David Spade Blames California Leaders for Hollywood's 'Terrifying' Decline

The former 'SNL' star says Gov. Newsom and Mayor Bass have overseen the downfall of the film industry in Los Angeles.

Mar. 22, 2026 at 6:42pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Saturday Night Live star David Spade has criticized California Democrats Gov. Gavin Newsom and Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, blaming them for the destruction of the film industry in Hollywood. Spade spoke of his dismay over the fall of Hollywood during a recent podcast episode, citing the bankruptcy of the CBS Radford Studio Center and the overall decline in Hollywood production and jobs.

Why it matters

Hollywood has long been the center of the entertainment industry, but it is now facing a significant downturn, with thousands of job losses and a decline in filming permits. This raises concerns about the future of the industry and the impact on the local economy.

The details

Spade pointed to the bankruptcy of the CBS Radford Studio Center in Studio City, California, a longtime hub for movie and TV productions. He blamed Newsom and Bass for the industry's struggles, saying 'the Hollywood industry is dying.' Spade's co-host, Dana Carvey, agreed that the 'Hollywood studio system is dying' and suggested the need for tax breaks and union negotiations to help revive the industry. However, the mayor's office claimed Bass has championed the entertainment industry and created tax incentives to save Hollywood.

  • In 2025, Hollywood lost 17,000 jobs, an 18% increase from the previous year.
  • Earlier this month, Oppenheimer director Christopher Nolan, who is the president of the Directors Guild of America, said employment for his members is down about 40%.
  • FilmLA reported that filming permits in Los Angeles had declined 16% last year, on top of a 50% decline since 2018.

The players

David Spade

A former cast member of Saturday Night Live who is now a podcaster and has been critical of the decline of the film industry in Hollywood.

Gavin Newsom

The Democratic governor of California, who Spade has blamed for the destruction of the film industry in Hollywood.

Karen Bass

The Democratic mayor of Los Angeles, who Spade has also blamed for the decline of the film industry in Hollywood.

Dana Carvey

Spade's co-host on the Fly on the Wall podcast, who agreed that the 'Hollywood studio system is dying' and suggested the need for tax breaks and union negotiations to help revive the industry.

Christopher Nolan

The director of Oppenheimer and the president of the Directors Guild of America, who said employment for his members is down about 40%.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Employment for my members is down about 40% and the trend marks a 'very worrying time for the industry.'”

— Christopher Nolan, Director and President of the Directors Guild of America

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.