Podcasts by Indiewires Very Good TV Podcast
"Very Good TV Podcast" offers Indiewire's weekly examinations of the best stories, shows and trends across television — plus our heartiest recommendations of what new content you should be watching.
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Podcast on the topic TV und Film
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The Series Finale: Episode 214 from 2019-06-02T16:06:21
It's the last episode of Very Good TV Podcast, so Liz and Ben use the occasion to say goodbye... and, of course, talk about series finales. Do not fear — one last time, both "The X-Files" and "The ...
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We'll Miss You, VEEP: Episode 213 from 2019-05-13T13:00:19
We don't want to talk about it. Except we do. Liz and Ben will dearly miss HBO's iconoclastic comedy about American politics, for all of its nuances and all of its outrageousness.
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Talking SUCCESSION with Adam McKay! Episode 212 from 2019-05-06T13:00:19
It's a Very Good TV Podcast first: An Oscar winner as a special guest! Also, Liz and Ben LEFT THE OFFICE to visit Adam McKay at his home in Los Angeles, where we got into McKay's role behind the sc...
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We'll Miss You, GOTHAM: Episode 211 from 2019-04-29T13:00:29
For five seasons, Fox's "Gotham" delivered a twisted take on DC favorites, and Liz and Bn aren't afraid to take a moment and pay tribute to what the show did so very very well.
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Table-Setting vs. World-Building: Episode 210 from 2019-04-22T13:00:04
No spoilers for GAME OF THRONES Season 8, Episode 2 here! Instead, Liz and Ben examine the GOT season premiere, and how serialized storytelling enables episodes of television that don't actually ha...
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Here's How Much TV We Actually Watch! Episode 209 from 2019-04-15T13:00:14
It's a question Liz and Ben get asked fairly often — "how much TV do you watch? it must be a lot!" — and they've never had a real answer... until now. In this episode, they're joined by special gue...
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How GAME OF THRONES Has Affected April TV: Episode 208 from 2019-04-08T13:00:12
As Liz and Ben prepare for one of the year's biggest premieres, one question comes up: How is HBO planning to take advantage of GAME OF THRONES' final season, and how are other networks reacting? (...
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BARRY's Back, Baby! Episode 207 from 2019-04-01T12:00:12
One of TV's most fascinating comedies returns for its second season on HBO... but, um, is it actually a comedy? That's just one facet of the Emmy-winning series that Liz and Ben discuss!
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Just How Bonkers Is THE OA? Episode 206 from 2019-03-25T13:00:19
Netflix's bold drama by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij has always defied expectation, but Season 2, as Liz and Ben discuss, is pure uncut crazy. But is that level of craziness sustainable?
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Why We're Thrilled About SHRILL: Episode 205 from 2019-03-19T13:00:19
When we say we cover very good TV on this podcast, we mean it! Aidy Bryant is a joy in the new Hulu series "Shrill," but what beyond that makes it great? Liz and Ben dig in.
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Hanging With the Creators of HIGH MAINTENANCE! Episode 204 from 2019-03-11T13:00:18
Special! Guest! Time! This week, Liz and Ben are joined by Katja Blichfeld and Ben Sinclair, the creators of "High Maintenance," because it is a great show and you should watch it, and also because...
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TRUE DETECTIVE Season 3 — It Sure Happened! Episode 203 from 2019-03-04T17:35:11
This podcast gets back to its humble beginnings with an episode all about HBO's iconic detective drama. Not only do Liz and Ben dig into the nuances of the series, but both THE X-FILES annnnd THE L...
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The Argument For an Awards Show Host: Episode 202 from 2019-02-25T17:36:16
Liz and Ben are joined by SPECIAL GUEST Kate Erbland to dig into all of this year's drama surrounding the Academy Awards, especially why there were concerns over this year's Oscars going host-less....
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Seems Like It Sucks to Be a Superhero: Episode 201 from 2019-02-18T14:00:25
This week, with two new eclectic superhero dramas premiering, Liz and Ben dig into why the genre continues to proliferate, and if it's sustainable in the longterm.
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What TV Will Look Like Four Years From Now: Episode 200 from 2019-02-13T14:00:15
The image attached to this week's episode was the first one that popped up when searching for "the future of television," which is what Liz and Ben talked about for this VERY SPECIAL 200th episode ...
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Counter-Programming the Super Bowl: Episode 199 from 2019-02-04T14:00:25
Liz and Ben may not really be rooting for either team during this year's Big Game, but they're fascinated by how the Superb Owl affects the TV landscape, especially when networks like AMC and Amazo...
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The Power of Chris Pine Compels You! Episode 198 from 2019-01-28T00:48:46
Maybe it's not such a big deal anymore when a movie star decides to make a limited series for TV, but as Liz and Ben get into, there's something special about TNT's "I Am the Night," largely thanks...
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The Importance of Picking the Right Protagonist: Episode 197 from 2019-01-21T14:00:15
Critics might be divided on "Black Monday," but everyone can agree that Regina Hall rules. Why isn't she the star of the show? There's the obvious answer, but Liz and Ben admit there's some nuance ...
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When Should A Show Reveal Its Premise? Episode 196 from 2019-01-14T14:00:05
What's the upcoming Netflix comedy "Russian Doll" about? Ben doesn't know and Liz won't tell you, but they will discuss when it makes sense for a show to keep its premise a secret — and when it doe...
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2019 Golden Globes Fantasy Draft! Episode 195 from 2019-01-07T13:00:06
Before this year's Globes, Liz and Ben did a live fantasy draft, identifying their picks across all the TV categories. Monday morning will reveal who owes who a sandwich, but enjoy listening to the...
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Our Favorite Things of 2018: Episode 194 from 2018-12-17T14:00:25
Special guest Steve Greene joins Liz and Ben to chat about the best stuff we all experienced this year — actually perhaps shockingly, THE X-FILES comes up! In the meantime, looking forward to the n...
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No Spoilers, But Mrs. Maisel Remains Marvelous: Episode 193 from 2018-12-10T14:00:10
The Emmy-winning favorite of Liz and Ben's moms is back, and there's a lot to discuss, from what impresses us about Amy Sherman-Palladino's attention to detail to whether or not they really need to...
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The Awards-Season Movies That Feel Like TV: Episode 192 from 2018-12-03T14:00:14
It's awards season! But the DNA of television can be found in a number of the films under contention for the Golden Globes and Oscars, including THE BALLAD OF BUSTER SCRUGGS and WIDOWS. How does th...
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The Stigma Against Animation: Episode 191 from 2018-11-26T17:22:08
When IndieWire did its 50 Best Animated Series of All Time, one thing we noticed was that a lot of these shows haven't gotten the recognition they deserve, beyond the realm of cartoons. Ben and Liz...
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The Ideal Thanksgiving TV May Not Require Words: Episode 190 from 2018-11-19T07:16:59
In the name of turkey and stuffing, Liz and Ben debate what's the best kind of TV to watch on the classic American holiday, from football to "Mythbusters" to "Friends" to, yes, surprisingly, "The L...
