San Diego radio vet Craig Elsten is joined each week by a rotating cast of top voices to talk about streaming TV, current and past shows, and much more. Each week is a different show and co-host.
Listeners of Crossing Streams that love the show mention: live in san diego, craig, streaming, pretty much, tv, show, good, listening.
The Crossing Streams podcast is an absolute gem for anyone who loves exploring a variety of genres across different platforms. Hosted by Craig Elsten and featuring a range of insightful guests, this podcast has become my go-to source for discovering new shows and movies worth watching. In a world where there's an overwhelming amount of content to choose from, Craig's recommendations have been spot on for me personally, making his service incredibly valuable. I can't thank Craig and his podcast guests enough for their expertise in guiding my viewing choices.
One of the best aspects of the Crossing Streams podcast is the phenomenal job that Craig and his ensemble cast do in breaking down all the shows they discuss. The analysis provided is not only interesting but also highly entertaining, catering perfectly to TV junkies like myself. They delve into each show or movie with a depth that allows me to gain new insights and perspectives, making my viewing experiences even more fulfilling. Moreover, their passion for the subject matter shines through in every episode, adding an extra layer of enjoyment to each discussion.
While it's difficult to find any faults with this podcast, one potential downside could be that occasionally some episodes may contain spoilers. This isn't necessarily a problem if you've already seen the content being discussed, but it might be a drawback if you prefer to avoid spoilers altogether. However, it's worth mentioning that these instances are relatively rare and don't detract from the overall value and enjoyment provided by the show.
In conclusion, I am immensely grateful for the Crossing Streams podcast. Not only does it provide excellent content recommendations, but it also delivers top-notch analysis and entertainment. Listening to Craig and his talented guests discuss various shows and movies feels like having passionate conversations with friends who genuinely care about helping you discover great content. I highly recommend tuning in to this podcast if you're a fan of TV and streaming platforms - it's truly a hidden gem waiting to be enjoyed by more people around the world.
Craig Elsten and Chris Reed start the show with listener email, then get into a review of the AppleTV+ platform and the kinds of shows found on the app. Then, they offer reviews of two of the current AppleTV shows, Murderbot and Stick. Lastly, the boys offer a sincere recommendation of a sports show they think is much better than Stick, "Shorsey" on Hulu.
Craig Elsten and Chris Reed talk about the changing state of streaming television, and how "thing of the week" shows are regaining their niche in the contentverse. Two current examples are both in play, "Poker Face" on Peacock, and "Duster" on Max. Hear reviews of both series without spoilers!Send the show an email: crossingstreamstvpodcast@gmail.com
We're back, baby! Crossing Streams has returned as your weekly home for streaming TV talk! Join co-hosts Craig Elsten and Chris Reed, they begin the show by explaining why the podcast has been gone for almost 18 months, why it's returned, and what we aim to accomplish. Then in this "episode zero" style show, the guys discuss the best shows they have watched so far in 2025, plus Craig's Top-10 shows from 2024, and what Craig and Chris are watching for future episodes.
Craig is joined by one of his Padres Hot Tub patrons, "Danny Deskjob" for a full review of the final Mike Flanagan Halloween-timed mini-series on Netflix, The Fall of the House of Usher. We pick our favorite death scene in the show, narrate the good, bad and middling, and at the end rank each of Mike Flanagan's five Netflix series.
Craig Elsten is joined by KPBS reporter, soccer supporter and wine enthusiast Andrew Dyer to discuss AppleTV+'s hidden gem, "Drops of God". The eight-episode miniseries came out during the Emmys glut, and was easily missed. However, it's a series with lush locations, multiple languages and a treatment of a manga conversion that is visually arresting! The guys meet in a park to sip some French wine and talk Drops of God!
Craig Elsten and TALK NERDY TO ME correspondent Ken Gartin discuss the good, bad and middling of the full season of Ahsoka, including the muddled place the series ends...for now. Then, a look at a disappointing premiere of Loki Season Two, and a much better start for Survivor 45.
Craig Elsten is joined by Ryan Phillips to discuss Taylor Sheridan's latest series on Paramount+, Special Ops: Lioness. There are some aspects of this series that are definitively good, and others that verge on regrettable. "And yet", it's a compelling series in many ways. Craig and Ryan go through the many ups and downs of Lioness.
Craig Elsten is joined by his "Talk Nerdy to Me" correspondent Ken Gartin for a complete look at the first four episodes of "Ahsoka" on Disney+. This is creator Dave Filoni's pride and joy, and he's operating with the shackles off...how does it translate into live-action? Is this Rebels season five? Does it matter? The guys go through everything they like, with a little room to critique Hera's tactics in episode four! Enjoying the show? Please leave us a five-star review on Apple Podcasts and/or a positive written review!
