Podcasts by Tim Goodman

255: The Two-Episode Test from 2023-05-02T22:11:34

This reunion is crossposted from Downstream episode 43. Tim Goodman drops by to discuss his decision to be a TV writer at the very end of the Peak TV era, the challenges of TV criticism, and his re...

254: The Spoon and the Tunnel from 2022-04-01T21:48:39

“Counterpart”revisited, CNN+ as seen through the lens of an escaping prisoner, Apple TV+’s surprise success, the mess that is the current streaming landscape, and Tim shares a book idea with substa...

253: If Tim Falls in the Forest... from 2022-02-18T22:26:25

“Station Eleven,”“The Afterparty,”Stephen Colbert, TV marriages,“The A Word,”and the moment when Tim’s partner said,“Yeah, I’m never gonna watch that.”Plus: your letters!

Tim Goodman and Jason Sn...

252: The PBS Ping-Pong from 2022-02-03T23:42:52

Tim finds“Utopia”—twice. Jason gets confused by“NCIS: Hawaii.”We ponder series hiding away on services like STARZ and EPIX. It’s Peacock’s time to shine (not just the Olympics, but“Vigil”!). PBS, p...

251: Tim's Back! On Substack! from 2022-01-24T15:00

It’s been 612 pandemic-fueled days. But we’ve taken the tarp off the TV Talk Machine, replaced a few parts, and are ready to kick it into gear. Tim spent the last two years writing TV scripts! He’...

250: Nature is Healing from 2020-05-23T00:45:41

Tim and Jason return to close the book on Volume 4 of the TV Talk Machine chronicles. (You can find the previous three volumes at theincomparable.com/tvtm/about.) We’ll be back in this feed, probab...

249: We Don't Rehearse This from 2020-04-18T00:51:05

This week Tim has a new refrigerator and is watching comfort food like“Peaky Blinders.”Comcast stealth-launches Peacock. Bad things happen at Tim’s former employer. Jason watched“Home Before Dark”a...

248: Skunks Are Terrible Beings from 2020-04-04T00:35:42

Tim just got home after several weeks away for complicated reasons. We’re back to fill your ears with talk about TV, music, life, and more. We hope it helps. We’ll read your letters and play your ...

247b: Pandemic Bonus: Tim TV from 2020-03-26T18:36:30

We’re in lockdown. Tim’s not even at home right now. We hope to be back sometime. In the interim, here’s our member special from 2017 in which Tim programmed his own streaming service.

Tim Goodma...

247: I Love Being Confused from 2020-03-06T00:32:59

This week your teacher has given you a break—we’re giving you another week to watch“What We Do In The Shadows.”Instead, we keep it tight and bright as Tim joins the rest of us in these Times of Con...

246: Genius Grant from 2020-02-26T21:48:20

This podcast is like your friend who left a longtime job, got some new tattoos, and is showing a renewed interest in yoga. It’s a new life. Tim launched his new Resounding blog, which leads us to d...

245: Yoga Five Times a Week from 2020-02-06T22:53:52

We’re back! Tim is retired, rested, and ready. And he’s got two new music-based projects to announce—neither of which is his secret job, sorry. Jason has some TV news and reports back on finishing ...

244: You Did an Inception on Me from 2019-12-22T20:54:10

One last time before the end of the year, we’re back! Jason uses computer technology to construct a best-of-the-decade list for Tim. We’re probably forgetting something. We also discuss“Watchmen”a ...

243: The Best TV Shows of 2019, More or Less from 2019-12-07T01:35:27

Tim’s done with being a TV critic and is trying to be all positive, but he put in nearly 11 months of work and Jason’s demanding a list! So Tim and Jason both present their lists of their favorite ...

242:"Hello, I'm Hobo Eric." from 2019-11-28T17:00

Happy Thanksgiving! The Machine’s gas tank is now full of gravy. This week we’re reading your letters, Jason mentions a couple of shows he’s watching, and Tim encourages you not to overspend on str...

241: I Don't Work There Anymore from 2019-11-23T00:36:45

Having been safely“offboarded”from The Hollywood Reporter, Tim discusses his final review, which is a negative review of“Dublin Murders.”Jason watches a bunch of TV shows, while Tim has spent a cou...

240: I'm Not Into Vengeance from 2019-11-07T23:50:42

Did anything happen this week? Oh, yes, Tim announced that he’s leaving The Hollywood Reporter and“retiring”as a TV critic! We discuss Tim’s feelings about moving on from the TV critic racket and t...

239: They Did This Without Our Blessing from 2019-11-01T21:29:26

Tim reviews Amazon’s“Jack Ryan”, Apple’s“For All Mankind”, Showtime’s“Back to Life”, and is in the midst of watching Netflix’s surprising second season of“The End of the Fxxxing World.”Plus Apple T...

238: Cash From the Same Wallet from 2019-10-25T22:47:09

This week we’ve got Tim’s reviews of Australian drama in“The Cry”, two Paul Rudds are better than one in“Living With Yourself”, a not-so-Bourne“Treadstone”, and the final season of HBO’s“Silicon Va...

237: TV Critics Watch the'Watchmen' from 2019-10-17T19:00

Tim’s seen most of HBO’s“Watchmen”but never read the comics. Jason owns multiple copies of the comics. Who will have the harder time parsing Damon Lindelof’s unlikely new series, which follows the ...

236: On the Plus Side from 2019-10-11T21:24:48

We’re back from our excursions to the Pacific Northwest and ready for action. Tim reviews“Modern Love”,“Raising Dion”, and“Godfather of Harlem,”and then Tim and Jason break down the high stakes for...

235: Love to Your Daughters from 2019-09-26T00:06:32

It’s fall TV premiere season, but unlike the days of the old TV Guide Fall TV Preview, we’re not feeling it. Still, we’ve got some Emmys reaction, Tim’s reviews of“Stumptown”,“Cake”, and“Bless the ...

234: Imagine the Savings from 2019-09-19T21:50:04

This week Tim reviews the second season of“Succession”and Netflix’s new one-room-four-countries series“Criminal.”Plus NBC embraces its inner peacock, the rebooting of every show ever made continues...

233: Kenny Baseball Is Back from 2019-09-14T01:02:23

Tight and bright? Forget it. This episode is as big and deadly as an Australian rooster. Apple names its price and launch date! Tim wraps up his big cord-cutting series! Tim reviews“Mr Inbetween”se...

232: The Robots Are Wavering from 2019-09-05T22:45:41

Tight and bright this week! Tim details his cord-cutting experience, we answer questions from around the globe, and the Netflix algorithm shifts to weekly (with a big asterisk).

231: David Fincher's Cousin from 2019-08-31T04:14:57

Australia’s favourite weekend podcast is back, as we discuss Apple’s forthcoming event, drop bears, endings, procedurals, the Slow Binge(TM), Disney’s inevitable dominance, Apple’s content standard...

230: Ok, India, You Do You from 2019-08-24T00:26:28

This is a jam-packed, shockingly professional episode of the TVTM, as we knuckle down on a Friday afternoon to give you what you want: a television-themed podcast. We discuss the endings of“Catastr...

229: What the Hell Is TBS? from 2019-08-15T22:46:53

As summer slowly fades out, Tim ponders the new shows of the season. Also, is Netflix in need of a strategy shift? Should it be signing the“Game of Thrones”creators to a big development deal? Why d...

228: That Made Me Question Everything from 2019-08-08T16:00

Tim’s in Big Sur on vacation this week, but Jason has captured his astral form and forces him to talk about bad TV shows like“Another Life”and“Four Weddings and a Funeral”as punishment. But it’s no...

227: Premium Female from 2019-08-01T00:17:41

Tim’s back from the Death March With Cocktails! We discuss the soon-to-be-famous“lost episode”of the TVTM, Jason re-reads some of your letters, and Tim does a download on Amazon, Netflix, Starz, an...