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So, About a BREAKING BAD Movie... Episode 189 from 2018-11-12T15:01:07
Last week it was revealed that a movie set within the world of BREAKING BAD was a likely possibility. But rather than debate whether or not it's a good idea, Liz and Ben dig into why this might hav...
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The Bad and the Good Side of Remixing TV: Episode 188 from 2018-11-05T16:44:45
On a weekend filled with important TV, Liz and Ben choose to focus on... "Saved By the Bell." But really, it's a conversation about how the future of media might affect our present!
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When Long Takes Work (And When They Don't): Episode 187 from 2018-10-29T14:00:14
Recently, TV has been graced with a number of examples of long takes — single-shot sequences that stretch on for minutes, per the story demands, including "Daredevil," "The Haunting of Hill House,"...
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The System Is Broken: Episode 186 from 2018-10-22T04:27:46
It's another super-focused episode, as Liz and Ben look into how the shows they've been watching recently reflect our complicated relationship with the truth of today's society. (Believe it or not,...
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Is Horror TV Scarier Today Because It Can Be Gorier? With Todd VanDerWerff! Episode 185 from 2018-10-15T14:00:19
Vox's Todd VanDerWerff comes by to chat with Liz and Ben about how, with the changes in television over the past 20-something years, the state of scary television has changed with the times. Shocki...
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How Streaming Services Try to Keep Us Subscribed: Episode 184 from 2018-10-08T14:00:19
Netflix, Hulu, CBS All Access and more are all desperate for our continuing subscriptions, and they're using their content in unique ways to strategize that. Guess what — Liz and Ben find that inte...
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Politics and Revivals and Tim Allen, Oh My! Episode 183 from 2018-10-01T14:00:09
Last week, Ben watched a lot of "Last Man Standing." Liz watched a lot of "Murphy Brown." Hilarious culture clashes ensue! You could definitely get a sitcom out of it.
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Guessing How Long Some Shows Have Been On! Episode 182 from 2018-09-24T16:28:37
IndieWire's Steve Greene joins Liz and Ben with an exciting challenge: Trying to guess how many seasons a wide variety of TV shows, from cable, broadcast, and beyond. You likely be as shocked as th...
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This Year's Emmys Are Crazy! Episode 181 from 2018-09-16T12:00:06
Ben has been neck-deep in the Emmys game this year, while Liz might need some help remembering who's nominated in each category — yet they both have strong opinions about what's going to happen onc...
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KIDDING Might Be One of Fall's Most Important Shows — But Will People Watch? Episode 180 from 2018-09-10T12:00:06
Jim Carrey's big return to TV has Liz and Ben once again gazing into the abyss that is their own mortality, but its emphasis on discussing death may keep the Showtime quasi-comedy from connecting w...
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The Most Important Questions About Fall TV: Episode 179 from 2018-09-03T18:02:36
There's a LOT going on in the next few months when it comes to TV, and you'd better believe that Liz and Ben are obsessed with what's to come. So many shows come up here! God rest our souls.
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How About That SHARP OBJECTS Finale? Episode 178 from 2018-08-27T15:00:06
Liz and Ben are joined by a special guest — IndieWire's associate TV editor Steve Greene — to dig into why the end of the HBO limited series "Sharp Objects" will stick with us for quite some time, ...
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The Sad News About DISENCHANTED: Episode 177 from 2018-08-20T15:00:18
SIMPSONS and FUTURAMA fans were likely pretty excited about Matt Groening's third-ever animated series, but it proved to be a bit of a disappointment. But maybe there's a solution for enjoying the ...
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Let's Talk About Netflix's INSATIABLE: Episode 176 from 2018-08-13T15:46:03
Liz and Ben followed up a long few weeks of Comic-Con and TCA coverage by... watching maybe the worst Netflix series of the year so far. (And yes, they both watched every episode.) But what's reall...
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We're Very Tired But We're Still Excited About New TV! Episode 175 from 2018-08-06T15:00:14
Because Liz and Ben are consummate professionals, they'd never confess just how tired they currently are on this humble podcast. Instead, they focus this episode of VGTVP on how they've learned a t...
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What's the Right Season for "Sharp Objects"? Episode 174 from 2018-07-30T01:30:05
It's hot outside, so does that make it the right time of year to watch murder mysteries like "Sharp Objects" or "The Sinner"? The answer may be yes, but how does the season affect our enjoyment of ...
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When Is a Surprise Release a Good Idea? Episode 173 from 2018-07-23T19:29:44
Hulu sprang the final season of "UnREAL" on unsuspecting subscribers last week, but was it the best strategy for the cult series? And when does that sort of strategy play well for content, those wh...
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What Is 'Who Is America?': Episode 172 from 2018-07-16T20:37:32
Ben recently had to watch Showtime's newest effort to engage with political comedy — but is Sasha Baron Cohen the voice America needs to be hearing right now?
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Emmys Justice for David Schwimmer! Episode 171 from 2018-07-09T17:10:07
This week, Liz and Ben address a grave injustice of television history, while also connecting it to issues of the day...But really, the problem is that David Schwimmer never won an Emmy for playing...
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GLOW, And Talking About Making a Show: Episode 170 from 2018-07-01T16:07:19
"Glow," in its second season, showed us what the show-within-a-show actually looks like. Which made Liz and Ben ponder their own behind-the-scenes process, in a very special episode of VGTVP.
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How Long is Too Long? Episode 169 from 2018-06-25T17:24:32
Liz and Ben have been slogging through some pretty bloated series lately, but is there a solution? Or do some shows NEED to run a little longer than others? Surprisingly, "The Leftovers" comes up!
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Time For Your Questions! Episode 168 from 2018-06-18T14:51:37
This week, Liz and Ben let the listeners come up with the topics to be discussed, and the result was a wide-ranging discussion of everything from the new Apple original content on the horizon to wh...
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When Does a Canceled Show Need a Series Finale? from 2018-06-11T15:37:34
"Sense8" fans got a happy ending this weekend thanks to the premiere of a special series finale episode that wrapped up all the major storylines left dangling by Season 2. But does every show deser...
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Give THE AMERICANS an Emmy Already!!! Episode 166 from 2018-06-04T15:00:02
Faithful listeners of this podcast will know that Liz and Ben don't agree on everything, but "The Americans" unites them. A truly great TV show just ended, and no matter how committed you were to i...
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An Alternative to Revivals: Episode 165 from 2018-05-28T15:44:32
There's no denying that revival culture is inescapable today, but while that doesn't mean they're all bad ideas, there has to be a better option for casts and creators who want to work together aga...
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Yelling About WESTWORLD!: Episode 164 from 2018-05-21T16:58:02
We're halfway through Season 2 of WESTWORLD, and while Liz and Ben tried to keep their discussion of the first five episodes spoiler-free, they pretty much failed. That's how engaged they got with ...
