The Televerse (mp3)

It's finally here, the last podcast episode before our hiatus. Noel and Kate do their best to keep it together as they talk through another full week in TV, then head over to the DVD Shelf for one of the quintessential Televerse shows, CBS's lamentably short-lived Limitless. We kick off Our Week in TV with a little comedy, with Noel checking in on Peacock's Girls5eva season one and Kate sharing her thoughts on the Tuca & Bertie premiere. Then we luxuriate in another terrific Top Chef: Portland before celebrating a welcome return on Star Wars: The Bad Batch and heading to our superhero roundup. Loki has fun with jet skis and time travel, Batwoman unveils its new Kate Kane, Superman & Lois continues to drop mythology bombs, and DC's Legends of Tomorrow wants a bigger reaction than maybe we're willing to give it. Afterward, it's time to revisit Limitless—does it hold up as well as we remember? Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your takes on this week's TV, Limitless, and whatever strikes your fancy over our hiatus. Thank you to our wonderful guests, friends of the pod, and listeners. We hope you've enjoyed the show, because we've certainly enjoyed making it. Until we're back!DVD Shelf: Limitless (50:14)Our Week in TVGirls5eva S1 (6:19) Tuca & Bertie premiere (10:31)Top Chef: Portland (11:48)Star Wars: The Bad Batch (18:20)Loki (22:14) Batwoman (29:25)Superman & Lois (37:08)DC's Legends of Tomorrow (39:25)Music Featured: “Living Wage in America” from The Amber Ruffin Show

Allison and Kate close out the podcast by saying hello to one of the great TV detectives, Lieutenant Columbo, talking Columbo's season one premiere, “Murder By The Book.” The unforgettable Peter Falk, the joys of an overconfident killer, and 1970s pacing. Plus we reflect back on the past 15 months Streaming In Place. Thank you to Noel Kirkpatrick and LaToya Ferguson for making the podcast so much fun, and to the listeners for joining us over the past year!

Allison and Kate finish their journey Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking the season finale, “A Chance at a Happy Ending.” Michael's Westerosi wardrobe, the thrilling return of Said Out Bitch, and the power of choice. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back for Kate and Allison's final podcast, looking back at their experiences Streaming In Place for the past 15 months and saying a hearty hello to Columbo with its pilot, “Murder By The Book.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners Marcus and Vince! Thanks for joining us in the chat this season, and on the mic this episode. It was great hearing your takes on the season and the finale in particular.

Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking “Is This Really How It's Going to End?!”. is , and we are full-on in our feelings about it. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for the season finale, “A Chance at a Happy Ending.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Marcus and Vince. Thanks for joining us in the chat, listening to us rant, and sharing some of your takes on the episode.

Submitted for the approval of the Televerse listening society, our penultimate episode, pre-hiatus. Noel and Kate kick things off as ever with Our Week in TV, looking at another strong Top Chef: Portland, the final chunk of season two of Legendary, and memorable episodes of DC's Legends of Tomorrow, Batwoman, The Flash, and the premiere of Loki. Then we head over to the DVD Shelf and fill in a significant Millennial gap by checking out the '90s Nickelodeon kid-horror anthology Are You Afraid of the Dark?. Listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your takes on the week's TV, the particular charms of Are You Afraid of the Dark?, and whatever other TV you're enjoying at the moment.DVD Shelf: Are You Afraid of the Dark? (58:32)Our Week in TV Top Chef: Portland (11:57) Legendary finale (22:25) DC's Legends of Tomorrow (30:07) Batwoman (37:23) The Flash (44:14) Loki premiere (48:12)Music Featured: “Kitten Dance” by Fabrizio Fornaci; Are You Afraid of the Dark? Theme song

Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking “Nothing Lasts Forever” with friend of the show LaToya Ferguson. A difference of opinions on Mom, a memorable double-Decker date, and Maze and puppies. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Friday for season five, episode 15, “Is This Really How It's Going to End?!.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts.Links: Check out LaToya's Lucifer reviews at The A.V. Club and her regular podcasts covering The Vampire Diaries and Angel, The AMPire Diaries and Angel On Top. Check out Allison's Outlander podcast, Podlander Drunkcast, and its spinoff, Sauced In Austen.

Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking “A Little Harmless Stalking” with friend of the show LaToya Ferguson. Linda's dubious decision-making, Lucifer and Chloe cry relationship wolf, and the return of Eve. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season five, episode 14, “Nothing Lasts Forever.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Vince and Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your reactions to the episode. Links: Check out LaToya's Lucifer reviews at The A.V. Club and her regular podcasts covering The Vampire Diaries and Angel, The AMPire Diaries and Angel On Top. Check out Allison's Outlander podcast, Podlander Drunkcast, and its spinoff, Sauced In Austen.

It’s a light week in TV this episode, but there’s still plenty of TV talk to go around. First Noel gives his thoughts on the season finale of A Black Lady Sketch Show, then Kate has a few non-spoilery thoughts on Lucifer season 5B. Noel catches Kate up with Star Wars: The Bad Batch and gives his reaction to the latest developments at Superman & Lois, then Kate checks in with Legendary’s first and potentially only money ball of the season. Finally, we wrap up the week with Top Chef: Portland and their latest should-be-signature challenge. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and catch up with Barry Jenkins’ The Underground Railroad. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on The Underground Railroad, the week’s TV, and more.DVD Shelf: The Underground Railroad (33:35)Our Week in TV A Black Lady Sketch Show finale (7:02) Lucifer Season 5B (10:58) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (13:32) Superman & Lois (16:01) Legendary (20:32) Top Chef: Portland (24:49)Music Featured: Queen’s “Another One Bites the Dust,” as performed by the cast of Lucifer

Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking “Daniel Espinoza: Naked and Afraid” with friend of the show LaToya Ferguson. Dan’s catharsis, Amenadiel is not Uber, and callbacks galore. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season five, episode 13, “A Little Harmless Stalking.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener Marcus! Thanks for joining us again and sharing your two cents on the episode. Links: Check out LaToya’s Lucifer reviews at The A.V. Club and her regular podcasts covering The Vampire Diaries and Angel, The AMPire Diaries and Angel On Top. Check out Allison’s Outlander podcast, Podlander Drunkcast, and its spinoff, Sauced In Austen.

Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking “Resting Devil Face.” Trixie showing her influences, Maze and her potential soul?, and poor, poor Dan is going through it. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Friday for season five, episode 12, “Daniel Espinoza: Naked and Afraid.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Marcus and Vince! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your takes on this episode and the season so far.Links: Check out Allison’s Outlander podcast, Podlander Drunkcast, and its spinoff, Sauced In Austen.

Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lucifer, talking their big musical episode, “Bloody Celestial Karaoke Jam,” with friend of the show LaToya Ferguson. Musical numbers galore, Dan fills in some crucial gaps, and the belated return of the Trixie Fan Club. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season five, episode 11, “Resting Devil Face.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners Marcus and Vince! Thanks for joining in on the fun and sharing your takes on the episode.Tweet referenced: Lesley-Ann Brandt gets her Chaka onCheck out LaToya’s Lucifer reviews at The A.V. Club and her regular podcasts covering The Vampire Diaries and Angel, The AMPire Diaries and Angel On Top. Check out Allison’s Outlander podcast, Podlander Drunkcast, and its spinoff, Sauced In Austen.

Allison and Kate start Streaming In Place with their final show of the podcast, the second half of season five of Lucifer, joined by returning friend of the show LaToya Ferguson. Family squabbles, projecting onto the case of the week, and that ending. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season five, episode 10, “Bloody Celestial Karaoke Jam.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts on the episode.Check out LaToya’s Lucifer reviews at The A.V. Club and her regular podcasts on The Vampire Diaries and Angel, The AMPire Diaries and Angel On Top. Check out Allison’s Outlander podcast, Podlander Drunkcast, and its spinoff, Sauced In Austen.

