Hannah Fletcher on Building Her Dream Career and Empowering the Next Generation with ‘The Hannah Fletcher Show’

Hannah Fletcher has spent years mastering the art of storytelling. As a journalist and red-carpet reporter, she’s interviewed over 100 well-known names, from Sydney Sweeney and Maya Rudolph to Charlie Day and Mena Suvari. Fletcher’s reputation for her candid yet respectful approach has made her a trusted presence in entertainment media, with her work featured across outlets like The Buzz, Muse TV, and Where Is The Buzz. Now, she’s ready to bring her signature style to a much larger stage.

Fletcher is stepping into the spotlight as host and producer of The Hannah Fletcher Show on Tubi. Supported by director and producer Eric Wheelwright, the show aims to disrupt the clickbait culture of Hollywood coverage by offering celebrities a space to tell their stories on their terms. With its commitment to authenticity and depth, Fletcher hopes the show will reimagine how the media showcases talent.

Fletcher’s ambition doesn’t stop at her talk show. A multifaceted creative, she’s a recurring cast member on the wildly popular YouTube channel REACT and a dedicated volunteer with S.T.R.E.A.M., a nonprofit supporting children’s access to education. Whether amplifying voices on camera or behind the scenes, Fletcher is proving she’s not just covering Hollywood—she’s reshaping it.

Check out our full interview with Hannah below!

 Let’s start at the beginning, what drew you to entertainment, journalism, and red-carpet reporting?

Hannah Fletcher: My mom has always been incredibly supportive of me pursuing a career in journalism. Growing up, I was the type of kid who was always involved in creative activities—I was in the drama club, I pursued acting, and I started dancing at the age of three.

As I got older, I explored different areas of storytelling. I dabbled in journalism in middle school and high school, but my primary focus was always acting. After graduating from college with a degree in acting, I moved to Los Angeles at the end of 2019, ready to pursue my dream. However, with the pandemic hitting shortly after, auditions slowed down, and I found myself questioning what else I was passionate about.

That’s when everything came full circle. I realized how much I loved connecting with people and telling their stories. Red carpet reporting allowed me to explore that passion—interviewing celebrities, influencers, and even everyday people with incredible stories. I love the variety and the opportunity to highlight such a wide range of voices. It’s always been a part of me, and I’m so grateful that this path has come to fruition.

Have you had any interviews that left a lasting impression—whether because someone said something profound or surprised you by being completely different from what you expected?

Hannah Fletcher: There have definitely been a few that have stuck with me. One phrase I often heard when entering this industry was, “Don’t meet your heroes.” It’s a daunting idea, especially when you’re in a field where meeting them is almost inevitable. But one standout experience for me was interviewing Bert Kreischer. I’m a huge fan of stand-up comedy—I often consume an enormous amount of sermons and stand up. It’s very funny. I’m very versatile, I would say.

Meeting him was everything I hoped for. He was incredibly kind, down-to-earth, and matched the high expectations I had built for him. What made the experience even more memorable was the red carpet itself. It was for his movie The Machine. It was set up like a carnival. There were surprise guests and everything. It was just so fun to be at and then to speak with him and be able to share a moment and get in that two-shot and really be able to ask him a bunch of questions about something that he’s so evidently passionate about.

It was just a really surreal moment, and I’m very happy that I had that opportunity.

You’ve been on both sides of the camera—first as a recurring cast member on REACT and now as the host of your show on Tubi. How has your experience in front of the camera, particularly in an acting context, shaped the way you approach interviews for your show?

Hannah Fletcher: That’s a great question. I’ve had a major epiphany when it comes to being on camera. Having been trained for acting—particularly acting on film—I’ve realized how different it is compared to some of the other work I’ve done, which leans more toward the realm of reality.

One thing that stands out is the realization that who you are as a person on camera is interesting enough. That’s not something you hear much in acting school, where the focus is on fully embodying a character—the mannerisms, the intensity, and locking into the role. But when it comes to being on camera, the lens picks up everything. It’s a fine balance, but I’ve learned that being yourself can be just as compelling.