226: Tedious's Monster's Tedious Monster from 2019-07-18T22:03:57

No matter what day it is, Emmy nominations came out this week, as well as calamitous Netflix subscription numbers. We tackle that and some other streaming news, and then Tim reviews“Pennyworth”and“...

225: A Garbage Fire in Their Own Backyard from 2019-07-11T20:36:56

This week Tim reviews“Shangri-La”, Showtime’s music docuseries about Rick Rubin, which he loved. Then we branch off of a check-the-box letter from Listener Joe to discuss Warner Media’s big move in...

224: You Jump on a Slow Tractor from 2019-07-06T00:49:47

This week we reveal the winner of last week’s draft, as voted on by TVTM listeners. And then we break down Tim’s many choices for TV shows you should watch now that we’re in the summer slowdown. Ja...

223: I Don't Like Playing This Game With You from 2019-06-27T16:00

This week we’re both on vacation, so we’ve pre-recorded this episode in which we perform the first-ever TV Talk Machine fantasy draft! Tim and Jason are going to pick five new shows from the past y...

222: Feel-Good Hit of the Summer from 2019-06-22T00:59:27

This week Tim reviews“Legion”season 3 on FX and the BBC/HBO coproduction“Years and Years”, Tim goes over some of his biggest Emmy pleas, we discuss the positive word of mouth around“Chernobyl”, and...

221: It's Hard Out There from 2019-06-14T21:34:18

Tim reviews“City on a Hill”and“Das Boot”, and then we discuss his story about just how brutally hard it is to find (and keep) an audience today. Plus we send love to your fathers, including our fav...

220: ...Then Maybe It's Brilliant from 2019-06-08T00:11:26

In this very unusual Friday edition of TVTM, Tim reviews HBO’s“Euphoria”and the latest batch of“Black Mirror”episodes on Netflix. We also read your tweets and letters, including an audio question a...

219: The Apocalypse Edition from 2019-05-30T21:14:50

It’s the end of the world! And Amazon’s“Good Omens”really delivers. Tim reviews Neil Gaiman and Terry Pratchett’s miniseries epic, along with“Perpetual Grace LTD”from the original Sad Spy himself, ...

218: Another Egg for Our Basket from 2019-05-23T21:15:20

We spend the first 27 minutes of this week’s episode talking about the“Game of Thrones”finale, why we liked it, and why the knives were out for it all over the internet. Twenty-seven minutes. We wa...

217: A Fresher TVTM from 2019-05-16T20:35:51

You’ve got that right, this is Thursday and we’re energetic and refreshed! Tim reviews“Fleabag”season 2,“Line of Duty”season 5, and we discuss the ending of“Veep”and the impending end of“Game of Th...

216: Hit the Cord With the Scissors from 2019-05-09T19:00

This week Tim watches“Fosse/Verdon”and George Clooney’s new Hulu miniseries adaptation of“Catch-22.”Then we dive into talk about cord cutting, because the time has come for everyone with decent Int...

215: I've Made a Huge Mistake from 2019-05-03T21:39:14

The impossible task“Game of Thrones”faces in trying to please its entire audience,“Barry”finds a balance,“Chernobyl”dodges the Boris and Natasha accents, HBO at the center of Warner Media’s streami...

214: I Want to See That Nipple from 2019-04-18T20:15:46

This week we discuss the return of“Game of Thrones”, how the clock is ticking for WarnerMedia’s entry into the streaming wars, and answer your letters!

213: Mallets and Anvils from 2019-04-12T21:30:16

Disney announced the release date (November) and price ($6.99) for its new streaming service this week, and it’s set the bar awfully high (or low) for competing services. What does this mean for Ne...

212: Reight Champion from 2019-04-04T21:48:49

This week Tim has praise for“Killing Eve”season 2, condemnation for“The Twilight Zone”, and lots of love for“Game of Thrones”as an all-time classic drama and“Veep”as a classic comedy. Plus, lots of...

211: Nobody Gets a Ribbon from 2019-03-29T19:09:21

This week Tim says hello to the final season of“Veep”, Jason laments the existence of live studio audiences, and we ponder the streaming service that Apple announced in Cupertino this week. Also, a...

210: Not All of the Clarity from 2019-03-22T21:08:42

Apple’s video service announcement looms next week, and Tim and Jason turn the topic over one final time in the absence of any real evidence. Also, do British shows like“Sex Education”handle teen s...

209: The Premise Has Landed from 2019-03-13T23:04:43

It’s a double-sized mid-week episode of the TVTM! Jason turns the tables on Tim by writing about Apple’s forthcoming TV service and the necessity of non-Netflix services to create distinctive brand...

208: You're This Little Speck from 2019-03-02T02:48:34

HBO’s chief executive exits, leading us to speculate about the fate of HBO and Warner Media’s future streaming efforts; congressional testimony returns with more unadaptable drama; Pamela Adlon’s“B...

207: That's Not How Television Works from 2019-02-22T23:26:45

This week Tim and Jason lament the passing of“Counterpart”, Tim lashes out at“Umbrella Academy”, we blow through a bunch of Tim’s articles from the past two weeks, and save time for your letters an...

206: The Adaptive Brain from 2019-02-15T21:00

This week Tim’s focused on the plight of the mid-level premium network/streamer, most notably Epix and Starz. Starz is hoarding its content, but that can prevent a show like“Counterpart’from becomi...

205: It's Pronounced"Pen Fifteen" from 2019-02-09T00:15

This week Tim reviews Hulu’s“Pen15”and TBS’s“Miracle Workers”, and we take a walk through a grab bag of other TV topics—live TV,“Lost”,“Atlanta”,“Bandersnatch”,“Legion”,“Travelers”,“Counterpart”ang...

204: The Swagger of Netflix from 2019-02-01T23:17:50

This week Tim and Jason discuss Netflix’s careful use of its own internal stats to sow fear and disbelief in the television industry. When a lightly-promoted series like“Sex Education”can get 40 mi...

203: The Quantum Indeterminancy Edition from 2019-01-25T22:25

Until you listen to this episode you won’t know if we’re alive in this cardboard box or not. This week Tim reviews the excellent Netflix miniseries“Black Earth Rising,”and we discuss the big stream...

202: The Dinosaur Ship is Sinking from 2019-01-18T21:00

NBCUniversal has announced its own take on the streaming service, and Tim has many questions. Also there are reviews of“Brexit”and“Dynasties”and Tim implores you to check out“Wilfred”on Hulu. Plus,...

201: The Retro Podcast Edition from 2019-01-11T22:47:51

This week Tim and Jason deal with Golden Globes fallout, Tim reviews“Informer”(Amazon),“Black Monday”(Showtime), and“Valley of the Boom”(shout out to Stephanie from NatGeo!). Then Jason reveals the...

200: New Year, New Me from 2019-01-04T20:51:46

It’s our 200th Episode Spectacular, in which we discuss articles Tim has written and then read your letters! So…pretty much like the other 199 episodes. This week Tim’s got some positive(!) thought...

199: I'm Over These Lists from 2018-12-21T23:27:12

We exit 2018 and the 100s episodes with Tim’s final lists of the year, of bad shows and great performances and good episodes. Plus we read some hall-of-fame letters! See you in two weeks for the 20...

198: The Best TV Shows of 2018 from 2018-12-15T00:40:54

It’s here at last! We walk through Tim’s ultimate Power Rankings, namely his list of the best TV series of 2018. Plus we leave a little bit of time for an International letters session.

197: Do Not Be That from 2018-12-07T21:14:49

This week Tim uses the example of the Golden Globes to shame the Emmys into being better; we discuss the return of“Counterpart”and what made us like its first season so much; and Jason supplies a S...

196: They're Already Drowning from 2018-11-30T22:01:24

This week we make lists, and more lists, as Tim discusses the evolving world of the TV critic. YouTube and Facebook go back to basics. And we heap just a little more praise on“Patriot,”because why ...

195: Time is Precious from 2018-11-16T21:12:37

This week Tim reviews“Escape at Dannemora”and then we break down the success of Fox News and wonder why nobody has successfully created an equivalent on the left. Along the way we insult TV news in...

