The Americans Podcast

June Thomas talks with Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys about their feelings about the series finale. Then Noah Emmerich and Brandon J. Dirden discuss their reactions to Stan Beeman's and Dennis Aderholt's behavior in Episode 610. Finally, Russell, Rhys, Emmerich, Dirden, and Costa Ronin share their strongest memories from their time on the show. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about about a hunter becoming a protector, Elizabeth’s flashbacks, and Claudia’s disappointment with the illegals. Then we hear from actor Costa Ronin, who plays Oleg Burov, about his response to his character’s fate. Spycraft expert H. Keith Melton explains the ins and outs of cyanide guns, and director Chris Long talks us through that spectacular scene involving young Elizabeth, a horse, and a motorcycle. And finally, Brandon J. Dirden talks about playing Special Agent Dennis Aderholt for four seasons.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Philip’s truth-telling, an unusual act of kindness on Elizabeth’s part, and why the characters on The Americans watch so much television. Then we hear from Alyssa Monks, the artist who created Erica Haskard’s paintings, about how she felt when she learned that Elizabeth was going to burn a piece of art that holds special significance for her. Finally, The Americans’ design team—production designer Dan Davis, set decorator Mila Khalevich, and art director Tim Goodmanson—talk about the challenges Season 6 presented. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Sarah Nolen, who wrote Episode 607, “Harvest,” about why she sees Philip's actions in the garage as "romantic"; why Philip and Elizabeth involved a day laborer in the Chicago operation; and Nolen's career path from assistant to writer. Then we hear snippets from conversations with Noah Emmerich, H. Keith Melton, and Ian McLaughlin about key moments in this episode. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Stephen Schiff and Justin Weinberger, who wrote Episode 606, “Rififi,” about how distance has helped Henry see family dynamics more clearly; why Stan is mad at Agent Aderholt, and why Philip decides to join Elizabeth on an out-of-town adventure. Then Amanda Pollack, who has been an editor on The Americans since Season 1, explains how she pieces the show together.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys about Elizabeth’s loneliness, Philip’s failures as a businessman, and the significance of the fight between Philip and Paige. She then chats with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Paige’s youthful rebellion, whether Elizabeth honey-trapped Philip, and why Philip changed the nature of his relationship with Kimmy. Finally, the show’s stunt coordinator, Ian McLaughlin, talks about the characters’ fighting styles. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Episode 604 of The Americans, "Mr. & Mrs. Teacup." She then chats with actor Costa Ronin, who plays Oleg Burov, about his Season 6 beard and other important issues. Finally, she talks with H. Keith Melton, who advises the creative team about intelligence-gathering techniques and technology and supplies many of the show’s spy gadgets from his personal collection, about KGB attitudes to hardware updates, Elizabeth’s necklace, and what was changing in 1987.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Episode 603 of The Americans, "Urban Transport Planning." She then chats with actor Noah Emmerich, who plays Stan Beeman, about how Stan is doing in 1987 and what it has been like to tackle a multi-season role for the first time. Finally, editor Katie Ennis, who has been responsible for many of the "previously on" teasers that precede each episode, explains how they're made. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Episode 602 of The Americans, "Tchaikovsky." She then chats with Brooklyn artist Alyssa Monks about her experience creating the art for the character of Erica Haskard. Finally, set decorator Mila Khalevich and art director Tim Goodmanson talk about the special challenges of creating a set that looks like the home of an artist. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, costume designer Katie Irish, and producing director Chris Long about Episode 601 of The Americans, "Dead Hand."  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with actors Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys, showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, and producing director Chris Long about Episode 513, "The Soviet Division."  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Episode 512, "The World Council of Churches." She then chats with producing director Chris Long about filming in Moscow. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields about Episode 511, "Dyatkovo." She then chats with producing director Chris Long about his job and the special challenges and opportunities of Season 5. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Stephen Schiff, who wrote Episode 510, "Darkroom." Later, she chats with Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys about the episode's surprising development, and prop master Daniel Fischer shares some of the show's behind-the-scenes secrets. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Peter Ackerman who wrote Episode 509, "IHOP." Later, she chats with Alison Wright about how she sees her character, Martha Hanson, coping with life in Moscow. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Tracey Scott Wilson who wrote Episode 508, "Immersion." Later, she chats with Costa Ronin, who plays Oleg Burov, about his character's evolution and what it was like to film in Moscow. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas talks with Matthew Rhys about his experience directing Episode 507, while Keri Russell, Joe Weisberg, and Joel Fields contribute thoughts on how it fits into the season arc. Then design director Dan Davis, set dresser Mila Khalevich, and art director Tim Goodmanson discuss this season’s design challenges. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