As we inch toward our hiatus, Noel and Kate wanted to make time to catch up with at least one show recommended by our listeners, so this week on the podcast, we spotlight the first season (really the first half-season) of Netflix’s K-drama It’s Okay Not To Be Okay. A romance and soap sprinkled with fairy tale elements and a heaping helping of trauma, the series may not be for everyone, but it has a lot to recommend it. Before the season spotlight, though, we have a full week in TV to discuss. We kick things off with a conflicting Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, Kate gives a couple thoughts on RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, and then we round out the week with plenty of genre, including catching up with Star Wars: The Bad Batch, an underwhelming DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, an overdue end to the forces arc on The Flash, a surprise reveal on Superman & Lois, and the series finale of Black Lightning. Take a listen, then reach out with your takes on It’s Okay Not To Be Okay as well as the rest of the week’s TV.Season Spotlight: It’s Okay Not To Be Okay (51:31)Our Week in TV Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (9:53) RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under (18:00) Star Wars: The Bad Batch (20:23) DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (24:28) The Flash (30:08) Superman & Lois (35:23) Black Lightning finale (38:43)Music Featured: “Move On Up” by Curtis Mayfield; Theme song to It’s Okay Not To Be Okay

Allison, Noel, and Kate finish their journey Streaming In Place with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, talking about the final two episodes, “Each Other’s Existence!” and “Shibahama UFO Wars!” Kappas, rivers that are roads, and comradeship. Plus our Zoom listener Marcus hops on the mic to give his thoughts about the series and we reflect back on our experience Streaming In Place over the past 201 episodes. Unfortunately, Noel needs to step away from the podcast, but Allison and Kate will be back on Friday to kick off our final show, season 5B of Lucifer.

Spring finales keep rolling as we head into the start of summer TV. Noel and Kate kick things off as usual with Our Week in TV, starting with the finales of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and Mom. Then we talk a little reality, Top Chef: Portland and Legendary, and we round out the week with the genre offerings, DC’s Legends of Tomorrow and the return of Superman & Lois. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and dive in with the ’90s sitcom The Nanny. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV, The Nanny, and more.DVD Shelf: The Nanny (55:34)Our Week in TV Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist finale (15:30) Mom finale (23:42) Top Chef: Portland (28:40) Legendary (41:38) DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (43:45) Superman & Lois (47:04)Music Featured: Modern English’s “I Melt with You” as performed by Jane Levy on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist; Theme song to The Nanny

Allison is on assignment, but Noel and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, talking episodes nine and 10, “Aim for Comet A!” and “Against Our Independent World!” Minimori or Kanamoney?, more student council drama, and the joys of underground fruit ramen. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for episodes 11 and 12, “Each Other’s Existence!” and “Shibahama UFO Wars!”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, talking episodes seven and eight, “I Have To Do It For Myself!” and “The Grand Shibahama Festival!” Mizusaki and motion, Domeki and sound, and the positives of obsession. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for episodes nine and 10, “Aim for Comet A!” and “Against Our Independent World!”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us and sharing your reactions to these episodes.

A full six months late, we continue our catch up with Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, diving in with the third installment, Red, White and Blue. Before the DVD Shelf, though, we have a full week in TV to discuss. We kick things off with comedy, which this week means Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and another look at Rutherford Falls season one. Then we move to reality, with the return of Legendary for season two, the Snatch Game episode of RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under, and another entertaining Top Chef: Portland. We round out the week with genre, including Batwoman, The Flash, and the midseason finale of Supergirl. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your takes on the week’s TV, Small Axe, and any final requests for shows you’d like us to revisit before our upcoming hiatus. DVD Shelf: Small Axe: Red, White and Blue (1:03:08)Our Week in TV Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (10:34) Rutherford Falls S1 (14:47) Legendary premiere (21:49) RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under (29:03) Top Chef: Portland (35:08) Batwoman (38:58) The Flash (42:46) Supergirl midseason finale (49:26)Music Featured: Rihanna’s “Shut Up and Drive” as performed by Alex Newell on Zoey’s Extraordinary PlaylistArticle Referenced: Mo Ryan’s piece for Salon on Greg Spottiswood Twitter Thread Referenced: Mo Ryan’s thread on studios’ approach to toxic leadership and the media

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, talking episodes five and six, “An Iron Giant Appears!” and “Let’s Do Better Than Last Time!” Robots, ramen, and the utter relatability of needing a nap. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for episodes seven and eight, “I Have To Do It For Myself!” and “The Grand Shibahama Festival!”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts of these episodes.

