The TV Dudes Podcast

This week, we're talkin' 'bout UK crime with Dept. Q, MobLand, Art Detectives, and a host of AcornTV shows as we enjoy our first month with the app. From gritty investigations to quirky detectives, we're diving deep into the foggy alleys of British crime TV—and having a bloody good time doing it! 2:00-30:35 TV Diaries 9:28-30:35 Nick watches Doctor Who S02-04 30:40-41:35 Poker Face 41:35-47:05 Dept. Q 1:01:25-1:10:05 Art Detectives AcornTV Free Trial Week: https://signup.acorn.tv/

This week, we have an interview that's on point like a lazer! Les chats with the incredibly talented Kevin Chamberlin! You know Kevin from his unforgettable roles on television and in film —  whether it's stealing scenes in "Jessie" on Disney or "Duster" on Max, or lighting up the big screen in "Road to Perdition". But today we're diving into something especially exciting — Kevin's one-man show, "Finding The Joy", on June 23rd! We'll talk about the journey behind the show, his evolution as a performer, and what joy really means in a world like ours. Let's get into it! Tickets to "Finding The Joy" June 23: https://www.thebeechman.com/events/lbt25-kchamberlinjoy

This week, we're diving into the Apple TV+ series Government Cheese, the latest Patreon showrunner pick from John Paul! He picked four episodes for us to check out, and we've got thoughts. It's weird, it's heartfelt, it's got some big swings—and we're here for all of it. Tune in as Nick and Les break down the quirky drama, explore what works (and what doesn't), and try to figure out just what kind of sandwich this show really is! 0:55- TV Diaries 21:50-29:00 Hacks finale 29:00-40:20 Poker Face 50:40-1:03:30 Nick finally starts watching Doctor Who 1:05:05- Government Cheese

This week on The TV Dudes, Les talks with writer and producer Paul Powell about his new AcornTV series Art Detectives. The show follows a team of experts uncovering the truth behind lost and stolen works of art, blending mystery, history, and just the right amount of comedy. We talk about bringing real-world intrigue to the screen, what drew him to the world of art crime, and the challenges of making detective work feel fresh. Let's get into it!

This week, we take a break from our normal TV watching to tell you all about ATX Television Festival SEASON 14! We spent four amazing days running around downtown Austin watching panels, catching screenings, doing interviews and generally having a blast! Find out what all Nick and Les did at the fest, then go hear all the interviews (out now!) #ATXTVFestival2025 #TheTVDudes 

This year at the ATX Television Festival, Les joined a roundtable conversation about the upcoming King of the Hill revival. We spoke with actors Toby Huss, Pamela Adlon, Lauren Tom, and showrunner Saladin K. Patterson about returning to Arlen, honoring the legacy of the series, and what to expect from the new episodes. Check it out!

This year at the ATX Television Festival, Les took part in a roundtable with the creative minds behind AMC's Immortal Universe. We spoke with Rolin Jones, John Lee Hancock, Mark Johnson, and Mark Lafferty about Mayfair Witches, Interview with the Vampire, the upcoming Talamasca series. They talked about everything from Lestat's rock songs, to John Lee Hancock's reflections on working with Clint Eastwood on A Perfect World, and why this team is the perfect fit to bring the Talamasca to life. Check it out!

This year at the ATX Television Festival, Les sat down with Greg Iwinski and Jim Fagan — two sharp comedy minds who have worked everywhere from Last Week Tonight to Young Jedi Adventures. We talked about writing for kids and adults, navigating comedy in today's news landscape, and yes, even the Knicks. Let's get to it!

This year at the ATX Television Festival, Les got to sit down with Kevin Bigley and Zainab Johnson from the Amazon sci-fi/comedy series Upload. We talked about how their roles developed across the series, the wild world of digital afterlife, behind-the-scenes moments, and what might be coming for them in Season 4. Check it out!

At this year's ATX Television Festival, Les got to catch up with the one and only Craig Bierko —  stage and screen veteran, unforgettable as Chet Wilton on UnReal. We talked about revisiting the show for its ten-year reunion panel, his experience playing one of TV's most chaotic producers, and plenty more. Let's jump in!

This week, as part of our coverage of the ATX Television Festival, Les was lucky enough to sit down with actor and director Shiri Appleby. We talked about the UnREAL's ten-year anniversary, her amazing career directing, and what drives her as a creative. Check it out!

