Hello Sunshine lays off about half its staff after Witherspoon buyback
The company will focus on film, TV and Reese's Book Club and is shutting its direct-to-consumer division, according to Variety.
Hello Sunshine has laid off around 30 employees, roughly 50% of its staff, a few weeks after Reese Witherspoon reacquired the production company, according to Variety. The company's representatives declined to comment on the layoffs.
The restructuring narrows Hello Sunshine's focus to film and television projects and the Reese's Book Club brand. Its direct-to-consumer division is being shut down as part of the change.
Earlier in October 2026, Witherspoon bought Hello Sunshine back from Candle Media with backing from the French group Mediawan, reportedly for a fraction of the $900 million Candle Media had paid. In a statement at the time, she said the best is still ahead.
Blackstone-backed Candle Media took a controlling stake in Hello Sunshine in 2021. Under its leadership, the company went through at least four rounds of staff reductions in the previous two years, affecting the unscripted department and the Gen Z-oriented lifestyle brand Sunnie.
Candle Media also shut down Hello Sunshine's kids and animation unit in 2023 and, in 2024, consolidated its live-action divisions, including Hello Sunshine, into Candle Studios. Sarah Harden led that unit as CEO until she stepped down a year later.
Quick answers
How many staff did Hello Sunshine lay off?
Around 30 employees, roughly 50% of its staff, according to Variety.
What will Hello Sunshine focus on now?
Film and television projects and the Reese's Book Club brand, while its direct-to-consumer division is wound down.
When did Reese Witherspoon reacquire Hello Sunshine?
In October 2026, with the support of Mediawan.