For this episode of the podcast, we’re continuing our adventures with staples of ’90s television. This time, it’s the beloved animated series Gargoyles, which one of our hosts loves from their childhood and one has never seen. Does it hold up? Before that, though, there’s a full week in TV to break down. Noel and Kate kick things off with Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, and an episode full of zags instead of zigs. Then we move to genre with the return of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, eventful episodes of The Flash and Batwoman, and the premiere of Star Wars: The Bad Batch. Then we round things out with another delightful, loosey-goosey episode of Top Chef: Portland. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your takes on Gargoyles and the week’s TV. DVD Shelf: Gargoyles (49:23)Our Week in TV Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (8:49) DC’s Legends of Tomorrow premiere (18:43) The Flash (26:27) Batwoman (31:29) Star Wars: The Bad Batch premiere (33:40) Top Chef: Portland (37:45)Music Featured: Billy Joel’s “New York State of Mind” as performed by Skylar Astin on Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!, talking episodes three and four, “Let’s Accomplish Something!” and “Hold That Machete Tight!” Making art against deadlines, technology, and the dreaded student council. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for episodes five and six, “An Iron Giant Appears!” and “Let’s Do Better Than Last Time!”Shout-out to our Zoom listener Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

Noel and Kate begin their journey Streaming In Place with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!—Allison is on assignment, and will be back next episode. We break down episodes one and two, “The Greatest World!” and “The Eizouken Takes the Stage!,” talking world-building, character types, and the joy of animation. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for episodes three and four, “Let’s Accomplish Something!” and “Hold that Machete Tight!”Shout-out to our Zoom listener Marcus! Thanks for joining us for our latest TV show and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

We’re a week further into spring, which means another week full of finales and premieres. This episode, Noel and Kate kick things off with Our Week in TV, starting with comedy: the return of A Black Lady Sketch Show and season one of Peacock’s Rutherford Falls. Then we move to reality and catch up with season four of The Great Pottery Throw Down, available on HBO Max, a fruit-filled Top Chef: Portland, and the long-awaited finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Last we head over to genre as Kate shares a few quick thoughts on Black Lightning and Supergirl before both dive in with the finale of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. Then it’s over to the DVD Shelf, where we explore the mid-to-late aughts UPN and CW sitcom Everybody Hates Chris. Tune in for our take, then reach out with your thoughts on the week’s TV, Everybody Hates Chris, and whatever else you’ve been catching up with lately.DVD Shelf: Everybody Hates Chris (1:11:06)Our Week in TV A Black Lady Sketch Show premiere (8:48) Rutherford Falls S1 (13:57) The Great Pottery Throw Down S4 (28:16) Top Chef: Portland (39:52) RuPaul’s Drag Race finale (44:44) Black Lightning (55:39) Supergirl (59:01) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier finale (1:00:26)Music Featured: “1901” by Phoenix

Allison, Noel, and Kate finish Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking the epic three-part series finale, “Weirdmageddon.” Fantasy worlds, sibling rivalries and makeups, and the enduring potency of Bill. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we start our journey with Keep Your Hands Off Eizouken!.Shout-out to our Zoom listener Marcus! Thanks for joining us for Gravity Falls and sharing your thoughts on the show and your experience rewatching it.

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes 16 and 17, “Roadside Attraction” and “Dipper and Mabel vs. the Future.” The joys of road trips, did we really need to do pickup artists?, and more terrible Pines parenting. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday as we talk about the multi-episode grand finale, “Weirdmageddon.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for sharing your take on the episodes and joining the fun in the chat.

