Present Company

Rashida Jones is no stranger to the Black Mirror universe. From co-writing the hit episode "Nosedive," to being a megafan of the series — she now takes a lead role in the new Season 7 opener, "Common People." Jones reveals why her character felt like "the most acting" of any performance and how creating a relatable, natural dynamic was essential for both thematic storytelling and viewer experience. This month, the actor-writer-filmmaker was honored in TIME 100: The Most Influential People of 2025. Jones also shares her unabashed rejection of society's anti-aging pressures and reflects on the recent passing of her father, Quincy Jones. Video episodes available on Still Watching Netflix. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Michelle Buteau chats with Krista Smith in New York for the return of Survival of the Thickest (Season 2). Buteau stars as the vibrant and charming Mavis Beaumont — a resilient stylist determined to pioneer a space for the women often ignored in a world of high-fashion. Buteau shares on Skip Intro what it took to overcome rejection in her own life, how to stand in your power, and her commitment to "make it fun!" We also catch up on Buteau's last five years as a mom of twins and what it was like to make history as the first woman to film a stand-up special at Radio City Music Hall. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Kaitlyn Dever returns to Skip Intro after six years of continuing to build her craft as a dynamic actor and talented musician. Dever talks about how her latest role in Apple Cider Vinegar came to her at a poignant time in her life, the recent passing of her mother from breast cancer, and what still brings her the most joy on set after being in the business for nearly two decades. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Jane Fonda and her son Troy Garity join our show the week of the 2025 SAG Awards, where Fonda was honored with SAG-AFTRA's highest tribute — the Life Achievement Award. She talks about the origin of her iconic Klute shag haircut, how she once fought off a bear in New Mexico, and what she looks forward to doing next in her best decade yet. Garity shares the helpful advice his mother gave him for his first film, Bandits, and how remaining empathetic, creative, and hopeful as an actor creates a path for finding solutions in a chaotic world. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Kate Hudson stars in the new comedy series, Running Point. Back in 2022, Hudson caught up with Krista Smith on life outside of Hollywood — being a mom of three, her business ventures, a deep love for music, and so much more. Since that interview, Hudson released her first debut album, Glorious. We're excited to bring back that conversation, including some never-before-heard moments. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

This week, Krista Smith brings back a very special interview — the first guest of 254 episodes was none other than Renée Zellweger. Zellweger's timeless talent has won her numerous awards across dynamic roles, and you can still see her performances in WHAT / IF, Judy, and Cinderella Man on Netflix. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Kaitlyn Dever stars in the new limited series, Apple Cider Vinegar. Inspired by true events, Dever takes on the role of Belle Gibson, a young woman who was at the center of a massive pseudoscience scam in Australia. This week, Krista Smith brings back her 2019 interview with Dever. At the time, Dever received critical praise for her roles in Booksmart and Unbelievable. She also went on to release original music with her sister Mady in the duo band, Beulahbell. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Betty Gilpin stars in the gripping limited series, American Primeval. Gilpin plays a mother fleeing from her past, with her young son, in the unforgiving and brutal wild west. But American Primeval is no traditional Western. This week, Krista Smith brings back her 2019 interview with Gilpin. At the time, Gilpin starred in the Netflix comedy series, GLOW. Gilpin also went on to publish her first book, a collection of essays called, All the Women in My Brain: And Other Concerns.

In a difficult start to 2025, Krista Smith addresses the devastating fires that have spread throughout Los Angeles. We hope this bonus episode of Now on Netflix can provide a little bit of respite. Jessica Shaw is joined by Keely Flaherty from Tudum for a deeper dive into the gripping limited series, American Primeval, starring Betty Gilpin and Taylor Kitsch. Then also talk about the delightful return of Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx in the new action comedy, Back in Action, directed by Seth Gordon.

Cameron Diaz joins the show to talk about her new movie, Back in Action. Diaz and Jamie Foxx co-star as Emily and Matt — two secret agents who give up their careers to start a family. But when their cover is blown, the couple is dragged back into the world of espionage that they thought they left behind. Diaz explains what made her say yes to Back in Action after a 10-year hiatus from acting, shares why the prospect of re-teaming with Foxx (who she previously co-starred with in Any Given Sunday and Annie) played a big role in her decision, and describes why she was excited for the physical challenge of playing Emily. She also discusses her long-time interest in health and wellness (which led to two New York Times Bestsellers and her organic, transparency-focused wine brand Avaline), reflects on a few key moments in her career, and talks about how the industry has changed since her last on-screen appearance.