194: #SadSpies from 2018-11-09T22:26:06

The sad spies of Amazon’s amazing and excellent“Patriot”have returned, and you can watch the whole series on Prime Video, so you’ll know what Tim and Jason are raving about this week. We also discu...

193: Clocks Into the Grinder from 2018-11-03T00:58:59

This week Tim and Jason are overwhelmed with the volume of television that continues to fall out of the skies and into our laps. But from out of deep memory come some shows worth revisiting, whethe...

192: The Last Hour Is 75 Minutes from 2018-10-26T21:32:59

The world of TV is changing rapidly, and we’re here to break it down for you. This week Tim reviews British import“Bodyguard”, ABC’70s comedy“The Kids Are All Right”, and then we dive into Tim’s ra...

191: The Beachcombers from 2018-10-12T21:38:33

Tim has praise for“Wanderlust,”which premieres next Friday on Netflix, and we spend some time discussing the advantages of TV as a writer’s medium in an era where visual flourishes are competing mo...

190: Bears and No Tent from 2018-10-05T22:17:27

Tim returns from Vancouver with stories about Mike Schur and other showrunners, we've got a review of HBO's "Camping", and Apple risks losing out on key creators by getting a reputation as "expensi...

189: Heroin Made of Nostalgia from 2018-09-28T23:55:19

We missed a week and the shows and letters piled up! So this week we cover Tim’s reviews of season 3 of“The Good Place”, and new shows“The Cool Kids”,“Single Parents”,“Mr Inbetween”, and“The Good C...

188: Still Young, Still a Legend from 2018-09-14T21:21:58

Les Moonves is out at CBS, Tim’s headed to Canada to interview Mike Schur, and there’s still so…much…TV. Did you know that“Norm MacDonald Has a Show”? It’s on Netflix and it’s a train wreck. Also,“...

187: Slow Binge, Quick Binge from 2018-09-07T23:30

Things are heating up! This week we touch base again on Jim Carrey in“Kidding”before moving on to the film-festival premiere of Amazon’s“Homecoming”, directed by Sam Esmail and starring Julia Rober...

186: I Appreciates You from 2018-08-31T22:38:27

This week Tim reviews“One Dollar”from CBS All Access, which is less than you’ll pay to watch it—if you should bother. He also covers Showtime’s“Kidding”, starring Jim Carrey. Jason watches another ...

185: The Great Unwatched from 2018-08-17T16:00

Though sleepy from travel, the TV Talk Machine moves forward anyway. This week Jason reports on a show from 2017 he finally watched, we muse about what’s going on with Hulu, Amazon, and Apple, and ...

184: Clowns Are Running the Show from 2018-08-11T00:31:19

Tim reviews Netflix’s controversial“Insatiable”which turns out to be less interesting than it might have originally appeared. Plus,“Get Shorty”returns if you can find it. And while we keep joking a...

183: Maybe You Won't Hate Me from 2018-08-03T21:35:35

Tim’s back from a very short Death March with Cocktails with news about what’s up with streaming and cable companies. Plus“Better Call Saul”returns,“Lodge 49”finally premieres, Facebook Watch fools...

182: It's Just You from 2018-07-20T22:09:43

Before Tim heads off to the Death March With Cocktails (Summer Press Tour) for a week, he checks in with Jason to discuss“Lodge 49”(set your DVR’s next week when you can!),“Fauda”, and more on the ...

181: They're Not Voting With Their Conscience from 2018-07-13T20:33:11

Jason’s back from his vacation and there’s a lot to talk about, as Tim reviews new series from Canada (via Hulu) and India (via Netflix). Also, the phone company comes calling for HBO, and Tim reac...

180: That's Tip Money from 2018-06-29T16:00

Two big streaming shows worth your time debut today. On Netflix, it’s the second season of“GLOW”, and on Amazon, the remarkable miniseries“A Very English Scandal.”Tim’s got reviews of both, and the...

179: The Helicopter Is a Character from 2018-06-22T20:46:13

This week Tim reviews Paramount Network’s“Yellowstone”, and then we dive into a last-minute plea regarding what shows and which performers should be nominated for Emmy Awards. And we leave a little...

178: Titan of Industry from 2018-06-15T14:46:58

Tim’s back from the ATX Festival in Austin and just before the Emmy season gets heated up, it’s time to talk about another hidden gem—“Moone Boy”. Plus, one of our listeners gets namechecked for he...

177: So Smart in Its Dumbness from 2018-06-01T18:36:09

We’re back with a spoiler-free look at the finale of“The Americans,”which is now safe for you completists to watch. We also walk through Tim’s latest Power Rankings! for comedies, and an OG TVTM li...

176: BAJIP from 2018-05-26T01:47:23

We veer deeply into the sabermetrics of television as Tim discusses the 10 best-written series on TV. Plus we spend a lot of time on the return of“Arrested Development”, from Netflix’s catastrophic...

175: Joyful Salve from 2018-05-11T21:35:08

Cancellation is in the news and we discuss the new rules of TV show cancellation and survival! Plus, vintage TV series that are ready to be reimagined, a guide to hidden gems in an age of peak TV, ...

174: Sophomore Year from 2018-04-28T01:01:40

The art of a successful sophomore season, the little details that make a great TV performance, hidden gems, and crossover contenders. This episode has a low floor but a high ceiling.

173: Reviled for Its Flaws from 2018-04-21T02:50:56

Sometimes the flaws are what make something interesting. That’s the case, Tim argues this week, with HBO’s“Barry”and BBC America’s“Killing Eve.”Plus, Tim and his colleague Dan disagree on the secon...

172: Let's Unleash Them from 2018-04-14T01:39:20

Tim reveals big changes in his Power Rankings! with a bunch of new series entering the hallowed list of 21 top shows to watch right now. And after a whole lot of anticipation, here comes season 2 o...

171: What Is Even Happening Here? from 2018-04-06T21:55:53

We say goodbye to legendary TV producer Stephen Bochco, and then Tim reviews“Dangerous Book for Boys”,“Howards End”,“Killing Eve”, and“Legion”season two. Jason praises the just-completed seasons of...

170: That Was for an Experiment from 2018-03-30T15:00

In a tight and bright episode, Tim reviews the new season of“The Americans”, we go over some draft rules, and answer your letters.

169: Did I Just Columbo You? from 2018-03-23T23:29:39

This week Tim reviews“The Mechanism”, from the director of“Narcos”, and Danny Boyle’s story of the Getty Family,“Trust”. Plus we muse about TV streaming fantasy drafts and readers have thoughts abo...

168: You're Not a TV Fish from 2018-03-16T23:05:40

This week Tim has some advice for the Obamas about their potential deal with Netflix, plus reviews of“Krypton”and yes, the CBS drama“Instinct.”Plus listeners have feelings about the ways that Netfl...

167: A Picture of Pete from 2018-03-09T23:00

It’s hard to make a TV show even in an era of peak TV, but what’s even harder is finding an audience willing (and aware enough) to return for a second season. As“Atlanta”,“Jessica Jones”,“Sneaky Pe...

166: Through the Warmhole from 2018-03-03T01:29:03

This week Tim brings back the Power Rankings and reviews the new show from the creator of“Luther”, plus we have a whole lot of follow-up about Netflix season summaries, dubbing, and the Olympics. F...

165: Whole-Face Burn-Off from 2018-02-24T00:58:23

The show is not cancelled! After a week off, we’re back to discuss Tim’s latest reviews—of“Everything Sucks”,“Final Space”,“McMafia”, and season two of“Atlanta.”Also, who’s winning the streaming wa...

164: Old-School Grandma Network from 2018-02-09T03:27:10

Are we living in a golden age for televised science fiction and fantasy? Tim thinks it might be possible. We discuss“Altered Carbon”and wonder if it’s just the latest in a string of prestige, high-...