Craig Elsten and Ryan Phillips get back together to discuss the finale of Justified: City Primeval. Did the series deliver on what it intended? What did they think of the choices made in the finale? And yes, of COURSE we are going to talk about the HUGE twist at the end!
Craig Elsten and Ryan Phillips are back to look at the middle four episodes of Justified: City Primeval, covering episodes 3-6. The guys break down the things they absolutely love about the limited series, and where it feels a bit undercooked. Then, both offer possible predictions as to the late-series twists, and how they see things concluding.
Craig Elsten is joined by Liddy Loree to talk about Apple TV+'s summer adventure series "Hijack", starring Idris Elba. What made this show such a popular summer hit, and why is it that the faster it moves, the better it goes? Craig and Liddy explore the strengths and weaknesses of the season, and explore if a second season of Hijack would be worth it.
Craig Elsten is joined once again by Ryan Phillips from The Big Lead to go through the newest season of Black Mirror on Netflix. Which of the five episodes did the guys rank as the best and the worst? They go episode-by-episode through the series.
Craig Elsten is joined by Ryan Phillips to talk about the return of Justified! The guys start by discussing what they loved so much about the original show before digging into the limited series, Justified: City Primeval on FX/Hulu. Spoilers for the first two episodes of the series!
The second season of The Bear turns out to be one of the very best shows of 2023, and one of the top shows of the decade so far! Craig Elsten is joined once again by Jay Zawaski from CHGO and the "I'm Fat" podcast to talk about the second season as a whole, spotlight the very best episodes, ruminate on the show's links to existentialism and service, and much more!
Craig Elsten and Liddy Loree are back together with a ranking of each of their Top-5 streaming television shows for the first half of 2023. Both begin with a set of 3-4 honorable mentions before diving into their Top-5. What show would you have ranked #1?
Craig Elsten is rejoined by longtime co-host Liddy Loree to discuss the entire first season of Apple TV+'s sci-fi noir mystery series, "Silo". Find out how both hosts enjoyed a show that nonetheless had to work hard to keep the viewer's eye off the ball until the end.
Craig Elsten and Rick Romero finally get their schedules straight to review the final season of Bill Hader's remarkable HBO series "Barry", which is darker than ever in season 4. Both of the guys have thoughts about how the season went, but feel better about the season after talking it through!
Ted Lasso was a beloved phenomenon of a show in its first season, then grew into something bigger and different. In the end, did it try to be too much of a good thing? A bloated and overweight third season ended with a gigantic finale that might be the end of the show, or the start of a Lasso-less spinoff. Drew Steck joins Craig Elsten to talk through much of the third season including the finale, and to offer thoughts on the franchise as a whole.
One last time, we go FULL FUCKING BEAST with deep dive coverage of the Succession series finale! Join Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart for a scene-by-scene recap of the supersized season and series finale, "With Open Eyes". Find out who won the series (and our preseason draft) and enjoy featured scenes and more!Featured Scene One: Matsson and TomFeatured Scene Two: Shiv Votes Yes
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart are back for their deep dive into the penultimate episode of Succession. Was this Jesse Armstrong's thesis statement on Logan Roy? We go scene-by-scene through the episode, present audio from three featured scenes, and award this week's #1 Boy, Best Insult and Biggest Move. Featured Scene 1: Ewan's eulogy of Logan RoyFeatured Scene 2: Matsson, Shiv and Mencken square offFeatured Scene 3: Kendall and Roman, "You tried to Dad it"
Craig has always been a reality competition show junkie, and in a funny coincedence, his work world in pro soccer and the world of Horacio Gutierrez Jr, rookie star of MTV's "The Challenge", crossed paths in the past few months. Craig and Horacio sat down over Zoom to talk about the crazy life of a young man who has traveled the country and the world trying to forge a career in pro soccer, only to have a potential career in reality competition TV open up in front of him in surprising ways. We get into all of it in a wide-ranging interview that Horacio fans have to hear!
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart are back to go deep into the propulsive, prescient and terrifying episode of Succession: America Decides. The Succession universe is going into fascism with Roman Roy's full-hearted support, and a collective shrug from the dealmakers who just want to achieve their personal goals. The guys go into all the key topics from this week's episode, then go scene-by-scene through the recap, ending with the decision of this week's #1 Boy, Best Insult and Biggest Move. Featured Scene 1: Shiv looks for an apology from TomFeatured Scene 2: Shiv's downfall, double-cross revealedTomlette with Gregs: Tom has a specific diet on Election Night
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart are back for another comprehensive deep dive recap of Succession! Season 4 Episode 7: Tailgate Party is a precursor for the election, and the possible end of Shiv and Tom's marriage in an unforgettable scene. Has Kendall manuevered his way into ultimate control or another trap door? And which way do we think Succession will play the upcoming election? We talk about it all and present audio from three key scenes.Scene 1: Shiv playing double agent with Kendall and Roman on the balconyScene 2: Shiv asking Matsson for controlScene 3: Shiv and Tom's balcony sceneWe wrap by determining the winner of the episode (#1 Boy), the Best Insult and Biggest Move.
