Television critic, writer
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Alan Sepinwall joins us to discuss “Saul Goodman v. Jimmy McGill: The Complete Critical Companion to “Better Call Saul.” And Rachel Yoder on her surreal novel, “Nightbitch,” which is now a major motion picture starring Amy Adams. Also, singer/songwriter Kris Delmhorst discusses her latest album, “Ghosts in the Garden.”
Sterling K. Brown takes the lead in Paradise, and in the investigation that drives Hulu's new paranoid thriller -- and Rolling Stone's lead TV critic, Alan Sepinwall, is back to discuss both. Do the layered flashbacks work better for this material than for Brown's previous Dan Fogelman project, This Is Us? Does the dumb world-building outweigh the watchable acting? After we talked about how this underground/domed world stacked up against others on TV, we went Around The Dial with Common Side Effects, Mythic Quest, and the latest documentary from the Ken Burns Industrial Complex before Alan carefully constructed a Canon pitch for a Better Call Saul episode. Jennifer Garner won, Don Lemon lost, and what hark through yonder earbud breaks but a Shakespearean Game Time. Pack a bag for Colorado and join us! GUESTS
This week on the pod Seth Meyers is joined by Jake Tapper, Mike Schur, and Alan Sepinwall for a special breakdown of which digital shorts make the Criterion collection! They discuss what other categories the digital shorts can fall into, including “additional reading” and “Kim's videos,” plus they talk about some favorite memories of The Lonely Island and SNL over the years!Watch all the shorts (available on YouTube) that we talked about this year - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLR9ZV6ngzoSrQAaFARYbI-zeBKGn8JcUI(Not all the clips we mention are available online; some never even aired.)If you want to see more photos and clips follow us on Instagram @lonelymeyerspod. Send us an email! thelonelyislandpod@gmail.com Support our sponsors:AirbnbVisit Airbnb.com today and book a guest favorite. These are the most beloved homes on Airbnb. ShopifyUpgrade your business and get the same checkout Aviator Nation uses.Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial period at SHOPIFY.COM/lonelyisland Produced by Rabbit Grin ProductionsExecutive Producers Jeph Porter and Rob HolyszLead Producer Kevin MillerCreative Producer Samantha SkeltonCoordinating Producer Derek JohnsonCover Art by Olney AtwellMusic by Greg Chun and Brent AsburyEdit by Cheyenne JonesMix and Master by Jason Richards
In honor of the anniversary of the first-ever sitcom broadcast on a U.S. television network (fun fact: it was "Mary Kay and Johnny" back in November 1947), we're revisiting "Sitcom Deaths and Disappearances." Characters on sitcoms aren't supposed to die. So when they do, it's never less than weird. Mo examines some of the most infamous sitcom deaths and disappearances with Henry Winkler, Sandy Duncan and Alan Sepinwall.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On Wednesdays, we share our thoughts on a newer entertainment property. Currently, that's Only Murders in the Building; season 4 has now come to a close, with another wedding--a real one this time, not a fakeout with Mabel in a white gown--and of course, another murder to set up next year's season. Terri forgave all of the shenanigans that led up to this point, including the ridiculousness of this very episode, thanks to one special reveal. Mentioned: Selena Gomez's net worth, her beauty company, and a Wizards of Waverly Place reboot; Alan Sepinwall's review of the season at Rolling Stone.Next week, we'll return to the latest season of Shrinking, a show we very much enjoyed in its first outing. We'll watch the season 2 episodes one at a time, starting with "Jimmying.” We'll be back tomorrow with our weekly roundup.
In Episode 180, Susie Boutry (@NovelVisits) and Sarah return with the 4th annual Debuts Special! They're sharing their favorite debuts, new and backlist — so far for 2024. Plus, their reading stats for debuts this year and the best sophomore novels of 2024. This post contains affiliate links through which I make a small commission when you make a purchase (at no cost to you!). CLICK HERE for the full episode Show Notes on the blog. Highlights How debuts from 2024 compare to those from previous years. A full breakdown of Sarah's and Susie's 2024 debut-related stats. Featured debuts, divided into three categories: Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 Favorite Debuts of 2024 (so far) [7:13] Sarah Only Say Good Things by Crystal Hefner | Amazon | Bookshop.org [8:33] Nightwatching by Tracy Sierra | Amazon | Bookshop.org [14:50] Everest, Inc. by Will Cockrell | Amazon | Bookshop.org [21:50] How to End a Love Story by Yulin Kuang | Amazon | Bookshop.org [28:30] Susie Grown Women by Sarai Johnson | Amazon | Bookshop.org [11:18] How We Named the Stars by Andrés N. Ordorica | Amazon | Bookshop.org [17:32] Perris, California by Rachel Stark | Amazon | Bookshop.org [24:58] Women and Children First by Alina Grabowski | Amazon | Bookshop.org [32:29] Other Books Mentioned Victim by Andrew Boryga [7:54] Dixon, Descending by Karen Outen [8:04] River East, River West by Aub Rey Lescure [8:15] The Wives by Simone Gorrindo [8:23] The Many Lives of Mama Love by Lara Love Hardin [8:43] Nuclear War by Annie Jacobsen [14:59] Talking at Night by Claire Daverley [21:25] Groundskeeping by Lee Cole [21:29] People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry [29:38] Romantic Comedy by Curtis Sittenfeld [31:26] No Two Persons by Erica Bauermeister [34:55] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [34:58] Favorite Backlist Debuts Read in 2024 [36:02] Sarah The Flat Share by Beth O'Leary | Amazon | Bookshop.org [36:09] Welcome to the O.C. by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage | Amazon | Bookshop.org [41:20] Susie There There by Tommy Orange | Amazon | Bookshop.org [38:33] Black Butterflies by Priscilla Morris | Amazon | Bookshop.org [43:13] Other Books Mentioned Wandering Stars by Tommy Orange [39:06] Girl at War by Sara Nović [45:18] The Cellist of Sarajevo by Steven Galloway [45:20] Best Sophomore Novels of 2024 [45:33] Sarah Same As It Ever Was by Claire Lombardo | Amazon | Bookshop.org [45:39] A Quiet Life by Ethan Joella | Amazon | Bookshop.org [50:43] Susie Bear by Julia Phillips | Amazon | Bookshop.org [48:07] Where the Forest Meets the River by Shannon Bowring | Amazon | Bookshop.org [52:40] Other Books Mentioned Sandwich by Catherine Newman [47:52] The Road to Dalton by Shannon Bowring [52:54] Additional Books Mentioned I'm Thinking of Ending Things by Iain Reid [6:08] About Susie Boutry Blog | Facebook | Instagram | X Susie has loved reading for as long as she can remember. Some of her fondest childhood memories involve long afternoons at the library and then reading late into the night. More than ten years ago, she began journaling about the books she read and turned that passion into writing about books. Her first forays were as a guest reviewer on a friend's blog, but she soon realized she wanted to be reviewing and talking about books on a blog of her own. From there, Novel Visits was born. That was in 2016 and, though the learning curve was steep, she loves being a part of the book community. Novel Visits focuses on new novel reviews (print and audio), previews of upcoming releases, and musings on all things bookish. Next Episode In two weeks (October 30), Catherine and I will be back with our Fall 2024 Circle Back episode.
Rolling Stone's chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall is back to talk about Apple TV's latest prestige limited series -- starring Cate Blanchett and Kevin Kline, directed and written by Alfonso Cuarón, and maaaaybe a little too fond of its own shot compositions. Is the hinted-at conclusion worth sticking around for -- or are we mostly seeing it through for Kline's cardigan acting? Next, we went Around The Dial with Georgie & Mandy's First Marriage, Happy's Place, Shrinking, and the Platonic (not) ideal of "this should have been a feature" docuserieses, before Tara nominated a third-season Harley Quinn episode for the Canon. An Office reboot won, Succession lost, and a new scoring wrinkle scared the hell out of us in Game Time. Throw your drawers out the train window and have a listen! GUESTS
Daniel Feinberg (The Hollywood Reporter), Alan Sepinwall (Rolling Stone), and Linda Holmes (NPR), are back at the draft table, this time joined by Jen Yamato (The Washington Post), for the next installment in their journey through the history of SPORTS in cinema! Up at bat: the 1990s!
Disclosure: We are part of the Amazon Affiliate/LTK Creator programs. We will receive a small commission at no cost if you purchase a book. This post may contain links to purchase books.In today's episode, we dive into millennial audiobooks that perfectly capture the experience of growing up in the 90s and 00s. From childhood memories to career struggles, these books reflect our generation's unique journey. Whether you're into nonfiction, memoirs, or some satirical fiction, I've got you covered with a curated list of must-listen millennial audiobooks.Books Mentioned in the Episode:Glossy by Marissa Meltzer https://amzn.to/3TmOeBrOne in a Millennial by Kate Kennedy https://amzn.to/3zmHSeiI'm Glad My Mom Died by Jennette McCurdy https://amzn.to/3zm7aJzLove Letters to a Serial Killer by Tasha Coryell https://amzn.to/4dZPKlmSo Fetch: The Making of Mean Girls by Jennifer Keishin Armstrong https://amzn.to/4d3oVv4Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage https://amzn.to/3yYkjIUCultish by Amanda Montell https://amzn.to/4ddXKOtHow Do I Un-Remember This? by Danny Pellegrino https://amzn.to/4dS092oWant to check out more book recommendations?Visit What to Read Next Blog for reader tips, popular books like recommendations, and many more posts. Join our What to Read Next Blog Community to get bonus book recommendations, listen to podcasts, and connect with other readers. As a podcast listener, you'll get 20% off your membership forever. Click here to sign up. (https://wtrnblog.substack.com/e3630d38) Music from #Uppbeat (free for Creators!): https://uppbeat.io/t/mood-maze/trendsetterLicense code: IP29FC0QKB6DV2UE