It’s a week of catchups here at the podcast, with plenty of interesting TV, but only a handful of new series to talk about. Noel and Kate kick things off with Our Week in TV, starting with Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist and a disappointingly reunion-light reunion on RuPaul’s Drag Race. Then we head to genre with Book 4 of Infinity Train, another The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and questionable developments over at Black Lightning, and we round out the week with the dramatic finale of Queen Sugar. Afterward, it’s over to the DVD Shelf, where we dive into the wacky legal world of Ally McBeal. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV and the specific experience of revisiting late ’90s and early ’00s TV.DVD Shelf: Ally McBeal (59:44)Our Week in TV Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (10:00) RuPaul’s Drag Race (20:51) Infinity Train Book 4: Duet (26:36) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (31:28) Black Lightning (41:28) Queen Sugar finale (46:35)Music Featured: “Tearin’ Up My Heart” performed by John Clarence Stewart, Alex Newell, and Skylar Astin from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes 14 and 15, “The Stanchurian Candidate” and “The Last Mabelcorn.” Local politics, jerkface unicorns, and the return of Bill. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we talk episodes 16 and 17, “Roadside Attraction” and “Dipper and Mabel vs. the Future.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes 12 and 13, “A Tale of Two Stans” and “Dungeons, Dungeons & More Dungeons.” Stan’s backstory, explained, the return of a Streaming In Place voice acting fav, and the allure of the infinity-sided die. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday as we talk episodes 14 and 15, “The Stanchurian Candidate” and “The Last Mabelcorn.”

It’s a fairly breezy week here at the podcast, as more shows approach their finales and Noel and Kate continue their exploration of international TV. First we talk through Our Week in TV. We kick things off with season one of The Way of the Househusband, then check in with Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, the antepenultimate RuPaul’s Drag Race, the penultimate Queen Sugar, and the finale of Wynonna Earp. Then Batwoman finally does a Ryan episode, Black Lightning airs its backdoor pilot for Painkiller, and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier continues to underwhelm. Afterward, we head to the season spotlight and dive in with the first season of the French series Call My Agent, which is available to stream on Netflix. Take a listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV.Season Spotlight: Call My Agent Season 1 (50:58)Our Week in TV The Way of the Househusband Season 1 (3:39) Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (8:19) RuPaul’s Drag Race (19:37) Queen Sugar (28:36) Wynonna Earp finale (29:59) Batwoman (34:03) Black Lightning (39:13) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (41:42)Music Featured: “Rosanna” performed by Alice Lee from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist; Call My Agent Theme song

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes 10 and 11, “Northwest Mansion Mystery” and “Not what He Seems.” More disturbing horror, family secrets, and the long-awaited reveal of the author. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next time as we talk episodes 12 and 13, “A Tale of Two Stans” and “Dungeons, Dungeons & More Dungeons.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus. Thanks for hanging with us in the chat and sharing your take on the episodes.

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes eight and nine, “Blendin’s Game” and “The Love God.” Infinite pizza slice, love potions, and save Waddles! Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next time as we talk episodes 10 and 11, “Northwest Mansion Mystery” and “Not What He Seems.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus. Thanks for joining the fun in the chat and sharing your thoughts.

Spring has officially sprung, bringing a change of weather, tax day on the horizon, and more TV premieres and finales. Noel and Kate kick off the podcast as ever with their Week in TV, including the premiere of Top Chef: Portland, RuPaul’s Drag Race, the finale of Resident Alien, a disappointing The Flash and The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, another emotional Queen Sugar, and the long-awaited return of Chris Meloni as Stabler to Law & Order: SVU, as well as the pilot of Law & Order: Organized Crime. Then we head to the spotlight section and catch up with season two of Staged, the BBC lockdown comedy that asks just which 12-letter actor is the lead of the show. Take a listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on Staged and the week’s TV.Season Spotlight: Staged Season 2 (1:14:23)Our Week in TV Top Chef: Portland premiere (13:18) RuPaul’s Drag Race (24:58) Resident Alien finale (31:59) The Flash (36:59) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (41:50) Queen Sugar (47:00) Law & Order: SVU and Organized Crime crossover pilot (58:30)Music Featured: “Red Light Blues” by Tony Kinsey

