Taking TV Too Seriously

When the world is on fire, sometimes you take a break from podcasting, while other times you make wishes on shooting stars to swap lives with your sister - because she's gotta have it better than you, right? In this episode, we discuss Wish Upon a Star (1996), increasingly puritanical media, genuinely gross character quirks, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.Support the Show.

WEEEEE'RE BACK! Did you miss us like we missed you? Listen, life be life-ing, so we're watching one of our go-to comfort movies, Bring It On (2000). Grab some popcorn or some pom-poms, queue up this classic, and watch along with us.This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Closing out the year, we're talking about the hit Netflix series, Heartstopper (2022 -), a wholesome show with a surprisingly toxic fandom! In this episode, we discuss the pitfalls of representation discourse, parasocial relationships, identity journeys,  what even is queerbaiting, and - above all - queer joy. [Content warning for discussions of homophobia, biphobia, transphobia, sexual assault, and bullying.]We'll be taking a break at the top of 2023 then we'll be back with more nostalgic (& likely queer) content. Happy New Year! This episode was edited by Michelle and Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're talking about the tongue-twister, The Incredibly True Adventure of Two Girls in Love (1995) - try saying that five times fast! In addition to waxing poetic about lesbian love scenes and the sweetness of first loves, we discuss the romance of exchanging letters, how gender socialization affects the way we approach relationships, the importance of set design, and creativity born in less-than-ideal conditions. [Content warning: discussions of homophobia.] This episode was edited by Michelle and Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Happy National Coming Out Day! Or, alternatively, Happy Do What's Right for You Day! Whether you're out and proud, semi-out or not at all, questioning or still coming to terms with what terms you even like, you matter and we're glad you're here. Today, we're taking a brief detour from our season, and our usual format, to rant and rave about all (or most) of our faves and least faves - while still keeping it queer AF, as always. From hot takes to the best and worst tropes, we discuss Hollywood's love of book-to-film adaptations, the pitfalls of superhero movies, rom-com silliness, reboots vs revivals, and a whole lot more. Stay tuned! This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

 [Content warning: discussions of transphobic violence.]Today's topic is the underrated gem, Better Than Chocolate (1999), a movie infamous for one of the most iconic erotic painting scenes we've ever seen (seriously, Google it) - but that's not all this lighthearted lesbian film has to offer! This episode covers art as activism, Canada being the ultimate film hub, the wild world of censorship of gay books, the realization that we sometimes see the mom's point, and a surprisingly sympathetic trans narrative (we stan Judy). Tune in while we get into it all!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Ever wanted to see a British gay interracial romance in a laundrette with a young Daniel Day-Lewis? Look no further than the weirdly slow-paced yet sometimes hot and compelling film, My Beautiful Laundrette (1985). Stretching what's acceptable for a slow-burn romance, this film takes 40 minutes to get to the gayness, but maybe it was worth it? In this episode, we mull over confusing family dynamics, surprisingly complex racial politics, why leads Daniel Day-Lewis and Gordon Warnecke were known as the "Listerine Kids," and an unforgettable champagne scene. [CW: discussions of incest, homophobia, and racism.]  This episode was edited by Michelle & Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Today's episode is centered on one of our favorite sitcoms, Schitt's Creek (2015 - 2020). Listen in as we talk about mouth acting, an almost polyamorous plot, the importance of aesthetics, beards (the ones that grow outta your face), and the best cold opens. We hope this unpaid promotion of Canada's least homophobic town makes each and every one of you check it out! We promise you won't regret it, and maybe you'll even become a little bit Alexis, too.This episode was edited by Michelle & Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're discussing one of our favorite lesbian rom-coms, Bend It Like Beckham (2002). ...okay, maybe it's not canon, but isn't it? In this episode, we get into misleading advertisements, the Spice Girls, Keira Knightley causing many gay awakenings, and narrative structures of romcoms--but tbh most of this episode is us going, "How is this NOT gay?" Seriously. Have you SEEN this movie? Listen in and see if you agree that this movie deserves an honorary spot in the lesbian film hall of fame.This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're talking about the best satire known to gay, But I'm a Cheerleader (1999), a film chock full of camp aesthetics, in-jokes, and one of the best love stories ever filmed. Listen in as we discuss objectification vs attraction, bigoted politicians, gay haircuts, the absurdity of straightness, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