163: They're Like Floppy Disks from 2018-02-02T22:03:49

So many reviews, so little time! In this tight-and-bright edition of the TVTM, we’ve got Tim’s reviews of three new series: HBO’s supernatural family drama“Here and Now”, Netflix’s spectacular sci-...

162: Don't Bring a BB Gun from 2018-01-26T23:49:44

This week we talk about all the topics in Tim’s grab-bag column, including the roles of various premium cable channels in the TV landscape, the size of Apple’s TV budget, and the fate of Hulu. We a...

161: Intelligent Fish from 2018-01-20T01:18:17

This week Tim takes you under the sea for“Blue Planet 2”, tries to understand the origins of Steven Soderbergh’s“Mosaic”, and praises (one last time?)“Detectorists.”Then it’s time to muse about the...

160: The End of the Foxing World from 2018-01-12T21:24:43

This week David Letterman returns to TV with a new Netflix interview show, Jason gets excited about Starz’s“Counterpart”, Tim dives in to Amazon’s new sci-fi anthology series“Philip K. Dick’s Elect...

159: It's Not Even a Show from 2018-01-06T02:43:49

It’s 2018 and we’ve got a fresh start! This week Tim ignores all the Golden Globes predictions, pans a network comedy, and is forced to pick some of his least favorite things of 2017. Plus, Jason t...

158: You Got Me More Television! from 2017-12-22T22:26:53

This week Tim reviews“Gunpowder”, a perfectly nice HBO historical miniseries he didn’t ask for, and then talks about his contributions to lists of the best TV episodes and performances of the year....

157: The Best TV Shows of 2017 from 2017-12-16T00:02:58

This is the big one—in a year with 500-plus scripted TV series, Tim walks us through his 46 top TV shows of 2017. There are some surprise additions, some old standards who have fallen down a little...

156: Everything Smells Like an Onion from 2017-12-08T22:16:21

Like Santa, Tim’s making his list (of the best TV shows) and checking it twice before posting. In the meantime, though, he’s seen all of the new“Black Mirror”season! We also reflect on scaling back...

155: Parts Unnain from 2017-12-01T23:15:52

This week we check in on terrible people in Hollywood and marvel at the Hugh Laurie TV series that nobody seems to have heard of. Jason endorses“The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”,“Runaways”, and“Mosaic.”T...

154: Package Deal from 2017-11-17T22:32:20

We’re back with Tim’s reviews of two new British comedy imports—“Back”and“Ill Behavior”—both of which come from noble families but only one of which passes Tim’s test to become one of the great com...

153: Gradations of Bad from 2017-11-11T04:08:29

Apple buys another high-profile series,“The A Word”makes its triumphant return, and then we have to talk about all the terrible news about terrible men in the entertainment industry doing terrible ...

152: We've Columboed Ourselves from 2017-11-03T23:51:58

Tim and Jason are back to discuss Tim’s latest Power Rankings, the new comedy“SMILF”, and Fall TV’s surprises and mega-fails. Plus, a new nerdy TV tangent and your questions.

151: It Has Its Own Taint from 2017-10-20T22:44:02

This week Tim’s notebook is full, as we discuss the fate of Amazon Studios after the ignominious departure of its leader, and the threat to the TV industry (or not) posed by Facebook Watch and YouT...

150: Back Up the Truck from 2017-10-12T23:13:57

This week Tim and Jason are back from Canada! Jason quizzes Tim on his panels in Vancouver, we discuss the new season of“Mr. Robot”(Tim’s a fan!), and then dive into a discussion of the challenges...

149: Live From the Vancouver International Film Festival from 2017-10-04T06:21:01

Tim and Jason got together in Canada and did a podcast in front of a live studio audience, all thanks to the awesome people at VIFF, the Vancouver International Film Festival. We drank some wine an...

148: Are There More Letters? from 2017-09-22T21:31:25

It’s a reviews lightning round, as Tim covers five network TV series in rapid succession. Then we talk about Tim’s Power Rankings! for top nonfiction programming. We also answer an awful lot of you...

147: Kicking Their App from 2017-09-16T01:47:14

The box is checked early this week as Tim discusses why the entire TV industry has completely lost its mind. Directives from billionaires! Threats from CFOs! Face scanning technology from Apple! We...

146: It's Like Cilantro from 2017-09-08T21:34:38

This week Tim breaks some news about“Veep”, breaks down some popular Power Rankings! ensembles, and answers your letters.

145: Weird Is Not Enough from 2017-09-02T01:08:07

This week, we’ve got the hottest podcast in the world! No, seriously—Tim and Jason are trapped inside on the hottest day of the year. But this episode is packed with conversation, from Tim’s new Po...

144: Summer Wedge from 2017-08-23T21:21:51

We’re back! Tim weaponizes his ignorance to write about shows he hasn’t seen! We discuss“The Defenders”, which Tim and Jason have both watched. There’s anticipation for“The Tick”and the season fina...

143: Shot in the Face With Money from 2017-08-11T20:43:57

Tim’s back from the Death March With Cocktails! But before we close the books on his 18 days“in residence,”it’s time to recap the highlights of the last week of the summer press tour, including ple...

142: They've Turned the Dinosaur Ship from 2017-08-05T01:34:18

Tim’s still in residence at the Death March With Cocktails. This week it’s all about the health of the broadcast TV networks. Tim’s pity for the difficult lot of the network executive is turned on ...

141: I Don't Want to Hug It Out from 2017-07-29T00:57:20

Tim’s in residence at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, where he’s moved rooms, struggled with Netflix streaming screeners, and fought his mini bar. Still, he managed to find ti...

140: We've Heard This Rant Before from 2017-07-22T00:47:57

Tim reviews HBO’s“Insecure”, which is back for an excellent second season. Then we discuss HBO’s peculiar way of announcing a new series from the“Game of Thrones”producers that led to a whole lot o...

139: Let's Circle Around to the Negativity from 2017-07-14T21:08:49

Tim reacts to the Emmy nominations, reviews“I’m Sorry”, and lets out a cry for help about why he had to review“Salvation.”Plus, some follow-up about“Twin Peaks: The Return.”

138: If I Wasn't Paid to Do It, I Wouldn't from 2017-07-07T21:05

Tim reviews HBO’s Jimmy Iovine and Dr. Dre documentary, we talk some more about the weird world of modern TV writing, and then something bizarre and inexplicable happens: Tim has finally seen the f...

137: Art and Commerce from 2017-07-01T00:40:46

Netflix brings back Sense8 (temporarily), PBS brings back Jane Tennison (temporarily), why the business of television is confusing to viewers, and the conundrum of writing about TV in the modern era.

136: Fightin'Through Some Shows from 2017-06-23T00:01:44

Tim reviews FX’s new drama“Snowfall”and we discuss the potential Emmy nominees, including Tim’s secret wishes for surprise nominations. We keep it tight and bright, but make a point of reading your...

135: The Kevin Durant of TV from 2017-06-17T00:17:51

This week, the TV news is about Apple entering the TV game in a big way by hiring away the co-presidents of Sony Pictures Television. After shaking off a classic case of Banff Brain, Tim’s got a bu...

134: Damon Lindelof Didn't Lie from 2017-06-09T22:57:44

This week we’re all about endings—the season finale of“The Americans”and the series finale of“The Leftovers.”What’s the legacy of“The Leftovers”and where does it fit in Tim’s personal pantheon? Whe...

133: An Expensive Mess from 2017-06-02T21:13:21

Are there cracks in Netflix’s facade, or was this just a bad week? We discuss the cancellation of“Sense8”and“The Get Down”, two expensive series from the service that famously doesn’t cancel shows....

132: I Killed It With Wine from 2017-05-27T01:02:49

Tim’s back and so are“Master of None”and“Twin Peaks.”Tim loves the second season of Aziz Ansari’s Netflix series. Jason’s seen the first four hours of David Lynch’s weird revival and has an eyewitn...

131: Sad Balloon from 2017-05-12T21:30

With A&E and WGN America abandoning scripted programming, is this the beginning of the end of Peak TV? The bubble may have not burst, but the air may be finally leaking out. Tim and Jason analyze t...

