A writer from Chicago. An actor from New York. And the single most incendiary topic they are qualified to talk about: the TV Miniseries. This is Broadcast Revisited with Kate Royal and Carl Del Buono. Here to explore the limitless world of limited series.
Cutler! Gleason! Chaough! Oh my! Season 6 sees yet another shakeup for the agency, as marriages are tested, vices go unchecked, and children are forced to mature too quickly. And of course, the one and only Linda Cardellini.
Zou Bisou Bisou babes! It's our richest (aka longest) Mad Men retrospective yet. From Betty's transformation, to Joan's powerful choices, to the tragedy of Layne Price, Carl and Kate agree that Season 5 is Mad Men at its absolute best, and that's saying something.
Enter the era of SCDP! But a brand new office and firm isn't enough to keep Don from spinning out. Kate and Carl unpack this transitional season that offers some of the series' most poignant moments.
Bye Bye Birdie, Hello 1963! We dive into the fever dreams of Mad Men's third season, from Betty's pregnancy hallucinations to the nightmare of Roger's Derby Day party and everything in between.
Dust off your copies of Frank O'Hara and Sylvia Plath, it's time for Mad Men season two! Equestrian Betty! California Don! And sweet, beloved Chauncey. As always, Kate and Carl have too much to say about the richest text in TV history.
We're back! And we're changing things up. Broadcast Revisited returns for an epic 8-part series, revisiting the AMC masterpiece MAD MEN (2007-2015). Long considered Kate and Carl's favorite TV show of all time, join us the first Monday of every month as we rewatch all 8 seasons of Don, Peggy, Pete, Joan, and the whole gang.
It's that time of year again--and just under the wire! Kate and Carl bring you their Will Wins, Should Wins, Could Wins for this year's Emmys contenders. Will Abbott Elementary unseat Ted Lasso? Will Melanie Lynskey get her due? Will Jessica Chastain pull an upset in a category for which she is not nominated? Let's speculate wildly!
Bonus episode! Kate is joined once again by Queer Movie Night co-host extraordinaire Deb Duncan and the internet's very own Janie Bryant to discuss the new gem of a series, A League of Their Own, streaming on Prime Video. Created by Abbi Jacobson and Will Graham, this series explores hidden histories with dignity and joy, all set against the backdrop of the world so lovingly introduced by Penny Marshall's 1992 film.
CW: Mentions of suicide. Kate and Carl revisit this meditative HBO miniseries from 2014. Directed by Lisa Cholodenko, based on the novel by Elizabeth Strout, Frances McDormand stars as a complicated Maine woman trying to find some meaning in this life as she navigates marriage, motherhood, and mental illness across 25 years in her seaside town.
This week, Kate and Carl return to the Ryan Murphy multiverse with the second installment of American Crime Story, about the 1997 murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace by the serial killer Andrew Cunanan. In this operatic 2018 miniseries, Darren Criss stars as Cunanan with an ensemble featuring Edgar Ramirez, Ricky Martin, Finn Witrock, Judith Light, and Penelope Cruz as Donatella Versace.
An unexpected two-for-one episode! Kate and Carl sit down to discuss the 2009 BBC Wuthering Heights and end up spending just as much time discussing season 1 of the BBC/HBO series Gentleman Jack (and plenty else). Consider it the Byronic Heroes episode!
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the complicated relationship between Alex and Regina and how the series succeeds in exposing the many flawed systems that make it cost so much to be poor in this country.
This week, Carl and Kate look back only a few months to the 2021 Netflix hit, MAID. Inspired by Stephanie Land's memoir of the same name, starring Margaret Qualley and Andie MacDowell, this miniseries offers a frank portrait of American poverty and one woman's perseverance to build a better life.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the twists and turns that propel the series toward its thrilling finale, as well as the brilliant scene work between Maggie Gyllenhaal, Andrew Buchan, and Lubna Azabal as Atika.
Maggie Gyllenhaal stars in this captivating 2014 political thriller from the BBC. Kate and Carl discuss her role as Nessa Stein, heiress to a British-Israeli munitions company trying to overcome her family's legacy and do her part to bring peace to the Middle East. Co-starring Stephen Rea, Janet McTeer, and Andrew Buchan.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the characters of Celeste, Renata, and Bonnie, and the thrilling and operatic finale of the series (yes we said series, Broadcast Revisited does not acknowledge the ill-conceived second season).