MLB's All Star Game, President Biden has Covid, Dance Off: Corey Feldman v. Fred Durst, TV Emmy nominations, Rolling Stone's worst movie sequels, Katy Perry's new song, Ozzy hates Britney Spears, Jim's Pick: Assassination songs, and Drew's workout routine. Drew's trying to get buff, but he's not doing so well with the push-ups. If you care about uniforms, you probably hated the MLB All Star Game. Slash did a sweet cover of Papa Was a Rolling Stone at the (Kirk) Gibson Garage. Drew likes Split Enz. Drew likes Pearl Jam. Drew really loves Pearl Jam covering "I Got You" by Split Enz live with Neil and Tim Finn. Pepa of Salt-N-Pepa fame was kicked off of a flight for having a bum knee and buying two tickets. Then, Terrell Davis showed up on GMA to talk about being booted from a flight. Something's going on and somebody's not telling me something... Rolling Stone writer Alan Sepinwall gave his woke opinions about the Emmy nominations and snubs. Can Rolling Stone be any more full of itself? Fred Armisen has been secretly married for 2 years?! And she gave birth right after they started dating? That seems par for the course for Fred. Katy Perry dropped a new music video. She looks better than ever & the lyrics are as trite as ever. Ozzy Osbourne is fed up with Britney Spears spinning, Sharon almost gets lost in the couch, and Marc wants to bone Jack. Joy Mode brings you the Bonerline. Use promo code DREW. Call or text 209-66-Boner to communicate with the show. President Biden admits he would step down for a medical condition. Tom Mazawey chimes in on the MLB All Star game being boring and the uniforms sucking, The Detroit Tigers trading Tarik Skubal, and then Tom's phone gives out...Typical, Maz. Rolling Stone's 50 worst movie sequels of all time. Which franchise dominated the list? Joe Biden tested positive for Covid. Corey Feldman celebrated his birthday by having a dance off with Fred Durst. Jim's Picks: Songs about assassinations. John Hinkley Jr remains the biggest troll on the internet. Matthew Perry was all over sex sites looking for "friends." We are still waiting for answers from Kimberly Cheatle. Donald Trump is selling assassination shoes. Thomas Matthew Cooks seemed to have an all access pass before he tried to assassinate Trump. His former classmate is spilling about how much he hated politicians. Visit Our Presenting Sponsor Hall Financial – Michigan's highest rated mortgage company If you'd like to help support the show… consider subscribing to our YouTube Page, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (The Drew Lane Show, Marc Fellhauer, Trudi Daniels, Jim Bentley and BranDon).
In a first for Blank Check, Ben Hosley produces an entire episode while handcuffed and under threat of legal action. What else would you expect from a MIDNIGHT RUN episode? The great Alan Sepinwall returns to the pod to talk about Martin Brest's fantastic cross-country buddy caper, a film that proved that DeNiro could do comedy and that Charles Grodin might be the funniest man alive. We're talking about the unofficial Larry the Cable Guy sequel (?), the famous casting what-ifs (Cher!), and the magic that went into making this movie so breezy, effortless, and fun. We didn't how good we had it back in 1988, did we? Get Alan's Book: Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History This episode is sponsored by: MUBI (mubi.com/blankcheck) Zocdoc (zocdoc.com/check) Join our Patreon at patreon.com/blankcheck Follow us @blankcheckpod on Twitter and Instagram!
Rolling Stone's chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall joins Jim O'Heir and Greg Levine to break down the “fart attack” heard ‘round the world and Ben and Leslie's heartwarming proposal. Plus, Alan discusses the joys of sitting in on the Parks writers room, the challenge of writing a negative episode review for a show that you love, and the satisfaction of gleaning a wildly successful career out of watching television.Got a question for the Pawnee Town Hall? Send us an email at ParksandRecollectionTownHall@gmail.com!
Top 5 of the Week: Headlines (2:24) Reboots Nobody Wanted (09:13) Dan's Reality Roundup (18:59) Series in Review: Curb Your Enthusiasm w/ Alan Sepinwall (33:36) Critic's Corner (53:59) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
NOTE: We're planning to do a mailbag bonus episode soon! Let us know your questions and TV recommendations by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com.In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek discuss Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show and the season finale of True Detective: Night Country. Is Jon Stewart still the voice we need right now? Did True Detective: Night Country stick the landing? Are people out of control for going after Alan Sepinwall for liking it? Is Nic Pizzolatto acting like a cringe-y asshole online (again)? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more!Shownotes:00:03:11 - Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show00:26:56 - The discourse around True Detective: Night Country00:42:30 - True Detective: Night Country Part 6 (season finale)Homework for next week:Constellation Eps 1-3 (Apple TV+)Shogun Eps 1-2 (Hulu/FX)Links:Listen to Patrick's videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick's newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David's free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In his new book "Welcome to the O.C.," Rolling Stone's chief television critic, Alan Sepinwall, provides an oral history of a cultural phenomenon that became an example of unpredictable success. Despite many shows featuring attractive casts and glamorous California settings, "The O.C." managed to stand out — and change the formula for television teen dramas. Its story offers insights into the cultural context of California and Orange County in the early aughts and underscores the elusive nature of hits in entertainment.