[TW: gun violence & death] In this episode, we continue discussing our fave QTs on TV. Stay tuned for laments about wrongful character deaths, gender expression vs. identity, writing with intention, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle & Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're talking about our favorite QTs on film & TV - some of them, anyway! Split into two parts for your convenience (and ours) because when it comes to our faves, we need more time to appreciate 'em, y'know? In this episode, we get into labels and the fluidity of identity, nostalgia, impromptu classroom karaoke, transformative hair-cutting scenes, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find them on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Today, we're taking a look at I Can't Think Straight (2008), a stand-out in the lesbian film canon for its cultural specificity and, lezbi honest, its punny title. In this episode, we talk about the mislabeling of romantic dramas as rom-coms, the lack of representation for Middle Eastern and South Asian lesbians, successful vs unsuccessful book-to-film adaptations, and - one of our favorite recurring discussion points - the importance of editing!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Today, we're reviewing one of the staples of New Queer Cinema, The Watermelon Woman (1995). Listen in as we get into the rarely-seen Black lesbian gaze, DIY indie aesthetics, Pauli Murray, racist bingo, the quest for identity and community, and so much more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

When you hear "cult classic," do you think "Rocky Horror Picture Show"? Same! Time warp with us back to 1975 when the queers birthed cosplay and showed everyone how to do fandom right. In this episode, we talk about the sexual revolution, '70s editing, wild songs, alien allegories, and so much more! [Content warning: discussions of sexual assault, coercion, and rape.]This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

Today, we're revisiting the unfairly short-lived TV series, Noah's Arc (2005 - 2006), and its spin-off films, Jumping the Broom (2008) and The 'Rona Chronicles (2020). Listen in as we discuss living for the drama, ethical nonmonogamy, male femininity, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

In this episode, we're watching D.E.B.S. (2003). Who said spy parodies are just for straight people?  Join us as we discuss how this movie holds up as "camp", the Token Black Friend, cheesy special effects, and why queer people are allowed to have comedies (no matter their quality). This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we take a look at Moonlight (2016). Stay tuned as we get into the consequences of bad graphic design, Black trauma porn, waking up and choosing violence, Black masculinity, intimacy, and more! [Trigger warning for discussions of homophobia and suicidal ideation.]This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we're breaking out the tissues to discuss Pariah (2011), the pinnacle of coming out narratives, and a masterclass in writing and character development. This queer classic deserves all the praise, all the (belated) awards...all the everything tbh! Grab your tissues and stay tuned. [Content warning for discussions of homophobia and child abuse.] This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously. 

We're back for season 3! And today we're taking a deep dive into LGBT film history. Using The Celluloid Closet (1995) and Disclosure: Trans Lives On Screen (2020) as reference points, we get into the Hays Code, a timeline of queer tropes, and the importance of feeling seen in media. [Content warning: LGBT death/murder, suicide, homophobia and transphobia.] This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Whether your family threw this on every holiday after Labor Day or you're viewing it for the first time, The Wiz (1978) is worth revisiting. Closing out the year, we ease on down memory lane and discuss the nature of adaptations, the importance of editing, upsetting racists, and even cults!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we're joined by a special guest, Jelani (they/them), to review Dreamgirls (2006). Listen in as we go in on what qualifies as a Black classic, the unforgettable soundtrack, why this movie "isn't" about the Supremes, and so much more!This episode was edited by Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we're reviewing several musical TV episodes from the series Grey's Anatomy, Scrubs, Community, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, The Flash, and Daria. Should these episodes have happened? Debatable. Are we glad they did? Also debatable. Stay tuned!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we reminisce and honor the best Cinderella film ever produced, Rodgers and Hammerstein's Cinderella (1997). Disney and them still won't release a Brandy-as-Cinderella Barbie doll, and the official soundtrack is locked in a vault somewhere. You mad, too? Listen in to hear more about marketing fails, one of the longest names given to any fictional character we know of, and peak romance!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Looking back at the classic film, Chicago (2002), we discuss crime as entertainment, fame and the culture of celebrity, and the racist history of clowns (it makes sense in context, trust). If you like misandry set to music, or hate when people pop their gum, this episode is for you! [Content warning: this episode includes discussions of rape, domestic violence, and other potentially triggering topics.]This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Taking a small detour from musicals, we're talking about the must-watch Halloween-themed movie, Hocus Pocus (1993). Listen in as we discuss the iconic cover of "I Put a Spell On You," marketing failures, disturbing trivia, and more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we recall the infamous TV show, Glee (2009-2015). Have you ever wondered how many times we were forced to listen to Don't Stop Believin? Do you have a love/hate relationship with this chaotic musical mess?  Join us as we rehash our love/hate relationship with a show only the late 2000s and early 2010s could offer. Did the show have issues? Yes, but does the show have BOPS? Also yes.This episode was edited by Micky and Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we're celebrating the underappreciated classic, Josie and the Pussycats (2001). If you know what "du jour" means, like meta humor, or enjoy kickass pop-punk anthems, stay tuned! (Also, get your life and watch Boomerang's animated ode to Josie and the Pussycats here.) This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Do you know how you would answer City High's age-old question: What would you do? Do you also stan Lauryn Hill's film debut at Rita? Do you know why Whoopi Goldberg doesn't have eyebrows? Join us as we take a look at the 1993 film Sister Act 2 and discuss the real inspiration behind Sister Mary Clarence, the explosion of gospel and hip hop music in the 1990s, and more! This episode was edited by Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Kicking off season 2, we're taking a look at an old classic, Schoolhouse Rock! (1973). Listen in as we talk about the function of a conjunction and the importance of pronouns; the value of music in education; resisting whitewashed history lessons; and more! [Content warning: discussions of racism, genocide, and US chattel slavery.] This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this bonus episode, we recap, rank and reimagine the DCOMs we've watched so far, reminisce over Zoog Disney, and rant about the regression of representation on the Disney channel. If you remember a little film called The Color of Friendship or have wondered what a Brink/Johnny Tsunami crossover would be like, this episode is for you! This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Did you expect a high school musical and feel ripped off when you only got an audition? You've come to the right place for vindication! In this episode, we review the game-changing DCOM, High School Musical (2006). Was it cliché? (Of course.) Was it cheesy? (Without a doubt.) But were there bangers? (Debatable!) Get your head in the game and listen in!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

