Podcast appearances and mentions of eric deggans

Warner Bros. Discovery has renamed its streaming service once again. Beginning in the summer of 2025, “Max” will be “HBO Max” again. The company dropped “HBO” from its name in 2023, a move which was widely recognized as the company’s attempt to become more competitive with a company like Netflix in its programming variety. The name change signals a renewed focus on the associations between HBO and a certain caliber of TV. What’s next for WBD and the streaming landscape writ large? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni are on deck to talk it through. Plus, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans talks with comedian and actor Ramy Youssef on creating #1 Happy Family USA. The new series marks Youssef’s first foray into animation. His latest comedy shares a lot of DNA with the award-winning series Ramy — drawing even more inspiration from childhood memories of growing up in a Muslim family in New Jersey post-9/11. 

In this week's conversation between Dr. James Emery White and co-host Alexis Drye, they discuss the Apple TV series “Severance,” which has become something of a modern cultural phenomenon. With only two seasons under its belt, it's already become Apple TV's most-watched series in its history, recently surpassing the wildly popular show “Ted Lasso.” So what is behind the popularity? And why are people using the terms “innie” and “outie,” but not in reference to their belly buttons? This conversation explores how “Severance” brings up questions regarding work/life balance, human identity, the need for human connection, escapism, and more. Episode Links Because “Severance” is such a popular series, it has been making waves within mainstream media. While this discussion tackles some of the profound ways the show is generating conversation, there's more to explore. To go deeper, we suggest you check out some of the following news articles: Maya Salam, “On ‘Severance,' a Brutal Tale of Female Self-Loathing,” The New York Times, March 21, 2025, read online. Morgan Lee, “‘Severance' Makes a Case for Suffering,” Christianity Today, March 18, 2025, read online. Sadiba Hasan, “Your ‘Innie' Will Want to Read This,” The New York Times, March 20, 2025, read online. Annie Aguiar, “How ‘Severance' Uses Old Tricks to Make Its Office Hell,” The New York Times, March 24, 2025, read online. Emma Stefansky, “Severance Cannot Save You,” The Atlantic, March 6, 2025, read online. Dr. White did his best to avoid spoilers for “Severance,” but if you have the chance to watch it, you may want to check out this collection of articles that explain and dissect the Season 2 finale: Yvonne Villarreal, “‘Severance' Stars Explain Season 2's Harrowing Finale and the ‘Love Hexagon,'” LA Times, March 21, 2025, read online. Eric Deggans, “The ‘Severance' Finale Asks: How Far Would Your Innie Go for Your Outie?” NPR, March 21, 2025, read online. Thomas Floyd, “The Creator of ‘Severance' Breaks Down that Revelatory Season 2 Finale,” The Washington Post, March 21, 2025, read online. Sophie Gilbert, “The Severance Twist I Can't Forgive,” The Atlantic, March 21, 2025, read online. Keith Watson, “Severance Season 2 Finale Review: Thrills and Chills Without Resorting to Lowest Common Denominators,” The Telegraph, March 21, 2025, read online. Adam Sternbergh, “‘Severance' Asks, What if We're Not Paranoid Enough?” NY Times, March 21, 2025, read online. Ben Dowell, “The Man Behind Severance: ‘I'm an Accidental Cult Leader,'” The Times, March 20, 2025, read online. Gary Levin, “Adam Scott and Ben Stiller Unpack the Twisty ‘Severance' Season 2 Finale (Spoilers),” USA Today, March 21, 2025, read online. For those of you who are new to Church & Culture, we'd love to invite you to subscribe (for free of course) to the twice-weekly Church & Culture blog and check out the Daily Headline News - a collection of headlines from around the globe each weekday. We'd also love to hear from you if there is a topic that you'd like to see discussed on the Church & Culture Podcast in an upcoming episode. You can find the form to submit your questions at the bottom of the podcast page HERE.