A podcast miniseries devoted to celebrating the 1988 contemporary classic, action buddy comedy MIDNIGHT RUN, written by George Gallo & directed by Martin Brest. Hosted by Blake Howard & Jen Johans of One Heat Minute Productions & Watch With Jen, respectively, each week, we'll explore the film we first bonded over when we became friends in 2019 by surfing through an incredible roster of guests from journalists to novelists & beyond who love it as much as we do.In episode three, we discuss seeing Midnight Run in theatres then and now, Grodin being annoying as superpower and crying every time you watch one of the funniest movies ever made.BEN MANKIEWICZBen Mankiewicz is the primetime host of Turner Classic Movies. When he made his TCM debut in September 2003, he became only the second host hired in the network's history.During his career at TCM, he has introduced thousands of movies on the air. Additionally, he's become one of the best interviewers in the business, leading thoughtful and entertaining long-form conversations with more than two hundred of the industry's top talents, including Mel Brooks, Bruce Springsteen, Sophia Loren, Martin Scorsese, Warren Beatty, Ava DuVernay, Annette Bening, Robert Redford, Quentin Tarantino, Jodie Foster, Brad Bird, Faye Dunaway, Lou Gossett, Jr., and Michael Douglas.Beginning in April 2020, Mankiewcz hosted TCM's first podcast, The Plot Thickens: I'm Still Peter Bogdanovich, to outstanding reviews. The podcast delivered to listeners the arc of Peter's epic story, through triumph and unspeakable tragedy, through historic success and public failure.Since 2019, Mankiewicz has served as a contributor to the Peabody and Emmy-winning news magazine, CBS News Sunday Morning, and has hosted the American Society of Cinematographers Awards since 2018. In 2019, he was awarded the Luminary Award for Career Achievement by the Los Angeles Press Club.Prior to TCM, Mankiewicz worked as a reporter and anchor in Charleston, SC, and Miami, FL, twice being named Best Anchor in South Florida by The New Times. Additionally, he contributes to The Young Turks, an online political show he co-founded with Cenk Uygur in 2002.Mankiewicz moved to Los Angeles nearly 75 years after his grandfather, screenwriter Herman Mankiewicz (“Mank” to his all his friends), headed west to work in the movie business. Soon after arriving, Herman cabled his friend Ben Hecht in New York, "There are millions to be grabbed out here and your only competition is idiots. Don't let this get around." His grandson is now proudly one of those idiots.He's a graduate of the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism, Tufts University, and Georgetown Day High School in Washington, DC, the school with the worst mascot in recorded history: the Grasshoppers.Mankiewicz lives in Santa Monica with his beautiful wife, their beautiful daughter, one perfect dog, and one other dog, who's available for adoption at any time. Seriously, please take him.ALAN SEPINWALLAlan Sepinwall is Rolling Stone's chief TV critic. He's been covering this new golden age of TV from the beginning, first as a reviewer for Tony Soprano's favorite newspaper, 'The Star-Ledger,' and is the author of the books 'The Revolution Was Televised,' 'TV (THE BOOK),' 'Breaking Bad 101,' and 'The Sopranos Sessions.'Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/one-heat-minute-productions/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
A podcast miniseries devoted to celebrating the 1988 contemporary classic, action buddy comedy MIDNIGHT RUN, written by George Gallo & directed by Martin Brest. Produced & hosted by Blake Howard & Jen Johans of One Heat Minute Productions & Watch With Jen, respectively, each week, we'll explore the film we first bonded over when we became friends in 2019 by surfing through an incredible roster of guests from journalists to novelists & beyond who love it as much as we do. Now available wherever you get your pods, each week, you'll find a new installment here & in both the One Heat Minute Productions & Watch With Jen podcast feeds. In the third episode of MIDNIGHT RUN-THROUGH, we were honored to be joined by two of the biggest fans of the movie that we've met, beloved TCM host Ben Mankiewicz and brilliant "Rolling Stone" critic Alan Sepinwall. This was a truly wonderful chat that I know you'll love!Originally Posted on Patreon (1/9/24) here: https://www.patreon.com/posts/96186078
Joe and Mike invite a wide cast of characters — Nick Offerman, Linda Holmes, Jason Kander, Alexis Gay, Alan Sepinwall, newcomer Ryan George, Brandon McCarthy, Mike DiCenzo, Molly Knight and Ellen Adair — to take part in the 2023 Holiday Draft. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Jo is joined by Rolling Stone TV critic and coauthor of “Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History” Alan Sepinwall to talk about one of the greatest television holiday specials ever, “The Best Chrismukkah Ever,” from the first season of the legendary series ‘The O.C.' Host: Joanna Robinson Guest: Alan Sepinwall Producer: Sasha Ashall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