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes five, six, and seven, “Soos and the Real Girl,” “Little Gift Shop of Horrors,” and “Society of the Blind Eye.” These were rough, and we dive in with why. Stereotyping, troubling messaging, and the inaugural installment of F*ck Your Favorites with Allison Shoemaker. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we attempt to cleanse the palate with season two, episodes eight and nine, “Blendin’s Game” and “The Love God.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus. Thanks for powering through these episodes with us and sharing your thoughts in the chat.

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes three and four, “The Golf War” and “Sock Opera.” Musical numbers, tragic Lilliputtian backstories, and welcome back, Bill! Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday as we talk season two, episodes five, six, and seven, “Soos and the Real Girl,” “Little Gift Shop of Horrors,” and “Society of the Blind Eye.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thank you for joining the chat and sharing your thoughts on the episodes.

It’s a normal week of TV here at the podcast, but it’s also our 500th week, so this episode, Noel and Kate take a moment—let’s get real, an hour—to look back. We say thank you to our wonderful guests over the years, remember the shows we’ve since forgotten we ever watched, and share horror stories from behind the curtain. First, though, we talk through our week in TV. We kick things off with the finale of Superstore, then another strong The Amber Ruffin Show, the RuPaul’s Drag Race roast, a few more thoughts on last week’s Queen Sugar, Wyatt Russell’s big introduction on The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, and the return of Supergirl. Then it’s over to the spotlight section for our retrospective. Thank you to all of our listeners for sharing their perspectives on TV and life over the years, and for making The Televerse an engaging, rewarding experience.500th Episode Retrospective (1:01:42)Our Week in TV Superstore finale (14:20) The Amber Ruffin Show (25:40) RuPaul’s Drag Race (29:38) Queen Sugar (45:25) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier (47:59) Supergirl premiere (54:32)Music Featured: “Let’s Get Loud” by Jennifer Lopez, performed by the cast of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist; “Too Many Cooks” by Shawn Coleman and Michael Kohler

Allison is on assignment, but Noel and Kate journey forward, Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls season two, episodes one and two, “Scary-oke” and “Into the Bunker.” The power of three-part harmony (ish), hard conversations with crushes, and how to spot a doppelganger. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we talk season two, episodes three and four, “The Golf War” and “Sock Opera.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Keenan and Marcus! Thanks for joining us and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes 19 and 20, “Dreamscaperers” and “Gideon Rises” Deer teeth, Gideon’s plan, and Bill Cipher. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday as we move on to season two, talking episodes one and two, “Scary-oke” and “Into the Bunker.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and on mic and sharing your thoughts on these episodes and the season as a whole.

Spring TV continues to roll on, with finales and premieres giving us plenty to discuss this episode of the podcast. We kick things off as ever with Our Week in TV, starting with another emotional Queen Sugar. Then we talk the finales of The Unicorn and RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, followed by a check in with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Next, it’s over to genre, with the premiere of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, the midseason finale of Superman & Lois, an overdue The Flash, and a big twist over at Batwoman. Then we head to the season spotlight and dive in with the first season (well, first half season?) of the German neo-noir Babylon Berlin, available to stream on Netflix. Flappers, PTSD, and so many Russians. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV.Season Spotlight: Babylon Berlin Season 1 (52:38)Our Week in TV Queen Sugar (7:44) The Unicorn finale (12:19) RuPaul’s Drag Race UK finale (16:55) RuPaul’s Drag Race (18:23) The Falcon and the Winter Soldier premiere (31:29) Superman & Lois (38:20) The Flash (40:23) Batwoman (43:05)Music Featured: “L.O.V.E” by Paigey Cakey