We're phoning it in this week (in a good way) with guest host Ian Brodsky joining Chris to review the premier-slash-return of John Mulaney's old-school Hollywood talk show meets… talk radio call-in show? We'll explain what's going on with Netflix's latest foray into weekly live programming: Everybody's Live with John Mulaney. But first! HBO delivers a belated eulogy for The Franchise… … while Danny McBride delivers a surprise period piece for the Righteous Gemstones season opener (featuring a legitimately surprising guest star). Sportspocalypse returns with exciting news from your Olympics overlords at NBCUniversal. Netflix trounces the competition in the latest Nielsen streaming numbers… … and we discuss our mini-show swap of Netflix spy dramas Black Doves and The Night Agent. BONUS: White Lotus Death Watch Returns! Stick around at the end of the episode for our latest theories (including monkeys… with guns!). ———

The 97th annual Academy Awards broadcast saw a 1% increase in viewership from last year’s telecast. What’s behind the ratings boost? Might this have any  effect on where the awards show lands after ABC’s deal with the academy ends in 2028? Also, is the Disney CEO succession race heating up? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate. Plus, Eric Deggans speaks with Muslim Matchmaker creator Smriti Mundhra about her diverse body of work. She has a slew of dating series spread across streamers, and has made a couple of Oscar nominated documentary shorts, including last year’s I am Ready, Warden. She also talks about working as a production secretary for the Coen brothers on the films O Brother Where art Thou? and The Man Who Wasn’t There.

As SNL celebrates its 50th anniversary, Eric Deggans, TV critic for NPR talks, about how they've found humor in American politics over the decades.

Eric Deggans, TV Critic & Media Analyst with NPR

Amanda Gorman became the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history when she performed at President Joe Biden's inauguration in 2021. Her poetry often deals with topics like gender, race and politics. She continues to explore these themes in a new picture book Girls on the Rise, which is a poem illustrated by Loveis Wise. In today's episode, Gorman speaks with NPR's Eric Deggans about drawing inspiration from the testimony of Christine Blasey Ford, the importance of creating a welcoming dialogue with children, and the mantra she recites before each performance.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

We reflect on the four years since a violent mob attacked the Capitol on January 6, 2021.BU journalism department chair Brian McGrory discusses the flurry of legislation sent to Gov. Healey at the end of the 2024 session, and another exit from a Washington Post editorial staffer after a Jeff Bezos cartoon was killed.GroundTruth Project's Charlie Sennott discusses Israel's continued attacks on Gaza with no ceasefire, as a deadline looms for Israel/Hezbollah's own ceasefire. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans discusses his best shows of 2024 — Shogun, Shrinking, Fight Night — and last night's Golden Globe Awards.It's our first day streaming on YouTube. We ask listeners to text in with their thoughts on which side of the studio is messier --- Jim, or Margery's?The Reverends Irene Monroe and Emmett G. Price III discuss whether Democrats should re-embrace religion and the struggle of politically diverse congregations.Then we talk about RFK Jr.'s war against seed oils in ultra-processed foods. Could beef tallow be a good alternative?

Today:GroundTruth Project founder Charlie Sennott discusses new developments in the Middle East and Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announcing he will resign.And, NPR TV critic Eric Deggans recaps the Golden Globes, and his favorite shows of last year.

This year, there's been a proliferation of TV and film on streamers featuring spies, from "The Diplomat," to "The Agency" to "Slow Horses." And these aren't the usual James Bond/ Jason Bourne lone actors with shiny gadgets, they're spies with families, partners and lost loves. We discuss the new kind of spy with NPR TV critic Eric Deggans and take your calls.

The Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, which reviews civil rights cold case incidents that happened between January 1, 1940, through December 31, 1979, recently released three new cases. Hank Klibanoff, a longtime journalist, the host of WABE's “Buried Truths” podcast, and the co-chair of the Civil Rights Cold Case Records Review Board, and Gabrielle Dudley, a member of the board, discuss some of the cases, the history and mission of their board. Plus, this year marks the 50th anniversary of the pioneering sitcom, “Good Times.” The television show follows the story of a Black family living in a Chicago housing project. NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans and Rosalyn ‘Roz’ Grimes, a longtime fan of “Good Times” talk more about the show and its longstanding cultural impact.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The World With Its Mouth Open is a book of short stories from journalist-turned-author Zahid Rafiq. The collection showcases the precarious but ordinary lives of people in modern day Kashmir, a site of ongoing geopolitical conflict. In Rafiq's stories, a work crew makes a disturbing discovery at a construction site, a pregnant woman searches for fresh fish, and a shopkeeper has an unexpected encounter with a mannequin. In today's episode, Rafiq tells NPR's Eric Deggans about his interest in writing stories without knowing the ending, and his characters' ability to build a future on the foundation of a difficult past.To listen to Book of the Day sponsor-free and support NPR's book coverage, sign up for Book of the Day+ at plus.npr.org/bookofthedayLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