This week, Les and Nick take a break from brand-new shows to talk about a nearly-new show: the amazing FX series Dying For Sex starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate. It's a hilarious, tearful sitcom full of feels and laughs, and it caught us completely off guard. Come find out why we loved it! Plus! That Last of Us finale! OMG! #DyingForSexFX #TheTVDudes 

This week in episode 540 of the TV Dudes, Nick and Les journey to a faraway planet with Alexander Skarsgard in MURDERBOT! Skarsgard plays a security bot who recently broke the code that keeps him obedient. Now that he's gone rogue, all he wants to do is watch his stories. We get it, bud.  Did we love the series, or would we rather check the perimeter? Let's find out! 1:15-48:25 TV Diaries 1:45-6:05 Murder Drones 8:38-12:42 Love Death + Robots S4 42:50-48:25 The Studio Finale 50:30- Murderbot #MURDERBOT #AppleTVPlus #TheTVDudes #MurderDrones #LoveDeathAndRobotsS4 #TheStudio

This week on The TV Dudes, Les is joined by actress Carey Cox, who portrays Rose Blaine in The Handmaid's Tale. Introduced in Season 5 as the wife of Nick, Rose is an unusual character in Gilead due to her visible disability — congenital hip dysplasia. This mirrors Carey's real-life experience living with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. As a disabled actor and advocate, Carey brings authenticity and nuance to her roles, challenging outdated perceptions of disability in the entertainment industry. We chat about her career path, her work on The Handmaid's Tale, and much more. #TheHandmaidsTale #CareyCox #TheTVDudes 

This week, we check out the first four episodes of Rian Johnson and Natasha Lyonne's awesome throwback detective series, POKER FACE! We loved the first season (you know it's the truth) and can't wait to see what's next on the show.  1:00-28:00 TV Diaries 28:30- Poker Face S02 #PokerFace #PeacockTV #TheTVDudes

Today, Les is joined by the incredible Rachel Potter — a powerhouse vocalist and performer you may know from The X Factor, or her star turns on Broadway in The Addams Family and Evita. Now, Rachel's taking center stage once again with Stages, a brand-new album of reimagined Broadway classics, produced by David Wise and releasing on Joy Machine Records. This symphonic, show-stopping collection drops today, May 16th, and features an all-star lineup of guests from Broadway and beyond. With roots in musical theater and a heart in Nashville, Rachel brings her signature style and crystalline vocals to a project that's both nostalgic and refreshingly new. Let's dive in and hear more from Rachel herself about the journey to Stages, what this record means to her, and what's next. Album available here https://www.rachelpottermusic.com/pre-order #TheXFactor 

In Episode 538 of the TV Dudes, recorded May 7th 2025, John-Paul Vitale runs the show with his patreon selection - DON'T EVEN on Tubi! JP requested we watch episodes 1, 2, 3, and 5 of the series, but we watched 'em all! Join us and find out why we were charmed by this fun and funny Winnipeg-set sitcom. 1:10-27:38 TV Diaries 30:00- Don't Even #DontEven #OneGreatCity #TheTVDudes #MickeyCarp #CousinCheryl

On Episode 537 of the TV Dudes, we catch up on Season 4 of HACKS over on Max! After Ava's big extortion move at the end of last season, we'll see what the working environment is like for their new late night show! Nobody in Hacks holds grudges, right? #Hacks #Max #TVDudes 

For our interview today, we're kicking things off with a special performance — here's Dez Duron singing “Why Love” from the cast recording of Maybe Happy Ending. Dez is a singer and actor you might recognize from Season 3 of The Voice. Now, he's making his Broadway debut, starring alongside Darren Criss and Helen J Shen in the critically acclaimed musical Maybe Happy Ending, and was gracious enough to sit down with Les today to discuss it all. Dez plays Gil Brentley, a smooth, fictional jazz singer whose songs echo the love story at the heart of the show. Critics are raving—the production's been named “Best Theatre of 2024” by The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and more. Entertainment Weekly calls Dez “a captivating stage presence,” and The Guardian dubbed him “a dashing daydream.” Let's take a listen—and then we'll sit down with Dez himself.

On Episode 536 of the TV Dudes we jump back into the world of THE LAST OF US over on Max! This week, Les finally catches up on a show EVERYONE loved! Will it grow on him, or will he be the Cordyception to the rule?? 00:50 - 44:40 TV Diaries 47:00 - The Last of Us S02 #TheLastOfUs #TVDudes #JoelIsAVillain 