Karla Sofía Gascón joins the show to talk about her experience starring in Jacques Audiard's bold, genre-defying film, Emilia Pérez. Gascón plays the title character – a menacing cartel leader who fakes her own death to live authentically as her true self.  Gascón shares her initial reaction to the script and the intense preparation that followed, describes the lengthy process that she and Audiard went through to find the right version of each character, and explains why playing Emilia was more challenging than playing Manitas. She also talks about working with her co-stars (Zoe Saldaña, Selena Gomez, and Adriana Paz), discusses the power of women on screen, and ruminates on what has been an incredible breakthrough moment in her career.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Krista rings in the new year by revisiting her favorite moments from 2024.

Enjoy this bonus episode from The Piano Lesson: The Official Podcast. When director and co-writer Malcolm Washington decided to adapt August Wilson's The Piano Lesson for film, he knew he couldn't just drop a camera in the play. It needed to stand on its own. In this episode, we dive deep into Malcolm's creative process, along with the rest of the cast, to find out how they approached the making of this film. You can find all three episodes of The Piano Lesson: The Official Podcast, wherever you get your podcasts. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Kerry Washington joins the show to talk about her role in Tyler Perry's new film, The Six Triple Eight, which tells the inspiring true story of the incredible women of the first and only Women's Army Corps unit of color to be stationed overseas during World War II. Washington portrays the unit's captain, Charity Adams. Washington talks about her first collaboration with Perry (on his 2010 film, For Colored Girls) and explains why The Six Triple Eight was the perfect opportunity to reunite, digs into the history behind the film, and explains how she was able to connect with Adam's character through the unexpected discovery of a collection of her personal belongings. She also discusses producing the documentary, Daughters, shares how she and her Scandal co-stars cultivated their gigantic fan base through live-tweeting, and speaks candidly about how growing up as an only child (and discovering that she was a donor conceived child later in life) contributed to who she is today. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Lisa Kudrow joins the show to talk about her new series No Good Deed. Kudrow stars as Lydia, a retired pianist who is reluctantly selling her highly coveted Los Feliz home in the hopes of creating a fresh start alongside her husband Paul (Ray Romano). But as multiple families race to buy what they believe is their dream home, Lydia and Paul struggle to hide the dark and dangerous secrets that linger inside. Kudrow explains why coming onboard the series was an easy yes, talks about finally getting working with Romano after years of wanting to collaborate, and digs into her experience finding Lydia's character amidst the story's many moving pieces. She also reflects on the enduring popularity of Friends, muses about what her character Phoebe would be up to these days, and shares what she misses most about the pre-social media world.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Angelina Jolie joins the show to talk about playing the title role in Pablo Larraín's latest film, Maria. The film tells the tumultuous and beautiful story of the world's greatest female opera singer, Maria Callas, re-lived and reimagined during her final days in 1970s Paris. Jolie explains how she got involved with the film, dives into the intense preparation process (which required her to learn how to sing opera so her voice could be properly blended with Callas), and walks us through how the costume design process helped her find the private version of Maria that existed behind closed doors. She also shares her unique connection with the extras who played the audience during her La Scala opera scene, describes her relationship with co-stars Pierfrancesco Favino and Alba Rohrwacher (who play Maria's butler, Ferruccio and her housemaid, Bruna), and breaks down a few of the film's most challenging scenes. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Justine Lupe joins the show to talk about Nobody Wants This. The series centers on an unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody). Their relationship comes under the scrutiny of their loved ones, including Morgan (Lupe) – Joanne's charming, quick-witted sister. Lupe describes her audition process, explains how her first interaction with Bell set the tone for the entire filming experience, and breaks down one of the show's funniest scenes. She also reflects on her decision to audition for Juilliard and the epic journey that led to her acceptance, shares what she learned from Sarah Snook and her other Succession co-stars, and explains how she has learned to handle the inevitable ups and downs of being an actor.