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes 17 and 18, “Boyz Crazy” and “Land Before Swine.” Boy bands, the power of music, and the pure love of pet ownership. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for the season one finale, episodes 19 and 20, “Dreamscaperers” and “Gideon Rises.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining in and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

It’s another very full episode here at the podcast, with catch-ups on several series and plenty of new TV to discuss. First Noel and Kate dive in with their week in TV, starting with Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. Then we check in with RuPaul’s Drag Race before a roundup from Kate of the other series she’s been catching up on: Allen v. Farrow, Queen Sugar, A Discovery of Witches season two, and Resident Alien. Then it’s superhero talk with Black Lightning and The Flash, and we round out the week with the series finale of DuckTales. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and give our thoughts on the second installment of Steve McQueen’s Small Axe, Lovers Rock. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV.DVD Shelf: Small Axe: Lovers Rock (1:12:29)Our Week in TV Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (9:42) RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (16:10) RuPaul’s Drag Race (19:29) Allen v. Farrow (34:07) Queen Sugar (39:44) A Discovery of Witches Season 2 (43:23) Resident Alien (44:43) Black Lightning (47:15) The Flash (57:23) DuckTales finale (1:04:13)Music Featured: “Best Self” by Lady Bri

Noel is on assignment, but Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes 15 and 16, “The Deep End” and “Carpet Diem”. Meeting shows where they’re at, Soos and Waddles, and summers without AC. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season one, episodes 17 and 18, “Boyz Crazy” and “Land Before Swine.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners Keenan and Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

We continue our journey through the TV of decades past this week on the podcast, heading down to Atlanta to spend some time with Designing Women. The hair, the shoulder pads, and of course, those Julia Sugarbaker rants! Before the DVD Shelf, though, we have a full week in TV to discuss. First we look at the comedies, including the worst called it ever on The Amber Ruffin Show, a relatable Last Week Tonight, and a surprising The Unicorn. Then Kate teases RuPaul’s Drag Race UK and we go long on season 13’s Snatch Game. Over in drama and genre, Kate catches up with Queen Sugar and Wynonna Earp before we talk The Flash and Barry’s new speed-thinking, Kate spoils Noel on the latest developments on Black Lightning, and we round out the week with the finale of WandaVision. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on Designing Women, WandaVision, and the rest of the week’s TV!DVD Shelf: Designing Women (1:04:04)Our Week in Comedy and Reality The Amber Ruffin Show (8:54) Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (11:55) The Unicorn (18:52) RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (21:50) RuPaul’s Drag Race (22:30)Our Week in Drama and Genre Queen Sugar (39:38) Wynonna Earp (41:00) The Flash (42:01) Black Lightning (47:11) WandaVision finale (52:15)Music Featured: “Fascinated” by Company B; “Working Man’s Blues” by Johnny Copeland

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes 13 and 14, “Boss Mabel” and “Bottomless Pit!” Shoulder pads, management styles, and the joy of bottle episodes. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season one, episodes 15 and 16, “The Deep End” and “Carpet Diem.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Keenan and Marcus! Thanks for joining the chat and sharing your thoughts on these episodes.

Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes 11 and 12, “Little Dipper” and “Summerween.” Sibling rivalries, supervillain incompetence, and trash candy. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season one, episodes 13 and 14, “Boss Mabel” and “Bottomless Pit!”.Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining the chat and sharing your thoughts.Join Allison on Twitch on Monday, March 8th, 2021 at 8pm CST for Redacted: Bridget Jones’ Diary!