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HOMELAND Director Lesli LInka Glatter In the House! Episode 163 from 2018-05-14T18:05:15
This is a true SPECIAL TREAT and a true SPECIAL GUEST, as Lesli Linka Glatter, who's directed everything from "Twin Peaks" to "The Leftovers" (shockingly, Ben only brings this up once), joins VGTVP...
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Hanging Out With DEAR WHITE PEOPLE Creator Justin Simien! Episode 162 from 2018-05-07T19:11:11
Liz and Ben are huge fans of the Netflix comedy "Dear White People," which meant that they weren't going to turn down the chance to bring creator Justin Simien in for a chat about the show's return...
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James Cameron and TV: Episode 161 from 2018-04-30T16:23:15
Liz and Ben talk about movies this week — but because of a television show! James Cameron has a new miniseries on AMC called THE STORY OF SCIENCE FICTION which leads them to ponder the issue of how...
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Wild and Crazy Emmy Predictions 2018! Episode 160 from 2018-04-23T16:18:09
It's mid-April, which means (believe it or not)Emmys season is in full fever! Yes, even if half the shows which might get nominated this summer haven't even come out. That won't stop Liz and Ben fr...
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Getting Haunted By Our Old Reviews! Episode 159 from 2018-04-16T13:00:14
Game time! Special guest Steve Greene challenges Liz and Ben to remember some of their most long-ago reviews! It's pretty exciting — and also, "The Leftovers" comes up!
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Let's Talk About LEGION! Episode 158 from 2018-04-09T15:00:10
It's FX's most delightfully weird superhero drama, not to mention Ben's favorite Marvel property — but how deep should we dig into the Noah Hawley-created series? Guess what: Liz and Ben talk about...
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When Politics Does (and Doesn't) Impact a Show: Episode 157 from 2018-04-02T19:05:17
Sad to report that Liz and Ben don't get around to mentioning THE LEFTOVERS *or* THE X-FILES during this episode — instead they have heavier subjects on their mind, as the mega-ratings received by ...
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Ah Yes, THE X-FILES: Episode 156 from 2018-03-26T17:28:39
It's peak Ben and Liz this week, as they dig into the fact that "The X-Files" might be over for real and Gillian Anderson is calling out that ending on Twitter. And, oh yes, "The Leftovers" comes up.
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Problems With the Latest AMERICAN CRIME STORY: Episode 155 from 2018-03-21T19:16:51
Sorry for the delay in posting (technical issues)! But as a special treat, Liz and Ben are joined by Liz's mother, Janet, to discuss this year's "American Crime Story" — and figure out why we aren'...
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The Dangers of Nostalgia: Episode 154 from 2018-03-12T16:24:02
Liz and Ben are both guilty of letting their fond memories for old shows affect them — but what's the real danger in letting nostalgia take over our perception of television?
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Film vs. TV vs. the Netflix Machine: Episode 153 from 2018-03-05T19:22:07
Liz and Ben are joined by a special guest! Film editor Kate Erbland, having come to Los Angeles to cover the Oscars, sits down to discuss these things we call movies, and how covering them is diffe...
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The Current State of Shows for Teens: Episode 152 from 2018-02-26T17:05:42
Liz and Ben both watch a lot of teen-oriented shows — what have they seen work best? And why has Netflix become such a leader in this regard? Surprisingly, THE O.C. comes up!
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Why We Haven't Caught Olympic Fever: Episode 151 from 2018-02-19T17:55:12
The Olympics are happening right now, but Liz and Ben simply aren't that into it — and also don't care for the fact that it's preempted some of the programming they actually want to watch. Is there...
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In Celebration of the Big Swings: Episode 150 from 2018-02-12T18:29:41
That's right, 150 episodes! In tribute, Liz and Ben celebrate one of the things they love most about TV — when shows take chances. Shockingly, "The Leftovers" comes up!
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Yelling About ALTERED CARBON: Episode 149 from 2018-02-05T18:24:51
Other things come up in this episode, but really Liz and Ben are here to discuss Netflix's big new sci-fi play, which one of them didn't like as much as the other! (Don't worry, you guys, THE LEFTO...
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Why We Need To Let Actors Move On: Episode 148 from 2018-01-29T19:54:42
Glenn Howerton has a new show coming up on NBC! But people are mad about what that might mean for IT'S ALWAYS SUNNY IN PHILADELPHIA's future. However, he's not the only actor who's ever wanted to e...
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The TV People Who May Become Oscar Nominees! Episode 147 from 2018-01-22T20:31:25
This year's awards season favorites are stacked to the brim with great performers and creators who got their start in television, and Liz and Ben have their personal hopes as to who might see their...
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On Appreciating the Moment: Episode 146 from 2018-01-15T18:21:06
As TCAs continue, Liz and Ben find themselves grappling with the fact that these days, the news is always so focused on what's ahead for their favorite shows...as opposed to what's happening in the...
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Some of Our Most Anticipated 2018 Shows: Episode 145 from 2018-01-09T20:01:57
There's no shortage of TV to look forward to this year, and here are just a few of the shows that Liz and Ben think could make 2018 bearable.
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Happy New Year 2019! Episode 144 from 2018-01-01T16:41:44
What a year it has been, right? So Liz and Ben are here to reflect on all the amazing stuff that happened in 2018, because optimism isn't dead and after the year that was 2017, it's fun to "remembe...
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Debating the Best Show of 2017 With Sam Esmail! Episode 143 from 2017-12-25T07:55:16
A special time for a very special guest! What better holiday gift could Liz and Ben ask for than Emmy winner Sam Esmail coming by — not to discuss his truly exciting series "Mr. Robot," but to inst...
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The Best TV Ensembles of 2017: Episode 142 from 2017-12-18T17:54:43
An alternate title for this podcast: "Why all awards shows should have a Best Ensemble award!" Liz and Ben dig into the SAG Awards nominations as well as shows which could deserve equal considerati...
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The MVPs of 2017: Episode 141 from 2017-12-11T15:40:20
Liz and Ben are joined by Hanh Nguyen and Steve Greene, their colleagues in TV coverage, to reveal their picks for the most important people behind the best television of the year. (Surprisingly, "...
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Anthology Series and Anarchy: Episode 140 from 2017-12-04T20:33:10
The creators of anthology series like "Easy" and "Black Mirror" put a lot of time and effort into creating an episode order for their seasons — but should people stick with the order as presented, ...
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How Do We Give the Gift of TV Today? Episode 139 from 2017-11-27T18:44:33
As the holiday season heats up, Liz and Ben are forced to confront that these days, there's no easy way to give someone a television show. Are they Luddites for not embracing the streaming era? Or ...
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Hypothetical TV Recs For Your Hypothetical Thanksgiving Family: Episode 138 from 2017-11-20T17:06:35
Liz and Ben go around the Thanksgiving dinner table to craft some recommendations for hypothetical family members. (Shockingly, "The Leftovers" comes up!)
