Episodes
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Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker fight with the monster under the bed to recap ‘Eric,’ the six-episode limited Netflix series starring Benedict Cumberbatch. They start by discussing their complicated reactions to the pilot, why the subplots are much more interesting than the main story line, and how the narrative becomes increasingly convoluted as the show progresses (2:06). Along the way, they unpack its attempts to tackle an overwhelming number of heavy themes throughout the bizarre crime drama (18:01). Later, they talk through the tonal whiplash and surprising twists in the finale (23:49).
Hosts: Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre lace up and hit the hardwood to recap the ‘Clipped’ two-episode series premiere. They start by sharing their initial feelings on the first two episodes, what makes the essence of V. Stiviano so difficult to capture on-screen, and the over-the-top nature of the performances (Laurence Fishburne’s Doc voice is certainly a choice) (1:38). Along the way, they discuss how the actual basketball sequences take away from the show (23:27). Later, they point out some of their favorite NBA superstar portrayals from the FX sports drama before handing out their own awards for Player of the Game and Most Uncanny Valley Moment (26:01).
Hosts: Rob Mahoney and Wosny Lambre
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin face off head-to-head and recap the ‘Hacks’ Season 3 finale. They start by discussing their favorite episodes from the back half of the season, the stacked guest appearances throughout, and the intoxicating dynamic between Deborah and Ava (1:28). Next, they unpack the final moments of “Bulletproof” and the major twist at the end of the episode (12:07). Later, Joanna is joined by ‘Hacks’ cocreator Jen Statsky to talk about the rhythm of Deborah and Ava’s relationship, why it was important to heighten the stakes for this season, toying with romantic tropes with various characters, and much more (28:27).
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Mallory Rubin
Guest: Jen Statsky
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker go back to the courtroom and recap ‘The Jinx: Part Two’ finale. They start by discussing how Season 1 concluded with one of the most shocking endings ever, how true crime has progressed as a genre and since exploded into mainstream popularity between seasons, and why the opening scene is the most powerful moment in ‘Part Two’ (1:43). Next, they unpack how the return of the HBO docuseries differs from the initial run of episodes and what worked (and didn’t) across this unexpected follow-up season nearly 10 years after the fact (9:01). Later, they break down why some of the stuff left on the cutting-room floor had the potential to improve the final product of the second season (44:41).
Hosts: Justin Sayles and Jodi Walker
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Bill and Juliet get together to analyze and celebrate the two-part conclusion to Season 4 of ‘Beverly Hills, 90210’ on its 30th anniversary. They begin by sharing their insights into the most pivotal episodes throughout Brenda and Brandon’s season-long MVP run before breaking down the tumultuous Mardi Gras finale in full.
Hosts: Bill Simmons and Juliet Litman
Producer: Chris Sutton
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
Video: Stefano Sanchez
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Charles Holmes and Logan Murdock go back to school and recap ‘Abbott Elementary’ Season 3. They start by debating whether or not the ABC sitcom should be considered “prestige,” before outlining a broad overview of Season 3 as a whole and its familiar—yet effective—storytelling structure (1:47). Along the way, they discuss the impact of a condensed season and why the love triangle between Janine, Gregory, and Manny suffered because of it (10:05). Later, they break down why the finale was such a satisfying conclusion, MVPs of the season, and potential concerns about Season 4 and beyond (15:53).
Hosts: Charles Holmes and Logan Murdock
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Nora Princiotti and Kate Halliwell put on their best ballgowns and recap the first four episodes of ‘Bridgerton’ Season 3. They start by unpacking what is (and isn’t) working with the Netflix show’s new central couple, why Colin is a bit lacking as a leading man, and the complicated friends-turned-lovers dynamic between him and Penelope (4:02). Along the way, they discuss how the side plots are much more fleshed out this time around and highlight a few of the fun needle drops (Pitbull?!) so far (17:32). Later, they break down that spicy carriage scene before sharing some predictions and hopes for Part 2 (34:20).
Hosts: Nora Princiotti and Kate Halliwell
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Van and Wos come together to revisit the iconic ‘Sopranos’ episode, “Long Term Parking.” They discuss the legacy of the episode, the impact ‘The Sopranos’ had on TV, and the most shocking character deaths in the series.
Hosts: Wosny Lambre and Van Lathan
Associate Producer: Carlos Chiriboga
Additional Production Supervision: Justin Sayles
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Joanna Robinson and Craig Horlbeck take center stage to roast each other and recap the first four episodes of ‘Hacks’ Season 3. They open by sharing their personal relationships with the Max comedy and discussing why it’s such a smart concept, before likening it to another iconic HBO show (4:18). Along the way, they reveal their favorite episode of the entire series (so far), and talk about what makes stand-up so difficult to capture on screen (11:14). Later, they compare and contrast “The Roast of Deborah Vance” to Netflix’s Tom Brady roast and look ahead at the remaining episodes of the season (30:36).
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Craig Horlbeck
Producer: Kai Grady
Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles
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Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker debate the merits of Netflix’s newest hit, 'Baby Reindeer,' in which a struggling comedian is made to deal with both a female stalker and his own dark past. They examine just how the show subverted viewer expectations, the way it leaned into (and away from) the true crime angle, and its brave portrayal of trauma.