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Adam Brody joins the show to talk about Nobody Wants This, the wildly popular series which centers on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Brody). Brody shares what it's been like to watch the series take off over the past few months, considers the role nostalgia played in fans' reaction to seeing him and Bell together on screen, and weighs in on the internet's "Hot Rabbi" versus "Hot Priest" conversation.  He also explains how he went from being a San Diego surfer kid to a breakout heartthrob on the teen soap The O.C., describes how practicality has guided his path through the industry, and shares what songs are on the top of his yacht rock playlist.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Danielle Deadwyler joins the show to talk about playing Berniece in Malcolm Washington's directorial debut, The Piano Lesson. Based on August Wilson's Pulitzer Prize-winning play, the film follows a sibling clash over a prized heirloom piano – the sole vestige of their family's heritage. Deadwyler shares her long-standing connection to Wilson's work, discusses how Berniece's character relates directly to her independent work as a performance artist (which explores the blurred lines of Black female labor in America), and describes the family-dynamic that Washington created for the cast and crew over the course of filming. She also considers how being a middle child impacted the deep sense of familial responsibility she felt growing up, ruminates on how her hometown of Atlanta, Georgia shaped her as an artist, and reflects on the trajectory of her acting career -- which took off in 2020 and has shown no signs of slowing. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Selena Gomez joins the show to talk about her role in Jacques Audiard's Emilia Pérez – a bold, genre-defying film that follows the journey of four remarkable women in Mexico, each pursuing their own happiness. Gomez recalls the emotional moment that she found out she'd gotten the role of Jessi (the wife of a fearsome cartel leader), describes the joyful experience of working with Audiard on Emilia Pérez's multi-lingual set, and discussed why even as a seasoned singer and performer the film's unique choreography presented a new set of challenges. Gomez also shares her desire to continue exploring the depths of her capabilities as an actor, talks about her continued work in the youth mental health space, and reflects on how being an only-child for the first twenty-one years of her life helped set her on a path towards acting. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Zoe Saldaña joins the show to talk about her role in Jacques Audiard's new film, Emilia Pérez. Saldaña plays Rita – a Mexican lawyer who is offered an unusual job to help a notorious cartel boss retire and transition into living as a woman, fulfilling a life-long desire.  Saldaña recalls being inspired by Audiard's work as a teenager, explains that playing Rita allowed her to combine her favorite artistic mediums and fully immerse herself within an acting experience, and reacts to the overwhelming public reception that the film has received so far.  She also reflects on her childhood, describes how ballet provided her with a much-needed escape from every-day life, discusses how her early acting experiences in films like Center Stage, Crossroads, and Drumline shaped the kinds of roles she wanted to pursue, and speaks candidly about handling roadblocks throughout her career. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Keri Russell joins the show to talk about the second season of The Diplomat. Russell reprises her role as Ambassador Kate Wyler, who must piece together the truth after her world is shattered by a deadly explosion in the heart of London. Russell digs into the dynamic between Kate and her husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) by explaining why their relationship is the glue of the show, shares why she was nervous to meet Allison Janney (who joins the cast as Vice President Grace Penn), and recounts the cast's reaction to learning about the season's bombshell ending during a table read. She also reflects on how being a middle child affected her temperament, jokes about her daughter's reaction to watching Felicity for the first time, and explains why there is nothing better than riding her bike home from set during the early hours of the morning. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Martha Stewart joins the show to talk about R.J. Cutler's new documentary, Martha. Told in her own words through intimate interviews, never-before-seen photos, letters, and diary entries, the documentary charts the unstoppable rise, sudden fall, and hard-won comeback of the self-made icon. Stewart provides additional insight on key career moments that are covered in the documentary, breaks down a few of her favorite mottos, and explains the importance of personal evolution. She also reflects on the essential role her parents played in shaping the person she is today, discusses her friendship with Snoop Dogg, and offers advice to anyone who is starting out on their entrepreneurial journey. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