Kate and Carl return from hiatus with an episode years in the making. Originally conceived as a miniseries, Big Little Lies debuted on HBO in February 2017, starring Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman and Laura Dern. This week, we venture to Monterey to pay tribute to this masterpiece from the late genius, Jean-Marc Vallée.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss Natasha's fall from grace, Andrei's fate, Pierre's great awakening, and so much more in the second half of this stirring adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's War & Peace.
Kate and Carl head back to Russia with the BBC's 2016 adaptation of Leo Tolstoy's masterpiece, War & Peace. Directed by Tom Harper and written by Andrew Davies, this sprawling tale stars Paul Dano, Lily James, and James Norton as members of the Russian aristocracy amidst the turmoil of war with Napoleon.
Kate and Carl dissect more of the Catholic trauma at the heart of this series, plus some usual digressions into what makes good acting, what constitutes as camp, and the beauty of friendship. Happy Halloween!
Happy Halloween! In this episode, Kate and Carl talk about Twilight, Cabaret, and oh yeah, season 2 of Ryan Murphy's anthology juggernaut, American Horror Story. Widely considered the strongest season of the series, featuring amazing turns by Sarah Paulson and Jessica Lange, we're heading to Briarcliff Manor with ASYLUM.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the "Swords and Sandles" genre in general, David Benioff's ill-fated "Troy" and even iller-fated later seasons of that-HBO-show, plus, the thrilling conclusion to Helen of Troy.
Kate and Carl take it back to 2003 with USA's Helen of Troy. A formative text in Kate's youth, this series tells the infamous tale of Helen, Queen of Sparta, and the doomed kings and princes caught up in the Trojan War. Starring Sienna Guillory, Rufus Sewell, and Emilia Fox.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl continue their discussion of the show's commentary on motherhood and sexuality, the cruelty of Mia and Elena's actions, and how the series holds up as an adaption of Ng's novel.
This week, Kate and Carl revisit the 2020 Hulu miniseries Little Fires Everywhere. Adapted from Celeste Ng's best-selling novel and starring Reese Witherspoon and Kerry Washington, this miniseries offers a sprawling and sometimes frustrating exploration of American themes.
Kate and Carl bring you their picks for the 2021 Emmy Awards! We talk all things Mare of Easttown, The Crown, Queen's Gambit, and so, so much more. Take a listen and tune in to the EMMYS on 9/19!
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the second half of the series including some of its most iconic performances from Ari Graynor and Sarah Paulson in the masterful "Houston" episode, directed by Janicza Bravo.
Kate and Carl kick off season 3 with the 2020 FX on Hulu miniseries Mrs. America! This sprawling portrait of the heroes and villains of the 1970s feminist movement stars Cate Blanchett, Rose Byrne, Uzo Aduba, and Margo Martindale, created by Davi Wahler!
Part 2 of our season finale! We dive into the darkness that IS Amma Crellin, how 2018 was a big year for stories about Munchausens by Proxy, the finale's "punchline" and bid farewell to our second season!
Season 2 Finale! We take on one of our all-time favorite limited series: Sharp Objects. Premiering on HBO in 2018, Adams stars alongside Patricia Clarkson and Eliza Scanlen in this haunting adaptation of Gillian Flynn's debut novel, created by Marti Noxon and directed by Jean-Marc Vallée.
In Part 2, we talk about the tragedy of Anna's story along with, well, plenty of other topics such as the recent Academy Awards and the National Theatre's stage/film hybrid Romeo and Juliet.
This week we're paying tribute to the great Helen McCrory. We reminisce on some of our favorite performances, with a focus on her starring turn in the 2000 Masterpiece Theatre adaptation of Tolstoy's Anna Karenina, also featuring Kevin McKidd, Stephen Dillane, and Amanda Root.
In the second half of the series, Christine faces threats from clients new and deceased as well as her bosses at the firm. We talk more about Christine's razor-sharp instinct, the complexities of her manipulation, and the show's astounding climactic and finale episodes. Note: this episode is NSFW!
We welcome back Julia Masotti to break down season 1 of the Starz anthology series, The Girlfriend Experience. Created by Amy Seimetz and Lodge Kerrigan, GFE follow Riley Keough as Christine Reade, a walking cipher who must navigate her life as a law student and high-end escort. Note: this episode is NSFW!
Return to the Helen Mirren Cinematic Universe with HBO's 2019 miniseries, Catherine The Great! Mirren (born Mironoff) gets in touch with her Russian roots as the fearless empress. Other topics include the careers of Elle Fanning, Amy Adams, and Toni Colette, because of course they do.
