From Sesame Street to NBA Domination: The Rise of Benched Studios

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  Published in Media and Entertainment on Saturday, January 3rd 2026 at 5:15 GMT by Newsweek
      Locale: UNITED STATES

The Quiet Rise of Benched Studios: From Sesame Street Roots to NBA Content Domination

In a media landscape dominated by giants like Netflix, Disney+, and Amazon, it’s easy to overlook the quiet success stories bubbling up from unexpected corners. One such story belongs to Benched Studios, a production company that has carved out a unique niche for itself – blending nostalgic comedy with cutting-edge sports content, all while leveraging a surprisingly charming backstory rooted in puppetry. Newsweek's recent article highlights this fascinating journey, revealing how a group of former Sesame Street writers have built a thriving business by finding the sweet spot between humor and high-stakes competition.

Benched Studios wasn’t born from a Hollywood dream; it emerged organically from a shared professional experience. The core team – Jake Fogelnman, Josh Margolis, and Matt Hunroe – all honed their comedic writing skills on Sesame Street. While seemingly disparate, the discipline of crafting content for young children instilled in them a deep understanding of structure, pacing, and audience engagement. As Newsweek points out, writing for Sesame Street isn't just about delivering educational lessons; it’s about doing so while maintaining humor and capturing attention – skills highly transferable to other forms of entertainment. The experience also fostered a collaborative spirit crucial to their later success.

After leaving the show, Fogelnman, Margolis, and Hunroe started experimenting with short-form videos on YouTube, initially focused on sports parody and analysis. Their early work was characterized by clever writing, quick cuts, and an irreverent tone – a stark contrast to the gentle world of Sesame Street. These initial efforts gained traction, attracting a dedicated online following. This organic growth proved crucial; it allowed them to build a community and refine their comedic voice without needing traditional studio backing.

The turning point came with "Run It Back," a series focusing on the Golden State Warriors' championship runs in the 2010s. What set “Run It Back” apart wasn’t just its humor but its incredibly deep understanding of basketball. The writers, despite not being avid sports fans themselves initially, committed to learning the intricacies of the game, interviewing players and coaches, and immersing themselves in the culture. This dedication resulted in a series that was both funny and genuinely insightful – appealing to die-hard fans and casual viewers. As Newsweek emphasizes, "Run It Back" demonstrated Benched’s ability to blend humor with authenticity, a formula that has become their trademark.

The success of “Run It Back” led to a partnership with the NBA itself. This collaboration represents a significant milestone for Benched Studios, validating their unique approach and opening doors to even larger projects. They now produce content across various platforms including YouTube, TikTok, and ESPN+, creating everything from mockumentaries about fictional basketball teams ("The Rebound") to behind-the-scenes looks at NBA players ("NBA Adjacent"). Their work has evolved beyond just the Warriors, covering a wide range of teams and personalities within the league.

Benched's strategy is also notable for its tech-savvy approach. They understand how to leverage social media platforms to reach their audience directly. Their content thrives on TikTok’s short-form video format and YouTube’s algorithm, demonstrating an understanding of what resonates with online audiences. They are not simply creating videos; they are crafting viral moments designed to be shared and amplified across the internet.

Newsweek's article also delves into the challenges Benched Studios faces as it grows. Maintaining creative control while navigating the complexities of studio partnerships is a constant balancing act. Scaling production while preserving the unique voice that made them successful requires careful management. Furthermore, they are constantly adapting to the ever-changing landscape of digital media and audience preferences.

The story of Benched Studios offers a refreshing counterpoint to the often-glamorized narratives of Hollywood success. It’s a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and a willingness to embrace unconventional paths. Their journey from writing for puppets to producing high-quality sports content underscores the importance of finding your niche and building an audience organically. As they continue to expand their reach within the NBA ecosystem and beyond, Benched Studios serves as an inspiring example of how a small team with a unique skillset can thrive in a competitive media environment – proving that sometimes, the best comedy comes from unexpected places, even those once filled with furry friends and educational songs. The company’s ability to blend seemingly disparate elements—childhood experience, comedic writing expertise, and a deep dive into professional sports—is what truly sets them apart and positions them for continued success.

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