In this bonus episode of Crossing Streams, Craig talks with his Padres Hot Tub producer Raphie Cantor, whose full-time job is as a showrunner's assistant for a major Netflix sci-fi show coming out this winter. Craig and Raphie were speaking on a PHT interview podcast about his industry and the writer's strike came up. Raphie's explanation of the situation was so on point, we wanted to share the conversation with you, to help understand the stakes and issues on both sides.
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart take their deepest dive yet, giving you the most detailed Succession podcast around! We start by discussing the big themes of the episodes, including how each of the aspiring Roy children hit a reset to where we first met them, and dreams of what a "Roman takes over Hollywood" season would have looked like. Then, a scene-by-scene recap, and we finish by awarding this week's #1 Boy, Best Insult and Biggest Move!Featured Scene Recaps:Scene 1: Shiv confronts Kendall and Roman about tanking the dealScene 2: Roman fires GerriScene 3: Shiv and Tom get real about their relationship
Craig Elsten is joined by his "Talk Nerdy to Me" correspondent Ken Gartin to grapple with the third season of The Mandalorian on Disney+. The final two episodes were great, but the first six sent the series far off course from what it could or should have been. Hear what Craig thinks are the systetmic isuses with the show, and Disney+ live Star Wars content in general.
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart recap the midway point of Succession's final season, setting the table for the final five episodes while delineating the power struggle between the Roy siblings and Lukas Matsson, and how Shiv has positioned herself in the middle once again. Featured Scene 1: Shiv and Lukas MatssonFeatured Scene 2: Showdown between Matsson and Roman Roy
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart tackle a momentus fourth episode of the final season, as Logan Roy's wake turns into a battle for supremacy in the company. Featured Scene 1: The discovery of "the piece of paper"Featured Scene 2: Kendall and Frank "is it real, Frank?"Featured Scene 3: Kendall and Roman going up, Shiv going downBits: #1 Boy, Best Insult, Biggest Move, Tomlette with Gregs
The Rotten Cabal is back with you, one day later than usual but we make up for it with the longest FULL F%^&ING BEAST of the season so far! Was this Succession's best episode?Who is best positioned for the power struggle to come?Key scenes: Shiv on the phone with Logan, Tom & Greg, Connor & WillaWho won the episode, what was the best insult and the biggest move?
Craig Elsten and Drew Steck review the first four episodes of the final season of Ted Lasso. AppleTV+'s biggest hit has seemed a little less buzzy this season, but maybe that's because they are heading into a more predictable sports genre of battling for the championship. The guys break down all the key plot lines of the season and take a guess as to where we are headed.
Craig Elsten is rejoined by the Disgusting Brothers, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart, to break down every aspect of Succession Season 4 Episode 2: Rehearsal. Overall thoughtsWhat are the kids trying to accomplish by scuttling the GoJo deal?Scene-by-scene recapFeatured Scene audio recap and detailAwards for #1 Boy, Best Insult, Biggest Move
Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart break down the first episode of season four of Succession, bringing you full analysis of the action, audio from two key scenes, and our weekly superlatives: #1 Boy, Best Insult, Biggest Move, and Tomlette with Gregs.
We are BACK and we are going FULL FUCKING BEAST once again! Join Craig Elsten, Justice Parman and Corey Stewart for the next ten Monday nights for a complete review of each episode of the final season of HBO's Succession. In this Season 4 preview podcast, the "Rotten Cabal" gets together to discuss the announcement that this is the final season of Succession! Then, we look back at season 3, re-introduce our weekly recap segments and bits, and do a SUCCESSION DRAFT for season 4! Who would you pick to come out on top at season's end?
Craig Elsten is joined once again by his "dystopian correspondent" Ryan Phillips to break down the final two episodes of The Last of Us season one. Were the final two episodes the best acting showcases yet for Bella Ramsay and Pedro Pascal? Was that finale a little rushed? And, where are we heading now?
Craig Elsten is joined by "Talk Nerdy to Me" correspondent Ken Gartin to discuss the first two episodes of Season 3 of The Mandalorian, including how the show has morphed from a risky bet into a fully merchandised franchise, and how the story is suffering for it. Plus, Ken tells you where you can watch all the key movies up for Oscar consideration!
Craig Elsten is joined once again by our official Dystopian Correspondent Ryan Phillips to look back at the last two episodes of The Last of Us, Episodes 6-7. The show is undoubtedly well made and good at what it does, but has it become too emotionally manipulative?