This week, Les chats with reality TV competition star Rob Roman. He stars in the hit Hulu series "Got To Get Out". Battling it out amongst Reality TV royalty such as Spencer Pratt, Omarosa Manigault Newman, and Cynthia Bailey to name a few, Rob takes his shot as a reality tv rookie amongst 20 contestants, at a chance to win up to $1 million. Hosted by Simu Liu, the highly anticipated series premiered April 11th.  Rob may be familiar to those in the reality realm as he competed in the first season of the hit competition series Squid Game: The Challenge on Netflix. Rob's goal has always been to support his family and his other ventures. One of his most recent ventures is HC Roots (Home Care Roots), a home healthcare company that provides skilled nursing and caretaker services for medically fragile children—completely free for families. Outside of his philanthropic endeavors, Rob has served in law enforcement for over 11 years in New Jersey where he was born and raised. He was the youngest to make detective and to make sergeant in the history of his police department. #Hulu #RobRoman #GotToGetOut 

This week, we're hunting demons with Kevin Bacon in his new Amazon Prime series THE BONDSMAN!  Bacon plays Hub, a backwoods bounty hunter who comes back from the dead with an unexpected second chance at life, love, and a nearly-forgotten musical career — only to find that his old job now has a demonic new twist. Will this Bacon sizzle, or is it gonna be straight hell? 00:45-41:10 TV Diaries 05:05-16:53 Devil May Cry 26:52-30:05 Daredevil Born Again finale 33:16-41:10 Got To Get Out 43:00- Bondsman

This week, we're going big with Apple TV's new series about the turmoils of making major motion pictures! That's right, we're talking about THE STUDIO! Apple TV usually isn't Nick's brand, so can this show overcome a reputation for prestige slowness? Let's find out!  0:50-42:08 TV Diaries 42:35- The Studio #TheStudio #AppleTV #TVDudes

Episode 533 of the TV Dudes, recorded April 3rd 2025, SUCH BRAVE GIRLS - A Patreon Showrunner Pick! This week, we're back to your requests! It's John Paul's turn at the controls as we watch SUCH BRAVE GIRLS over on hulu! Will we laugh? Will we cry? Will we curse or praise JP? It's all coming up in the episode! 1:00-38:35 TV Diaries 40:34- Such Brave Girls #SuchBraveGirls #TVDudes #Patreon

This week,Nick and Les check out the Netflix whodunnit THE RESIDENCE, starring UZO ADUBA as an eccentric consulting detective (and birding enthusiast) trying to solve a murder at the white house. Let's find out if the show is DOA, or if they KILL IT! Plus - The REACHER season 3 finale, and two new episodes of Daredevil: Born Again! 1:00-50:30  TV Diaries  1:20-7:15 Reacher Finale  32:25-50:30 Daredevil Born Again  50:10-The Residence #TheTVDudes #TheResidenceNetflix #DaredevilBornAgain #Reacher 

This week, we watche a patreon showrunner request, RECORD OF RAGNAROK! It's a tournament fighting anime chosen by the one and only Danny Doggett! Will we love it? Hate it? Can we stand it? Let's find out!!  1:10-40:50 TV Diaries 31:20-40:50 Daredevil Born Again 42:40- Record of Ragnarok #RecordOfRagnarok #TVDudes 

This week, we dive into John-Paul Vitale's showrunner pick (head to patreon.com/tvdudes to find out how!) and watch the first four eps of Hulu's AM I BEING UNREASONABLE? Spoiler, it's a fantastic show. Find out what we loved and what won us over on this very British comedy-thriller! 1:05-39:18 TV Diaries      1:20-8:25 Nick *doesn't* completely bitch about Invincible      8:25-11:35  Harley Quinn      13:25-22:44 Daredevil Born Again      22:44-28:30 Reacher 40:38- Am I Being Unreasonable

This week, we head over to Disney Plus for the two-episode premiere of DAREDEVIL: BORN AGAIN! Will the gritty return of the Netflix style thrill us, or will we be left pining for another yellow-suit front-lawn drop-in? Hell's Kitchen awaits!! 1:40-50:00 TV Diaries 15:54-18:40 Nick bitches about Invincible 18:40-22:35 Reacher 43:40-48:30 Paradise Finale 52:25- Daredevil Born Again

This week, we dive back into Amazon Prime's top-rated Dad Show, REACHER! Season 3 just started, and we're excited to see if Reacher can bring justice to a town using only his largeness and directness. Let's GOOOOO! Plus for dessert this week, the nefarious conspiracy goings-on of PARADISE! #ReacherSeason3 #TVDudes 

This week, we kick our way back into the final binge of Cobra Kai! Will the Sekai Tekai be canceled forever? Will everyone learn what they need to learn before the show runs out?? Will the world's most improbable reboot stick the landing??? We give it NO MERCY as we review these last episodes. Let's go! Plus - we chat about the last episodes of Your Friendly Neighborhood Spider-Man!  #CobraKaiVI #TheTVDudes #YFNSM 