June Thomas discusses "Crossbreed" with Stephen Schiff, who wrote the episode. She then learns how the visual effects team made it appear that Gabriel was visiting the Lincoln Memorial when actor Frank Langella was in New York. Finally, property master Dan Fischer explains how he finds housewares and cars that can pass for 1980s Russian.

June Thomas joins Joe Weisberg, Joel Fields, and Noah Emmerich, who plays Stan Beeman and directed this episode, at the sound synch to discuss the latest developments. (And, yes, they explain what a sound synch involves.) Then we check in with actor Costa Ronin to find out how he sees that final scene.

Actors Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys join showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields to discuss the state of the Jenningses' relationship. Rhys also reveals why some actors are happy when their characters are given scenes that involve food. Then Peter Ackerman, who wrote this episode, talks about the big relationship shift that was revealed this week. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Writer Tracey Scott Wilson joins Slate's June Thomas to discuss the third episode of the show's penultimate season. Then costume designer Katie Irish shares her personal connections with many of the Season 5 disguises, points out a detail from Claudia's wardrobe, and talks about the dress styles of teenage boys of the 1980s. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Showrunners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg join Slate's June Thomas to discuss the second episode of the show's penultimate season. They discuss the Jenningses' parenting skills--and whether the trick Philip and Elizabeth taught Paige at the end of the episode is actually effective. Several members of the crew talk about the challenges they faced creating the greenhouse scene, then director of photography Dan Stoloff talks about his job. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Showrunners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg join Slate's June Thomas to discuss the premiere of the show's penultimate season. They discuss new characters Tuan and the Morozovs--and Philip and Elizabeth's new operational identities as Brad and  Dee Eckert. Then several members of the crew talk about the challenges they faced creating the episode's climactic 12-minute scene. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Tuesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Kerri Russell (Elizabeth) and Matthew Rhys (Philip) join June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss the season finale. Plus Matthew Rhys's favorite on-set moments, the reason Keri Russell says she enjoys acting now more than ever, and the challenges of sculpting a season finale that sits in the sweet spot of satisfying, but not too satisfying.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Producing director Chris Long joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss his unique process for getting the best performances out of actors. Plus, Costa Ronin (Oleg) stops by to talk about his big scene with Stan Beeman from last night's episode. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX.

Spy craft consultant (and author) H. Keith Melton joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss his collection of authentic KGB spy gear, and how he advises the show on everything from lock picking techniques, to what type of camera the characters should be using. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Composer Nathan Barr joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss his process for composing the show's score.  In addition to performing some of his unique custom-made instruments like the sympathetic drone cello, Barr breaks down the Emmy-nominated main title theme. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX.

The CEO of FX Networks, John Landgraf, and the VP of Current Series at FX Networks, Colette Wilson, join June Thomas and showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields to talk about the process of creating The Americans, the importance of storytellers, and the significance of the movie, The Day After. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX.

Matthew Rhys (Philip/Clark) joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to talk about his Americans directorial debut, which also happened to be one of his character's most intense episodes. Plus, Allison Wright (Martha) stops by to share some parting words for Martha. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Alison Wright (Martha) joins joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to talk about poor Martha, and what it feels like to finally face the truth. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Masha Gessen is responsible for Russian translation on The Americans. She joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to talk about the beauty of authentic subtitles, the difficulties that Phillip and Elizabeth would have faced when perfecting their Americans accents, and the honesty in The Americans' portrayal of the Communist sexual revolution.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX.

Noah Emmerich (Stan Beeman) joins June Thomas and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to talk about the awkwardness of directing a steamy sex scene between co-stars (and real life couple) Matthew Rhys and Keri Russell, plus the story of how he got a David Bowie song onto the show two days before Bowie passed away. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX.

Costa Robin (Oleg) joins June and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss last night's episode, plus what it's like auditioning for a bilingual role, and which language he prefers to act in. 

Former FBI counter intelligence agent Richard Kollmar joins June and the J's to talk about what it's really like to try and turn KGB spies. Plus, line producer Mary Rae Thewlis and Sr. VP of Productions for Fox 21 Bob Lemchen stop by to discuss their roles in episode 403.   Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.  New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Former KGB secret agent Jack Barsky stops by to compare his own experiences as a spy with those of Phillip and Elizabeth, from recruitment and training, to having two different families while living next door to the FBI.

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys stop by for a quick conversation with June about the beginning of the season. Writers and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg share tricks for disguising Russell's baby bump on camera, the themes they hope to hit in season four, and the unique challenges of writing a season premiere.

From writing the scripts and learning the lines, to choosing the wigs and composing the score, thousands of creative decisions go into every single episode of The Americans. This season on the podcast, Slate's June Thomas sits down not only with the creators and cast of the show, but experts on espionage and Russian culture. Expect to hear from: Keri Russell (Elizabeth), Noah Emmerich (Stan) , Matthew Rhys (Philip), Alison Wright (Martha), Costa Ronin (OIeg), showrunners Joe Weisberg &  Joel Fields, a former KGB secret agent, a former FBI counterintelligence agent, composer Nate Barr, and many more. Season 4 of The Americans premieres Wednesday, March 16 at 10pm on FX.   Subscribe to The Americans podcast from Slate now to get every episode as soon as it becomes available. 

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the Season 3 finale, “March 8, 1983,” stars Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, and Holly Taylor join script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to share their thoughts on the cliffhanger ending, their favorite moments from Season 3, and what might lie in store for the Jennings in Season 4.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the twelfth episode, “I Am Abasing Zadran,” Peggy Schierholz from the Hair and Makeup Department joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss arguably the most important part of The Americans—the wigs. Spoiler: she hate’s Clark’s wig. Plus, a quick check-in with actress Alison Wright about her character, Martha’s, shocking discovery.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the eleventh episode, “One Day in the Life of Anton Baklanov,” writers Tracey Scott Wilson and Stephen Schiff join script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss their collaborative writing style, and the deeply personal conversations that fueled the content of this week's episode.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the tenth episode, “Stingers,” Holly Taylor, who plays Paige Jennings, and editor Dan Valverde join script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss one of the biggest moments in the series thus far.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the ninth episode, “Do Mail Robots Dream of Electric Sheep?,” costume designer Jenny Gering and production designer Diane Lederman join script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss every detail that goes into bringing the 1980s back to life.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the eighth episode, “Divestment,” Alison Wright, who stars as Martha, joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss poor Martha’s point of view. Plus: Ever wonder who constructs the car crashes, fires, and fist fights on the show? We have an interview with stunt coordinator Ian Mclaughlin.     Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the seventh episode, “Walter Taffet,” Noah Emmerich, who stars as FBI agent Stan Beeman, joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss the trials and tribulations of a first time director. Plus: Fleetwood Mac and the song that didn’t make it into the episode.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the sixth episode, “Born Again,” Keri Russell, who stars as Russian spy Elizabeth Jennings, joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss on-set challenges, the best (and worst) part of wearing so many disguises, and her own personal contributions to the crafting of a scene.     Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the fifth episode, “Salang Pass,” Matthew Rhys, who stars as Russian spy Phillip Jennings, joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss KGB sex training, selecting the perfect wig, and the craziness of playing five characters in a single episode.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the fourth episode, “Dimebag,” script coordinator Molly Nussbaum talks to executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg and to writer Peter Ackerman about cringeworthy story lines, making Stan Beeman angry, and selecting the perfect 80s pop song.   Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the third episode, “Open House,” script coordinator Molly Nussbaum talks to executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg and to writer Stuart Zicherman about a trip to the dentist, the secret to cinematic suspense, and practicing counter-surveillance.    Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.

Molly Nussbaum, script coordinator for FX’s The Americans, talks with executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg and director Daniel Sackheim about Episode 2 of Season 3, “Baggage.” For more information, visit www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-americans/.

Molly Nussbaum, script coordinator for FX’s The Americans, talks with executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg about the premiere episode of Season 3, “EST Men.” For more information, visit www.fxnetworks.com/shows/the-americans/.