What is there for a young, mixed-race woman to do in feudal Japan? Reject all traces of her femininity, assume the masculine identity of a ronin, and seek revenge on any of the four white men in the whole country who could potentially be her father. Is Mizu a demonic half-breed, an enlightened warrior, or something else altogether? Created by Michael Green and Amber Noizumi, Blue Eye Samurai charts Mizu's journey of self-discovery and bloodlust, and Paul and Arlo are along for the ride. The boys discuss the show's brilliant fight choreography, each character's attempt to break free of their constraints, the tremendous voice performances of Maya Erskine and Brenda Song, and that Metallica cover. Plus, Arlo pays homage to big bald daddy Godzilla. NEXT: ho ho no! It's a Bob Clark double feature on the finale of our truncated season 14, as Twisted Christmas rears its festive face once more. Black Christmas and A Christmas Story are basically the same movie, right? BREAKDOWN 00:00:55 - Intro / Guest 00:30:10 - Blue Eye Samurai 02:00:12 - Outro / Next LINKS Blue Eye Samurai is one of the smartest Netflix shows in years by Aja Romano, Vox Blue Eye Samurai creator wanted to tell a different type of mixed-race story by Petrana Radulovic, Polygon Blue Eye Samurai is the best thing Netflix has done in years by Petrana Radulovic, Polygon ‘Blue Eye Samurai' Is a Gory and Gorgeous Animated Series From Netflix by Alan Sepinwall, Rolling Stone How ‘Blue Eye Samurai's' Exploration of Mixed Race Identity Helps It “Break All of the Boxes” in Animated Storytelling by Abbey White, The Hollywood Reporter MUSIC “For Whom the Bell Tolls” by Emi Meyer, Blue Eye Samurai (Soundtrack from the Netflix Series) (2023) “Pale Blue Eyes” by The Velvet Underground, The Velvet Underground (1969) GOBBLEDYCARES National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Abortion Funds in Every State: https://bit.ly/AbortionFundsTwitter Support AAPI communities and those affected by anti-Asian violence: https://www.gofundme.com/c/act/stop-aapi-hate Support the AAPI Civic Engagement Fund: https://aapifund.org/ Support Black Lives Matter and find anti-racism resources: https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ The Trevor Project provides information and support to LGBTQ youth: thetrevorproject.org Trans Lifeline: https://translifeline.org/ National Center for Transgender Equality: transequality.org Advocate for writers who might be owed money due to discontinuance of royalties: https://www.writersmustbepaid.org/ Help teachers and classrooms in need: https://www.donorschoose.org/ Do your part to remove the burden of medical debt for individuals, families, and veterans: https://ripmedicaldebt.org/ Register to vote: https://vote.gov/
Chief TV Critics Alan Sepinwall (Rolling Stone) and Daniel Fienberg (The Hollywood Reporter) are back ranking a decade of SPORTS films, this time focusing on the 1980s, and this time with Linda Holmes (Pop Culture Happy Hour, Flying Solo) joining the squad!
Last week, television pioneer Norman Lear died at the age of 101. Known as the writer and producer of shows like "All in the Family," "The Jeffersons," and "Good Times," among others, he changed the network sitcom forever. Alan Sepinwall, chief film critic at Rolling Stone, joins us to discuss Lear's legacy and his piece, "How Norman Lear Changed Television Forever." Plus, we take your calls.
Welcome to the OC again, bitch! Jillian and Claire recently read Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History and discuss what they learned about the making of the hit show and all the behind the scenes drama. They've been waiting years for some of these questions to be answered and they're ready to spill the tea! Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History by Alan Sepinwall, Josh Schwartz, and Stephanie Savage is available now everywhere you get your books. Produced By: Jessie Whitman Follow Previously On Teen TV on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/previouslyon_teentv/?hl=en Follow Previously On Teen TV on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@previouslyon_teentv
Top 5 of the Week: Headlines (2:06) Final Season Alert! (5:27) Cancellations (15:06) The OC at 20 with Alan Sepinwall (22:42) Critic's Corner (42:42) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Our esteemed colleague Alan Sepinwall is back, mate(y)! An Australian spin-off of an already banal cop-show franchise is maybe not the best use of his time, but we talked about NCIS-franchise stock characters, unmemorable TV for aging parents, and what happens when English actors try to play ugly Americans. Later, we went Around The Dial with The Curse, The O.C., and Murder One before wondering whether God is dead during Mike's The Leftovers Canon presentation. Alex P. Keaton won, Nickelodeon execs lost, and Game Time had us Quantum Leap-ing into TV characters -- all that and more on an all-new Extra Hot Great, oh boy! GUESTS
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit smokeempodcast.substack.comIt's our 100th episode! Time for a pop quiz, then on to the following:* HBO president caught secretly striking back against critics* But is working on HBO's The Idol grounds for any lawsuit?* Love for Alan Sepinwall, fastest TV critic in the West* Behind the scenes at Tucker Carlson's exit from FOX* The “c-word”* “She said Tucker Carlson is a messenger from God, and he said nope.”* The word Nancy cannot stand, and the phrase that makes Sarah blush* Can The Real Housewives ever be a moral enterprise?* How RHONY's Leah McSweeney became “Hurricane Leah” and the lawsuit she recently filed* Drinking and reality TV* “If you go to a whorehouse, you're gonna get fucked”* Wild, hopeful, morally fraught stuff in the fertility industry* A baby made with the DNA of three people: Wait, what/how?* We cannot countenance an image of the Fleshlight, but if you mustPlus, a “pretend-ian” scandal and a smoking-hot sports star in the hot box