This week, we check out the new season of a show that both Nick and Les slowly realized they really, really enjoyed... The Recruit on Netflix! It was a fun season one, and we were happy to hear a new season was coming but then it took SOOOO LONG! And then it arrived with only 6 episodes. Will it be enough? Let's find out! #TheTVDudes #TheRecruit  

Hey, folks! Today, we've got a treat for fans of cult musicals and sharp satire. We're celebrating the 25th anniversary of Reefer Madness: The Musical, a hilariously over-the-top sendup of the 1930s anti-marijuana propaganda film. The show first hit the stage in 1998, blending dark comedy, catchy songs, and biting social commentary, and it went on to inspire a star-studded 2005 film adaptation.   Joining Les today are the brilliant minds behind it all—Kevin Murphy and Dan Studney. Kevin is a prolific writer and lyricist, known for his work on Desperate Housewives and Heathers: The Musical. Dan is an accomplished writer and composer, with credits that include Jack the Giant Slayer and a range of film and TV projects. Together, they crafted Reefer Madness into the cult sensation it is today, and now, they're back to talk about the newly released 25th anniversary cast recording.   We're diving into the show's origins, its journey to cult status, and what makes this new recording special—so stick around! 

This week, the Dudes swing into action with the new Spidey show on Disney Plus! Will the CG Animation work for the Dudes? Let's find out! #YourFriendlyNeighborhoodSpiderMan #TheTVDudes

This week, we dive into the time-traveling pond at the heart of Hallmark's The Way Home! John-Paul Vitale has chosen four episodes of the family drama for us. Will it reconnect Nick and Les to the past? Help us understand the future? Listen and find out!! #TheWayHome #Patreon #TheTVDudes

This week, Nick and Les dive into the new Peter Berg (and Betty Gilpin!) western bloodbath, American Primeval! Will it rustle up some strong feelings in the Dudes? Probably. Will it be good? Listen and find out! #AmericanPrimeval #BettyGilpinIsAmazing 

This week, Danny Doggett gets us in the game with our very first Sports Anime! Nick and Les check out Haikyu!! and learn more about volleyball than they ever imagined. Danny's proven an exceptional show setter in the past, but will his new pick score points with the Dudes? Let's find out! Plus, we chat about the finale of the bestest Disney Star Wars in the whole galaxy, SKELETON CREW! 1:21-37:23 TV Diaries 27:45-37:23 Skeleton Crew Finale 38:05-Haikyu

This week, it's the real deal! We kick off this new year with the best ten things we saw LAST year! Let's start 2025 talking about the most awesome stuff we saw in 2024! It's celebrations and good shows all around as we discuss our favorite shows and moments from a wild and crazy year.  What made the cut? What didn't?? Listen to find out how wrong we are, how right we are, and everything in between! 2:18 - 1:01:30 Top 10 1:01:30 - Honorable Mentions #BestOf2024 #TheTVDudes 

This week, we start of 2024 wrap-up with a rundown of everything we watched but didn't rank in the top ten. It's not the worst stuff we watched, but it's THE REST! Join us as we discuss the year that was, the shows we wanted to like, and the stuff we thought misfired. Then next week, we'll kick off 2025 with a look back at the very best of last year! 1:10-40:00 The Rest 40:25-51:25 Patreon Showrunner Picks  

This week, we bring our regular episodes for 2024 to a close with one final Patreon Showrunner request! Danny Doggett has called his shot with DanDaDan, a new (super popular) anime full of aliens and monsters and demons, oh my! Will we dig it? Let's find out! Also, we chat about the Lower Decks finale, and the (real) What We Do In The Shadows finale! 1:10-44:33TV Diaries 24:12-30:40 Skeleton Crew Ep 04 30:40-36:45 Creature Commandos Ep 36:45-44:33 What We Do in the Shadows Finale 44:33-52:45 Lower Decks Finale 53:22 Dan Da Dan #TheTVDudes #WWDITS #LowerDecks #DanDaDan #SkeletonCrew #CreatureCommandos

This week, we jump back into the DCU with James Gunn's first official entry now that he's running the place. Creature Commandos picks up from The Suicide Squad movie with new expendable weirdos and a new mission (to SAVE THE DCU). Can they get it done? Let's find out!! 1:45-50:10 TV Diaries 50:40- Creature Commandos #CreatureCommandos #JamesGunn #DCU #TVDudes #TheTVDudes