This week, Krista brings back her 2020 conversation with Adam Driver. The pair discuss the benefit of working with friends, why problem-solving is the best part of the filmmaking process, and Driver's foundation, Arts in the Armed Forces, which brings the theater to a military audience. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Anna Kendrick joins the show to talk about her directorial debut, Woman of the Hour. The film is a tense thriller based on the true story of a woman (Anna Kendrick) who reluctantly makes an appearance on the popular 1970s show The Dating Game, and chooses a bachelor (Daniel Zovatto) who turns out to be a prolific serial killer. Kendrick explains how she ended up pitching herself as the film's director, speaks candidly about what it was like to be on the other side of the casting process, and describes how she found her voice on set. She also reflects on her days traveling from Portland, Maine to New York City with her brother to attend auditions as a kid, discusses how her early experiences working on a wide range of sets informed her perception of fame, and contemplates taking on more musical roles in the future. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

This week, Krista brings back her 2019 interview with Laura Dern. Dern talks about growing up on film sets in 70s Los Angeles, reflects on the arc of her career, and discusses how she's seen the experience of women in the industry evolve. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Creator and Writer Erin Foster and Executive Producer Sara Foster join the show to talk about Nobody Wants This, a comedy centered on the unlikely relationship between an outspoken, agnostic woman, Joanne (Kristen Bell), and an unconventional rabbi, Noah (Adam Brody).  The sisters share how Erin's experience dating her now-husband Simon, who is Jewish, inspired the series, pinpoint where things turn from fact to fiction, and discuss the advantages and challenges of shooting on location in Los Angeles.  The pair also reflect on their childhood, break down how their personal and professional relationship has evolved over the years, and talk about carving their path through Hollywood. Plus, they dig into their unexpected decision to become creative directors of Bumble in 2017, discuss creating their fashion brand, Favorite Daughter, during the pandemic, and share a few lessons on trusting your instincts and avoiding the pitfalls of "hustle culture." Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Will Ferrell and Harper Steele join the show to talk about their new documentary, Will & Harper, which chronicles a 17-day cross-country road trip the pair decided to take after Steele came out to her friends and family as a trans woman. The pair discuss how the idea behind the documentary took form, reflect on one of the most emotionally intense moments they experienced on the road (which takes place in a Texas steakhouse), and break down their road trip music choices.  Ferrell and Steele also recount how they became friends after joining Saturday Night Live during the same week in 1995, share how growing up in quiet hometowns influenced their interest in comedy, and dig into family dynamics. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Krista ushers in a new chapter by sharing a few highlights from the summer and revealing the question she'll be asking all of her season 9 guests.

Krista bids farewell to season 8 with a few of her favorite quotes. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

A few months ago, Krista sat down separately with Andrew Scott and Dakota Fanning to talk about their roles as Tom Ripley and Marge Sherwood in Steven Zaillian's Ripley. Based on Patricia Highsmith's bestselling “Tom Ripley” novels, the limited series follows Tom – a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York – who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy in order to convince his vagabond son to return home. His acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud and murder.  Pulled from a recent panel, this episode dives deeper into the series by exploring the experiences of Scott, Fanning, and Johnny Flynn (who plays Dickie Greenleaf). To check out a full version of this conversation, visit Netflix's official FYSEE TV website. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

A few weeks ago, Sofía Vergara sat down at the Netflix FYSEE space to reflect on her journey bringing Griselda to the screen. The limited series is a fictionalized dramatization inspired by the life of the savvy and ambitious Griselda Blanco (Vergara), who created one of the most powerful cartels in history. Set in 1970s-80s Miami, Blanco's lethal blend of unsuspected savagery and charm helps her expertly navigate between business and family, leading her to become widely known as “the Godmother." Vergara (who also executive produced the series) gives a performance that is dark and powerful, yet still vulnerable – resulting in a captivating viewing experience. To check out a full version of this conversation, visit Netflix's official FYSEE TV website. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Glen Powell joins the show to talk about Hit Man, which he co-wrote and co-produced alongside the film's director, Richard Linklater. Powell stars as Gary -- a straight-laced professor who discovers his hidden talent as a fake hit man. But when one of his clients steals his heart, it ignites a powder keg of deception, delight, and mixed-up identities. Powell digs into his long-running creative relationship with Linklater, describes what it was like to develop Hit Man's colorful cast of characters, and reflects on meeting and working with his co-star Adria Arjona. He also explains how he fell in love with movies and musical theatre while growing up in Austin, Texas, breaks down his biggest career milestones, and gives a play-by-play of his Longhorns game day routine.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

This week, Krista brings back her 2021 interview with Dakota Johnson. In this conversation, Dakota shares her perspective on the industry, describes how she navigates her own fears (which threaten to overwhelm her at times), and talks about her future ambitions. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

This week, Krista brings back her 2020 interview with comedian, actress, writer, and producer Michelle Buteau. At the time of this conversation, Buteau had just released her comedy special, Welcome to Buteaupia, and was on a non-stop run of projects -- hosting The Circle, appearing in films like Always Be My Maybe, and in TV shows like First Wives Club and Tales of the City. She was also just a few months away from publishing her autobiographical book of essays, Survival of the Thickest.  Cut to 2024, and Buteau has turned that book into a hit Netflix series by the same name. She's also expanded her hosting resume, adding two seasons of Barbecue Showdown to her list. In this interview, Buteau takes us back to the very beginning of her comedy career and talks about the challenges she faced along the way. She reveals when she feels most vulnerable on stage, how her parents felt about her pursuing her passion, and some of the unsolicited advice she's received from her audiences. She also shares her advice for young comedians starting out, and what she's learned by observing the extraordinary group of women she's worked with in her career to date. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Theo James joins the show to discuss his role in Guy Ritchie's series, The Gentleman. James plays Eddie Horniman, an aristocrat who inherits his family estate only to discover that it's home to an enormous weed empire run by a dangerous group of proprietors. James reflects on being inspired by Ritchie's films as a teenager, describes the aspects of The Gentleman that drew him to the series, explains how he adapted to the fast-paced environment that Ritchie creates on set, and shares what it was like to work alongside his co-stars Kaya Scodelario and Daniel Ings.  James also talks about his early interests in music and comedy, describes how he tried not to fanboy over Michael Imperioli on the set of The White Lotus, and shares a few of his biggest artistic inspirations.   Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Richard Gadd joins the show to talk about his new limited series, Baby Reindeer. Based on his award-winning autobiographical one-man play by the same name, the series follows a struggling comedian named Donny (Gadd), whose warped relationship with his female stalker ultimately forces him to face a deeply buried trauma.  Gadd describes throwing himself wholeheartedly into creating the series – from writing its seven episodes to preparing mentally and physically to play Donny. He also digs into the process of casting Jessica Gunning as Martha, unpacks the show's final scene, and shares a few of the surprising reactions he's received from viewers so far. Gadd also explains how being cast as Macbeth in his school play inspired him to pursue performing, recounts the intense moments leading up to his one-man show Monkey See Monkey Do at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, and describes how the music of The Pogues has served as the soundtrack to his life.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

