Ramin Setoodeh

Ramin Setoodeh is an American journalist and author who serves as the Co-Editor-in-Chief of Variety magazine. He has gained prominence for his coverage of entertainment, media, and popular culture, particularly through his investigative reporting and behind-the-scenes accounts of the television industry. His 2019 book "Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of 'The View'" became a New York Times bestseller and provided a detailed examination of the long-running daytime talk show. The book drew significant attention for its revelations about backstage conflicts and power struggles among the show's co-hosts. Prior to joining Variety, Setoodeh worked as a senior writer at Newsweek magazine and as a reporter for the Wall Street Journal. His work has appeared in numerous publications including The Daily Beast and U.S. News & World Report. Setoodeh's journalism career has focused extensively on entertainment industry reporting, with particular emphasis on television, film, and celebrity culture. His reporting style combines investigative techniques with access to industry insiders, resulting in detailed accounts of Hollywood's inner workings.

Readers appreciate Setoodeh's insider access and reporting, particularly in "Ladies Who Punch" about The View. Many note his ability to uncover behind-the-scenes drama and conduct revealing interviews with difficult-to-access celebrities. Critics point to sensationalized writing and overemphasis on conflicts. Multiple reviews mention that his style can feel "tabloid-like" and focused more on scandals than substance. Some readers note factual errors and question the objectivity of his reporting. Ratings across platforms: Goodreads: "Ladies Who Punch" - 3.8/5 (5,800+ ratings) Amazon: "Ladies Who Punch" - 4.4/5 (2,100+ reviews) Sample reader comments: "Great insider scoop but reads like a gossip column" - Goodreads "Well-researched but too focused on controversies" - Amazon "Strong reporting undermined by dramatic writing style" - Goodreads His work receives the most positive reviews from readers interested in entertainment industry exposés and daytime television history.

Ladies Who Punch: The Explosive Inside Story of 'The View' (2019) A comprehensive account of the behind-the-scenes history of ABC's "The View," chronicling two decades of the show through interviews with hosts, producers, and network executives, detailing the power struggles, conflicts, and evolving dynamics that shaped the groundbreaking daytime talk show.

Brian Stelter He offers deep analysis of media industry dynamics through books like "Top of the Morning" about morning TV shows. His investigative approach to broadcasting parallels Setoodeh's work, particularly in exposing behind-the-scenes tensions in television.

Bill Carter His books "The Late Shift" and "The War for Late Night" document the conflicts and power struggles within late-night television. Carter's focus on the television industry's internal politics and talent negotiations mirrors Setoodeh's reporting methods.

James Andrew Miller His oral histories of major media institutions like "Live From New York" about SNL expose the inner workings of television productions. Miller's interview-heavy approach to documenting entertainment history provides similar insider perspectives to Setoodeh's work.

Ken Auletta His coverage of media power brokers and industry transformation through books like "Three Blind Mice" examines broadcasting from multiple angles. Auletta's analysis of television networks and executive decisions reflects similar themes to Setoodeh's industry coverage.

Gabriel Sherman His reporting on media figures, particularly in "The Loudest Voice in the Room" about Roger Ailes, reveals power dynamics in television. Sherman's investigation of personalities and conflicts in broadcasting aligns with Setoodeh's focus on industry drama.