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What Should and Shouldn't Count as Canon: Episode 137 from 2017-11-13T19:21:09
"Twin Peaks" co-creator Mark Frost just released a new book of tales from the series — but do they actually count when it comes to the official Lynch/Frost narrative? And how do other ancillary mat...
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Some of the Most Innovative Storytelling on TV: Episode 136 from 2017-11-06T19:14:31
Sometimes a TV show finds truly unique ways to tell a story, not just within the episode but on a far broader scale. Liz and Ben break down a few of their favorite recent examples. Not all of them ...
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Stallone on TV, STAR TREK and More! Episode 135 from 2017-10-30T18:59:51
It's an omnibus episode driven by YOUR questions, as Liz and Ben discuss what TV shows would be a good fit for Sylvester Stallone to appear on, what's going on with Lorca on "Star Trek: Discovery,"...
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It's "Stranger Things" Season! Episode 134 from 2017-10-23T19:35:06
Liz and Ben recorded this podcast before having seen any of "Stranger Things 2," but that sure didn't stop them from having opinions about Season 1, as well as what they're anticipating will come w...
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Why "The X-Files" Can't Kill Scully: Episode 133 from 2017-10-16T17:17:50
Never say never ever, but thanks to comments made recently during New York Comic-Con, Liz and Ben are a bit nervous about the upcoming return of "The X-Files," and what specifically it might mean f...
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More Than 2 Reasons to Love 'The Deuce': Episode 132 from 2017-10-09T17:57:34
The new HBO drama may have double the James Franco and plenty of nudity, but the engaging new series from David Simon and George Pelecanos has charms beyond the obvious, as Liz and Ben discuss in t...
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Should Tom Cruise Ever Make TV?: Episode 131 from 2017-10-02T16:11:02
In this era when it seems like every movie star is considering a move to TV, it's not impossible to imagine someone like Tom Cruise signing up for a new Netflix or HBO series. But would that actual...
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The Best TV For When You're Not At Your Best: Episode 130 from 2017-09-25T17:46
TV can be a source of comfort when you're under the weather — but it can't just be any TV, right? Liz and Ben debate what makes a series ideal for watching while you're feeling sick (for whatever r...
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Our Most Anticipated Returning Fall Shows: Episode 129 from 2017-09-18T17:40:29
The fall season means not just new shows, but the return of some of our favorite series. Which ones have Ben and Liz most excited about these post-Emmys days?
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Emmys 2017 Wild and Crazy Predictions: Episode 128 from 2017-09-11T17:30:47
Could "black-ish" take the Best Comedy Series category out from underneath "Veep"? Might Evan Rachel Wood upset Elisabeth Moss for Best Actress in a Drama? Liz and Ben pitch their wildest theories ...
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VEEP Showrunner David Mandel! VEEP Showrunner David Mandel! Episode 127 from 2017-08-28T18:44:59
The VEEP writers' room is hard at work on Season 7, but David Mandel took a break to chat with Liz and Ben! The showrunner not only teases what they're planning for next year, but addresses the Tru...
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The Best Times TV Shows Went Meta: Episode 126 from 2017-08-21T20:14:13
What's the best way for a TV show to directly address its flaws? Liz and Ben are joined by special guest Steve Greene to figure out the answer.
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Why We're Not Sad Netflix Canceled 'Gypsy': Episode 125 from 2017-08-14T18:31:39
As long promised — it's time for Ben to ruin the plot of Netflix's now-canceled drama "Gypsy" for Liz. (After, that is, a very important discussion about Vanilla Ice.)
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What Happens to Great Shows On Overlooked Platforms? Episode 124 from 2017-08-07T19:27:28
There's a lot of great TV being made for smaller networks and streaming services — stuff Liz and Ben believe in, even if not enough people are watching. How does that affect their coverage, though?
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Why We Worry About Shows Mocking Trump: Episode 123 from 2017-07-31T16:05:59
Sorry to get political on y'all, but the TV shows completely devoted to mocking Donald Trump continue to mount up, and Ben and Liz aren't sure they're particularly good ideas.
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IndieWire Survived Comic-Con: Episode 122 from 2017-07-24T19:26:33
Liz and Ben are joined by IndieWire executive editor Michael Schneider mid-Comic-Con to dig into the best things they saw during the conference, as well as why people even bother to attend.
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Did Sunday's 'Game of Thrones' Do Anything More Than Set Up the Season? Episode 121 from 2017-07-17T18:52:45
"Shall we begin?" may not be the most rousing ending to a "Game of Thrones" episode we've ever seen — but was it enough to engage us for the rest of the season? Liz and Ben are joined by special gu...
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Ranking Netflix's Opening Credits Sequences (Yeah, All of Them): Episode 120 from 2017-07-10T16:41:36
The number of Netflix original series has ballooned — and 32 of them have opening credits sequences worth evaluating. How do Liz and Ben rank them? That's what this episode is all about.
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The Best Times TV Shows Went on Vacation: Episode 119 from 2017-07-03T16:07:08
It's always fun when we see our favorite characters go Hawaiian or hit up Vegas for a very special episode — but do these installments have any larger meaning? Liz and Ben get to work answering thi...
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The Power of Female Friendship: Episode 118 from 2017-06-26T17:22:42
Some of the best shows have, at their core, a prominent friendship between two women — the sort of relationship we all want in our lives. Why do these friendships have such power? And which shows d...
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How to Recover From the End of a Great Show: Episode 117 from 2017-06-19T19:41:20
Believe it or not, Liz and Ben aren't done talking about "The Leftovers" yet. But today's discussion goes beyond the HBO drama to the idea of how best to move on following the end of other great se...
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How 'The Leftovers' Rewarded Our Faith in It: Episode 116 from 2017-06-12T19:32:11
Liz and Ben finally sit down to discuss "The Leftovers" finale. Who was lying? Who was crying? And how does it relate to some of the other great TV happening today?
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How Does Access Change Our Perceptions of a TV Show? Episode 114 from 2017-05-29T17:03:09
As Liz and Ben prepare for the end of the world — um, that is, the end of "The Leftovers" — they reflect upon what it's meant to them, over the last few years, to be able to speak with the creators...
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'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt' is Stronger than Ever: Episode 113 from 2017-05-22T17:43:49
The third season of Tina Fey and Robert Carlock's complicated dark comedy made some important choices for its characters — but how did they affect the show? Liz and Ben dig in.
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Our Favorite Interviews of 2017 (So Far): Episode 112 from 2017-05-15T14:12:34
Liz and Ben are joined by their colleagues Steve Greene and Hanh Nguyen to discuss some of the conversations they've been lucky enough to have with the people making great TV today. Surprisingly, "...