David Beckham joins the show to talk about BECKHAM, Fisher Stevens' four-part docuseries that traces his rise from humble beginnings to international soccer superstar. Through interviews with those closest to him, BECKHAM offers a personal and definitive story of one of the most recognizable and scrutinized athletes of all time.  In this conversation, Beckham reflects on the world's reaction to the docuseries, walks us through a few of his favorite moments from filming, and speaks candidly about the difficulties of opening up on camera.   He also digs the joys and challenges of parenthood, discusses his favorite ways to spend time in Miami (he co-owns Inter Miami CF) versus in the English countryside, and shares his aspirations for the future. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

This week, Krista takes a look back at her conversation with Keri Russell. A the time, Russell had wrapped up work on season 1 of The Diplomat. Russell's performance as the career diplomat Kate Wyler would go on to earn her numerous accolades, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe nomination. In this episode, Russell explains why she immediately said yes to the part despite the logistical challenges it would require, digs into what she loves about Kate's incredibly nuanced character, and describes what it was like simultaneously working as an executive producer on the series. She also shares her 11-year-old daughter's hot take on her beloved series Felicity, discusses her long-standing creative relationship with J.J. Abrams, and recounts a few memorable times when fans recognized her on the street. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Krista takes a deep dive into the career of filmmaker Zack Snyder and shares how that journey led to his latest undertaking, Rebel Moon - Part 2: The Scargiver. This second film in the Rebel Moon franchise continues to expand the sci-fi universe that was introduced to audiences with Rebel Moon - Part 1: A Child of Fire. The pair talk about Snyder's life-long love of photography, examine the films that inspired him growing up, and discuss his experience attending ArtCenter College of Design, in Pasadena, California (where the idea behind Rebel Moon first started to form). Snyder also digs into the unique logistical challenges that Rebel Moon - Part 1 and Rebel Moon - Part 2 presented, explains what it was like to direct Sofia Boutella through the films' epic action sequences, and shares what he loves about collaborating with his wife (and Rebel Moon's producer) Deborah Snyder. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Gillian Anderson returns to Skip Intro to talk about her new film, Scoop. Inspired by real events, Scoop is the inside account of the tenacious journalism that landed an earth shattering interview - Prince Andrew's BBC Newsnight appearance. Anderson portrays Emily Maitlis, the journalist who conducted that infamous interview. Anderson speaks candidly about why she was hesitant to play Maitlis at first, shares what finally made her say yes to the challenge, explains what that transformation ultimately entailed, and breaks down what it was like to shoot the showdown between her character and Prince Andrew (Rufus Sewell).  She also reflects on the conclusion of Sex Education, talks about finding fearlessness through creativity, and shares how her female fans inspire her to speak up for what she believes in.  Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.

Dakota Fanning joins the show to talk about her role in the limited series, Ripley. Based on Patricia Highsmith's bestselling novels, the series follows Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott), a grifter scraping by in early 1960s New York, who is hired by a wealthy man to travel to Italy to try to convince his vagabond son to return home. Tom's acceptance of the job is the first step into a complex life of deceit, fraud, and murder. Fanning recounts the exciting moment when she was offered the role of Marge Sherwood, shares what she loved most about working with her co-stars Andrew Scott and Johnny Flynn, and explains how writer-director Steven Zaillian elevated the series through his scrupulous attention to detail.  She also describes how she navigated the trappings of fame while growing up in Hollywood, expresses what it has meant to have her younger sister Elle by her side throughout their individual acting journeys, and shares details on her Italian themed "La Dakota Vita" 30th birthday party. Listen to more from Netflix Podcasts.