In this episode, Eric Deggans, NPR's TV critic and media analyst, delves into the complexities of modern media. The conversation explores the fractured media landscape, the rise of niche platforms and the responsibilities of media creators and consumers in combating misinformation. Joe and Eric discuss the evolution of local news, the role of algorithms and the impact of tribalism on media consumption as well as unpacking the forces that shape how we engage with information today.

This week's topics:St. Pete Council votes to approve Rays Stadium BondsMany Floridians in Trump Administration ChoicesFlorida is Ground Zero in high cost of rentsTECO gets thumbs up for rate increasePasco Sheriff settles lawsuit over predictive policingWith guests:Eric Deggans, TV & Media Analyst, NPRJanelle Irwin Taylor, Publisher, Southeast PoliticsMitch Perry, Senior Reporter, Florida PhoenixRay Roa, Editor-in-chief, Creative Loafing Tampa

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the forthcoming Thanksgiving weekend box office projections and examine the unauthorized use of screenplays to fuel AI learning models. Plus, Eric Deggans sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter Evan Bogart to discuss the state of the music industry — which Bogart assures us is “not all bad.” Bogart goes on to detail how independent artists are benefiting from major label consolidations and reorgs. Plus, he tells us the story of how he discovered Eminem while as a 19 year-old Interscope Records employee.  

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take a look at the forthcoming Thanksgiving weekend box office projections and examine the unauthorized use of screenplays to fuel AI learning models. Plus, Eric Deggans sits down with Grammy-winning songwriter Evan Bogart to discuss the state of the music industry — which Bogart assures us is “not all bad.” Bogart goes on to detail how independent artists are benefiting from major label consolidations and reorgs. Plus, he tells us the story of how he discovered Eminem while as a 19 year-old Interscope Records employee.  

Warner Bros. unceremoniously released Clint Eastwood’s Juror #2 in less than 50 theaters nationwide, but the mid-budget film has exceeded expectations. After a strong limited opening, the film will see a modest expansion and a light awards push from Warner’s. What prompted the studio to bury what could potentially be the last film from the 94 year old director? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni investigate.  Plus, Eric Deggans talks to Lauren LeFranc about creating the HBO mini series, The Penguin. The writer discusses the challenges of adapting a well known comic book villain into a complex, three dimensional character and she shares why her perspective as a woman writing a show about a middle-aged crime boss makes for interesting storytelling. And of course, she talks about the joys of working with Colin Farrell, who is both the star of the show and an involved executive producer.

As Greta Gerwig prepares to dive into production on her adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, the director is attempting to persuade Netflix to release her film on thousands of IMAX screens worldwide. Will the streamer bite? Also, Gavin Newsom proposes an increase in tax credits for California productions. What hurdles does the California governor face? Kim Masters and Matt Belloni talk us through it.  Plus, Eric Deggans talks to comedian Roy Wood Jr. about hosting the American version of the long-running British current events quiz show, Have I Got News For You. Wood also addresses the ongoing paradigm shift in late night comedy — telling us why he thinks old-school ratings matter, but social virality and streaming numbers matter more.