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Why 'Dear White People' is One of the Year's Best Shows: Episode 111 from 2017-05-08T16:06:18
The Netflix series adaptation of Justin Simien's 2014 indie favorite has set a new bar for what film-to-TV transfers should look like. What are the factors which make the series so compelling? Liz ...
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Does Every TV Show Have to be 'Relevant'? Episode 110 from 2017-05-01T17:59:34
We're in a rich age of television... But we're maybe getting a little burned out on the fact that the messaging around all these shows is that "in a time like this, these shows are more important t...
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Well, There's Gonna Be More "X-Files": Episode 109 from 2017-04-24T16:22:22
Emotions run high as Liz and Ben discuss the announcement that there'll be more "X-Files" in the next year. (God help us all.)
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Endings A'Plenty on HBO: Episode 108 from 2017-04-17T15:22:51
With the "Girls" finale and the premiere of the final season of "The Leftovers," last night HBO was rich with change. What makes these particular endings and beginnings stand out?
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To Rebinge or Not To Rebinge? Episode 107 from 2017-04-10T16:09:13
With so much great new TV out there in the world, why on earth do we go back and rewatch old favorites so much? There are obvious reasons and not-so-obvious, as Ben and Liz come to understand in th...
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TV As a College Degree? Episode 106 from 2017-04-03T15:49:29
What's it like to study television like "Broad City" and "The Prisoner" in an academic environment? That's a question no one except IndieWire interns/special guests Maya, Michael and Juan can answe...
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Our Craziest Premature Emmys Predictions: Episode 105 from 2017-03-27T16:26:14
We've got just about six months to go before the Emmy Awards, and we haven't even SEEN half the shows in contention for this year's big prize. That's not going to stop us from making some wild gues...
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HBO's Been Having Some Fun Lately: Episode 104 from 2017-03-20T14:51:23
Kudos to the promotions department at one of our favorite premium cable networks, who have been trying some innovative new techniques when it comes to spreading the word about shows like "Game of T...
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How Cast Changes Affect A Show: Episode 103 from 2017-03-13T17:57:25
A major shakeup on "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia" leads to Ben and Liz wondering not only how the show might proceed for future seasons, but reflecting on how the impact of past character depa...
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Time Travel-Palooza: Episode 102 from 2017-03-06T22:45:09
It's the hot new craze sweeping broadcast television — but why? Liz and Ben consider the past, the present and the future to figure it out.
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The On Screen Penis: The Last Taboo or A Power Play? Episode 101 from 2017-02-27T21:09:46
After watching the latest episode of "Girls," Liz and Ben dig into the power of on-screen male nudity. Shockingly, "The Leftovers" comes up.
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What Is Very Good TV? We Ask Some Experts: Episode 100 from 2017-02-20T17:19:15
Ben and Liz celebrate one hundred episodes of podcasting with some cake, some rapping, and some special guests talking about the only thing that really matters these days: Great television.
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Why is Sunday Night So Big for TV? Episode 99 from 2017-02-13T16:52:36
At this point, we've gotten used to so many big shows premiering on Sunday nights that we've taken it for granted. But why is it such a popular night for programming? Liz and Ben dig in.
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The Power of the Post-Super Bowl Episode 98 from 2017-02-06T16:50:14
The tradition of the post-Super Bowl episode is one that goes back decades, but which episodes stick out in our memory? And was 24: LEGACY Fox's best use of the time slot?
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How Much Do You Need to Know About A New Show? Episode 97 from 2017-01-30T16:26:38
We try to give you all the info you might want about upcoming TV shows — but how much do you really NEED in order to know if you want to watch something? Liz and Ben dig into it.
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'The Young Pope,' And the Madness Behind the Memes: Episode 96 from 2017-01-23T19:13
HBO's latest bold experiment in storytelling is maybe one of the weirdest shows on television — by design. But does that weirdness (and the memes which revolve around it) help or hurt the show's pe...
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How 2017 Has Surprised Us So Far: Episode 95 from 2017-01-16T17:44:01
We're still busy getting the scoop on the best TV of 2017, a year which has brought us David Lynch answering our questions IN PERSON and Tom Hardy being one rad dude. And it's all revealed plenty o...
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Face to Face With Our Favorite TV People! Episode 94 from 2017-01-09T18:24:59
Liz and Ben, along with a whole bunch of other TV critics, are currently in Pasadena attending the TCA Winter Press Tour, aka "the death march with cocktails." Thus, with a drink in hand, they dis...
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Great TV is Coming in 2017! Episode 93 from 2017-01-02T15:53:52
We're pretty excited about the new TV to come in 2017 (even if Liz can't remember what that new Ryan Murphy show is actually called). And no, not just because of "The Leftovers"!
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Does Netflix Know It's Christmas? Episode 92 from 2016-12-19T22:34:42
Just because it's the holidays doesn't mean Netflix and Amazon are giving us any time off. But does that make sense? Liz and Ben discuss, and wish you a very happy holiday!
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Why You Need to Watch 'Rectify': Episode 91 from 2016-12-12T19:20:47
Critics keep saying it's the best show on TV — but WHY is it the best show on TV? Ben gets the opportunity to explain to Liz in this week's episode.
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The Canceled Shows We'll Miss the Most: Episode 90 from 2016-12-05T17:31:55
2016 didn't feature a TON of cancellations, but there were definitely a few that left us sad. But which were we okay with saying goodbye to? Liz and Ben dig into it.
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What Shows Were We Wrong About in 2016? Episode 89 from 2016-11-28T15:29:30
At the beginning of every year, IndieWire's TV team makes a list of the shows they're most looking forward to. And at the end of the year, they like to look back and see how their instincts for gre...
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To Binge or Not to Binge Over the Holidays? Episode 88 from 2016-11-21T16:52:02
Are you on your own for Thanksgiving this year? Or are you sharing screen time with family time? However you choose to celebrate, Ben and Liz have thoughts on how to optimize your weekend.
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Soooooo, How About That New Episode of 'Westworld'? Episode 87 from 2016-11-14T03:01
Were you ready for the big twists of "Trompe L'Oeil"? IndieWire's Liz and Ben were definitely surprised by a few of them, and so they've devoted this entire episode to breaking down not just what t...
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Is It Possible to Spoil a Period Drama? Episode 86 from 2016-11-07T16:57:49
With the release of Netflix's "The Crown," Liz and Ben face the question of what really counts as a spoiler when it comes to well-documented historical events. (Spoiler alert: Queen Elizabeth II do...
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Non-Horror Shows that Spook Us: Episode 85 from 2016-10-31T15:58:42
Just in time for Halloween, IndieWire's Liz and Ben dig into the TV shows that spook them the most, despite not technically being a part of the horror genre. (Surprisingly, "The Leftovers" comes up...
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You Have Questions!: Episode 84 from 2016-10-24T20:19:12
It's the return of the Ask Us Anything (about television)! Ben and Liz go through your questions, which take us down some odd journeys — like, what kind of show we'd like to see George Clooney take...
