Judy Greer and Kara Swisher Discuss AI Fears, Streaming's Impact on Hollywood

The actress and journalist tackled issues around technology, aging, and the changing entertainment industry at SXSW.

Mar. 21, 2026 at 3:56pm

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Actress Judy Greer and journalist Kara Swisher had an in-depth conversation at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas, covering topics such as the impact of AI on the entertainment industry, the challenges of aging as an actor, and how the rise of streaming has affected traditional compensation models in Hollywood.

Why it matters

This discussion provides insight into the concerns and perspectives of industry veterans as they navigate the evolving landscape of entertainment, particularly the growing influence of AI and the disruption caused by streaming platforms.

The details

Greer, known for roles in shows like "Two and a Half Men" and "Arrested Development," expressed concerns about the impact of AI on the livelihoods of background artists and day players in the industry. She also discussed how getting older has opened up more layered and interesting roles for her, though she would like to see more older female actors playing powerful, villainous characters. Swisher, a veteran journalist and host of the CNN series "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever," pressed Greer on the fears around AI and how the industry can potentially harness the technology to benefit creatives.

  • The conversation took place on March 15, 2026 at the SXSW festival in Austin, Texas.
  • Swisher's docu-series "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever" is set to premiere on CNN on April 11, 2026.

The players

Judy Greer

An American actress known for her character roles in television series such as "Two and a Half Men" and "Arrested Development", as well as numerous films.

Kara Swisher

A veteran journalist, author, and TV personality who is the host of the docu-series "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever" on CNN.

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What they’re saying

“In the dawn of all the streaming television, we've already lost a lot of money. We don't get those residuals anymore. People who relied on those for their health insurance, they don't have access to that anymore. And so that's a big, huge change that we're trying to figure out.”

— Judy Greer, Actress

“If we can't kill this thing, and I don't know if we should, how can we use the superpower for good and not evil? is there something that we can use this to like, elevate our art and to elevate artists and like in the way that sort of the iPhone gave a medium to young filmmakers, young people and young artists. Is there a way to utilize the superpower to help creatives?”

— Judy Greer, Actress

What’s next

Greer's new film "Chili Finger" is set to be released, and Swisher's docu-series "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever" will premiere on CNN in April 2026.

The takeaway

This conversation highlights the evolving challenges and opportunities facing entertainment industry veterans as they grapple with the impact of emerging technologies like AI, as well as the disruption caused by the rise of streaming platforms. It underscores the need for the industry to find ways to support and empower creatives, especially those in the middle class, as the landscape continues to shift.