There’s plenty to be stressed about in the real world, so this week on the podcast, Noel and Kate present the best de-stresser they’ve found yet: The Muppet Show! That’s right, we play the music, light the lights, and in Kate’s case at least, meet the Muppets as we dive in with The Muppet Show, now streaming on Disney+, for our DVD Shelf. Before that, though, there’s plenty to discuss for Our Week in TV. We kick things off with the return of The Flash and the penultimate WandaVision, then move to comedy for Superstore and DuckTales. Kate checks in with RuPaul’s Drag Race, and then we round out the week with Queen Sugar. Listen for our takes, then reach out with your thoughts on the Muppets and The Muppet Show as well as the rest of the TV you’ve been watching this week.DVD Shelf: The Muppet Show (53:48)Our Week in TV The Flash premiere (9:39) WandaVision (14:25) Superstore (26:36) DuckTales (28:44) RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (32:02) RuPaul’s Drag Race (34:02) Queen Sugar (43:08)Music Featured: “One Year In, I’m Still Scared of COVID” from The Amber Ruffin Show; The Muppet Show Theme song

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes nine and 10, “The Time Traveler’s Pig” and “Fight Fighters.” Waddles! Also stupid teen boys, fate, and a giant time baby. But mostly, Waddles. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season one, episodes 11 and 12, “Little Dipper” and “Summerween.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining the chat and sharing your thoughts.Join Allison on Twitch on Monday, March 8th, 2021 at 8pm CST for Redacted: Bridget Jones’ Diary!

It’s Allison’s turn on assignment, so Noel and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes seven and eight, “Double Dipper” and “Irrational Treasure.” Tyrone, Pioneer Days, and Mabel’s crew. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season one, episode nine and 10, “The Time Traveler’s Pig” and “Fight Fighters.”Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Keenan and Marcus. Thanks for joining the chat and sharing your thoughts!

It’s a busy, but pleasant week here at the podcast, with plenty of charming and compelling TV to discuss. After a little TV news, we kick things off with Our Week in TV, starting with genre, including the premiere of Superman & Lois, a few thoughts on Batwoman and Resident Alien, and another much buzzed-about WandaVision. Then we move to drama for Queen Sugar and Miss Scarlet and the Duke season one, check in with The Unicorn, and round out the week with RuPaul’s Drag Race. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and catch up with the classic ’70s sitcom The Bob Newhart Show. Listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on Agatha, the many patients of Bob Hartley, and the rest of the week’s TV.DVD Shelf: The Bob Newhart Show (1:11:04)Our Week in TV Superman & Lois premiere (12:17) Batwoman (28:45) Resident Alien (30:04) WandaVision (31:48) Queen Sugar (36:14) Miss Scarlet and the Duke S1 (46:14) The Unicorn (47:41) RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (55:18) RuPaul’s Drag Race (56:04)Music Featured: “Agatha All Along” from [redacted] by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez; The Bob Newhart Show Theme song

Noel is on assignment this week, so Allison and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes five and six, “The Inconveniencing” and “Dipper vs. Manliness.” Technical teenager-dom, possession, and entirely too much chest hair. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season one, episode seven and eight, “Double Dipper” and “Irrational Treasure.”Shout-out to our Zoom listener Marcus! Thanks for joining us in the chat.

Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, talking season one episodes three and four, “Headhunters” and “The Hand That Rocks the Mabel.” Glitter bombs, appropriately high stakes, and Lil’ Gideon. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season one, episode five and six, “The Inconveniencing” and “Dipper vs. Manliness.”

It’s been a cold week in much of the country, so we dip into some sun-soaked classic TV for this episode of the podcast. First, we talk through Our Week in TV, starting with the premieres of Clarice and Queen Sugar. Then we talk comedy, looking at Superstore and The Amber Ruffin Show, before checking in with RuPaul’s Drag Race and closing out the week’s TV with genre, Black Lightning and WandaVision. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and catch up with the ’70s PI series The Rockford Files, diving in with the many flavors of the show and its particular charms, and occasional dated drawbacks. Listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on Rockford and the week’s TV.DVD Shelf: The Rockford Files (1:01:29)Our Week in TV Clarice premiere (9:29) Queen Sugar premiere (17:35) Superstore (25:29) The Amber Ruffin Show (28:10) RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (29:52) RuPaul’s Drag Race (31:28) Black Lightning (44:38) WandaVision (49:53)Music Featured: “Twilight” by Adeline; The Rockford Files Theme song