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10 Reasons Why '30 Rock' Is One of TV's Most Important Comedies: Episode 83 from 2016-10-17T16:15:39
Just in time for the 10th anniversary, we pay tribute to one of our all-time favorite sitcoms — one that taught us the sublime beauty of the phrase "Hey, dummy."
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How To Survive the 2016 Election — With TV!: Episode 82 from 2016-10-10T17:20:25
Much as we'd like the election to be over, we have a few more weeks of madness left — but thanks to TV and TV people on Twitter, we may be able to get through it.
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Is "Westworld" Really the Heir to "Game of Thrones"? Episode 81 from 2016-10-03T15:07:54
HBO's new sci-fi/western drama is fascinating, but can it succeed "Game of Thrones" in terms of awards or cultural impact? Liz and Ben have some thoughts.
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New Fall TV! What's Working, What Didn't: Episode 80 from 2016-09-26T19:37:05
Liz and Ben just got through a big week of broadcast TV premieres! (There were a LOT.) What shows pleased them most? And which are they not necessarily planning to keep up with.
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Emmys 2016 Highs and Lows: Episode 79 from 2016-09-19T19:21:28
We got through the Emmys! What were IndieWire's favorite moments of the ceremony, and what parts didn't quite work?
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Could There Ever Be Another 'Star Trek'? Episode 78 from 2016-09-12T15:05:14
"Star Trek" just turned 50! Which is incredible. But could a franchise like this ever happen again, in today's industry? Indiewire's Liz and Ben debate.
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Which Returning TV Shows Have Us the Most Worried? Episode 77 from 2016-09-05T15:17:22
Some of our favorite series are back this fall, but which ones might not be back for another season, due to ratings and other concerns? Liz and Ben break it down.
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What's Holding FX Back as A Network? Episode 76 from 2016-08-29T15:39:22
We've been big fans of FX programming for years, but why doesn't the network have the same brand power that, say, HBO does? The answer may have less to do with what we're watching, and more to do w...
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Planning the Perfect TV Diet: Episode 75 from 2016-08-22T15:28:02
Consuming media isn't necessarily something you should do casually, which is why this week, Liz and Ben have some thoughts about how to balance the TV you watch for optimum (mental) health.
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The Problems With Watching Food on TV: Episode 74 from 2016-08-15T15:58:45
This weekend, Hulu premiered "The Wine Show" to a thirsty American audience, but beyond the presence of the lovely Matthew Goode and Matthew Rhys, is it satisfying to watch people enjoy food and be...
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Does More Money Make Better TV?: Episode 73 from 2016-08-08T19:53:31
The budgets for TV shows have never been bigger, but are they leading to better shows? The answer isn't yes OR no, as Liz and Ben debate in this week's podcast.
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Ask Us Anything!: Episode 72 from 2016-08-01T16:27:35
This week, it's question time, as Liz and Ben answer all your most pressing queries, including what TV shows best reflect society, and what TV shows have been the hardest to give up.
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What We Learned at Comic-Con: Episode 71 from 2016-07-25T21:52:49
Indiewire's TV team spent the last week at Comic-Con and got some sneak peeks of fun shows. (They did not get a lot of sleep.)
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When Pop Culture References Other Pop Culture: Episode 70 from 2016-07-18T16:13:59
A TV show casually references another TV show — no big deal, right? Maybe, maybe not. As Indiewire's Liz and Ben discuss, invoking other pop culture may be an organic story choice, but it also can ...
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Our Long Shot Emmy Predictions: Episode 69 from 2016-07-11T15:08:26
Call us dreamers, but Indiewire's TV team has its fingers crossed for a few outlier entries in this year's awards race. From "Outlander" to "The Leftovers," at least one of these things could actua...
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Independence Day Quiz — The 16 Most Patriotic TV Quotes: Episode 68 from 2016-07-04T16:40:04
To celebrate the 4th of July, Liz and Ben are joined by Special Projects Editor Steve Greene and Senior Editor Hanh Nguyen for a rousing game of Guess the Quote! We attempt to stump each other with...
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What It Means to End A Show: Episode 67 from 2016-06-27T17:56:05
"Penny Dreadful" surprised us with a stealth series finale last week — but is that sort of move one that works? Liz and Ben dig into why they like to know if an ending is coming, and how that sort ...
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What to Say When Someone Asks "What's Your Favorite TV Show?": Episode 66 from 2016-06-20T16:15:04
It might be your least favorite question, but we at Indiewire want to help you answer it! Because if you answer it the right way, it can lead to some of the most enjoyable TV discussions you'll eve...
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Shows to Catch Up On: Episode 65 from 2016-06-13T21:59:11
Summer means sun, and fun, and the opportunity to catch up with shows you may have missed! And Indiewire's TV team has a few suggestions for just that situation.
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Are Our TV Favorites Family-Friendly?: Episode 64 from 2016-06-06T20:09:01
We all watch a lot of TV, but how much of it is appropriate for the under-18 set? With some help from the website commonsensemedia.org, Indiewire looks to understand what might make a show appropri...
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The Importance of a Second Season: Episode 63 from 2016-05-30T15:51:34
With the release of "Bloodline" Season 2, Indiewire's TV team was inspired to look at how the second season of a show can either make or break it. (Why yes, "The Leftovers" does come up.)
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Ranking the AMC Credits Sequences: Episode 62 from 2016-05-23T19:08:50
To celebrate the premiere of "Preacher" and upcoming "Feed the Beast," Indiewire's TV team brought in special guest Steve Greene to rank the credit sequences of AMC's great scripted dramas.
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When Is It Time to Give Up on a Canceled Show?: Episode 61 from 2016-05-16T19:22:30
A lot of shows got canceled last week — but which ones hurt the most? And which ones were we okay with? Indiewire's TV team breaks it down.
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New Summer Shows We Can't Wait to See: Episode 60 from 2016-05-09T21:24:34
There's an eclectic assortment of shows planned for this summer, and Indiewire's TV team has their own favorite among the new entries.
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TV Civil War: Episode 59 from 2016-05-03T18:35:49
Indiewire's TV team, perhaps inspired by a certain Marvel film coming out this week, sits down to discuss an age-old question: On our favorite shows, who would win in a fight? (Shockingly, "The Lef...
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Are "Game of Thrones" and "Veep" Still The Best? Episode 58 from 2016-04-25T19:36:46
HBO's Emmy-winning comedy and drama returned last night but with some big changes behind the scenes. How did they fare? Indiewire's TV team has thoughts. (Surprisingly, "The Leftovers" did not come...
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"Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" Season 2 vs. Season 1: Episode 57 from 2016-04-18T19:26:30
Without getting too deep into spoilers, Indiewire's TV team this week digs into the latest season of "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," which they both liked... But there might be a few issues.
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Could "Catastrophe" Be This Honest If It Were A Drama?: Episode 56 from 2016-04-11T18:25:14
Amazon's intimate and beautiful relationship story also happens to be quite funny. Is that essential to its success -- and is comedy in general essential to creating honest storytelling?
