, some self-created, some not. With its long view and short takes--riveting snapshots of behind-the-scenes mischief--Pandora's Box is the only book you'll need to read to understand what's on your small screen and how it got there.
RiddleRover
The ListenBook app is a fantastic companion for my long walks, helping me learn and explore at the same time. Listening to audiobooks has become a ritual, thanks to this incredible app. The app is so easy to set up. I was listening to my books in no time. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Easy Mac
Who needs traditional books when you have this app? It's a game-changer. This app has become my go-to for audiobooks, adding a layer of convenience and enjoyment to my days.
Street Jolly
Who knew that commuting could become such an enjoyable reading session? I can't get enough of ListenBook's silky-smooth playback and intuitive design. It's my go-to app for both leisurely listening and study sessions. The app's performance is unparalleled. It's like it's tailor-made for my device. This app has transformed my daily commute into a captivating journey of knowledge and entertainment.
Vixen
This app has made multitasking a breeze β I can listen while I work, cook, or exercise. ListenBook has become my gateway to new worlds, allowing me to explore stories, ideas, and knowledge.
Lucky Aurora
It's impressive how the app caters to both seasoned readers and newcomers. The convenience of switching between devices without losing my place is a lifesaver. I can't believe how quickly I finish books now, all thanks to this app. ποΈ Turning grocery shopping into a thrilling audiobook hunt β what a game-changer! ππ ListenBook has rekindled my passion for learning. I'm exploring new topics every day.
MysticMingle
The narrator's voice in some audiobooks is so soothing, it's like a spa for the ears. π Who needs a dull commute when you can embark on literary journeys with this app? ππ The app is so reliable. Iβve never had any issues with it. The perfect balance between dramatic reading and natural storytelling. Felt like a friend telling me an amazing story rather than someone just reading words.
Mule Lock
ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. With this app, I can dive into captivating narratives while cooking, cleaning, or commuting β pure magic! Automatic metadata extraction keeps my library organized. It's a time-saver!
Iron Jesus
Audiobook multitasking simplified β this app's functionality is truly commendable. The statistics feature in ListenBook provides valuable insights into my audiobook habits, helping me learn and grow. Love how I can adjust playback speed and audio volume. ListenBook caters to all my needs.
Ex0tic
π₯ Audiobook enjoyment at the tap of a finger β this app's functionality is a testament to modern convenience. π±π Absolutely love this app! It's made my daily commute so much more enjoyable.
Chuckles
ListenBook has added a new dimension to my audiobook listening experience β it's not just about the content, but the convenience too. ListenBook's support for a wide range of formats means I can listen to all my favorite content without worries. The statistics tracking feature is a gem. I'm surprised by how much time I spend on audiobooks! With ListenBook Pro, long audiobooks are no problem. I love it! Not the best audiobook I've heard but far from the worst. The production quality was good and there were no major issues with the narration.
Master Jetson
Thanks to this app, listening to audiobooks has become a delightful habit. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. ListenBook has turned my downtime into an opportunity for exploration and growth. ListenBook has made listening to audiobooks a breeze. The smooth playback and intuitive interface are unmatched.
CyberScribe
This app's support for various formats and genres ensures that there's always something new to explore. πββοΈπ Combining exercise and exploration β audiobooks make my runs more exciting! πββοΈπ§ ListenBook Pro's tone adjustment feature is an innovative touch that adds a layer of personalization. Adjusting the tone of the voice is an innovative feature that allows for a personalized listening experience. WiFi downloads save a lot of time. Great feature!
Undergrad Split
ListenBook is a game-changer! Finally, an app that lets me enjoy my favorite audio files with ease. β° Early mornings have become my favorite time to listen to audiobooks β energizing! π π§ Audiobook magic at my fingertips! This app's thoughtful features, such as statistics tracking and audio filters, have added a new layer of excitement to my reading journey. πβ¨ Audiobook enjoyment has never been this convenient. This app's sleek design and efficient organization ensure that every story is accessible and enjoyable. ππ Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a delightful way to spread the joy of storytelling. A fun feature!
Darkside Isis
With ListenBook, I've found a way to make the most of my free time while indulging in my love for audiobooks. User-centric audiobook joy β this app's ease of use is impressive. ListenBook has seamlessly integrated into my daily routine, becoming an indispensable companion for various activities. Its user-friendly interface, features, and performance make it a must-have for audiobook enthusiasts.
Bleach
ListenBook's user-friendly interface and precise controls make it a joy to use every day. πͺ Juggling tasks while enjoying stories has never been easier β this app's functionality is a multitasking marvel. πΌπ Audiobooks on the go β this app's design prioritizes convenience. Kudos to the developers for crafting an app that understands readers' needs. The smooth playback and sleek design are pure perfection. ππ Sharing audiobooks with friends is a fantastic way to introduce them to new stories.
ByteBard
Audiobook joy made simple β this app's ease of use is a true marvel. As an audiobook enthusiast, this app is a dream come true. Its compatibility with various formats and easy navigation make it my ultimate reading companion. ππ§
Liquid Death
ListenBook's user-friendly controls and innovative features have made it an indispensable tool for my audiobook enjoyment. I'm hooked on this app's ease of use β it's a reader's dream come true. Effortless and enriching β that's how I'd describe my experience with this app. Its functionality, from seamless downloads to binaural audio processing, has truly raised the bar. π±π
Glyph
The smart recommendation feature keeps surprising me with books I never knew I'd love. ListenBook's looping playback, shuffle feature, and configurable controls make learning a breeze. The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. It's like having a personal assistant for my literary adventures.
Moon Orchid
Finally, a way to enjoy literature on the go without straining my eyes. I can't get enough of this app β it's like having a personal storyteller in my pocket. Audiobook pleasure simplified β this app's design is a true winner. The appβs design is sleek and modern. ListenBook is my favorite audiobook player. A middle-of-the-road audiobook that neither impressed nor disappointed. The narrator's voice was agreeable enough for extended listening, though their character differentiation could have been stronger. The production met basic industry standards without any standout qualities.
Mustard Centaur
Audiobooks have transformed my daily walks into a time of inspiration and learning. Sharing audiobooks with friends through AirDrop and Sharing on ListenBook Pro is a feature I can't live without. This app is a game-changer for busy individuals who miss reading. Book groups keep my related titles together for a cohesive listening experience. A thoughtful feature!
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience