The Playlist Podcast Network

Celine Song made waves with her semi-autobiographical debut "Past Lives," a gentle gut-punch of a romance about fate, longing, and the people we could have become. With her follow-up, "Materialists," Song trades whispered regrets for sharp banter, high-end fashion, and the ruthless calculus of the New York City dating scene. But beneath the couture and comedy lies another deep dive into the contradictions of modern love.In this episode of The Discourse, Song discusses the journey from her first film to her second, and how a real-life stint working as a matchmaker in her twenties inspired the biting, beautiful love triangle at the center of "Materialists." “I worked as a matchmaker for six months in my twenties,” Song says. “And that was what really inspired the whole story. I just feel like I learned so much in those six months that I will carry with me for all of my life.”“It really is about what it's like to live and love in New York City,” she continues. “And it's also personal in that, you know, love is one of the great mysteries. It's the thing I'm most fascinated by.”READ MORE: ‘Materialists' Review: Celine Song Crafts A Soulful Drama About The Romantic Capital Of Being Valued

Screenwriter Dan Gilroy talks about working with his brother Tony Gilroy and 'House Of Cards' writer Beau Willimon on crafting the nuts-and-bolts revolution story of the acclaimed 'Star Wars' series 'Andor.'Gilroy also talks about the possibility of doing more 'Star Wars,' and the upcoming 'Miami Vice' remake he is writing for 'Top Gun: Maverick' director Joseph Kosinski.

David Dastmalchian is having one hell of a year. Whether you know him as Polka-Dot Man from "The Suicide Squad," Piter from "Dune," or Jack Delroy from last year's sleeper horror hit, "Late Night with the Devil," the actor/writer/comic book creator has made a habit of stealing scenes and bringing unhinged yet human characters to life. And in 2025, that streak continues across a dizzying lineup of passion projects.In this episode of Bingeworthy, David Dastmalchian joins the show to dig into his wide-ranging work, starting with the new Apple TV+ series "Murderbot," where he plays Gorathen, an augmented human struggling with control, jealousy, and a deep need to protect his crew—even when they don't listen. The show, created by Paul and Chris Weitz and based on the beloved comedic sci-fi book series by Martha Wells, stars Alexander Skarsgård as the titular security unit: a rogue robot just trying to live and watch its stories in peace.

For the latest episode of "The Rogue Ones", hosts Mike DeAngelo and Rodrigo Perez sat down once again with Tony Gilroy, the creator and showrunner behind "Andor", to unpack the ambitious second season in full spoiler-filled detail.Created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, “Andor” is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (which Gilroy co-wrote and famously helped reshape during reshoots). Set five years before the events of Rogue One, the show focuses on the origins of the Rebellion and how ordinary people — not just Jedi or Chosen Ones — stand up against oppression. Season two picks up a year later in the first three episodes and jumps one year ahead with each block of three afterwards, leading directly to the beginning of “Rogue One” by the end (read our review of season two here).READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025

On this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo is joined by Jai Courtney, the star of the new shark thriller "Dangerous Animals"—a tense and darkly fun survival tale about people who become trapped at sea and hunted by a relentless predator. The Sean Byrne film also stars Hassie Harrison, Josh Heuston, Ella Newton, and more. Courtney has tackled a wide range of roles throughout his career—heroes, villains, and wildcards—in everything from "Suicide Squad" to "The Terminal List" to "Divergent" and beyond. But in "Dangerous Animals," he fully embraces his character's layered chaos, playing a grizzled, morally complicated serial killer named Tucker with an energy that's both menacing and magnetic—like a great white circling his prey with a big shark-toothed smirk.READ MORE: ‘Bring Her Back': Michael & Danny Philippou Discuss Their Horror Evolution, Crying With Sally Hawkins, ‘Street Fighter,' & ‘Talk 2 Me' [The Discourse Podcast] 

Jason Schwartzman has built his career playing lovable weirdos, and in "Mountainhead," HBO's latest dark comedy from "Succession" creator Jesse Armstrong, he might've just out-weirded himself. In a movie full of bizarre billionaires gathered in a glass mansion to decide the future of humanity, Schwartzman's character—Souper, a.k.a. Hugo Van Yalk—is both the sweetest and the most hilariously clueless of the bunch.In a new episode of The Discourse, Schwartzman joined the podcast to talk about working with Armstrong, filming in a surreal seven-story house, his thoughts on revisiting past characters, and the unexpected reason we haven't heard a new Coconut Records album yet.

The Rogue Ones: A Star Wars Andor Podcast returns with another deep-dive into "Andor" Season 2, this time spotlighting the woman at the heart of the rebellion's political front: Mon Mothma, as portrayed by Genevieve O'Reilly. While the character has long been a stoic fixture in the "Star Wars" galaxy, "Andor" redefines her as something much more profound. She's a woman navigating deep isolation, fractured loyalties, and the exhausting burden of secrecy under Imperial rule.Created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, “Andor” is a prequel to “Rogue One: A Star Wars Story” (which Gilroy co-wrote and famously helped reshape during reshoots). Set five years before the events of Rogue One, the show focuses on the origins of the Rebellion and how ordinary people — not just Jedi or Chosen Ones — stand up against oppression. Season two picks up a year later in the first three episodes and jumps one year ahead with each block of three afterwards, leading directly to the beginning of “Rogue One” by the end. (read our review of season two here)

For their follow-up to the 2022 breakout horror hit "Talk to Me," Danny and Michael Philippou didn't just want to go bigger—they wanted to go deeper. And with "Bring Her Back," they've delivered something ferocious - a raw, dread-soaked story that punches just as hard emotionally as it does in scares. If their debut showed they had talent, this new film cements them as filmmakers with true staying power.When host Mike DeAngelo sat down with the brothers shortly after the film's premiere, they were still riding the adrenaline. “It was the most incredible atmosphere,” Danny said. “Having all the cast there, everyone being acknowledged for their hard work—it was amazing. And I love that they're all proud of the film.”LISTEN: ‘Friendship': Andrew DeYoung On Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, & The Wildest, Cringiest Buddy Comedy Of The Year [The Discourse Podcast]

Director Andrew DeYoung has always had an eye for awkwardness ("Pen15," "Our Flag Means Death," and "Dave"), but with his debut feature, "Friendship," he goes from TV's quirky corners straight to the deep end of the cringe pool. You want relatable pain, emotional chaos, and jokes so uncomfortable you laugh, wince, and maybe break out in hives? Look no further. With a cast including Tim Robinson, Paul Rudd, Kate Mara, and Jack Dylan Grazer, "Friendship" is the rare buddy comedy that leaves you feeling equal parts seen, unsettled, and surprisingly moved.DeYoung joins Mike DeAngelo on the latest episode of The Discourse. It was clear he's still riding the high from sharing his first feature with audiences at TIFF. "[The screening] went incredibly - more than I could have ever imagined. I've been in a theater that's laughing like that, and that wasn't necessarily my goal." Deyong said. "Of course, I wanted people to find this funny and interesting and whatnot, but to hear people laugh at that level was really a surprise."READ MORE: ‘Friendship' Review: Tim Robinson Is Riotously Hilarious In A24's Absurdist, Nightmare-Fueled Cringe Comedy

For years, Alex Gregory has been at the center of some of TV's sharpest comedies, from “Veep” to the legendary “The Larry Sanders Show.” Now, Gregory returns as co-creator and co-showrunner of “The Studio,” a show that's quickly become one of the funniest and most biting satires about Hollywood chaos ever put on television. On the Bingeworthy podcast, Gregory sat down with host Mike DeAngelo to talk about the real stories behind the series, the chaos of the writers' room, and why Martin Scorsese was maybe the best surprise comedic cameo of the year.If you're new to “The Studio,” the show is basically a wild ride through the modern movie business - a satirical look at power, egos, and total dysfunction, starring a crew of execs, creatives, and all sorts of oddballs who just try to keep the whole machine running. Created by Seth Rogen, Evan Goldberg, Alex Gregory, Peter Huyck, and Frida Perez, the series is loaded with star power: Martin Scorsese, Charlize Theron, Zoe Kravitz, Dave Franco, Zac Efron, Olivia Wilde, Anthony Mackie, and plenty more pop up throughout.READ MORE: ‘The Studio' Review: An Incredible Love Letter & Takedown Of The Hollywood Movie Machine

n this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo boards the wild, rowdy, and frankly chaotic flight of "Fight or Flight" with star Josh Hartnett and director James Madigan. Picture this: you're stuck on a plane, half-drunk, and suddenly everyone around you turns out to be deadly assassins—basically, the worst flight imaginable. That's precisely the mess Lucas (Hartnett) finds himself navigating in this adrenaline-charged comedy-action flick. Known for his second-unit action chops on blockbusters like "Transformers" and "The Meg," Madigan boldly steps up to the plate, making an assured directorial debut with a scrappy, humorous energy that pairs perfectly with Hartnett's laid-back charisma. The film also features a stellar ensemble including Katee Sackhoff, Charithra Chandran, and Julian Kostov.Hartnett explained that Madigan's initial pitch immediately hooked him. "One of the first things James said was, 'I want the action sequences to feel like musical numbers,'" Hartnett laughed. "He wanted character growth to happen through action. That felt essential—and honestly, pretty exciting.”

Nicolas Cage has been on a tear lately. From standout performances in "Pig," "Dream Scenario," "Longlegs," and "The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent" to now "The Surfer," the Oscar-winner is once again redefining his career with bold, unpredictable choices. Directed by Lorcan Finnegan ("Vivarium," "Nocebo"), "The Surfer" is a sun-bleached fever dream about masculinity, ego, and unraveling identity that veers from the poetic to the primal.In the latest episode of The Discourse, Cage and Finnegan join the show to talk about the emotional depths of their surreal new film, which hits theaters on May 2nd.

Jonathan Tropper has built his career around characters who walk the thin line between flawed humanity and outright chaos, whether in the pulpy B-movie action thrills of "Banshee," the martial arts drama "Warrior," or the family dysfunction of "This Is Where I Leave You." Now, with his latest Apple TV+ series, "Your Friends & Neighbors," Tropper heads to wealthy suburbia, exploring scandal, betrayal, and the hidden dangers lurking behind the facade of a seemingly perfect community. On the Bingeworthy podcast, Tropper joined host Mike DeAngelo to discuss his darkly comedic drama, collaborating with Jon Hamm, the show's thematic ties to classic suburban films, and even his upcoming "Star Wars" project with director Shawn Levy."Your Friends & Neighbors" follows Andrew "Coop" Cooper (Jon Hamm), a hedge fund manager recently disgraced and fired, whose life unravels further after his divorce. Desperate to maintain his lifestyle, Coop turns to robbing the homes of his wealthy neighbors in the affluent Westmont Village—only to discover that the secrets hidden behind these upscale doors may be far more dangerous than he anticipated. The ensemble cast also includes Amanda Peet, Olivia Munn, Hoon Lee, Mark Tallman, and more.

English filmmaker Gareth Evans has made a name for himself with visceral, kinetic action that redefined the genre, particularly with cult classics like "The Raid" and "The Raid 2." With his latest film, "Havoc," the Welsh filmmaker brings his hard-hitting, bloody vision to Netflix, enlisting Tom Hardy for a gritty, bruising descent into a seedy criminal underworld. The film follows a bruised detective (Hardy) who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy. The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, and Yoko Miyamoto.In the latest episode of The Discourse, Evans joins the podcast to discuss the long-awaited thriller, how he brought Hardy into his action sandbox, and why he might be warming back up to the idea of returning to the world of "The Raid."

English filmmaker Gareth Evans has made a name for himself with visceral, kinetic action that redefined the genre, particularly with cult classics like "The Raid" and "The Raid 2." With his latest film, "Havoc," the Welsh filmmaker brings his hard-hitting, bloody vision to Netflix, enlisting Tom Hardy for a gritty, bruising descent into a seedy criminal underworld. The film follows a bruised detective (Hardy) who must fight his way through a criminal underworld to rescue a politician's estranged son while unraveling a deep web of corruption and conspiracy. The film also stars Forest Whitaker, Jessie Mei Li, Luis Guzmán, Timothy Olyphant, Justin Cornwell, and Yoko Miyamoto.In the latest episode of The Discourse, Evans joins the podcast to discuss the long-awaited thriller, how he brought Hardy into his action sandbox, and why he might be warming back up to the idea of returning to the world of "The Raid."

The Rogue Ones: A Star Wars Andor Podcast is back for season two, and so is series creator and showrunner Tony Gilroy. In the first episode of the revived podcast, host Mike DeAngelo and The Playlist's Editor-In-Chief Rodrigo Perez break down the first three episodes of Andor Season 2 — which hit Disney+ this week — before welcoming Gilroy to reflect on the final season's big themes, major tonal shift, and what it means to build a revolution brick by brick.Created by Tony Gilroy and starring Diego Luna as Cassian Andor, "Andor" is a prequel to "Rogue One: A Star Wars Story" (which Gilroy co-wrote and famously helped reshape during reshoots). Set five years before the events of Rogue One, the show focuses on the origins of the Rebellion and how ordinary people — not just Jedi or Chosen Ones — stand up against oppression. Season two picks up a year later in the first three episodes and jumps one year ahead with each block of three afterwards, leading directly to the beginning of "Rogue One" by the end. (read our review of season two here)

On this episode of Bingeworthy, we're heading to the grimy, drug-running underworld of “Dope Thief,” a gritty Apple TV+ miniseries based on Dennis Tafoya's novel, which airs it's finale on Friday, April 25th. The show follows Ray and Manny, two longtime friends and low-level criminals from Philadelphia who impersonate DEA agents to knock over drug stash houses. But when one job unexpectedly exposes a hidden narcotics pipeline along the Eastern Seaboard, their small-time hustle spirals into a life-or-death game of survival and consequence.Brian Tyree Henry stars as Ray, a recovering addict struggling to escape his past while trying to stay one step ahead of increasingly dangerous enemies. Wagner Moura plays Manny, a charming but unpredictable wildcard whose deep bond with Ray is tested by every bad decision they make. The series, written and created by Peter Craig (“The Town,” “The Batman”), also stars Marin Ireland, Nesta Cooper, and Ving Rhames, with executive producer Ridley Scott directing the first episode.

On the latest episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo dives into the violent and dysfunctional criminal underworld of "MobLand," the new hit Paramount+ series that blends London gangster drama with Shakespearean tragedy. The series stars Tom Hardy as Harry Da Souza, a streetwise fixer trying to hold his mob family together as rival clans threaten to tear everything apart. The show also features standout performances from Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Paddy Considine, and more (read our review here).While the opening scenes showcase Hardy's character executing brutal clean-up jobs with unnerving calm, the show slowly peels back the layers of its characters, revealing deep family wounds, conflicting loyalties, and a criminal hierarchy on the verge of collapse. As Hardy described it, "It may be wrapped up in a gangster genre, but there's a lot more going on… It's like 'Game of Thrones' in Bermondsey.”

On the latest episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo welcomes filmmaker Alex Garland and retired Navy SEAL-turned-director Ray Mendoza to discuss their latest co-directed collaboration, 'Warfare'—a harrowing and unflinching war film based on Mendoza's own real-life experiences in Iraq. The film stars Will Poulter, Joseph Quinn, Cosmo Jarvis, D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Kit Connor, and Finn Bennett as members of a Navy SEAL unit plunged into a brutal, immersive firefight [read our review here].Set across one intense battle, the film throws audiences into the boots of a SEAL team locked in combat. It's stripped of cinematic sheen, raw in emotion, and deeply grounded in the lived experience of soldiers in the field. While Garland's previous film, 'Civil War,' used speculative fiction to examine the horrors of conflict, 'Warfare' pulls from memory, reality, and lived trauma. No plot, just tense, all-out war. 

On the latest episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo steps into a high-concept, near-future world of moral quandaries and psychological pressure with the sci-fi drama "The Assessment." Directed by Fleur Fortuné and starring Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander, and Himesh Patel, the film follows a couple evaluated by the government over seven increasingly intense days to determine whether they're worthy of having a child. Think of a creepy, contained "Children of Men" by way of Ingmar Bergman and Charlie Kaufman.The film recently premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival and hits VOD on April 8th, delivering a minimalist but emotionally potent take on societal control, intimacy, and parenthood. To talk through it all, we sat down with both stars to dig into the emotional challenges of the project, their collaborations with Fortuné, and what kind of psychological strength it takes to survive the film's titular assessment.

On the latest episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads back into Taylor Sheridan territory with the second and final season of “1923”, the Yellowstone prequel that brought new layers of trauma, tragedy, and grit to the Dutton family tree. This time, the fight for legacy grows more urgent as Jacob (Harrison Ford) and Cara (Helen Mirren) hold down the homestead, while Spencer (Brandon Sklenar) races home from across the globe. But some of the most painful blows come from closer to home—especially for Michelle Randolph's character, Elizabeth, who endures brutal loss and finds herself unexpectedly alone by the series' final moments.Spoiler alert: we're diving into the Season 2 finale.Joining the show to reflect on Elizabeth's powerful final scenes, Michelle Randolph opened up about the emotional and physical toll of the role, the empowering transformation of her character, and how she found strength in the pain in the final episodes.

On today's Bingeworthy, we're trading Hell's Kitchen for hell itself with Prime Video's latest genre mash-up, "The Bondsman." Blending supernatural horror, dysfunctional family drama, western grit, and country music—yes, you read that right—this new series follows Hub Halloran (Kevin Bacon), a bounty hunter resurrected by the devil himself to hunt down escaped demons. But beneath all the blood and brimstone lies an emotionally charged story about family, regret, and second chances.If it sounds wild, you're not alone. Kevin Bacon admitted it was one of the craziest pitches he'd ever said yes to—but that was exactly what drew him in.“It was pretty wild,” Bacon laughed. “But if you've done as many dudes as I have, it's hard to find something that's truly like, ‘Wow, okay, I haven't walked in these shoes before.' So that was a big plus.”READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025

On the latest episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo heads back into the fists-first world of “Reacher”, which just wrapped its action-packed third season on Prime Video. Based on Lee Child's novel “Persuader,” this season sees Alan Ritchson return as the titular wrecking ball, going undercover to extract an informant—and settle an old score along the way. But while Reacher does plenty of punching, it's the emotional gut punches that make this season stand out—especially those delivered by new cast member Anthony Michael Hall.Yes, that Anthony Michael Hall—the ‘80s teen comedy icon from “The Breakfast Club,” “Sixteen Candles,” and “Weird Science.” But here, Hall plays Zachary Beck, a Boston arms dealer with a complicated past and even more complicated parenting instincts. What might sound like another mustache-twirling villain role turns out to be anything but.READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025

On the latest episode of The Discourse, actor Will Poulter and writer-director Alex Scharfman joined host Mike DeAngelo to discuss their new A24 horror-comedy "Death of a Unicorn," a twisted genre mash-up that brings unicorns into the Spielbergian creature-feature fold. The film also stars Jenna Ortega, Paul Rudd, Téa Leoni, Anthony Carrigan, Richard E. Grant, and Sunita Mani, and tells the story of a tech billionaire's lawyer and his daughter who accidentally hit a unicorn with their car and attempt to cover it up at an elite corporate retreat. Magical madness, death, and more unicorn action ensue!Poulter, having taken a break from comedy in recent years, said he relished playing Shepard, an Ivy League-bred man-child desperate for approval and woefully out of touch. "It's really fun to be conscious of the fact that everyone's going to be laughing at you, and never with you," he said. "You sort of feel like he's never really left the various ivory towers that his family own around the world, but thinks he's superior to everyone around him.”READ MORE: ‘Death of a Unicorn' Review: Jenna Ortega and Paul Rudd Make Monster Movie Magic for A24 [SXSW]Despite his delusions of grandeur, Poulter was careful not to strip Shep of all humanity. "I don't want to absolve him of wrongdoing, but ultimately what it boils down to is the child-parent relationship," he explained. "What Shep really wants more than anything is approval from his dad, and he wants his mom to be more honest with him than she's ever been."

On the latest episode of The Discourse, Aaron Paul and Eiza González join host Mike DeAngelo to talk about their new mind-bending sci-fi thriller, "Ash," directed by musician-turned-filmmaker Flying Lotus and written by Jonni Remmler. The film follows Riya (González), who wakes up on a desolate planet only to find her entire crew slaughtered. Things get even stranger when Brion (Paul) arrives to "rescue" her—except neither of them knows if they can truly trust the other. Tension, terror, and a whole lot of eerie sci-fi visuals follow. The film also stars Iko Uwais, Kate Elliott, Flying Lotus, and more.READ MORE: ‘The Electric State': The Russo Brothers & Christopher Markus Talk Retro Sci-Fi, Their Marvel Homecoming & More [The Discourse Podcast]Paul and González had nothing but love for Flying Lotus, whose artistic vision shaped every aspect of the film. "Music is like the heartbeat of so many films, right? It really sets the tone," Paul said. "He had a lot of music already created even before we started shooting, and he shared it with us early on." González agreed, adding, "The music was a character. The lighting was a character. The wardrobe was a character. Everything was so carefully thought through. And you just knew he was meant to be directing movies."

After four seasons of glorious absurdity, televangelist satire "The Righteous Gemstones" is wrapping things up—and it's as hilariously chaotic and surprisingly heartfelt as ever. Created by Danny McBride, the series follows the Gemstones, a wealthy televangelist family whose constant bickering is matched only by their love of greed, fame, and—occasionally—each other. The final season stars McBride, John Goodman, Edi Patterson, Cassidy Freeman, Adam Devine, Tony Cavalero, and Walton Goggins and introduces new faces like Megan Mullally and Sean William Scott.READ MORE: The 75 Most Anticipated TV Shows Of 2025Joining Bingeworthy for a hilarious farewell to the series is creator/star Danny McBride, alongside Cassidy Freeman, Adam Devine, and Tony Cavalero. The conversations covered everything from emotional goodbyes and surprising cameos to the genuine friendships behind their characters' bizarre antics.

After redefining blockbuster cinema with "Avengers: Infinity War" and "Endgame," the Russo Brothers are back—this time with a sci-fi adventure that swaps superheroes for sentient robots, a road trip, and some retro-futuristic ‘90s nostalgia. "The Electric State" follows Millie Bobby Brown as Michelle, a teenage runaway navigating a post-apocalyptic America filled with abandoned AI machines, scavengers, and a looming government threat. Her only companions? A quirky robot named Cosmo and a smuggler played by Chris Pratt, who may or may not be in this for the right reasons. Think "E.T." meets Pixar meets "Mad Max"—or if Spielberg and Zemeckis had made a dystopian buddy movie with a lot more existential dread. (Read our review here).The Russo Brothers and their longtime writing partner Christopher Markus joined The Discourse to talk about adapting Simon Stålenhag's graphic novel, balancing family-friendly adventure with darker themes, and, of course, their return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Prolific writer/producer/director Steven Knight has a habit of turning historical grit into must-watch television. From the streets of 1920s Birmingham in "Peaky Blinders" to the daring real-life SAS soldiers of "Rogue Heroes," Knight's work thrives on characters who push against the limits of their status. His latest series, "A Thousand Blows," is no different. Set in post-industrial revolution London, the show follows best friends Hezekiah and Alec as they get swept into the city's brutal underground boxing scene while crossing paths with local legends, and the notorious all-female gang, The Forty Elephants. The show stars Malachi Kirby, Erin Doherty, Stephen Graham, Jason Tobin, Francis Lovehall, and more.When Knight sat down with Bingeworthy, the busy writer was quick to admit that he doesn't watch much TV. "If anything, sometimes if I do watch stuff, I think, 'Oh God, this is so good. Why can't I just make it this simple?" he joked. That might explain why "A Thousand Blows" is anything but simple. Instead of focusing on one story, the show weaves together multiple narratives—including Hezekiah's rise in the ring, The Forty Elephants' criminal empire, and a quiet, burning revenge arc with Jason Tobin's Lao.

Netflix's latest political thriller, “Zero Day,” is a chilling deep dive into cyber warfare, misinformation, and the terrifying power of perception. Led by Robert De Niro in his first television series, the six-episode event follows former president George Mullen as he's reluctantly pulled back into the political fray to investigate a devastating cyberattack. But as the layers of the crisis unravel, so do the hidden forces manipulating the narrative, turning Mullen into both a hero and a pawn. The series, co-created by Noah Oppenheim, Eric Newman, and Michael Schmidt, features a stellar cast including Jesse Plemons, Lizzy Caplan, Connie Britton, Joan Allen, Dan Stevens, Gaby Hoffmann, Matthew Modine, and Angela Bassett.Director Lesli Linka Glatter helms all six episodes, bringing her experience from “Homeland” and “Love & Death” to craft a nail-biting, visually rich thriller that feels eerily prescient. She joined Bingeworthy to chat about what drew her to the project, collaborating with De Niro, and why truth itself is a weapon in today's world.

The Marvel Cinematic Universe gets a fresh jolt of paranoia and political intrigue with "Captain America: Brave New World," a thriller that sees Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) trying to define his place as the new Cap while dealing with international chaos, rogue superhumans, and some very questionable allies. Directed by Julius Onah, the film doesn't just bring back some familiar faces—it makes them part of a tangled political mess of past sins and present-day power plays. Tim Blake Nelson's Leader resurfaces with a grudge, Carl Lumbly's Isaiah Bradley adds emotional weight, and oh yeah, Harrison Ford steps into the formidable shoes of Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross, who may or may not be hiding a very big, very angry, very red secret. READ MORE: ‘Captain America: Brave New World' Review: Sam Wilson's Heart, Grit & Determination Trump Superpowers In Marvel's New Conspiracy ThrillerDirector Julius Onah joins The Discourse to talk about all of the spoilery details on Marvel's latest, including what he thinks won him the role of director. In his pitch, Onah sought to explore a more grounded and cerebral take on what it means to be Cap in a world that isn't sure it needs one. "It was about a point of view more so than anything," Onah explained about pitching the film to Marvel. "They were familiar with my last film, a small indie film called 'Luce,' and I first had just a general conversation with Nate Moore and Kiana Davidson at Marvel. We talked again, more generally, about theme tone and character. And, for me, it was sort of a gut check moment of like, you're going to go down the road with people. Are these people that you would even just love to have a conversation with about movies?"

Can you hear that? It's the sound of a demonic monkey drumming up death and quite possibly the most fun you'll have in a theater all year. In this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo sits down with writer-director Osgood Perkins to discuss his latest film, "The Monkey"—a twisted and darkly comedic horror adaptation of Stephen King's short story. The film follows twin brothers Bill and Hal who, as kids, stumble upon their father's old monkey toy in the attic. What follows is a series of gruesome deaths seemingly connected to the cursed object. Years later, after growing apart, the brothers are forced back together when the monkey resurfaces, bringing more chaos in its wake. The cast includes Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Rohan Campbell, and Colin O'Brien.

What do you get when you throw sci-fi, romance, action, horror, and a touch of espionage into a blender and hit "puree"? You get"The Gorge," a high-octane, emotionally charged ode to action B-movies and Italian horror that refuses to be put into a single box. Written byZach Dean, the film also starsSigourney Weaver andWilliam Houston in a wild, visually stunning story about two elite operatives on opposite sides of a classified conflict who are forced to work together when a terrifying presence emerges from the depths of a mysterious gorge. In this episode ofThe Discourse, hostMike DeAngelo sits down with directorScott Derrickson to talk about his latest genre-bending project, working withMiles Teller andAnya Taylor-Joy, and why the film's audacious mix of tones and styles is exactly what drew him to the project.

Irish sheep farming, deep-seated family tensions, and a brewing conflict between neighbors—sounds like the setup for a quiet indie drama. But in"Bring Them Down," the upcoming revenge thriller from first-time directorChris Andrews, those elements fuel a gripping, morally complex battle of wills. In this episode ofThe Discourse, hostMike DeAngelo sits down with actor Christopher Abbott to discuss leading the film, producing it, and why he was drawn to a story steeped in generational trauma and rural survival. The film also stars Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone, and more.For Christopher Abbott, the chance to dive into such a layered role was too intriguing to pass up—even if it meant embracing the challenges of an Irish dialect. “I think I have a little bit of a knack for accents,” he admitted, though he knew even Irish actors would struggle with the script's use of the traditional Irish/Gaelic language. “It was always going to be a challenge for anyone.” Despite the difficulty, Abbott was drawn to the project for the same reason he takes on most of his work—it keeps him engaged. “I get bored easily,” he said. “I like challenges that keep my focus.”

Nothing says romance like flowers, chocolates - and a masked serial killer terrorizing young couples. Welcome to "Heart Eyes," the latest horror-romantic comedy hybrid that slashes into theaters on February 7—just in time to make Valentine's Day a little bloodier. In this episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo sits down with director Josh Ruben to talk about the challenge of blending rom-com sweetness with slasher-movie carnage, his deep love of horror, and why this story stands apart from others in the genre. Written by Christopher Landon, Phillip Murphy, and Michael Kennedy, "Heart Eyes" follows a masked killer who has made February 14 a date night to die for, quite literally. The film stars Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Devon Sawa, Jordana Brewster, and more. During the interview, Director Josh Ruben details the delicate balancing act of making “Heart Eyes” work on all fronts. “I didn't want it to be too funny—I wanted it to go darker, gorier,” Ruben admitted. But at the same time, the romance had to feel genuine. “If I could find two leads with real chemistry, I could pay loving homage to the rom-coms I grew up on—'Pretty Woman,' 'Defending Your Life,' 'My Best Friend's Wedding,' even 'Big.”

On this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo sits down with Nicholas Stoller, the filmmaker behind "You're Cordially Invited," a star-packed wedding comedy hitting Prime Video on January 30. Stoller, the mind behind "Forgetting Sarah Marshall" and "Neighbors," returns with another laugh-out-loud project, this time revolving around two weddings that are double-booked at the same venue. Will Ferrell steps in as the devoted (and increasingly unhinged) father of one bride, while Reese Witherspoon plays the protective, take-no-prisoners sister of the other? As expected, wedding warfare and chaos ensue. Rounding out the ensemble are Geraldine Viswanathan, Meredith Hagner, Jimmy Tatro, Rory Scovel, and Leanne Morgan. With wedding comedies being a well-worn path sub-genre in films —"The Wedding Singer," "Bridesmaids," "Wedding Crashers"—Nick Stoller had no intention of simply rehashing old formulas. In fact, he didn't even think of it as a “wedding movie” at first. “I just thought [Will and Reese] would have great chemistry together,” Stoller explained. “I've always been obsessed with Will, but I was also obsessed with Reese and really wanted to see her do a hard comedy again. She's just so funny.”

In this week's episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo is torn between love and duty when taking on "The Agency." The excellent high-stakes espionage thriller culminates its first season with a finale airing on January 24th on Paramount+ with Showtime. Based on the French series "Le Bureau des Légendes," the show follows a CIA operative's struggle between duty and desire. The series stars Michael Fassbender as Martian, an undercover agent called back to London Station after years in the field. Romance reawakens when the love he left behind resurfaces, sending him into a dangerous game of love vs. international intrigue. The cast includes Jeffrey Wright, Katherine Waterston, Jodie Turner-Smith, Richard Gere, and more. Joining the podcast are Jeffrey Wright and Katherine Waterston, who play Henry and Naomi, two key figures in the series whose layered relationships with Martian reflect the show's balance of personal and professional stakes. Wright, who has played his share of spies and operatives, spoke about what drew him to Henry and how the series offers a grounded perspective on espionage. “Henry intrigues me because he's a by-the-books guy,” Wright explained. “He's a company man, but at the same time, he's human. It's interesting to explore what that duality does to someone—how they shut off parts of themselves while navigating this very real and recognizable world. This isn't James Bond—as much as I love having been a part of that franchise—it's not fantastical. We're drawing from today's headlines, exploring geopolitics and the challenges of the modern world.”