On our latest weekly roundup, Catherine is sorely tempted by some very cute kittens (it's easy because they live 2,000 miles away). Mentioned: Heidi Wrangles Cats on Instagram.What we're watching: It was time for that Dancing with the Stars staple, "My Most Memorable Year." As always, that meant lots of emotional, barefoot contemporary dances (and a bunch of Viennese waltzes) followed by judging that seems extra harsh, what with all the hearts on all the sleeves.We also returned to The Gilded Age with season 2, episode 1: "You Don't Even Like Opera." Once again, there is scheming, secrets, and many, many elaborate hats. Mentioned: Commentary on the show from the Fug Girls (on their website for season 1 and their Substack for season 2) and Alan Sepinwall at Rolling Stone.Catherine's library find this week spotlights a series called the Food Group, from illustrator Pete Oswald and author Jory John. Check out The Bad Seed, The Good Egg, The Big Cheese, and many more.In the archives, we revisit episodes in which we discussed signs of senior-parent-itis (October 31, 2022), Halloween hassles (October 31, 2019), and the scariest places we've been (November 1, 2016).Next week, our TV watch will cover "Monster Night" (Halloween) on Dancing with the Stars, and "Some Sort of Trick" on The Gilded Age. Until then (and anytime you're in need), the archives are available! This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3680863/advertisement
Emma and Joe's favorite episode of the month is here with a roundup of November book releases! Grab a warm beverage and your TBR list! Author Interviews this month: Iron Flame by Rebecca Yarros The Future by Naomi Alderman Emma's Picks Check & Mate by Ali Hazelwood Betting on You by Lynn Painter Do Your Worst by Rosie Danan Powerless by Lauren Roberts Good Girls Don't Die by Christina Henry Enchanted Hill by Emily Bain Murphy Endgame by Omid Scobie Welcome to the O.C. by Josh Schwartz, Stephanie Savage, Alan Sepinwall Wish of the Wicked by Danielle Paige Joe's Picks The Fiction Writer by Jillian Cantor The Core of an Onion by Mark Kurlansky Bookshops & Bonedust by Travis Baldree The Manor House by Gilly Macmillan Only She Came Back by Margot Harrison No One Left But You by Tash McAdam Wren Martin Ruins it All by Amanda DeWitt Gorgeous Gruesome Faces by Linda Cheng Dolls of Our Lives by Mary Mahoney (audio only currently) Data Baby by Susannah Breslin Readers can sample and borrow the titles mentioned in today's episode on OverDrive.com or in Libby. Library friends can shop these titles in OverDrive Marketplace. Looking for more bookish content? Check out the Libby Life Blog! We hope you enjoy this episode of the Professional Book Nerds podcast. Be sure to rate, review and subscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you listen! You can follow the Professional Book Nerds on Instagram, Twitter, and TikTok @ProBookNerds. Want to reach out? Send an email to professionalbooknerds@overdrive.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this episode, Jon is joined by acclaimed author, chief TV critic for Rolling Stone & diehard Knicks fan Alan Sepinwall for a fun conversation about the upcoming Knicks season, as well as his experience rooting for the team the past few decades in general. They also discuss the current state of television before promoting Alan's upcoming book all about the popular 2000's show, The OC! Watch the video version of this podcast on our YouTube channel! FOLLOW MACRI - @JCMacriNBA FOLLOW GMAC - @AndrewJClaudio_ FOLLOW ALAN - @Sepinwall SUBSCRIBE TO ALAN'S SUBSTACK - "What's Alan Watching?" PRE-ORDER ALAN'S NEW BOOK - "Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Mavericks' season is underway and we've got some insider whispers from training camp as well as an interview with longtime Mavs center Dwight Powell. All that, furthermore, is sandwiched by an in-depth breakdown of the Damian Lillard-to-Milwaukee blockbuster trade along with a bonus detour to Hollywood to check in with Rolling Stone's Alan Sepinwall for all the ins and outs of the demise of HBO's "Winning Time" series on the Showtime Lakers of the 1980s.
Top 5 of the Week: Mailbag (2:09) Strike Zone (13:20) September Preview (20:29) Season in Review (26:49) Critic's Corner (1:21:51) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This episode the hosts dive into the cultural impact of The OC. They are joined by TV critic and author of the book, “Stop Being a Hater and Learn to Love the O.C.,” Alan Sepinwall. Find out what Alan loved about the show and what he thought didn't work. The OC didn't make it into Alan's top 100 TV shows of all time -- the hosts want to know why! Also, hear all about what being a TV critic entails and how it's changed since the days of The OC. Later, Rachel and Melinda are joined by author of the book, “The 2000s Made Me Gay,” Grace Perry. She shares her experience as a young girl growing up in the early aughts, discovering her sexuality and how it was all impacted by pop culture and characters in television, especially, “banter boy,” Seth Cohen. Find out what a banter boy is, hear Grace's opinion on the Alex and Marissa storyline in season 2, and learn what she thinks Seth's super power is.