Amanda Jones is an award-winning librarian and an anti-censorship advocate. She's expected to speak at the Decatur Book Festival on Saturday. Ahead of her visit, we revisit Rose's conversation with Jones. During the conversation, Jones talks about her new book, "That Librarian: The Fight Against Book Banning in America." The part memoir, part manifesto maps the book-banning crisis happening across the U.S. and chronicles Jones' efforts to combat it.Plus, through the Atlanta Community School Parks Initiative, several Atlanta Public Schools are expected to receive a new nature play installation or have their old playgrounds renovated. Rose talks with Dr. Robin Christian, the principal at Barack and Michelle Obama Academy, Sarah Millgan-Toffler, the president and CEO of Children & Nature Network, and Lysa Ratliff, the CEO, KABOOM! The guests discuss the initiative and how having a safe and fun place for children to explore supports healthy development and success. Lastly, it was recently announced that legendary actor John Amos passed away at the age of 84. Amos was best known for his roles in “Good Times,” “Roots” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show.” NPR's TV critic Eric Deggans returns to “Closer Look to talk about the actor's life and legacy and his latest article “ What John Amos taught me about having — and being — a father.”See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The shear amount of media generated and consumed in the United States every day is simply staggering.  Eric Deggans reminds us that the stories we tell, tell us something about ourselves—whether those stories are about music, or politics, or race. Deggans is NPR's first full-time TV critic and media analyst, providing reviews, feature stories, commentary and guest hosting services for the network's shows such as “Morning Edition” and “All Things Considered,” along with writing for NPR.org and appearing on NPR podcasts such as “Consider This,” “Life Kit,” “Code Switch,” “Pop Culture Happy Hour” and “It's Been a Minute.” Deggans is also an adjunct instructor at Duke University and Indiana University, a member of the National Advisory Board for the Poynter Institute for Media Studies and chair of the Media Monitoring Committee for the National Association of Black Journalists. From 2017 to 2021, he served as a contributor/media analyst for MSNBC and NBC News. In April 2021, the American Civil Liberties Union of Florida gave him its Irene Miller Vigilance in Journalism Award.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Miami Vice, the groundbreaking TV series full of star cameos, debuted 40 years ago. So much fact-vs-fiction and art imitating life -- which then tried to imitate that art. We talk to a retired Miami smuggler who always bumped into Crockett and Tubbs -- and NPR TV critic Eric Deggans on the show's four decades of influence.

This week's topics:Trump-Harris Debate draws huge audienceAbortion Amendment signatures checked by state policeFlorida U.S. Senate race Tightening upWith guests:Eric Deggans, NPR TV Critic & Media AnalystYacob Reyes, Tampa Bay Reporter, AxiosTara Newsom, Attorney and Political Science Professor, St. Petersburg CollegeCarmen Edmonds, Chair, Hillsborough County Republican Executive Committee

Matt Belloni and Alex Weprin discuss Edgar Bronfman Jr.'s unexpected bid for Paramount Studios, challenging the existing agreement with Skydance Media. Plus, Slow Horses kicks off its new season with nine Emmy nominations, including Best Drama Series and Best Actor in a Drama for Gary Oldman. Eric Deggans revisits his interview with Oldman, where the actor shares insights into his career, the challenges of his craft, and what drew him to his latest role. This conversation offers a fascinating glimpse into the life of one of Hollywood's most acclaimed actors.

NBC political director Chuck Todd joined live from the DNC.Then we opened the phone lines to talk about the non-toxic masculinity represented by Tim Walz. Boston Globe business columnist Shirley Leung discussed her recent column addressing policy disputes between Karen Spilka & Michelle Wu, auditor DiZoglio's push for a ban on state-led NDAs, and murky financial waters for local grocery institution Stop & Shop.Then we re-aired The Culture Show interview with British sculpture artist Hew Locke, who has an exhibit at the ICA. Sophie Shrand & Alexis Rapo talked about a new comedy-science web series launching at the end of the month over at the Museum of Science.Eric Deggans reviews TV for NPR. He talked about late night comedy DNC coverage, two separate true crime documentaries on the Scott Peterson/ Laci Peterson murder case, and more.We ended the show with laundry etiquette. 