130: I Sound Like a Madman from 2017-05-06T01:03:54

A strike is averted,“Sense8”and“Catastrophe”return, Jason watches“American Gods”, and we answer some letters.

129: Don't Make This! from 2017-04-28T22:29

Tim reviews the return of Amazon’s“Catastrophe”, Jason talks about“The Handmaid’s Tale”, we delve briefly into the controversy surrounding Netflix’s“13 Reasons Why”, and then express trepidation ab...

128: They All Read the Book from 2017-04-21T21:05:23

While preparing for“Silicon Valley”and“Catastrophe”to return, Tim reviews“American Gods.”Is it perhaps a bit too faithful to the source material, or does it highlight failings in the original novel...

127: The French Will Buy It from 2017-04-15T00:45:46

It’s the time of year when favorite old series return! We talk about“Better Call Saul”,“Fargo”, and“Veep”coming back, plus Jason self-Columbos, we talk subtitled dramas, and pine for some classic T...

126: Checking the Fien Print from 2017-04-07T17:45:10

It’s the first week of baseball, and Jason&Tim are off. There’s no correlation there, but there could be. In any case, David’s back with special guest Dan Fienberg to talk about TV and machines, ma...

125: Gentle Columbo from 2017-04-01T00:06:10

Tim and Jason discuss the new Hulu series“Harlots”, break down (with very few spoilers) this season of“Legion”and why it appeals, and answer your letters.

124: Like a Mime in a Box from 2017-03-24T20:00:56

This week Tim and Jason spend some time discussing the future of cord-cutting and TV bundles and what consumers should pay for in the platinum age of television. Then we listen to your comments abo...

123: Guys in Hats from 2017-03-18T01:17:21

For St. Patrick’s Day, Tim reviews an Irish series that has arrived in America. Also, we break down Tim’s lengthy article comparing the modern king of the weird“Legion”to the 1990s weirdness of“Twi...

122: Pinprick of Nostalgia from 2017-03-11T02:20:31

We dip into the past to talk about the 20th anniversary of“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”and the 15th anniversary of“The Shield.”Plus we answer a whole lot of your letters, including conversations about...

121: Ups and Lows from 2017-03-04T00:42:29

“Making History”,“The Americans”,“National Treasure”, Tim reveals his long hug con, and we answer your questions.

120: ...Unless You Try to Overachieve from 2017-02-24T21:51:57

Tim reviews the surprisingly good (and questionably titled)“Patriot”, and finds it to be one of the best new shows on TV. Also we revisit“Legion,”so Jason can concur with Tim’s rave review. And fro...

119: Best in Show from 2017-02-17T23:48:10

With Jason traveling across time and space, David joins Tim to talk about humans (or not), robot animals (or not), the shows they’re each thinking about watching (or not), some live events (or not)...

118: Crack for Every Executive from 2017-02-10T22:59:39

This week Tim tells his THR origin story, reviews HBO’s“Big Little Lies”, gripes about Fox’s“APB”, ponders the rebuilding of TV’s Death Star, and answers your questions.

117: A Couple of Episodes In from 2017-02-03T22:45:43

Tim prepares for a“Not a Thing”laden Fox crime series, Jason returns to outer space, spy animals are revealed, and The Riches finally comes back.

116: Like a Book... So I'm Told from 2017-01-27T22:59:57

Tim makes a vow to finish more series! We say a fond farewell to Mary Tyler Moore. The visuals in FX’s“Legion”are trippy, but it’s more a drama about mental illness than a shiny X-Men vehicle. All ...

115: Go Beneath the Memes from 2017-01-20T23:32:43

This week Tim covers his reviews of“Teachers”season 2 and“Victoria”, takes time to point out how people quick to jump on HBO’s“The Young Pope”may be missing the mark, and praises the Acorn streamin...

114: Vacuum of Incompetence from 2017-01-13T23:19:21

Jason’s back to talk with Tim about the Golden Globes, returning series (“Colony”,“Teachers”,“Homeland”), the stability of the CW, a time-travel show Jason likes (“Travelers”), and a bunch of new s...

113: One Topic at a Time from 2017-01-07T00:05:59

This is it. With Jason in the five-oh, we’ve rebooted for the New Year as David and Tim talk about the reimagined“Emerald City,”the reconceived“One Day at a Time,”the reconstituted Golden Globes, t...

112: I'm Gonna Watch Those Snakes from 2016-12-30T16:00

This week we wrap 2016 with Tim’s lists of best performances and episodes of the year, as well as a dip into the dark side for the worst shows of the past 12 months. Happy new year, everybody!

111: A Host At Your Own Party from 2016-12-24T02:47:45

This week we recap the startlingly successful TVTM meet-up in San Francisco, and Tim goes over his top network TV shows of the year.

110: Let's Casey Kasem This from 2016-12-16T22:57:22

This week Tim walks us through his 38 best TV shows of the year, one by one. Plus: We announce the details of our meet-up! Come see us Monday, December 19 at 6 p.m. at 21st Amendment on 2nd Street ...

109: Making Lists is Hard from 2016-12-10T01:49:18

Tim readies his end-of-year best lists, Jason presents his own top 10 shows list, and we discuss how“Westworld”is the hit HBO needed.

108: You Guys Were So Civil Before from 2016-12-02T22:46:03

Network execs flee from press tour, Jason brings in lots of news headlines, and Tim reviews“Incorporated.”

107: You Have to Go Beyond That from 2016-11-18T23:29:13

Tim’s solution for a post-election TV news ratings boost; a whole lot more praise for“Soundbreaking”; and your letters. (Politics-averse people can jump ahead to 14:25 if they don’t want to hear an...

106: Nothing Was Working from 2016-11-11T23:39:44

Jason and Tim return from relaxing trips (to Ireland and wine country, respectively) and end up right in the gaping maw of Election Night TV coverage. Plus, a new show arrives this weekend that’s r...

105: Don't Get Weird from 2016-11-04T22:07:10

Like the Cubs in game seven, we’ve gone to the bullpen—David’s sitting in for Jason this week, and he and Tim talk about good girls, alien support groups, better things, lesser shows, oral historie...

104: No Urgency or Agency from 2016-10-26T21:58:48

Tim watches BBC America’s“Dirk Gently’s Holistic Detective Agency”,“The Walking Dead”returns but Tim feels no need to review it, Mad Men’s creator gets an Amazon anthology, and the NFL ratings drop.

103: Ball of Confusion from 2016-10-21T20:56:35

Hugh Laurie’s“Chance”, the return of“Walking Dead”and“Rectify”, and that guy you remember from that other sitcom now has a sitcom on CBS.

102: The Guy Who Did from 2016-10-14T21:41:35

“Falling Water”,“American Housewife”, the return of“Black Mirror”, and your questions.

101: Pilot from 2016-10-07T23:12:47

More on“Westworld”. Tim reviews“No Tomorrow”,“Divorce”, is excited about“Insecure”, and is trepidatious about“American Housewife.”And Jason travels back in time with“Timeless”.

100: Maybe Next Year,'Gattaca' from 2016-09-30T16:00

Happy 100! Before jetting off to Vancouver, Tim stops by to review“Crisis in Six Scenes”,“Westworld”,“Conviction”,“Timeless”,“No Tomorrow”, and“Frequency”, Jason renews his time-travel-watching pac...

99: Hello, Publicists! from 2016-09-23T21:35:21

Reviews of“Lethal Weapon”,“Designated Survivor”,“Speechless”,“The Good Place”, and“Westworld”. Plus the Emmys aftermath, more new premieres, and the surprising reoccurrence of“Agent X”Watch and Not...

98: He Sent Me a Tie from 2016-09-16T21:30:44

Jet-setting Tim interviews Jimmy Kimmel, plus reviews of“Black Mirror”,“Son of Zorn”,“Fleabag”, and more.