Jo and Juliet are joined by Alan Sepinwall, author of the upcoming book, ‘Welcome to the O.C.: The Oral History.' Before they dive into the episodes, they debate whether ‘The O.C.' helped create the online recap community, discuss how the Seth Cohen character impacted pop culture, and how the pacing of the first season affected the characters in future seasons. They discuss the story lines in each episode, Tate Donovan's role as Jimmy Cooper, as well as Paul Wesley's role as Donnie. Also, Stephanie Savage's contribution to the show, what differentiates the show's writing from others released around the same time, why Adam Brody's career never blew up, and more. Hosts: Joana Robinson and Juliet Litman Guest: Alan Sepinwall Producer: Jessie Lopez Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, we said "so long" to Ted Lasso and Ted Lasso after three seasons. While not everyone liked this finale (ahem, Alan Sepinwall), we thought it had many beautiful, funny, and touching moments, and we'll miss these characters a lot. Mentioned: Shrinking (and Bill Lawrence's involvement in both shows).On Brothers and Sisters, the Walker family takes on a DIY detox for Justin, which apparently works? They'll neve shake their need to spill each other's secrets, though. Next: S2 E8, “Something New.” And something new for us too: Primo, on Amazon Freevee (free with ads even if you don't have Amazon Prime). It's a “coming-of-age comedy” about a teen in Texas being raised by his mom and her five brothers. We'll watch S1 E1, "Big Eyes," and S1 E2. "The Cookout."This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3680863/advertisement
Rich and the guys offer up their predictions on how the Miami Heat vs Denver Nuggets NBA Finals will play out, and 76ers fan TJ reacts to the Sixers' hiring former Toronto Raptors head coach Nick Nurse. Rich reacts to a far-fetched theory the somehow links the 1920 World Series to the series finale of ‘Succession.' Rolling Stone Chief TV Critic Alan Sepinwall and Rich discuss the series finale of ‘Succession,' what made the acclaimed HBO drama so memorable and if we can expect any spinoffs down the road, and why he'd be shocked if this was truly the final season of ‘Ted Lasso.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this week's entertainment-themed Round 2, Ted Lasso approaches the end of season 3 (and possibly the entire series) with an episode that could alternatively be titled "Parents: They'll Mess You Up." Mentioned: The Philip Larkin poem Mae recites to Ted, "This Be the Verse," and Alan Sepinwall and the commenters on his Substack newsletter. Next: S3 E12, "So Long, Farewell."On Brothers and Sisters, the brothers currently are doing more messing up than the parents, although there is plenty of messing up to go around. And we assume there will continue to be on the next episode, S2 E7, "36 Hours."This show is part of the Spreaker Prime Network, if you are interested in advertising on this podcast, contact us at https://www.spreaker.com/show/3680863/advertisement
Episode 304 of the Sports Media Podcast features Rolling Stone chief TV critic Alan Sepinwall. In this podcast, Sepinwall discusses his writing process; the importance of a series finale; how he puts together recaps for shows such as “Succession” and “Barry”; the value of seeing the show in advance; whether it is smart to predict what happens to characters when writing recaps; writing about “The Sopranos” and “Mad Men”; whether he wants to hear from the people he writes about; dealing with PR people; how he thinks about the Star Wars universe and more. You can subscribe to this podcast on Apple Podcasts, Google Play, Stitcher, and more. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
From Daisy Jones and the Six to the Oneders, we look at the best songs by fictional artists, with Alan Sepinwall joining host Brian Hiatt Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Le Batard and the crew talk about the state of television with Alan Sepinwall and Sally Jenkins joins us to discuss the sale of the Washington Commanders. Also, we do a Refran Del Dia and talk Miami Heat with Papi. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Brian D. O'Leary Show March 20, 2023 Show notes available: https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/more-mandolorian-but-first-what-is?sd=pf If you've missed us on Substack, we've still been putting out episodes of the show. And for those who read and/or listen to us via Substack, we are going to be changing it up a little bit. We still plan to post occasional episodes and long-commentary here on Substack, but our daily emails will come directly from me starting in the near future…probably starting this week. Today's show brought to you by Liberty Classroom Conformity The Opposite of Courage Is Not Cowardice; It Is Conformity The Mandolorian ‘The Mandalorian' Season Three Gets Off to a Disappointing Start by Alan Sepinwall Good review by my favorite TV Critic, Alan Sepinwall. Good in that I love to read “What's Alan Watching,” but perhaps too “critical” of the show itself. Sepinwall's piece was a breakdown of the season premiere episode, not the one I mentioned here today, which was the third installment. Dave Filoni Confirms ‘The Mandalorian' Timeframe “Goes All The Way Up To Episode VII” Raymond Carver Raymond Carver at Wikipedia Carver at Poetry Foundation Raymond Carver, The Art of Fiction No. 76 (The Paris Review) The Iceberg theory, coined by Ernest Hemingway O'Leary Digital Having problems with getting that podcast off the ground? Trouble coming up with an idea on what to blog about? Have no clue what equipment or services to use? We will help you. If you have 30 minutes, so do we. Book a time to talk about it at OLearyDigital.com. For all the rest of it, go to BrianDOLeary.com for more information.