So it’s a very fine line, but it’s, it’s been neat to be able to step into other opportunities that have allowed me to realize that being oneself is enough when it comes to being on camera. And I think that that has really trickled into the interviews as well, because a lot of the people that I’ve even interviewed, they’ve done kind of similar work. Many of the people I’ve spoken to—content creators, for instance—are known for their bits, their characters, or even heightened versions of themselves online. Having experienced that dynamic firsthand, I’ve been able to bring that understanding into the studio. At the end of the day, these guests are just people, and approaching them with that mindset allows for more authentic and meaningful conversations.

How did your show come to life? Did you pitch the concept, or did someone approach you? What was the genesis of the idea?

Hannah Fletcher: I love that word, genesis. It’s great. I love it when people use it. I would say that the genesis of the whole show has come about over the course of maybe five years now. I’ve had a podcast, and I’ve had different versions of this podcast, and I crafted this podcast again during the pandemic—not with the intention of going viral, but as a blueprint for myself. If people saw it, great. If not, I was okay with that. It was more about figuring out what I wanted to stand for and what I wanted to say.

I filmed episodes where I just spoke to the camera, and others where I interviewed guests. It was a long creative process, almost like a unique kind of rehearsal, that helped me refine my vision.

I met my executive producer, Eric Wheelwright, at an Oscar viewing party early last year. Like at any good networking event, we connected, exchanged information, and I followed up with him—a practice I take great pride in. Networking is something I genuinely love and prioritize in this industry. After we reconnected, I shared my vision for the talk show. I showed him the different iterations I’d created and explained my passion for providing a platform for younger audiences who have been largely overlooked in traditional media.

I told him I wanted to be a voice and a pioneer for this generation, curating meaningful conversations that could truly give back and make an impact. Eric loved the idea, and from there, things took off. The process has been incredible, and working with him has been such a gift. He’s an award-winning director and producer, and his guidance, even in how he directs me on the show, it feels so cathartic to be directed. I love working with Eric.

The Hannah Fletcher Show
The Hannah Fletcher Show / Photographer: Sheryda Taylor

Your show feels so unique, with its emphasis on narrative over sensationalism, especially in today’s media landscape. What inspired you to take this approach instead of following the more traditional talk show format?

Hannah Fletcher: Thank you. I’m so glad you feel that way because that’s exactly the kind of feedback I hope to hear from my audience. I really love the idea of cancelling cancel culture and cancelling clickbait culture. Of course, there are certain instances where things need to be brought back around and where warnings need to be issued and certain people shouldn’t be in certain positions.

However, I think that there is a really beautiful thing in this life called growth, and I love to be able to see people grow. One of my favorite things to do is dive into the archives of YouTube and watch how individuals have grown and changed over the years. It’s fascinating to have that kind of documentation, and it reminds me how important it is to allow people to share their journey and tell their side of the story. That’s why I approach my interviews differently. I’m not interested in prying into someone’s personal life or exploiting them for headlines. If a guest volunteers personal information or it’s included in the pitch from their publicist, I’ll address it respectfully. But my focus is never to dig for something salacious.

This career comes with a unique level of scrutiny, and while being in the public eye is part of the job, there’s always room for respect. I want my guests to feel valued, respected, and, most importantly, like they’d want to sit down with me again. Building that trust naturally leads to more authentic conversations, which in turn makes for better interviews. That’s always been my ultimate goal with this show and every interview I conduct.

What advice would you give to aspiring entertainment journalists who dream of having their own show one day, particularly when it comes to maintaining ethical standards while building a successful career? How can they strike the balance between chasing headlines and respecting the personal boundaries of their guests?

Hannah Fletcher: I think the best advice that I could give is really, really be genuinely interested and curious in who it is that you’re speaking to. Be interested in what they have to say. And feel the waters.

I’ve had moments during interviews where someone has almost volunteered information we’d all be curious to know, but they stopped just short of saying it. I think you can lead the horse to water, but never make it drink. It’s not about forcing someone to share but creating an environment where they feel comfortable enough to open up.

In journalism, people don’t always realize there’s often a team—producers and executive producers—curating questions and providing them to the journalist in the field. Unfortunately, it’s the journalist who gets the backlash if a clip goes viral, even though they may not have crafted the question themselves. While we can’t always do things necessarily to prevent that, we can control how we approach the interview.