97: A Monkey in a Room Switching Channels from 2016-09-03T01:00:17

“You’re the Worst”and“Narcos”return, Tim and Jason finally watched“Stranger Things”, and Tim answers many more of your letters.

96: Sheet Management from 2016-08-26T21:48:45

Tim’s back home from press tour! And he reviews Donald Glover’s“Atlanta”, the Italian crime series“Gomorrah”, and answers a whole lot of your letters.

95: They Deserve What They Got from 2016-08-11T22:50:43

Tim’s still in residence at the TV Critics Association summer Death March With Cocktails, and we’ve got his report on what’s up with broadcast, cable, and streaming. No, really, what’s up with stre...

94: We Saw the End Coming from 2016-08-04T00:31:34

Live“in residence”at the Beverly Hilton, here’s Tim’s first report from the 2016 edition of the Death March With Cocktails. Tim discusses the difficulty in networks breaking through to TV critics a...

93: Hologram Edition from 2016-07-29T20:00

We’re not here! Jason’s on vacation and Tim’s at the Death March With Cocktails. Fortunately for you, we recorded this episode full of your letters last week so that you don’t miss us, not one bit.

92: Fauxçade from 2016-07-23T01:15

A big week for satire shows and Stephen Colbert during the Republican National Convention; Jason brings Nerd News from Comic-Con; we discuss the Game of Thrones announcement that Winter is Coming…f...

91: Obligatory Victory Lap from 2016-07-16T01:52:07

Tim breaks down the 2016 Emmy Awards nominations, which left him in a very strange emotional state. Who is this sunny, happy person, and what have you done with Tim Goodman?! Just when all seems lo...

90: Unreliable Narrator from 2016-07-09T00:24:57

Next week“Mr. Robot”returns for a second season and Tim’s seen the first two hours. (Also, the Emmy nominations might come out next week, but Tim’s not sure.) Tim celebrates the avalanche of good s...

89: Fact-Checking the FCC from 2016-07-02T01:00:28

Tim laments the lack of the first great rock-and-roll drama while appreciating the humor that is“Sex&Drugs&Rock&Roll.”Plus, we go over the 10 (cough 11 cough) most bingeable shows this summer. Then...

88: Brexit Edition from 2016-06-25T00:09:36

Tim and Jason are back together and we’ve got Tim’s reviews of“Thirteen”and“American Gothic”, plus we dissect the failures of“Roadies”and“Vinyl”, worry about how the Brexit vote will affect fiction...

87: Lost in Austin from 2016-06-18T01:50:38

Tim is back in his natural habitat, and Permanent Guest Host David J. Loehr is back, as they reminisce about their trip to the fifth season of the ATX Festival in Austin, TX, last week. They talk a...

86: It Never Ends from 2016-06-10T16:00

In this special Quantum Superposition Edition, Tim is simultaneously in Austin for the ATX television festival and here in podcast land answering your questions. How does he do it? (Answer: By pre-...

85: Out of Wine and Xanax from 2016-06-03T19:34:48

This week Tim praises“The Dresser”, dislikes AMC’s David Schwimmer vehicle, and answers a pointed question about the future and pacing of“Game of Thrones.”

84: Blimp Hoister from 2016-05-27T21:18:19

This week Tim lets a little love for“Game of Thrones”escape his heart, and brings some questionable balloon metaphors to the second season of“Bloodline.”Plus we answer a hastily assembled collectio...

83: Trailers Cannot be Trusted from 2016-05-20T20:43:25

This week the networks had their big“upfronts”in New York, a dog-and-pony show for advertisers that the TV critics and viewers of the world watch with amusement and consternation. Tim explains why ...

82: Swap Meet News from 2016-05-13T21:15:45

It’s the week that the broadcast network announce cancellations and renewals, and so we take time to survey the dead and the living, at least a little bit. Plus, Tim beseeches the Emmys on behalf o...

81: So Much Weird Stuff Is Happening Right Now from 2016-05-06T23:25:55

This week we talk about (cue dramatic music) a Netflix series from France, a Fox series we don’t understand,“The Americans”, and Tim rekindles his fears about Australian wildlife.

80: Come To Us, We Love You from 2016-04-29T23:29:15

Back after a birthday weekend away from the podcast, Tim’s got the details on HBO’s huge debut weekend—and some serious trepidation about where the network goes next.

79: The Hobo Eric Rule from 2016-04-16T01:04:18

This week Tim reviews the new seasons of“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt”,“Orphan Black”, and“Fear the Walking Dead”, and reviews the new international series“Last Panthers.”Plus, we follow the latest se...

78: Too Much Actual Fact from 2016-04-08T22:29:47

Tim survived“The Walking Dead”finale and returns to talk about it, along with happier news, like the arrivals of new seasons of“Catastrophe”on Amazon and“Outlander”on Starz. Jason shows a suspiciou...

77: Mediocre is Generally Popular from 2016-04-02T00:50:11

This week Tim reviews“The Girlfriend Experience”and“Lopez.”Then—based on the breaking two-season renewal of“It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia”—we discuss various aspects of long-running TV series. ...

76: Slow Binge from 2016-03-26T01:49:01

We say goodbye to TV legends Ken Howard and Garry Shandling, Tim discusses his reviews of“Happy Valley”(watch it in the daytime?) and“Catch”(Shondaland becomes Shamblesland), we discuss when to thr...

75: Struggling to Find out the Logic from 2016-03-18T22:00

This week we take a look at the future of television. The convenience of streaming may trump all, but how do we get from today to a shiny streaming future? What can networks do? Does dropping an en...

74: Demon at Denny's from 2016-03-12T02:14:16

This week the CW announced it was renewing its entire lineup, so we dive into the strange success story of that network, including why a 12th season of“Supernatural”might make sense, and Les Moonve...

73: I Do Want Outrage from 2016-03-05T02:12:37

Tim surveys the late-night talk scene and demands more outrage with his comedy! Plus, a bad review of“The Family”, a look at the new Viceland TV shows, some geek TV updates from Jason, and your let...

72: The Columbo Edition from 2016-02-27T00:44:30

We’re back with discussion of some new series, a look forward to March premieres (though there’s not a lot to look forward to), and a whole bunch of your letters. Plus, one more thing Tim finally r...

71: Keep Oiling the Machine from 2016-02-21T00:21:27

Huge industry and failure-analysis news this week, as ABC’s Paul Lee era ends and Channing Dungey takes on the now-horrible job of being a broadcast network TV president. Plus Tim reviews“Togethern...

70: Nobody Expects the Spanish Inquistion from 2016-02-12T02:02:05

“Better Call Saul”is back for season two, and Tim’s got his full review—along with our discussion of the challenges of doing a prequel series. Plus, the 14-year-old boy inside of Tim is thrilled wi...

69: The 13-Year-Old Edition from 2016-02-06T01:19:06

This week Tim provides an important lesson about comedy callbacks, the TVTM break room is explored for the first time ever, we discuss HBO programming and the Super Bowl, and of course there’s plen...

68: The Punch-Drunk Edition from 2016-01-30T02:14:38

This week Tim and Jason talk about a slew of new series, including fantasy-themed“You, Me and the Apocalypse,”“11.22.63,”and“The Magicians.”Plus, we discuss the new trend toward TV revivals, Tim pr...

67: Dinosaur Ship from 2016-01-23T01:16:49

Tim returns from Pasadena to talk about the plight of broadcast network executives, NBC’s strange choice of press tour topics, and reviews of a bunch of new shows.

66: The Year of TV Muscles from 2016-01-10T23:08:45

Tim is“in residence”in Pasadena for the Television Critics Association winter press tour. He takes time away from the grind to let Jason know about new stuff coming from ABC, The CW, TNT, TBS, HBO,...

65: The Best Network TV of 2015 from 2015-12-24T16:00

In our last episode of 2015, Tim recaps his top network TV series of 2015 and Jason reads some of your letters. We’re off next week. See you in 2016!