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss recent Hollywood developments, including Joaquin Phoenix's sudden exit from a film just days before shooting and Paramount Pictures' decision to shut down a studio and layoff 2,000 workers. The industry grapples with uncertainty as Paramount and other major players navigate shifting dynamics.  Plus, NPR’s TV critic and media analyst, Eric Deggans speaks with ‘Dear White People’ creator Justin Simien. His new docuseries Hollywood Black chronicles over a century of Black experiences in Hollywood, exploring the contributions of Black actors, writers, and directors. Simien discusses the pivotal pioneers like Donald Bogle and Oscar Micheaux while sharing personal insights on navigating racial barriers in the industry. 

Michael Jackson is reaching a new generation of fans through a popular Broadway musical featuring his legendary music and choreography — and a big screen biopic is scheduled to premiere next year.It remains to be seen how the film will address Jackson's tumultuous career, but the estate has been involved with the movie's development. Fifteen years on, Michael Jackson's legacy remains fraught. Is it possible to separate the artist and the person? And should we? NPR's Adrian Florido speaks with media critics Eric Deggans and Ann Powers.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

It’s been more than two years since anyone watched the second season finale of HBO’s “Euphoria.” Season three was delayed by the strikes that shut down Hollywood, and a series of dramatic events surrounding the creator Sam Levinson. The network has confirmed its return, but will the audience stay tuned-in? Plus, Comcast and its streaming service Peacock are hoping the Olympic games can reverse a recent subscriber shrinkage. It’s just one example of the television industry’s troubles. Low production, delayed premieres and a sense of uncertainty have plagued T.V. land this year. Kim Masters speaks with the Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg about what the latest Emmy nominations say about the state of the industry. Then NPR’s Eric Deggans breaks down what he learned at this month’s gathering with the Television Critics Association.

In 2014, video of police violence in New York and of protests in Ferguson changed what we see in mainstream media. Eric Deggans, NPR TV critic and media analyst, discusses the effects footage of the Ferguson Uprising had on what makes the news, and people's expectations — as consumers, contributors and creators — of various media forms.

2024 Emmy voting is open! Christina is joined by NPR TV critic & media analyst Eric Deggans to discuss the 2024 Emmy year, nomination predictions, possible surprises and much more. Will it be a big year for the critically acclaimed shows Shōgun and Baby Reindeer? Will The Bear dominate again for its terrific second season? Voting closes on June 24 and the 2024 Emmy nominations will be announced on July 17. The 76th Primetime Emmy Awards will air on ABC on Sunday, Sept. 15. Eric Deggans is NPRs TV critic/media analyst and the author of "Race-Baiter: How Media Wield Dangerous Words to Divide a Nation" x @Deggans Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The days are longer and the nights are shorter, but that doesn't mean you can't get cozy for summer's best new television series. Each week, we try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don't live up to the hype. This week, we discuss with Melanie McFarland, TV critic for Salon and Eric Deggans, TV critic for NPR.

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni examine the complicated situation developing at Paramount as controlling shareholder Shari Redstone determines the future of the company.  Plus, Eric Deggans speaks to comedian and Chappelle's Show co-creator Neal Brennan about his Netflix standup special, Crazy Good. Brennan talks about what he and friends Dave Chappelle and Chris Rock have taught each other about their craft over the years, and he argues that people shouldn't always care what comedians have to say.

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss the latest at Warner Bros. Discovery following the company's Q1 earnings report. They also dive into the announced streaming package bundling Max, Disney+, and Hulu. Plus, Eric Deggans speaks to writer Russell T Davies about the new season of Doctor Who on Disney+. Davies talks about casting Sex Education's Ncuti Gatwa as the latest Doctor, why having Disney on his side is such a big deal, and he explains why he thinks writing Doctor Who is one of the hardest jobs in television.

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss why Comcast's proposed bid for NBA TV rights put Warner Bros. Discovery in a tight spot. They also get into the latest at Paramount as a potential merger inches closer.  Plus, Eric Deggans speaks to legendary actress Pam Grier about her storied career in filmmaking and appearing in Prime Video's horror anthology series, Them. The pioneering female action star explains the origins of the term “Blaxploitation” and shares how she accidentally left Quentin Tarantino hanging for three weeks after he sent her his script for Jackie Brown.

Earlier this week, pro-Palestinian protestors blocked traffic on highways and bridges in San Francisco, Chicago, New York and Seattle. On that same day, the Supreme Court made it incredibly difficult to protest in a lot of the American South. In this episode, host Brittany Luse looks at the state of protest in America. She sits down with Sandhya Dirks, an NPR reporter who covers race and identity, and Elizabeth Blair, a senior arts reporter at NPR. Together, they discuss shifting attitudes towards protest as well as new anti-protest legislation. Then, they play a game of But Did You Know?After that, we take a look back at OJ Simpson and his impact on culture. Brittany is joined by NPR's Mandalit Del Barco and Eric Deggans to hear their account of how OJ shifted media and television as we know it. He's had an outsized influence on everything from true-crime, to TMZ, to the Kardashians.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni dive into the challenges faced by legendary filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola as he struggles to find distribution for his self-financed passion project, Megalopolis. The Banter partners also take a look at the risks behind David Ellison's bid to acquire Paramount parent company National Amusements. Plus, Eric Deggans speaks to comedian Mike Birbiglia and documentary filmmaker Eddie Schmidt about their new special, Good One: A Show About Jokes. They share how they approached adapting a popular Vulture podcast into their Peacock special, and talk about sticking with the truth in autobiographical comedy following allegations that Hasan Minaj falsified elements of his award-winning special Homecoming King.

In this episode, comedian Joyelle Nicole Johnson interviews writer-actor-creator Quinta Brunson about her breakout ABC series, Abbott Elementary, which explores nuanced topics like charter schools and underfunded public education in the most unexpected way – through a lighthearted workplace comedy. Abbott Elementary has built an enormous audience, earned several historic Emmys, and revitalized and revolutionized the network comedy. In this intimate yet lively conversation, Joyelle and Quinta talk Black 90s sitcoms, tackling tough issues with humor, and the enduring power of optimism. Later, host Gabe Gonzalez talks to TV critic Eric Deggans about the ways Abbott Elementary is continuing the legacy of the great Black sitcoms of the 90s and why this representation is so culturally relevant. 

When he was a teenager, Eric Deggans read a lot of movie reviews by Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert. He tended to have the same taste as Ebert, but it was Siskel's reviews that showed him what was going on in a movie, and that helped him decide what he thought, even if he disagreed with Siskel's take. That's a good critic, and that's what he aspires to as NPR's tv critic and media analyst. This week, Eric Deggans on the life of the critic. Then comedian Sara Schaefer talks about women in comedy, and why we don't talk about “men in comedy.” Credits Inner States is produced and edited by me, Alex Chambers, with support from Eoban Binder, Jillian Blackburn, Mark Chilla, Avi Forrest, LuAnn Johnson, Sam Schemenauer, Jay Upshaw, Payton Whaley, and Kayte Young. Our Executive Producer is Eric Bolstridge. Extra thanks to Avi Forrest for production help on the Eric Deggans interview. Our theme song is by Amy Oelsner and Justin Vollmar. We have additional music from the artists at Universal Production Music.

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni discuss the alleged years of abuse and inappropriate behavior on Nickelodeon sets as shown in ID's new docuseries, Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids TV.  Plus, Eric Deggans talks to actors Andrew Lincoln and Danai Gurira about reprising their breakout roles as Rick and Michonne Grimes on The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live. Gurira shares why writing an episode of the new spinoff series opened her eyes to the challenges of writing for television, and co-star Lincoln talks about how streaming affected the flagship show's viewership over the years.  