In Part 2, we turn our attention to the women living in the projects for whom the housing represents a chance at a new life. With breakout performances from Dominique Fishback, Ilfenesh Hadera, and Natalie Paul, the stories of Billie, Carmen, and Doreen are what give the show its emotional center.
We're heading to 1987 Yonkers, NY with HBO's Show Me a Hero. This 2015 miniseries by David Simon (The Wire) based on Lisa Belkin's book of the same name tells the true story of Nick Wasicsko (Oscar Isaac), a young mayor tasked with desegregating Yonkers amidst rabid racism and fierce political opposition.
What happens at the Beltane Feast stays at the Beltane Feast, whether it be threesomes or accidental incest. This valuable lesson and more in part 2 of our conversation on the 2001 TNT miniseries, The Mists of Avalon! Plus, we dreamcast our 2021 adaptations!
In 2001, The Lord of the Rings took over the big screen. But the small screen belonged to the priestesses of Avalon. Based on the 1981 feminist retelling of the legend of King Arthur and Morgaine le Fey, we're here to get wet, witchy, and wild with TNT's The Mists of Avalon!
In Part 2, Kate and Carl discuss the trial of Jeremy Thorpe, closeted politicians, and even more British LGBT+ history, plus a lot of other gay shit.
Kate and Carl head to 1960s London with this true story of Jeremy Thorpe and Norman Scott. A Very English Scandal from writer Russel T. Davies (It's A Sin) and starring Hugh Grant and Ben Whishaw, tells a decades-spanning tale of illicit affairs, murder plots, and a turning point in the history of LGBT+ rights in the UK.
In this bonus episode, Kate and Carl try to predict the always unpredictable Golden Globe Awards! From snubs to surprises to some history-making categories, it's time to gear up for what is sure to be an unconventional Awards season.
In Part 2, Kate and Carl start with the centerpiece episode of the series, "Marcia Marcia Marcia" and make their way through to "The Verdict," discussing the brilliance of Sarah Paulson's performance and the complicated aftermath of Johnnie Cochran's stunning victory.
Carl and Kate dive in to the 2016 FX miniseries "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story". Developed, produced, and co-directed by Ryan Murphy, this dramatic take on America's most infamous televised trial features was an Emmys juggernaut and features some truly iconic casting.
In Part 2, Carl, Kate and Ashley discuss the second half of the miniseries including some iconic scenes: Colin Firth in the lake, Lizzie's confrontation with Catherine de Bourgh, Colin Firth in the lake. Other topics include how great Jennifer Ehle is and what really separates the two major adaptations in tone and approach.
Season 2 Premiere! Carl and Kate welcome poet Ashley Keyser to discuss a titan of the genre: The BBC's 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice. Starring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, this miniseries changed the game and for many fans, remains the definitive adaptation of this timeless romance.
In part 2 of our season finale, we cover Parts 4 and 5 of Mildred Pierce aka Evan Rachel Wood's masterclass in high camp. From backstabbing daughters and lovers to lush coloratura arias, the conclusion of Mildred Pierce is a glorious operatic melodrama that only Todd Haynes could pull off. Plus, we say goodbye to 2020 and get excited for a jam-packed season 2 heading your way January 2021!
In this (predictably lengthy) season 1 finale, Kate and Carl discuss Parts 1-3 of the miniseries that inspired it all: HBO's Mildred Pierce. Based on James M. Cain's classic novel, directed by Todd Haynes and starring Kate Winslet, Guy Pearce, Morgan Turner, and Evan Rachel Wood, this is the the story of Mildred, an enterprising mother trying to keep her family afloat during the Great Depression, and her daughter Veda, marred by delusions of grandeur.
Kate and Carl discuss Part 2 of HBO's 2005 miniseries, Elizabeth I, featuring an early star turn from Hugh Dancy as Bess's latest beau, the Earl of Essex. We chat more about the legacy of the British monarchy, adaptations we hope to see, and announce our season finale!
Before The Crown, there was HBO's 2005 epic, Elizabeth I. Featuring an iconic performance from Helen Mirren, Carl and Kate dissect this 4-hour look at the Virgin Queen's legacy and love life.
Kate and Carl discuss the characters of Harper, Prior, Hannah, and Belize, among plenty of other tangential topics (of course). Plus, we announce our next series and leave you with a hopeful message of the future courtesy of Tony Kushner.