64: The Best TV of 2015 from 2015-12-19T02:29:12

Tim walks Jason though his list of the very best shows of 2015.

63: Blindly Shooting Fish in a Barrel from 2015-12-11T00:46:32

The Golden Globe nominees are out, and they’re peculiar, to say the least. But Tim is going to look on the bright side, seeing it as an opportunity for the Emmy Awards to get things right and for e...

62: I Forgot a Show from 2015-12-05T01:02:52

This week Tim plots his year-end lists, celebrates the return of“Transparent,”and we hear a whole lot of listener mail about Cop/Not a Cop,“Agent X”, things that aren’t a thing, and more.

61: Stuffed and Bloated Edition from 2015-11-27T17:00

The tryptophan is kicking in, but we’re back for a post-Thanksgiving edition of the TVTM nonetheless. Tim explains how he approaches his end-of-year best lists (and why they’re important), we talk ...

60: A Sleepy Endeavor from 2015-11-20T23:00:48

This week we talk about TV deaths, ponder how streaming has changed the TV game in just five years, grouse about Dick Wolf, praise AMC’s kung-fu adventure series“Into the Badlands,”and answer your ...

59: Amazon Season from 2015-11-13T22:46:03

An avalanche of Amazon pilots, the arrival of“Man in the High Castle”and“Marvel’s Jessica Jones”on streaming, Jason watches“Agent X”and“Supergirl,”and we answer a whole lot of your emails, tweets, ...

58: They're Good Sports from 2015-11-06T23:46:06

We’re going deep this week, with a discussion of Tim’s THR piece about the age of denial in broadcast TV. We also talk about our brush with the people who make“Agent X”, re-promote“Master of None”,...

57: This Is an Elite Program from 2015-10-31T02:24:13

Tim dishes on a forthcoming so-bad-it’s-funny series called“Agent X”, Jason and Tim break down the premiere of“Supergirl”, plus we quickly talk“Wicked City,”“Master of None”, the rules of character...

56: I Hope This Series Dies from 2015-10-23T15:00

This week we spend a lot of time on listener mail, plus talk high expectations for“Supergirl,”low expectations for“Wicked City,”and ponder TV comfort food.

55: The Tim Lincecum Episode from 2015-10-17T01:37:55

The shows just keep on coming! This week Tim talks about season two of“The Knick”, season 6 of“The Walking Dead”, and the inauspicious premiere of“Truth Be Told.”Plus some Dodgers schadenfreude, my...

54: Don't Be Late from 2015-10-09T22:26:56

Tim’s back from Vancouver and we’ve got a whole lot of premieres to cover.“Fargo”,“The Knick”,“Casual”,“Red Oaks”,“The Last Kingdom”,“Manhattan”,“The Walking Dead”,“The Flash”, and more! Plus: why“...

53: Cheated on Its Viewers from 2015-10-02T18:44:39

“The Affair”plays fast and loose with memory,“Game of Thones”positions itself for Emmy domination, and we answer your questions.

52: Sneak Force from 2015-09-26T01:17:19

The wave of fall TV premieres continues, as we go back over“Minority Report,”“Blindspot/Doodle Booty,”and“The Muppets”before moving on to preview“The Grinder,”“Grandfathered,”“Blood and Oil,”“Quant...

51: Welcome to THR, Dan from 2015-09-19T03:41:18

Tim returns from Big Sur and Jason returns from Portland just in time to watch the Emmys and gape at the massive number of fall TV premieres coming in the next week. Tim reveals why his new Hollywo...

50: Jason Missed This? from 2015-09-12T04:19:40

Tim is joined by David Loehr on the sands of Waikiki—or somewhere—to talk about the first week of Colbert, the last week in Apple TV, the next week in upcoming shows, and the best new fall title th...

49: Otters for the Win from 2015-09-04T21:23:49

“Mr. Robot”takes a final bow as the show of the summer, Apple is rumored to be pondering its own Netflix-like TV service, PBS and the BBC take a chance on Monterey Bay, and Stephen Colbert prepares...

48: What Happens Next? (Plus Bonus Content) from 2015-08-28T23:08:12

In this episode we get a little deep, as Tim and whatever-his-name-is discuss the future of scripted television. How will these Times of Confusion end? Are we at“Peak TV”yet? Will Millennials watch...

47: Binge It Like Cocaine from 2015-08-20T00:32

Tim’s back from press tour! After a brief chat about the personnel problems at“The Good Wife,”we talk Netflix’s“Narcos”and then answer a whole lot of listener feedback.

46: A Couple of Pops from 2015-08-12T23:46:03

Two weeks later, Tim checks in again from the Television Critics Association’s summer press tour! We’ve got information about ABC, Amazon, AMC, CBS, DirecTV, Fox, FX, Hulu, PBS, Showtime, Starz, Sy...

45: It's Fun to Make Shows from 2015-07-31T21:47:30

Tim reports in live from L.A. at the Television Critics Association summer press tour to recount his first week, including sessions from Netflix, Comedy Central, HBO, Nat Geo, and BBC America. Plus...

44: The Willie McCovey Episode from 2015-07-24T15:54:43

Tim and Jason are back with an all-feedback episode! The Emmy Awards, comedy in TV movies,“Penny Dreadful,”family TV shows, why Australians love the TVTM, and more recipes plus haiku from Amy in th...

43: Particularly Egregious from 2015-07-16T22:25:25

The 2015 Emmy Awards nominations are here, and in this special episode Tim breaks them all down—the obvious choices, the pleasantly surprising decisions…and, yeah, the outrageous omissions. Accept ...

42: 18 Crazy Nights from 2015-07-10T21:41

Tim and Jason aren’t at Comic-Con, though Jason’s just back from San Diego and Tim’s getting ready for the Death March With Cocktails later this month. In the meantime, both of them talk about Keit...

41: Only in Monroe from 2015-07-03T23:50

David&Tim talk about Jason’s vacation, Olbermann’s vocation, James Patterson’s predation, Velcoro’s damnation, Pixar’s elation, and for the Colbert Nation, the Monroe, MI local cable access channel...

40: Forget It, It's NBC from 2015-06-27T00:11:56

It’s summer, and that means it’s time for an attack of nerdy shows! Tim’s watched AMC’s“Humans”and USA’s“Mr. Robot.”Jason’s seen“Dark Matter”and“Jonathan Strange&Mr Norrell.”Tim’s talked to the cre...

39: Refurbished Hugs from 2015-06-20T00:10

Tim and Jason talk about the Game of Thrones finale and whether the show has failed our high expectations. Plus Jason reports back on two geeky shows, and we answer your questions. (Consult your do...

38: Awake at Good Times from 2015-06-13T00:22:15

Tim's back from his trips to Austin and Banff with reports on his favorite panels and a very special meetup. Plus we talk about the return of "True Detective" and "Orange is the New Black," detail ...

37: Could Be a Thing from 2015-06-05T16:40

This week Tim’s in Austin, but Tim’s poor time-shifted clone can’t partake of tacos and beer until he does a podcast. First Tim unloads a bunch of shows he’s not going to watch or review (“Sense8,”...

36: The Loser Channel from 2015-05-29T23:25:10

This week Tim touches the third rails of podcasting, as we talk about sports (the Warriors reaching the NBA Finals) and politics (the hypocrisy of the Duggar family and the cynicism of their networ...

35: Updike It from 2015-05-22T23:15:34

This week it’s a three-man booth as David Loehr joins Jason and Tim to talk about the“Man Men”finale, as well as David Letterman’s swan song.

34: Theories in My Mailbox from 2015-05-15T21:24:36

The end approaches for Don Draper, and so in this episode Tim discusses his expectations for the“Mad Men”finale. Plus we answer your“Mad Men”finale questions and address some brief TV news. Harry S...

33: A Pilot Does Nothing from 2015-05-08T17:51:24

The network upfronts are in full swing, so this week Tim and Jason talk about what’s been cancelled and what’s been renewed. But not about new show orders, because in accordance with TV Talk Machin...