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Why We Loved "People v. O.J. Simpson" (Despite Knowing the Ending): Episode 55 from 2016-04-04T21:41:50
The story behind the "trial of the century" was as fascinating to us this year as it was when it was actually happening. But what was it that made FX's legal drama so captivating?
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Is Shondaland Sustainable? Episode 54 from 2016-03-28T18:23:20
With the release of "The Catch," Indiewire's TV looks at the current state of Shonda Rhimes's epic ABC empire, and why they keep watching.
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What Do We Look For in Superhero TV?: Episode 53 from 2016-03-21T18:45:12
With the launch of DAREDEVIL Season 2, Indiewire's TV team breaks down what's proving compelling about the latest rush of superhero shows -- the ones they love, and the ones they wish were better.
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Are There Too Many Shows About L.A.?: Episode 52 from 2016-03-14T21:40:08
It now takes two hands to count the number of single-camera dramedies on TV about people searching for love in Los Angeles. But is that a bad thing?
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Is "House of Cards" Season 4 Better When Binged?: Episode 51 from 2016-03-07T20:41:07
Indiewire's TV team switched places this weekend, with Ben binge-viewing the latest season of Netflix's Emmy-winning political drama. How did that affect his enjoyment of the series? And will Liz l...
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How Can The Oscars Improve That Ceremony?: Episode 50 from 2016-02-29T17:47:56
Every year, we love watching the Oscars, but how did this year's show, hosted by Chris Rock, play for Indiewire's TV team? And with flagging ratings and an ultra-long runtime, how might the Academy...
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Does Love Play Better on TV Than Film?: Episode 49 from 2016-02-22T20:01:32
This week, Indiewire's TV team in theory talks about the new Netflix/Judd Apatow series "Love," but really, what they dig into is the way a serialized narrative affects romance on screen -- often f...
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Why Does HBO's VINYL Have to Be About the White Guy?: Episode 48 from 2016-02-15T15:39:57
HBO's new drama is the Martin Scorsese-directed drama VINYL, which digs into the music scene of the 1970s. Bobby Cannavale is great as the lead -- but did he need to be the lead? Indiewire's TV tea...
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What's the Best Time for Late Night?: Episode 47 from 2016-02-08T20:44:41
Is it the night it airs? Is it the morning after? Is it after the Super Bowl? Indiewire looks at the current state of late night -- including Stephen Colbert's post-Bowl show and Samantha Bee's bra...
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Can You Judge A Live Musical Like Everything Else?: Episode 46 from 2016-02-01T20:43:40
They rack up ratings and seem to make people happy, so it's time to accept that live musicals are here to stay. But how can both discerning TV critics as well as fans evaluate their qualities? Indi...
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'X-Files' Meets 'Star Wars': Is Chris Carter the George Lucas of TV?: Episode 45 from 2016-01-25T23:32:09
One of Indiewire's all-time favorite TV shows is back... But how are Ben and Liz feeling about what it means to have the original creator writing and directing three of the six episodes (especially...
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Can "Baskets" Fill the "Louie" Void?: Episode 44 from 2016-01-18T17:41:10
We're not getting any more "Louie" anytime soon, but Mr. CK is one of the creators of the new series "Baskets," an odd but endearing comedy starring "The Hangover's" Zach Galifianakis. Will that sc...
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The TV To Be Excited about This Week: Episode 43 from 2016-01-12T20:32:46
Because TELEVISION NEVER STOPS, this week there are a few big show launches that may intrigue you. And Indiewire's TV team's got the scoop on this week's alien drama and cop comedies.
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Looking Forward to 2016: Episode 42 from 2016-01-04T15:30:39
It's a brand new year, so there's plenty of exciting new TV to discuss. But don't worry -- Indiewire's TV team still found a way to bring up "The Leftovers" as they dig into some of the shows and t...
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"How A Top 10 List Gets Made": Episode 41 from 2015-12-22T15:07:59
This week, Indiewire's TV team offers a peek behind the curtain as they create their Top 10 Shows of 2015 list. Will Liz convince Ben that a Marvel show deserves placement? Will Ben's number one pi...
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Our Favorite Interviews of 2015: Episode 40 from 2015-12-14T19:41:23
Over the last 12 months, Indiewire's TV team has been blessed with the opportunity to speak with some fascinating individuals creating TV -- so this week, they thought they'd look back at some of t...
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"The Case For 'The Leftovers' Season 3": Episode 39 from 2015-12-07T22:26:30
Indiewire's TV team is going to have a hard time saying goodbye to HBO's strange supernatural drama, which is why, in this week's episode, we make the argument for bringing it back for a third seas...
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"How to Make a Year-End List": Episode 38 from 2015-11-30T20:53:22
It's almost time for Indiewire's TV team to make their best of the year lists... but what goes into making them? And what different philosophies arise as a result?
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"What Is Dead Can Never Die -- Or Maybe Not?": Episode 37 from 2015-11-23T19:44:38
Television has been coping with some shocking resurrections lately -- but do those switcharoos affect our viewing experiences positively or negatively? (Shockingly, "The Leftovers" comes up. AND "T...
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"What New TV is Left in 2015?": Episode 36 from 2015-11-17T19:00:03
Just because it's November doesn't mean the TV has stopped! Far from it. From alien invasions to mad geniuses to family dysfunction, Indiewire's TV team is here to tell you what's left to look forw...
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"Were 2015's Most Anticipated Shows the Best Shows of the Year?": Episode 35 from 2015-11-09T17:19:44
In January of this year, Indiewire's TV team made a list of our most anticipated series. Now that (nearly) all of them have premiered, what were we right to be excited about -- and what did we get ...
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"What's Up With AMC?": Episode 34 from 2015-11-02T15:19:04
AMC is making some interesting TV these days! But the TV being made... Does it make any sense? Indiewire's TV team investigates. ("The Leftovers" only kinda sorta comes up.)
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"Why Aren't People Watching 'Fargo'?": Episode 33 from 2015-10-26T18:30:25
A critically-acclaimed favorite returns for a second anthology-style season... and is actually really good! But why isn't "Fargo" on the tip of everyone's tongue? Indiewire's TV team investigates.
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"Spoiler Alert!": Episode 32 from 2015-10-19T15:07:17
Ben won't tell Liz spoilers about what happened in the new "X-Files." Liz doesn't think we'll ever figure out spoiler etiquette. And together, Indiewire's TV Team does its best to define what a spo...
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"October TV is Spooky TV": Episode 31 from 2015-10-12T19:10:05
Indiewire's TV team digs into how the concept of horror on television has evolved into the current flood of shows launching this month. (Shockingly, "The Leftovers" comes up.)
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'The Leftovers' is Back! 'The Leftovers' is Back!": Episode 30 from 2015-10-05T19:37:35
Have you heard of this show called "The Leftovers"? Sure you have, thanks largely to the efforts of Indiewire's TV team, which devotes this week's episode to analyzing the premiere of Season 2 and ...