I’ve found that being genuinely interested in the conversation and offering support goes a long way. Ask a few thoughtful questions to build trust before easing into the more sensitive or “juicy” ones. Take your time, be genuine, and let them know you’re not out to exploit them. I think that you’ll find that you’ll end up getting more than what you ever imagined.

That’s great advice. Red carpet interviews seem like such a unique challenge—a mix of journalism and on-camera performance. I have so much respect for how effortlessly you and others make it look because it’s clearly not easy. Do you see red carpet reporting as a completely separate skill set from traditional journalism?

Hannah Fletcher: Definitely. That’s one of the things I really appreciate about the entertainment world—it gives you a bit more room to play compared to traditional, hard-news journalism. News anchors sitting at a desk for major networks operate within a very defined structure, and while all forms of journalism are fascinating and deserve respect, entertainment reporting has its own unique challenges.

Red carpet interviews, in particular, are definitely a tough tango. It’s a balance of staying professional while being personable, but it’s also a lot of fun. One thing I’ve learned is that offering your guest genuine support and projecting positive energy—without sounding too “hippie-dippy”—can really make a difference. When you let them feel your energy, it helps create a connection and puts them at ease, which makes the conversation flow more naturally.

I wanted to ask about your work with S.T.R.E.A.M. and your commitment to education and youth development. How has that volunteer work influenced your approach to media and storytelling?

Hannah Fletcher: Absolutely. I’ve always been a very philanthropic person, committed to giving back and understanding my community—figuring out where I can fit in and how I can assist. My work with S.T.R.E.A.M. has been incredibly fulfilling, especially because it’s all about connecting the dots—linking resources with children and helping them explore opportunities they might not have otherwise considered.

One of my favorite experiences was a career fair we did a couple of years ago. It was such a fun day. I had the chance to sit with kids, give them microphones, and let them conduct mock interviews with their friends. It was amazing to see their reactions. Some of them absolutely loved it, while others were understandably a little shy. There was no in-between, but their excitement and curiosity were contagious. I also noticed that my work was in such a unique category compared to the other careers represented, which made the experience even more special.

It’s something I think about often. I value any opportunity to share my knowledge and experiences, whether it’s with kids or even adults who might be interested in the entertainment industry but haven’t had the chance to pursue it. I remember my own journey to L.A.—it was beautiful, but I had no connections, and no one to guide me. If I can offer that guidance to someone else, even in a small way, it means the world to me.

Moving to a city like New York or LA to break into the entertainment industry can be incredibly intimidating, especially for young people unfamiliar with the culture or the challenges that come with it.

Hannah Fletcher: Exactly. It’s such an intimidating move to make, and the city itself can be overwhelming. While that sense of intimidation might never fully go away, I believe it can be softened by having warm, supportive people who are willing to share their knowledge and not gatekeep.

I’m also a big proponent too, that there’s room at the table for everyone, especially in this industry. I don’t view anyone as competition—I see us all as individuals with unique contributions to make. At the end of the day, my goal is to help others attain their dreams in whatever way I can. That’s what truly drives me.

I love that perspective—it’s so rare in this industry. I’ve been working on something similar in film criticism, which is such a male-dominated space. I’m constantly trying to bring more women into the fold and help break down those barriers. Anyone can get into this. If you’re passionate about it, don’t let demographics hold you back or where you live in the country or anything, just go for it. People want to help.

Hannah Fletcher: Absolutely. And now, with all the technology at our fingertips, the possibilities are endless.

The pandemic was awful, but it showed us how much we can accomplish online. Platforms like Zoom and StreamYard have made connecting and collaborating so much easier. I got really excited when I found out this was a StreamYard interview—it’s one of my favorites! We’re so fortunate to have these tools that allow us to connect, grow, and embrace new opportunities, no matter where we are.

I also love what you said about breaking down barriers in male-dominated spaces. It’s true—film criticism, production, and other behind-the-scenes roles can feel very male-centric. But those roles are so critical, and it’s inspiring to see more people like you pushing for change. It’s something we can absolutely do together, and I’m all in for that.

Looking ahead this year, what are the big goals you’re hoping to accomplish in 2025?