32: Green Brains&Ham from 2015-05-02T02:38:27

Tim is joined by David again to talk shows that made them happy (and not happyish), shows that stream&the services that love them, they wonder what some of these people were thinking, and hey, does...

31: Bonus Criticism from 2015-04-24T23:49:56

This week Tim and Jason break down the return of“Orphan Black,”Tim rants about how the beloved“The Americans”failed to stick the landing in its season finale, and Showtime’s“Happyish”has some serio...

30: Bullets Hurt from 2015-04-17T21:54:36

This week we send“Justified”into retirement, get excited about the return of BBC America’s“Orphan Black,”re-open the debate about“Daredevil,”get diverted by debating good and bad series finales, an...

29: He's Not Gonna Be Happy from 2015-04-10T22:57:30

So much returning TV! Jason re-joins Tim to talk about the returns of“Louie”,“Game of Thrones”,“Silicon Valley”,“Veep”and“Mad Men.”Plus, what the heck happened to“The Last Man on Earth”? And, as al...

28: People Made This? from 2015-04-04T02:36:15

Tim doesn’t miss a week as he’s joined by designated guest co-host David J. Loehr to talk about the Daily Show, the nightly shows, undead shows, zombie shows, limited run shows, long running shows,...

27: Werewolf Don Draper from 2015-03-27T12:15

Tim’s seen the first episode of the final run of“Mad Men!”But he’s been given a long list of details he’s not allowed to talk about. So we speak obliquely about what to expect from“Mad Men”in this ...

26: Hang In There from 2015-03-20T22:45:23

Tim and Jason discuss the stunning finale of“The Jinx,”preview the arrival of James Corden’s“Late Late Show”and why Corden took the job, and answer some of your questions.

25: Cubism Remake from 2015-03-12T21:02:07

Tim’s about to flee televised civilization for the comforts of a vacation, but before he goes he’s got some time to rant about how not to remake a European TV series. In this case, the Gracepointed...

24: It's Not a Thing from 2015-03-06T22:34:50

Jason reports back on his TV Torture Machine assignment,“CSI: Cyber,”much to Tim’s evil glee. Plus“Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,”“Last Man on Earth,”“Billy&Billie,”and“Battle Creek.”

23: Alphabet of Awfulness from 2015-02-27T23:09:45

After some brief reflections about Leonard Nimoy, Jason and Tim turn to“The Last Man on Earth,”“American Crime,”and“Secrets and Lies.”Tim challenges Jason to watch“CSI: Cyber.”We anticipate“Broadch...

22: There's No Science in Television from 2015-02-20T23:39:26

The Emmys finally change their rules—but is it really an improvement? Plus, Tim’s reaction to the new“House of Cards”season and the“Odd Couple”premiere,“Two and a Half Men”and“Parks and Recreation”...

21: Hoisted on His Own Petard from 2015-02-12T22:17:56

Anchors, away! Tim and Jason discuss Jon Stewart’s departure from“The Daily Show”and Brian Williams’s apparent end on“NBC Nightly News.”Plus, more praise for HBO’s“The Jinx”(which is not suitable f...

20: That's a No from 2015-02-07T00:30:42

A look at the new drama series“Allegiance,”“Better Call Saul,”and“The Slap,”plus the HBO documentary series“The Jinx.”Plus the return of“Walking Dead”and“Last Week Tonight with John Oliver,”and Tim...

19: Dots and Stars and Little Men from 2015-01-31T01:39:10

The Power Rankings may be on hiatus, but Tim is here to praise the show that would be at number one if they existed: FX’s“The Americans.”Plus, advance praise for ABC’s new sitcom“Fresh off the Boat...

18: Slow Burn Everybody from 2015-01-24T02:37:09

Tim’s back from winter press tour with news of Fox and FX and reviews of“Backstrom”and“Better Call Saul.”Plus Tim and Jason discuss the massive number of scripted shows out there—with an actual num...

17: Times of Confusion! from 2015-01-16T23:26:58

We’re bringers, bringing our brand halo to a hungry audience that’s overwhelmed by choice. Okay, it’s week two of the Death March With Cocktails and Tim may have gone a little loopy. But we’ve sti...

16: Death March With Flask from 2015-01-09T21:03:35

After five days“in residence,”Tim reports in live from the TV Critics Association press tour in Pasadena. Among the topics: Why critics don’t clap, chance encounters with Scottish showrunners, and ...

15: The Best TV of 2014 from 2014-12-31T04:27

Positivity abounds! In this episode, Tim and Jason go over Tim’s lists of the best TV shows of 2014. Nothing but sunshine and great television here! Let it never be said that Tim is not someone who...

14: No Love Lost from 2014-12-20T00:32:31

Tim and Jason talk about the turnover in late-night, with Stephen Colbert and Craig Ferguson departing and James Corden and Larry Willmore on the horizon. Plus, Jason annoys his wife with“Ascension...

13: Midseason Math from 2014-12-13T00:49:58

Tim and Jason discuss the Golden Globe TV nominees, the phenomenon of midseason finales, and answer listener questions.

12: Asscension from 2014-12-06T00:21:32

Tim and Jason talk“Peter Pan Live,”and then dive into reader questions, including a brutal review Tim didn’t remember writing, the appeal of“Jane the Virgin,”mid-season replacement shows, and holid...

11: Turkeys from 2014-11-27T21:14

In the spirit of Thanksgiving, we list some TV we’re thankful for. Also, inevitably, things get a bit dark when we talk about some of the fall season’s true turkeys. Also, we answer more listener q...

10: Gracepointed from 2014-11-21T22:49:15

In this episode Tim and Jason talk about something that can delight even the most toughened critic: a pleasant surprise. Tim revisits“Homeland”and discovers that the show may be turning it around, ...

9: Bong-Fueled Genius from 2014-11-14T22:19:21

Where have all the miniseries gone? They’re actually all around us, but they’re called anthologies or limited series or TV events. Tim and Jason talk about the merits of shows opting for finite lif...

8: Ride Out the Garbage Fire from 2014-11-08T02:38:56

In this episode, Tim hears from the producers of“Sleepy Hollow”about his criticisms last week, a tossed-off sidebar becomes a viral web hit and makes fans of classic spy TV series angry worldwide, ...

7: Surfer Boy from 2014-10-31T14:35:10

Has“Sleepy Hollow,”one of our favorites from last season, gone off the rails? Tim and Jason discuss the sophomore series’s self-inflicted creative crisis. Plus, more answers to your questions, incl...

6: Bonus Content on the Sub-Web from 2014-10-24T21:25

This week Tim and Jason answer some listener questions, rave a bit more about“Jane the Virgin,”discuss overlooked drama series, and ponder digital extras and extended episodes of series on streamin...

5: My Positivity Keeps Me Afloat from 2014-10-17T20:47:42

This week Tim and Jason keep it positive! Tim goes through the week, day by day, and recommends the shows (both new and old) that are worth your time! Then we talk about Tim’s famous Power Ratings ...

4: A Miscalculation of Epic Proportions from 2014-10-10T18:19:53

From the comic book pages to your TV screen, we counted at least five network TV series involving superheroes. But who can tell“The Flash”from“Constantine?”Jason’s read the comics, but most people—...

3: Kind of Like a Cronut from 2014-10-03T15:01:16

Braaaaains! As we enter October, our thoughts turn to spooky things like vampires and zombies.“The Walking Dead”is coming back, and it’s started an avalanche of other zombie-themed TV…none of which...

2: A Bad Idea From Famous People from 2014-09-26T21:14:43

Against all odds, we’re back for a second episode! In this episode, Tim and Jason run through some of the new premieres, including“Forever,”“Black-ish,”“Gotham,”“Scorpion,”and“Red Band Society.”Als...

1: We Take the Bullet from 2014-09-19T21:30:53

It’s a podcast about television! Every week Hollywood Reporter Chief TV Critic Tim Goodman joins Jason Snell to talk about what’s worth watching. In this first episode of the fourth incarnation of ...