In this week's episode of 'Bingeworthy,' host Mike DeAngelo starts a revolution when diving into the world of "Silo," the Apple TV+ dystopian thriller based on Hugh Howey's bestselling novel, "Wool." The series takes place in the not-too-distant future when humanity is clinging to life deep underground in a colossal silo, where secrets are as dangerous as the environment outside. The star-studded cast includes Rebecca Ferguson, Steve Zahn, Tim Robbins, Common, Harriet Walter, and more. Joining the podcast this week are Graham Yost, the Showrunner and Producer for the series, and Steve Zahn, who joins the cast this season to bring Solo—a beloved character from the books—to life. During the chat, they share insights into the adaptation process, the incredible multi-level sets, and what makes this cast and story so special.

In this week's episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo gets his hands dirty while discussing the gritty Paramount+ drama “Landman.” Co-created by Christian Wallace and Taylor Sheridan (“Yellowstone,” ”1883,”“Mayor of Kingstown”), the series dives into the world of West Texas oilfields where roughnecks, wildcat billionaires, and corporate interests collide. Starring Billy Bob Thornton, Jon Hamm, Demi Moore, Ali Larter, and more, the show captures a boom so big it's reshaping everything from local economies to geopolitics. Joining the podcast are Christian Wallace, the showrunner and co-creator whose podcast “Boomtown” inspired the series, and Billy Bob Thornton, who stars as Tommy Norris, a brash and seasoned landman navigating the dangerous and volatile oil industry. During the interview, Wallace shared how “Landman" grew out of his life experiences and his 2019 podcast, which chronicled the oil boom in the Permian Basin. What began as a niche story quickly drew widespread attention and eventually caught the eye of Taylor Sheridan. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of Bingeworthy, host Mike DeAngelo ventures away from the desert sands of Arrakis and into the unknown with showrunner Alison Schapker, who helms the HBO series “Dune: Prophecy.” Set 10,000 years before the events of “Dune,” the prequel series explores the origins of the Bene Gesserit, following two Harkonnen sisters as they combat threats to humanity's future. Starring Emily Watson, Mark Strong, Olivia Williams, Travis Fimmel, and more, the show blends political intrigue, sprawling family dynamics, and the grandeur of Frank Herbert's iconic universe. Joining the podcast, showrunner Alison Schapker reflected on the magnitude of adapting such a revered franchise and the daunting but rewarding process of bringing “Dune: Prophecy” to life. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo returns to the past to investigate supernatural thrills while chatting with David Koepp about the 25th Anniversary 4K release of his cult-favorite film, “Stir of Echoes.” The 1999 psychological horror film stars Kevin Bacon as a man who, after being hypnotized at a party, begins experiencing disturbing visions that lead him to uncover the mystery of a missing neighborhood girl. Directed and written by David Koepp ("Jurassic Park," "Spider-Man," "Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny"), the film also features Kathryn Erbe, Kevin Dunn, Illeana Douglas, and Zachary David Cope. During the chat, Koepp reflected on the enduring appeal of “Stir of Echoes” and revisited it decades later for the special edition release. He credited the film's success to a rare synergy of creative talent. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo rewinds to a pre-digital apocalypse while chatting with Kyle Mooney about his upcoming film, “Y2K.” The comedy follows two high school outcasts determined to crash the biggest New Year's Eve party of their lives on December 31, 1999 - the dreaded eve of Y2K. When the clock strikes midnight, the night spins wildly out of control in ways they never expected. Written and directed by Mooney (“Saturday Night Live,” “Brigsby Bear”), the movie stars Jaeden Martell, Rachel Zegler, Fred Durst, Julian Dennison, Kyle Mooney and more. During the podcast, Mooney shared how his long-standing fascination with the Y2K phenomenon and teenage nostalgia led to the creation of “Y2K" and much, much more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo accidentally invites chaos into the holidays while chatting with Peter and Bobby Farrelly about their upcoming comedy, “Dear Santa.” The film follows a young boy who mails his Christmas wish list to Santa with one crucial dyslexic spelling error, summoning a satanic figure to wreak havoc on the season. Directed by Bobby Farrelly (“Dumb and Dumber,” “There's Something About Mary”) and written by Peter Farrelly, Dan Ewan, and Ricky Blitt, the movie stars Jack Black, Keegan-Michael Key, Brianne Howey, Ethan Dillon, Post Malone, and more. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo gets stuck in the background while discussing “Interior Chinatown.” The Hulu series follows a waiter stuck in the background of a crime procedural show who dreams of being in the spotlight. The series stars Jimmy O. Yang, Ronny Chieng, Chloe Bennett, Lisa Gilroy, Sullivan Jones, Diana Lin, Tzi Ma and more.  READ MORE: ‘The Penguin': Showrunner Lauren LeFranc Talks About Working With Colin Farrell, Season 2 & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the series is producer/director Taika Waititi, author of the book the show is based on, and producer and showrunner Charles Yu. While it's become more common to see Authors come on to adapt their own stories for television, it's not so common to have an Oscar winner offer to direct. During the interview, Waititi discussed being instantly taken by the story and the unique world Wu created.