Shrinking is the latest Bill Lawrence creation on AppleTV+, an attempt to capture lightning in the bottle again from the "Ted Lasso" creator. Is Shrinking good, great, or in-between? Craig and Liddy talk through the series at the halfway point. Plus, it finally happened...Craig watched Derry Girls, and now we're gonna talk about it!
Craig Elsten is joined once again by Ryan Phillips to go over episodes 3-5 of The Last of Us. Contained within, our favorite and least favorite episodes of the season so far!
Craig Elsten and Liddy Loree get together to discuss Craig's favorite new show so far in 2023, Poker Face on Peacock. Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne have teamed up to create a new variant on the old classic TV whodunit. Craig and Liddy in the first half of the podcast discuss what they generally like about the show, then dig into individual episodes in the second half.
Craig Elsten is joined by his "Lone Wolf and Cub Dystopian Correspondent" Ryan Phillips to talk about HBO's "The Last of Us". With two strikes against it (video game adaptation, saturated genre), why is this show so good? Craig and Ryan get into it, as well as looking ahead to the possible direction the show can take in future episodes.
Craig Elsten is joined by Chappell from RHAP's "Nothing but Netflix" podcast to talk about two new streaming reality competition shows that have both hosts bubbling with joy! First, Peacock's "The Traitors", which is a revelation in reality TV fun, hosted by Alan Cumming. The guys talk first without spoilers and then go into the winners and losers in a spoiler zone. Then, Craig and Chappell switch over to "Pressure Cooker" streaming on Netflix. It's like Top Chef meets Big Brother, with plenty of twists inside. Once again, there are non-spoilers before a break, then full season spoilers.
There are so many new and returning shows coming up in 2023, what are the most anticipated returnees, and most interesting new shows? Craig and Liddy go through some of the most comprehensive lists of upcoming 2023 shows and comprise their own list of over 30 shows they can't wait to see!
It's annually one of our most popular (and longest) podcasts of the year, the Streaming Platform Review podcast! Craig Elsten is joined by our platform expert Drew Steck and Liddy Loree to go through each of the biggest streaming platforms being used in the world today. What brings the best value, the best quality, and what's the best bundle of platforms for under $60?
For the fifth time, our year-end extravaganza is here! Craig Elsten and Liddy Loree get together in-person at Helix Brewing Company to discuss an incredible year of streaming television, including the deepest set of rankings yet. Craig says any of his Top-10 could be the #1 show of the year. What do you think about both co-hosts' rankings?
In our final episode before the year-end rankings, Craig Elsten is joined by Drew Steck to talk about the last show into the rankings barn, "The English" on Amazon Prime. How does this British-made miniseries manage to capture the essence of both great Westerns, and great film noir? Craig and Drew first talk about the show with no spoilers, then get to the crazy details from the series finale!
Craig Elsten is joined by Liddy Loree to recap all the storylines from the finale of The White Lotus season two. Did Mike White's series live up to the first season, or even surpass it? Full spoilers ahead! In the second half of the podcast (29:30) Craig and Liddy recap the puzzlebox suspense series 1899 on Netflix, from the creators of Dark.
Craig Elsten and Liddy Loree have come up with their first rough drafts of this year's Top-20 lists. On this week's podcast, each share with the other shows that don't appear on the other's list, in an attempt to fill in some coverage gaps. Then, a full discussion of why season two of The White Lotus is taking Mike White's franchise to a whole new level.
It's been a minute since Craig Elsten and Ken Gartin have gotten together to discuss Amazon's big bet in the fantasy world, Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power. Looking back on the season, was it worth the wait and the investment? A cold-eyed review follows, then (25:00 mark) Craig and Ken get into the current season of Survivor, and if the "new era" is starting to wear thin.
Crossing Streams is back after a week hiatus with a big-time episode! Craig Elsten is joined by his "Talk Nerdy To Me" correspondent Ken Gartin to discuss the final three episodes of Andor on Disney+, including the season finale. Then, the guys break down Black Panther: Wakanda Forever, discussing what really worked and what felt grafted onto the film.
Craig Elsten is re-joined by Liddy Loree to discuss the first two episodes of The White Lotus' second season, the savage complexity of Mike White's writing, the confidence of the first two episodes, and all the delicious characters within. Then, a discussion of The Patient on Hulu, and how the half-hour drama format fit the show's aims so directly.
Craig Elsten and "Talk Nerdy To Me" correspondent Ken Gartin are back to discuss Andor, which started as one of the best Star Wars shows, and now is fighting to be one of the best overall shows of 2022! Plus, a complete review of the first season of "She Hulk: Attorney at Law", discussion of an underwhelming (so far) season of Survivor and how it's comparing to The Challenge, and more!
© 2020-2025 Ivy Podcast Discovery LLC