The Brian D. O'Leary Show March 16, 2023 Show notes available: https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/the-road-goes-on-forever-and-it-includes?sd=pf Today's show brought to you by The Fanny Pack Revolution. March Madness NCAA – March Madness coverage Robert Earl Keen The road goes on forever, but the party never ends World Baseball Classic Official coverage (mlb.com) The Mandolorian ‘The Mandalorian' Season Three Gets Off to a Disappointing Start by Alan Sepinwall Good review by my favorite TV Critic, Alan Sepinwall. Good in that I love to read “What's Alan Watching,” but perhaps too “critical” of the show itself. Sepinwall's piece was a breakdown of the season premiere episode, not the one I mentioned here today, which was the third installment. I think The Mandolorian—and the Disney properties in general—have major flaws. No doubt. However, The Mandolorian—both the character and the show—are just cool. I've loved all of the Star Wars live action TV shows way more than the atrocities called the “prequel” movies and certainly the sequel trilogy. I did like the first installment of the sequels for a little bit—you can't really go wrong with Han and Chewie. That being said, the Star Wars TV stuff—Andor, The Book of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and The Mandalorian—are all great entertainment as far as I'm concerned. In the way that Rogue One and Solo were good entertainment. I'd rank all of these shows and movies ahead of the official prequel and sequel movies. If you don't already have Disney+, I wouldn't say there's any rush to go out and get it, but if you do, Mando is worth an hour out of every week…or a nice binge on the weekend to catch up. O'Leary Digital Having problems with getting that podcast off the ground? Trouble coming up with an idea on what to blog about? Have no clue what equipment or services to use? We will help you. If you have 30 minutes, so do we. Book a time to talk about it at OLearyDigital.com. The Fanny Pack Revolution Originally mentioned in our Substack from July 2022. https://briandoleary.substack.com/p/out-from-under-mcconaugheys-shadow https://briandoleary.com/fanny/ For all the rest of it, go to BrianDOLeary.com for more information.
On this week's Roundabout Roundup, Catherine's snacking on flavorful, virtuous crackers from 2s Company, while Nicole's laughing with the ladies of the I've Had It podcast and Terri's enjoying Substack newsletters from Alan Sepinwall and the Fug Girls (also mentioned: R. Eric Thomas's newsletter, which is non-Substack, but still very fun).Thanks as always to Jon Morin for our fun in-and-out music, which you hear on every episode.
Peacock's latest original series is a Rian Johnson-created Columbo-esque "case of the week" procedural starring a fugitive cocktail waitress/human lie detector played by Natasha Lyonne; Rolling Stone Chief TV Critic Alan Sepinwall returns to discuss it (and bring with him all his coverage from the magazine)! Around The Dial takes us through the start of a new season of Married At First Sight (yes, already), plus Shrinking, Russian Doll, Lockwood & Co., and a new season of 9-1-1: Lone Star. Jeff argues that he is NOT a crackpot for thinking so-called "bottle episodes" are wildly overpraised. Laura presents the Better Call Saul episode "Something Stupid" for induction into The Canon. Then, after naming the week's Winner and Loser, we've got a lot of questions in Game Time. Sync the Bluetooth in your classic Barracuda and listen! GUESTS
For the rest of 2022, we want you to check out more of the podcasts in the Le Batard & Friends Network. Subscribe to the Le Batard & Friends podcast network here. Today, The PosCast Holiday Draft is back as Joe Posnanski and Mike Schur are joined by Nick Offerman, Linda Holmes, Jason Kander, Alan Sepinwall, Alexis Gay, Mike DiCenzo, Brandon McCarthy, Molly Knight and Howard Bryant and the annual nonsense and fights ensue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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The PosCast Holiday Draft is back as Joe and Mike are joined by Nick Offerman, Linda Holmes, Jason Kander, Alan Sepinwall, Alexis Gay, Mike DiCenzo, Brandon McCarthy, Molly Knight and Howard Bryant and the annual nonsense and fights ensue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The PosCast Holiday Draft is back as Joe and Mike are joined by Nick Offerman, Linda Holmes, Jason Kander, Alan Sepinwall, Alexis Gay, Mike DiCenzo, Brandon McCarthy, Molly Knight and Howard Bryant and the annual nonsense and fights ensue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Weeks Top 5 Topics: Headlines (1:48) Another "Plus" Streamer (7:56) 100 Greatest TV Shows, with Alan Sepinwall (15:08) Season 2 of 'Reservation Dogs' (42:06) Critics Corner (55:34) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kirk & Mike recap Gerry Callahan's appearance on Sunday night. Gerry translates a speech made by Italy's Prime Minister. Stephen A. Smith has a new podcast, "Know Mercy." Alan Sepinwall releases his Top 100 Television Shows. Parenting advice from Kirk, KMS Reloaded hates Gerry & much more.
This week's "Sports Illustrated Media Podcast" hosted by Jimmy Traina is a celebration of the show's 400th episode.Jimmy is joined by his weekly guest, Sal Licata from WFAN radio and SNY TV in New York, to talk about the history of the "SI Media Podcast," reminisce about Jimmy taking over as host after Richard Deitsch left "Sports Illustrated," and discuss how the podcast has evolved over the years. Jimmy also takes time to thank several people, including his audience, for helping the podcast roll along.Jimmy also reads the latest "SI Media Podcast" reviews that listeners have written on Apple.This edition of the "SI Media Podcast" also features an interview with Alan Sepinwall, the Chief TV Critic for "Rolling Stone." Sepinwall gives is recommendations for what TV shows you should be watching this summer and goes in depth on "The Bear," "The Rehearsal" and "Succession." Sepinwall also shares his memories of Tony Siricio and "The Sopranos" character he played, Paulie Walnuts."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.