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo attempts an underworld power grab while discussing “The Penguin.” The Max series follows the events of “The Batman,” when Oz Cobb makes a play to seize the reins of the crime world in Gotham. The series stars Colin Farrell, Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deidre O'Connell, Theo Rossi, Clancy Brown, Michael Kelly and more.  READ MORE: ‘The Penguin' Review: Colin Farrell Leads A Dark, Tragic Tale About The Decay Of The American Dream Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the series is show runner, Lauren LeFranc (“Impulse,” “Agents Of S.H.I.E.LD.,” “Chuck”). During the interview, LeFranc discussed getting the job and meeting “The Batman” director Matt Reeves for the first time. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo attempts to make it to higher ground while discussing, “Elevation.” The film follows a single father and two women who attempt a rescue mission in a post-apocalyptic world filled with alien monsters. The George Nolfi (“The Banker,” “The Adjustment Bureau”) film stars Anthony Mackie, Morena Baccarin, Maddie Hasson, Danny Boyd Jr. and more.  READ MORE: ‘Conclave': John Lithgow Talks About His Catholic Thriller, ‘The Old Man' & More [The Discourse Podcast] Stars of the film, Anthony Mackie (“Captain America: The Winter Soldier,” “Twisted Metal,” “The Hurt Locker”) and Morena Baccarin (“Firefly,” “Deadpool,” “Greenland”) join the podcast to discuss their roles in the thriller and what ultimately drew the two longtime friends to the film.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo looks to find the "true religion" while discussing, “Heretic.” The film follows two young Mormon missionaries that are drawn into a game of cat-and-mouse in the house of a stranger. The Scott Beck & Bryan Woods (“A Quiet Place,” “65”) film stars Hugh Grant, Sophie Thatcher, Chloe East, Topher Grace and more.  READ MORE: ‘Heretic' Review: Hugh Grant's Charming Creepiness Anchors A24's Heady & Chatty Horror-Thriller [TIFF] Writer/Director Scott Beck and Bryan Woods join the podcast to discuss their buzzworthy religious horror film. During the interview, the longtime friends and collaborators detail the film's surprising decades-long origins. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In today's episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo goes deep undercover while discussing “Lioness.” The Taylor Sheridan-created Paramount+ series follows a CIA operative who leads a top-secret team meant to infiltrate and execute the most dangerous targets around the world. The tense, action-packed series stars Zoe Saldana, Nicole Kidman, Morgan Freeman, Michael Kelly, Genesis Rodriguez, and more.  READ MORE: ‘The Old Man': Jeff Bridges & Amy Brenneman Discuss Their Spy Drama, ‘Tron: Ares,' ‘Heat' & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] Joining Bingeworthy to discuss season 2 of the series is one of the stars, Michael Kelly (“The Penguin,” “Jack Ryan,” “House of Cards”). During the interview, Kelly discussed landing his character off of what he thought was a failed meeting with Taylor Sheridan for another project.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of The Discourse, host Mike DeAngelo has a crisis of faith while discussing “Conclave.” The film follows a Cardinal tasked with leading one of the world's most secretive and ancient events, selecting a new Pope when he finds himself at the center of a conspiracy that could shake the very foundation of the Catholic Church. The Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”) film stars Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, John Lithgow, Isabella Rossellini, Carlos Diehz, and more.  READ MORE: ‘Conclave' Review: Ralph Fiennes Smolders In Slow Burn Vatican Thriller [Telluride] One of the film's stars, John Lithgow (“The Crown,” “3rd Rock from the Sun,” “The Old Man”), joins the podcast to discuss his role in the thriller and what ultimately drew him to it, which was seemingly everything. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In this week's episode of ⁠Bingeworthy⁠, our TV and streaming podcast host, Mike DeAngelo, ignores all training and ethics when discussing “Shrinking.” The Apple TV+ series follows a grieving therapist who decides to “Jimmy” his way into his patients' lives. The hilarious and heartfelt series stars Jason Segel, Harrison Ford, Jessica Williams, Michael Urie, Luke Tennie, Ted McGinley, Christa Miller, and more.  READ MORE: ‘The Old Man': Jeff Bridges & Amy Brenneman Discuss Their Spy Drama, ‘Tron: Ares,' ‘Heat' & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] Joining Bingeworthy to discuss season 2 of the hit comedy series are two of the show's co-creators and producers, Jason Segel (“How I Met Your Mother,” “Forgetting Sarah Marshall,” “Winning Time”) and Bill Lawrence (“Ted Lasso,” “Scrubs,” “Bad Monkey”). During the interview, star Jason Segel discussed his character Jimmy and the goals for this season now that the character has gotten his life back to normal.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support

In today's episode of Bingeworthy, our TV and streaming podcast host Mike DeAngelo makes sure not to step over "the line" while discussing “Teacup.” The Peacock series follows a group of neighbors that must put aside their differences and unite in the face of a mysterious and deadly threat. The horrific mystery series stars Yvonne Strahovski, Scott Speedman, Rob Morgan, Chaske Spencer, Boris McGiver,and more.  READ MORE: ‘The Old Man': Jeff Bridges & Amy Brenneman Discuss Their Spy Drama, ‘Tron: Ares', ‘Heat' & More [Bingeworthy Podcast] Joining Bingeworthy to discuss the thrilling genre-hopper is star, Yvonne Strahovski (“The Handmaid's Tale,” “Dexter,” “The Tomorrow War”). Strahovski talked about loving the multiple-genre approach, but there was a key element at the center of it that drew her to “Teacup” specifically.  --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/theplaylist/support