This week, we climb into what we thought was some kind of Goonies Temple, but which turns out to be a Star Wars show! Star Wars: Skeleton Crew debuted this week, and we'll see if accidentally jumping Les into hyperspace with a bunch of pirate kids will win him back to the franchise! 1:00-27:05 TV Diaries 21:55-27:05 Arcane Finale 28:30- Skeleton Crew

This week, Nick and Les were SUPPOSED to chat about the new Cross series on Amazon, but were unthrilled by it. Luckily, Netflix saved the day with a delightful Mike Schur series starring Ted Danson, A Man on the Inside! Let's find out if it's got that Good Place magic! #AManOnTheInside #TheTVDudes

This week, we discuss what we were SURE were the last 5 episodes of Cobra Kai, given that there's no trailer on netflix about another drop and we hadn't heard people talking about the final season running to 15 eps! Will our gang win the SEKAI TAKAI? Can Les stop saying it under his breath? Let's find out! 1:10-28:20TV Diaries 31:00-Cobra Kai S06 Part 2 #CobraKaiNetflix #TheTVDudes   

This week, because Les can't read a calendar and thought Cobra Kai was already released, we're talking about a show Nick suggested! It's ARCANE, the League of Legends series on Netflix, which just dropped the first 3 episodes of its second season! Will it thrill Les, given that he's never played the game or knows anything about the series? Let's find out!! 1:00-44:15 TV Diaries 33:45-44:15 Penguin Finale (Spoilers) 45:50- Arcane S01-02 #ArcaneLeagueofLegends #TVDudes #ThePenguin  

This week, we head to the fabled land of Apple TV to catch up on Bad Monkey, the florida crime series starring Vince Vaughn. While we're there, we also check out Time Bandits, Severence, and more! Should we be the AppleTVDudes? Is there more to the tech giant than Ted Lasso re-runs? Let's find out! 1:40-50:22-TV Diaries 51:25-Bad Monkey #Severence #BadMonkey #TimeBandits #AppleTV #TVDudes

This week, Les and Nick explore the animated world of El Deafo at the request of Patreon supporter John-Paul Vitale! Will the show's magic charm us? (spoilers - yes, it will) Join in as we watch the three part children's cartoon from Cece Bell about growing up with hearing issues! Plus we chat about the finale of Agatha All Along! And we get some answers to this week's Tune In question! 1:12-31:54 TV Diaries 22:15-31:54 Agatha All Along finale 31:54-35:44 TV Dudes Tune In 35:44- El Deafo  

This week, Nick and Les check out the new Peacock show about Satanic Panic that's destroying the very soul of the community... HYSTERIA! Cults and Kidnappings and Metal Bands, oh my! Will the show live up to a great trailer and fun premise? We'll find out! Won't someone think of the children?? #Hysteria #PeacockTV #TheTVDudes

This week, we dive into the newest anime selection by Danny Doggett, CHAINSAW MAN!! Will Nick and Les dig the animayhem and weird crushes? Let's find out!! #chainsawman #thetvdudes

This week, Les chats with singer Effie Passero about her new group, CelloVoci, her time on American Idol, touring with Postmodern Jukebox, and much more. CelloVoci – the newly formed classical-crossover group starring internationally renowned cello and vocal duo BRANDEN & JAMES, along with powerhouse singer/songwriter EFFIE PASSERO from “American Idol” and Postmodern Jukebox – will release their debut album Happy Days in digital formats and on CD on Friday, October 11. Their first single, an epic version of the chart-topper “The Prayer,” will be available on Friday, September 27. CelloVoci makes their New York concert debut at Carnegie Hall's Weill Recital Hall on Thursday, October 17 at 8:00 PM. Tickets are available HERE. Since forming during the pandemic, the trio has toured extensively around United States, along with several cities in Mexico. CelloVoci will embark on a new branch of the tour through 2025 and beyond.  

1:50-44:55 TV Diaries 45:25 Penguin This week on the TV Dudes, we're as surprised as you are to be talking about The Penguin! Join us as we explore the seedy back alleys of Gotham alongside one of the great Batman villains, in a show we never saw coming.  Then on Patreon, check out our review of the sequel no one expected, Tim Burton's Beetlejuice Beetlejuice! Can the old corpse rise to the challenge? Let's find out together at patreon.com/tvdudes! #beetlejuicebeetlejuice #thepenguin #thetvdudes 

This week, John-Paul Vitale chooses the show, and the choice is AVERAGE JOE! Les and Nick dive into the BET+ Original about a regular guy who ends up in hot water with the Russian mob over $10 million dollars. (and a stolen Lambo) Average Joe is now streaming on Netflix. Will the blend of humor and crime thrill the Dudes? Tune in and find out! Then on Patreon, check out our review of Transformers One, now in theaters!