Hannah Fletcher: My big goals for the year definitely revolve around the talk show—it’s at the center of everything. We’ve already shot several episodes that will be airing on Tubi very soon, but there’s still so much to work on. Right now, my main focus is on fleshing out different segments for the show and making sure we have a passionate, dedicated crew. We already have an amazing team, but as we grow, it’s important to maintain that enthusiasm and shared vision.

We’re also working on adding more depth to the show by developing segments that resonate with our audience. One in particular focuses on breaking down the barriers surrounding financial literacy—things like understanding FICO scores. A lot of people in the younger generation don’t know what a 700, 680, or 800 score really means, and I want to show them that it’s nothing to be afraid of. It’s about bringing in the right resources and guests to provide tips and tricks for staying financially healthy. I always joke with my friends when they say, “Your FICO score doesn’t matter,” and I respond, “Well, if I ever want to buy a house or a car, it kind of does!”

So no, I may not need it this month, but I want it to always be in good standing. I really want to break down anything that is surrounding the idea of being taboo or scary for the younger generation. And I want to bring in resources and people that can really teach them, “Like, hey, this is actually fun.”

This year, it’s all about refining the show, listening to audience feedback, and implementing those insights to make it even better. That’s reallymy MO of this year. It’s flushing the show out to be exactly what we want it to be and need it to be so it can be the blueprint of what we have moving forward.

It’s such important work because so many of these practical life skills—like how to do taxes or manage finances—aren’t taught in school. There’s so much real-world information, especially for young business owners, that’s crucial but often overlooked. I love that your show is tackling this—it’s filling a gap that education really should be covering.

Hannah Fletcher: One of the things I love about working with my crew is how diverse they are. We have people of different ages and at various stages of life, which gives me a unique opportunity to indirectly gather insights from their perspectives. It’s not like I’m officially surveying them, but I get to see what resonates with each of them, and that’s so valuable.

Once the show is out and people can watch and engage with it, I’d love to open up a survey to hear directly from the audience—what they want to see, what they want to learn about. For example, I took out an LLC years ago, and I’m still learning about it! I want to be transparent about those experiences so my audience can connect and realize that nothing is off-limits or too intimidating to tackle. These are just things we have to do to navigate life, and we can conquer them together.

Ultimately, I want to build a community—a space where people can check in, root for each other, and celebrate wins. I think it would be so much fun to create that kind of support system. My crew has already come up with some amazing ideas, and I’m thrilled to bring them to life. The future feels so bright, and I’m excited to see where this journey takes us.

That’s amazing—we definitely need more of that. More support, more encouragement, and honestly, just more kindness in general. One question I always love to close with: Is there a particular quote or saying that holds special meaning for you, something that serves as motivation or inspiration in your life?

Hannah Fletcher: I’m a big believer in the phrase: “Let go and let God.”

As a Christian, my faith is an important part of my life, and while I’m open about it, it’s never with the intention to convert or alienate anyone. I want people to feel they can relate to me regardless of their own beliefs.

The idea of letting go and trusting something bigger has been a major focus for me, especially over the past year. It’s about surrendering to the notion that there’s a greater plan at work, even when it feels difficult to let go of control. I’ve had moments where I’ve truly embraced that mindset—maybe not perfectly, but as much as I could—and it’s brought so much clarity and peace to my life. I like to think of it as being like a little Sim with a green diamond over my head, and someone else is holding the controller.

Of course, it’s a process. There are times when I take back control and resist that surrender, and a few months later, I find myself thinking, If only I could get back to that mindset again. And when I do, things seem to fall into place. For me, “let go and let God” represents trusting in something bigger; however, that resonates with someone. It’s a perspective that has been truly transformative for me.

Be sure to check out Hannah Fletcher on Instagram at @hannahrfletcher!

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Emily Sprinkle, also known as Emma Loggins, is a designer, marketer, blogger, and speaker. She is the Editor-In-Chief for Women's Business Daily where she pulls from her experience as the CEO and Director of Strategy for Excite Creative Studios, where she specializes in web development, UI/UX design, social media marketing, and overall strategy for her clients.

Emily has also written for CNN, Autotrader, The Guardian, and is also the Editor-In-Chief for the geek lifestyle site FanBolt.com