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"The Rob Lowe Power Hour!": Episode 29 from 2015-09-28T07:35:39
With two new shows on the fall schedule, what better time to celebrate one of our favorite actors -- and what better way than with a ranking of his most notable TV roles?
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"Hey, the Emmys Happened!": Episode 28 from 2015-09-22T14:26:02
Who won, who lost, who shoulda won, what shoulda lost! Indiewire's TV team digs into the best moments of Sunday night, from great speeches to great moments in bean-eating.
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"Hey, It's Fall TV Time!": Episode 27 from 2015-09-14T15:02
This week, Indiewire's TV team reveals their most anticipated returning shows of the fall. Surprisingly, "The Leftovers" comes up.
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"Comedies in the Golden Age": Episode 26 from 2015-09-07T15:46:43
When we talk about the golden age of television," what do we tend to leave out? Comedies. And given how hard it is to make a great comedy work, that's not right. But why does it happen? Indiewire's...
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"The Cost of a TV Crush": Episode 25 from 2015-08-31T14:38:41
Sometimes, we watch TV because it's great programming. Sometimes, we watch it because of the actors involved. So, what dark paths have some of our favorite actors led Indiewire's TV team down?
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"Great Shows Gone Bad": Episode 24 from 2015-08-24T19:56:50
What's worse -- when a good show fails to have any ambition, or when a great show goes off the rails? Ben and Liz debate some classic TV that ended up disappointing them, as well as the question of...
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"The Last Shows of Summer": Episode 23 from 2015-08-17T19:40:58
Just because it's August doesn't there's nothing to watch! So here are Indiewire's picks for TV series to come over the next few weeks -- some returning and new favorites that are worth your time.
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"Is There Too Much Good TV?": Episode 22 from 2015-08-10T14:43:33
The president of FX thinks that there's too much good TV, drowning out the great TV. Does Indiewire's TV team agree?
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"Should You Watch the 'True Detective' Finale?": Episode 21 from 2015-08-04T17:24:54
Everyone may be talking about "True Detective" this summer, but does that mean the season finale this Sunday is really worth watching? This week, Liz and Ben go over some of your other options this...
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"TV vs. the Blockbuster": Episode 20 from 2015-07-27T19:20:04
It's summer movie season -- but these days, summer movies have a lot more in common with TV than they used to. Is that a bad thing? Indiewire's TV team investigates.
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"'BoJack' Is Back!": Episode 19 from 2015-07-20T21:20:40
Indiewire's TV team binge-viewed Season 2 of Netflix's bizarre but deep animated comedy this weekend -- how'd it fare in comparison to Season 1?
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"What's The Best Way to Promote Your TV Show?": Episode 17 from 2015-07-08T19:43:21
Lately we've seen some truly unusual ways that networks have used to spread the word about new shows. From "Rectify" to "Mr. Robot," which were most effective? Indiewire's TV team investigates!
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"'True Detective' and 'Sense8'!": Episode 16 from 2015-06-25T14:48:13
Indiewire's TV team is joined by special guest Anne Thompson, to break down the importance of a new show's first episode, as seen with recent premieres "True Detective" and "Sense8."
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"Our Emmys Wishlist": Episode 15 from 2015-06-22T20:06:21
Who does Indiewire's TV team want to see get nominated for an Emmy? That is the question this podcast answers! (We did it, guys!)
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"Netflix Loves LGBT Audiences": Episode 14 from 2015-06-15T14:34:42
At least half of the original series produced by Netflix since 2012 have featured prominent representation of LGBT characters -- is that the secret to the show's success? Indiewire's TV team invest...
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"'Entourage'!": Episode 13 from 2015-06-07T00:00
Indiewire's TV team is joined by Thompson on Hollywood's Anne Thompson to try to figure out, exactly, how a years-dormant HBO series ended up becoming one of the years's most... special... feature ...
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"The 'Aquarius' Binge": Episode 12 from 2015-06-01T20:34:43
Indiewire's TV team got the opportunity to binge-watch David Duchovny's new cop drama -- and thanks to the generosity of NBC, you can too! But is binge-ing the best way to discover a new show?
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"Superheroic TV": Episode 11 from 2015-05-17T00:00
It's official: As of this fall, every single major broadcast network will have something resembling a superhero show on its schedule. But what's fueling the rise of cape-powered television? Indiewi...
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"Happy Upfronts Week!": Episode 10 from 2015-05-11T15:10:36
All week long, television networks will be revealing their plans for the fall season -- and Indiewire's TV team is here to break down what to expect, and what you should be excited about.
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"Top 7 Returning Summer Shows": Episode 9 from 2015-05-04T14:54:17
Some of your favorite shows might be ending, but that just means it's time for other favorites to return! So this week Indiewire counts down its most anticipated returning shows of the summer, whic...
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"How Do You Watch TV?": Episode 8 from 2015-04-27T22:22:48
So many sites and services and boxes out there, but which are the best? And where does the great lumbering beast of cable fit into things? Indiewire's TV team asks the big questions -- of themselve...
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"The Games of Late Night": Episode 7 from 2015-04-20T21:00:25
The weekend was full of debate and revelations about the current state of late night, from "The Tonight Show's" love of celebrity games to Jon Stewart's exhaustion over "The Daily Show" -- Indiewir...
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"'Game of Thrones' Throwdown": Episode 6 from 2015-04-13T14:48:59
Indiewire's TV team is joined by assistant editor Casey Cipriani to discuss the return of HBO's landmark fantasy series, and why it's kept up such a legacy over the years.
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"'Mad Men' Returns!": Episode 5 from 2015-04-05T00:00
Indiewire's TV team couldn't be happier about the return of AMC's iconic drama, analyzing the Season 7B premiere "Severance" with the added benefit of insight from the show's cast. (Also, how great...
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"'The X-Files' Reborn and the State of NBC": Episode 4 from 2015-03-28T00:00
Indiewire's Liz Shannon Miller and Ben Travers react to the return of "The X-Files," and analyze NBC's strategy as it prepares for its summer line-up of shows (featuring the stars of "The X-Files"!).
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"'Bloodline' and South By": Episode 3 from 2015-03-20T00:00
Liz reports on how TV programming fit into the SXSW line-up this year, and Ben praises the cast of Netflix's newest drama, even if he's not sold on the show's structure. All that, and the lowdown o...
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"Comedy Round-Up": Episode 2 from 2015-03-16T14:24:10
This week, Liz Shannon Miller and Ben Travers dig into the recent release of new comedies like "The Last Man on Earth" and "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt," plus pick the shows they're most excited abou...
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"True Set-Tective": Episode 1 from 2015-03-06T19:02:24
In Indiewire's first TV podcast, editors Liz Shannon Miller and Ben Travers look back on the legacy of "True Detective."
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