If you saw the honestly #iconic DCOM Motocrossed  (2001) as a kid, there's a 9/10 chance you're LGBT+. Welcome, fam! Stay tuned for the queerest reading you could expect from this podcast and join us in cheering on protag Andi Carson on her gender journey!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Are you in need of a movie that mixes the 1950s and bowling? Well, at the start of the new millennium, Disney gave you just want you needed! In this episode, we revisit a DCOM you've probably never heard of, Alley Cats Strike (2000). Tune in as we discuss how queer the two main characters should be, the history of bowling, how much we resonate with the parents of children's movies, and more!  This episode was edited by Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Interrupting your regularly scheduled DCOM season is a very special episode in lieu of PRIDE MONTH! Listen in as we celebrate, analyze, and roast when necessary, the infamous movie musical, Rent (2005). Discover which tunes we prefer to fast-forward through, why mooing isn't an effective call to action, and all of the rainbow flags that pinged our queerness. [Content warning: this episode includes discussions of drug addiction, suicide, police brutality, and other potentially triggering topics.]This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

When you hear 'Johnny Tsunami,' do you just think about surfing and snowboarding? Turns out this movie is almost as deep as the oceans Johnny Kapahala surfs and cooler than the mountain he glides on! Taking a look at Johnny Tsuami (1999), we discuss assimilation, breaking cycles of generational trauma, and one of the cutest onscreen friendships DCOM ever created. (And yes, the title of this episode will make sense. Don't worry.)This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

In this episode, we review Jett Jackson: The Movie (2001), a forgotten DCOM that deserves way more recognition. Listen in as we discuss the staying power of "Lately" by Divine, the fantastical world where wholesome Black boys are celebrated (R.I.P. Lee Thompson Young), and the prevalence of molecular blackface ™ in sci-fi—never heard of it? Stay tuned!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Does it matter what color your spots are? In this society?! Oh, definitely. In this episode, we jump forward into the new millennium with the first DCOM musical, The Cheetah Girls (2003). Not only does this episode feature discussions of race, class, and what makes a good pop banger, but stay tuned for rarely-discussed Whitney Houston trivia and reminders to, as always, wash your fucking hands!For more information about The Cheetah Girls' memorable single, "Cinderella," check out this video by Yhara Zayd.This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Want to relive the EXTREME sports of the '90s? Do you want to be a Soul Skater, but need to make money because capitalism is hard? Join us as we take a deep dive into the Disney Channel Original Movie, Brink! (1998)! You'll learn why Christina Vidal is the true star of this movie, why Val is a nightmare, why a Motocrossed/Brink! crossover is what we all need, and so much more!This episode was edited by Micky. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

The questions on everyone's minds: Who wants to live in space? Can we fit horses in a space-themed movie? Will Chelsea Clinton ever be president? Join us as we examine the cult classic, Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century (1999). We talk about the limited or otherworldly aspirations it had for POC in S.T.E.M., queer Black girls (yes, we're claiming Nebula), the futuristic nostalgia of fan-favorite bop “Supernova Girl” (R.I.P. to the singer-songwriter, Kristian Rex), and so much more!This episode was edited by Michelle. Logo by Micky. Music by Michelle. For business inquiries and fan rants, please email takingtvtooseriously@gmail.com. In between episodes, find us on Instagram @takingtvtooseriously.

Get ready for a brand new podcast, Taking TV Too Seriously, with Micky and Michelle! This podcast is built for your nostalgic heart with more deep analysis than you probably asked for. Premiering this May 2021 everywhere you get your podcasts.