Hosts: Charles Holmes and Jodi Walker
Producer: Devon Baroldi
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Joanna is first joined by ‘Shogun’ cocreator Rachel Kondo and writer Caillin Puente to discuss writing the penultimate episode, Mariko’s fate, making Ochiba a more layered character than her book counterpart, why they decided to cut out the heir’s parentage as a plot point for the story, how Nagakado’s death came to fruition, and much more. Next, ‘Shogun’ writers Emily Yoshida and Maegan Houang talk to Jo about penning the script for the finale, the elderly Blackthorne sequences, what the final interaction between Toranaga and Yabushige says about the former, why the book’s ending was one of the toughest parts to adapt, and much more.
Host: Joanna Robinson
Guests: Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente, Emily Yoshida, and Maegan Houang
Producer: Kai Grady
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Jo and Rob return to break down the ‘Shogun’ finale. They discuss the surprising restraint throughout the final episode, their feelings about the show as a whole, and the revelation behind Toranaga’s true intentions. Along the way, they talk about the placement of Blackthorne’s seppuku moment and the beautiful subtlety of Ochiba’s poetry. Later, they unpack the ways in which the television adaptation surpassed the original work.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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Jo and Rob return to break down the ninth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss Anna Sawai’s impressive performance, Mariko’s intense standoff at the castle gates, and how the show has been gradually building up to “Crimson Sky.” Along the way, they talk about Ochiba pulling the strings behind the scenes and her emotional interaction with Mariko. Later, they unpack the outcome of various main characters in the penultimate episode’s shocking final scene.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producers: Kai Grady and Isaiah Blakely
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Jo and Rob return to break down the eighth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the grand introduction of Edo, the emotionally crushing tea room exchange between Mariko and Buntaro, and Blackthorne’s unexpected revulsion toward his men. Along the way, they talk about the thematic significance of loyalty throughout the episode. Later, they unpack Hiromatsu’s devastating sacrifice and the substantial consequences of his decision.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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Jo and Rob return to break down the seventh episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the aftermath of Saeki’s betrayal, how Nagakado’s fate is a major departure from the book, and the many question marks surrounding Toranaga’s plan (or lack thereof). Along the way, they talk about the increasingly complicated dynamic between Mariko and Buntaro. Later, they consider whether or not “Crimson Sky” is just one big misdirection.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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Jo and Rob return to break down the sixth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the effective use of flashbacks in this episode, the theatrics behind Toranaga’s political maneuvering, and how the show deftly deploys violence. Along the way, they talk about the growing jealousy that revolves around Blackthorne. Later, they’re joined by ‘Shogun’ series cocreators Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo to talk about making sure the humor from the novel translated from the page to the screen, the power of Fuji’s reaction shots, why Toranaga was the perfect role for Hiroyuki Sanada to play, and much more.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Guests: Justin Marks and Rachel Kondo
Producer: Kai Grady
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Andy Greenwald is joined by Tim Simons and Matt Walsh to discuss a handful of series finales from shows that represent the weird era of ’80s television including ‘St. Elsewhere,’ ‘Newhart,’ ‘ALF,’ ‘Sledge Hammer!,’ ‘Dallas,’ and ‘Dinosaurs.’ They start by talking about their first experiences with finales, how the final episodes of this decade’s shows seemed to both be in conversation and in competition with one another, and the reasons why TV was much more playful during this time (5:07). Along the way, they go through each ending and unpack everything, from the shocking reveal at the end of ‘St. Elsewhere’ to the monolithic nature of ‘Dallas’ to the surprisingly dark messaging in the last scene of ‘Dinosaurs,’ and so much more (13:32). Finally, they answer the titular question: Did it stick the landing? (99:55).
Host: Andy Greenwald
Guest: Tim Simons and Matt Walsh
Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady
Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano
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Jo and Rob return to break down the fifth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the multiple meanings behind the episode’s title, “Broken to the Fist,” the implications of Buntaro’s return, and Toranaga’s schemes within schemes. Along the way, they talk about Moeka Hoshi’s nuanced performance as Fuji and how Yabushige got played. Later, they briefly look ahead at what Lady Ochiba’s menacing arrival could mean for the back half of the season.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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Andy Greenwald is joined by Chris Ryan to discuss “Chapter 29,” the series finale of ‘Eastbound & Down.’ They open by talking about Danny McBride’s uncut style of comedy, why the HBO series warrants an extended conversation including but not limited to its comic hijinks, and how the creative team behind the show has since evolved (2:26). Along the way, they discuss its never-ending list of perfect guest stars, and the gradual character development of Kenny Powers (18:53). Later, they explain how the finale is an example of both a satisfying conclusion and radical experimentation (40:17). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (64:50)
Host: Andy Greenwald
Guest: Chris Ryan
Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady
Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano
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Jo and Rob return to break down the fourth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the quiet brilliance of the moments between the action and conversations, the concept of the Eightfold Fence, and Fuji's much more prominent role in the story. Along the way, they talk about how Omi manipulated Toranaga’s failson, Nagakado, to make a significant mistake. Later, they highlight why the gory visuals from the end of the episode were compelling.
Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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