Just about every major streaming service has raised its subscription fees. At the same time, there are more programming bundles, membership deals, ad-supported subscriptions and streaming services overall. NPR TV critic and media analyst Eric Deggans shares a streaming strategy to help you get the most bang for your buck.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Best Of BPR 2/12: A Mass Media Extinction & Eric Deggans Reviews The Super Bowl

Just about every major streaming service has raised its subscription fees. At the same time, there are more programming bundles, membership deals, ad-supported subscriptions and streaming services overall. NPR TV critic and media analyst Eric Deggans shares a streaming strategy to help you get the most bang for your buck.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There's just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don't live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what's worth watching with Eric Deggans, TV critic for NPR, and Steve Greene, freelance tv critic. This week's shows/topics include: The Super Bowl (CBS & Paramount+) The New Look (Apple TV+) A Bloody Lucky Day (Paramount+) Taylor Tomlinson: Have It All (Netflix) One Day (Netflix) Welcome Home Franklin (Apple TV+)

Kim Masters and Matt Belloni take stock of layoffs at Amazon as a result of consolidation and reorganizing across its studios. Eric Deggans speaks to Fargo creator Noah Hawley about the fifth season of his anthology series. The writer and director talks about the challenges of writing 51 hours of television based on the Coen Brothers film of the same name. He also teases his upcoming FX series based on Ridley Scott's Alien franchise.

Eric Deggans speaks to Gary Oldman about starring in Apple TV+'s spy thriller series, Slow Horses. He also talks about the joys of briefly reuniting with Christopher Nolan in Oppenheimer, how he worked around being typecast in over-the-top roles, and why he's considering stepping away from acting after Slow Horses wraps.  Plus, the Disney proxy fight continues, with CEO Bob Iger gearing up to stave off advances from activist shareholder Nelson Peltz, former Marvel chairman and CEO Ike Perlmutter, and former Disney exec Jay Rasulo. 

This week, embattled Harvard president Claudine Gay resigned from her post at the university. We discuss her departure and the events that led to it with WBUR education reporter Max Larkin and NPR analyst Eric Deggans and take listener calls.

Have you felt completely overwhelmed when deciding what new show to watch these days? Us too. There's just so much content out there between network TV and numerous streaming platforms. Each week, we will try to break through the noise with TV watchers who can point us to the must-sees and steer us clear of the shows that maybe don't live up to the hype. This week, listeners will get the latest scoop on what's worth watching with Liz Shannon Miller, senior entertainment editor for Consequence, and Eric Deggans, television critic for NPR.   This week's shows include: The Brothers Sun (Netflix) The Golden Wedding (ABC & Hulu) Letterkenny [Season 12, Final Season] (Hulu) Only Murders in the Building [Season 1] (ABC & Hulu) Pokemon Concierge (Netflix) Criminal Record (Apple TV+) Funny Woman (PBS) True Detective [Season 4] (HBO & Max)

As Hollywood was warming up for a summer of labor strikes a few months ago, Vanity Fair's Maureen Ryan came out with a new book, Burn It Down, that exposed a lot of the abuses many writers, actors and crew members were coming forth about. When the book first published, Ryan spoke with NPR's Eric Deggans about how the set of Lost became a centerpiece of her research, and how her own experience speaking out about assault at the hands of a TV executive shaped her ability to report highly sensitive stories.

SAG-AFTRA reaches a tentative deal with studios after 118 days on strike. Was the deal a win? What is in it? Plus, WBD and Disney earnings news. Legendary sitcom director James Burrows talks with Eric Deggans, NPR TV critic and guest-host on The Business, about the revival of Frasier, his directing career, and whether sitcoms can endure on streaming services.

While it may seem like Black-focused media is at a high these days, the reality is only 4% of all media in the U.S. is Black-owned.Moreover, experts say that biased practices from advertisers make it harder for Black-owned media companies to be profitable. NPR's Eric Deggans talks to Byron Allen, about his ambitions to grow his media empire, hold advertisers to account, and control the narrative of how Black people are represented in media. In participating regions, you'll also hear a local news segment to help you make sense of what's going on in your community.Email us at considerthis@npr.org.

The right to repair movement scored a big victory last week in Minnesota, where it got legislation signed into law that requires manufacturers to let independent shops and consumers buy the parts and tools necessary to repair their own equipment. The new law could make fixing your own devices, gadgets and appliances a lot easier in states across the country. NPR's Eric Deggans speaks with Gay Gordon-Byrne the executive director of the Repair Association, about the importance of the new law. And Minnesota State Rep. Peter Fischer talks about how he got involved in the movement and the obstacles he and others faced on the path to getting this law passed.