The Televerse (mp3)

It’s the last week of 2018, which means it’s time for our annual mega-countdown of the best and most memorable TV of the year. Noel and Kate talk through their picks for the year’s best TV performances, characters, music, writing, sequences, seasons, moments, and much more. Listen to what our picks are, then reach out with your favorites from this year, as we bid a fond farewell to the year that was, and head into 2019.Performance Awards (2:10)Best Performance, Lead; Best Performance, Supporting; Best Voice Acting; Best Reality Personality; Most Novel Casting; Most Underrated Ensemble; Best Cameo; Best Guest Appearance; 6th Performer AwardMusic: “Wilkommen” from Younger; “Somewhere Out There” from Fresh Off the Boat; iZombie’s RENT parody (feat. Rachel Bloom)Character Awards (18:16)Best New Character; Best Villain; Best Parents; Best Kids; Best On-Screen Death; Character We Want More Of; Actor We Want More OfMusic: “Kiss From a Rose” from Wrecked; “Bird in a Gilded Cage” from Trial & Error: Lady Killer; “

2018 is winding down, which means the List-ening is once again upon us. This week on the podcast, Noel and Kate talk through their top 20 TV series of 2018, looking at the very best TV of the year. From reality and anime to documentary comedy and chilling drama, there was plenty on offer, and the highlights of the year ran the gamut. Tune in for our thoughts on our favorites, then reach out with your picks.Noel’s 20–16 (7:11) Cells at Work Dietland A Place Further than the Universe DuckTales Killing EveKate’s 20–16 (7:54) Trial & Error: Lady Killer Ugly Delicious/Queer Eye Elementary Crazy Ex-Girlfriend Brooklyn Nine-NineNoel’s 15–11 (9:52) Barry Jane the Virgin Steven Universe Crazy Ex-Girlfriend The Good FightKate’s 15–11 (12:10) The Terror Insecure Sense8 Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas NanetteNoel and Kate’s 10–6 (15:12) We Bare Bears Steven Universe Terrace House: Opening New Doors Barry Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas Killing Eve PoseNoel and Kate’s 5–1 (33:03) DC’s Legends of Tomorrow Brooklyn Nine-Nine Th

It’s the last regular episode of 2018, and the many midseason finales give Noel and Kate plenty of TV to discuss. First up, we talk through the week’s TV, including season two of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, the midseason finale of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the return of Top Chef, the finale of Doctor Who, and the midseason finales of Black Lightning and DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Then we move over to the spotlight section and dive in with the latest installment of the CW’s yearly Arrowverse crossovers. This time, The Flash, Arrow, and Supergirl are in the mix, as Barry, Oliver, and Kara grapple with a Barry/Oliver body swap in Elseworlds. How did this crossover, and its introduction of Lois Lane and Kate Kane to the Arrowverse, fare? Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your own. Spotlight: Elseworlds (46:48)Our Week in TV The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel Season 2 (7:48) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend midseason finale (14:37) Top Chef (21:25) Doctor Who finale (26:49) Black Lightning midseason finale (35:35)

It’s beginning to feel a lot like terrible, treacly holiday movie time, and there’s no way Netflix is not getting into that game. And there’s no way Noel and Kate aren’t at least checking out some of their recent entries. This episode, we dive in with two offerings, The Christmas Chronicles, starring Kurt Russell as Hot Santa, and Vanessa Hudgens vehicle The Princess Switch. Before that, however, there’s lots of TV to discuss, starting with reality and comedy, including The Great Christmas Bake Off and The Great Festive Bake Off, DuckTales, Superstore, and The Good Place, and wrapping up with genre, including Nightflyers’ premiere, The Flash’s 100th episode, Arrow, Supergirl, Outlander, and a frogtastic Doctor Who. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with yours! Spotlight: The Christmas Chronicles and The Princess Switch (1:23:48)Our Week in Reality and ComedyThe Great Christmas Bake Off and The Great Festive Bake Off (12:38) DuckTales (18:56)Superstore (24:39)The Good Place (31:30)Our Week in

TV has started slowing down as we head into the end of the year, giving us our lightest TV week in a while! First up, Noel and Kate talk through the highlights of their week’s viewing, including the premiere of Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, Good Eats: Reloaded, Murphy Brown, Black Lightning, and Doctor Who. Then we move over to the spotlight section and dive in with the first four episodes of HBO’s first foreign language (mini)series, My Brilliant Friend. Spotlight: My Brilliant Friend (54:51)Our Week in TV Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath premiere (15:56) Good Eats: Reloaded (26:29) Murphy Brown (31:36) Black Lightning (37:42) Doctor Who (43:30)Music Featured: “Sweet Baby James,” performed by Tom Wilson on DC’s Legends of Tomorrow

American Thanksgiving has come and gone, bringing with it delicious food, loads of traffic, and another delightful holiday-themed episode of Bob’s Burgers. This week, Noel and Kate keep things on the short side, talking through a truncated week in TV, including A&E’s The Clinton Affair, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, the aforementioned Bob’s Burgers, DuckTales, Doctor Who, and Supergirl. Then we move over to the spotlight section and dive in with the first season of Netflix’s She-Ra and the Princesses of Power. Who connected with the sparkly ponies of Etheria, and who caught DuckTales’ Ghostbusters riff? Tune in to hear our thoughts, then reach out with your own.Spotlight: She-Ra and the Princesses of Power Season 1 (51:51)Our Week in TV The Clinton Affair (10:24) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (16:55) Bob’s Burgers (22:33) DuckTales (27:17) Doctor Who (32:22) Supergirl (38:04)Music Featured: “Trapped in a Car with Someone You Don’t Want to be Trapped in a Car With” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

It’s nearly turkey time, and a much-needed pause in the TV action, but as we head into the holiday season, there’s still plenty of TV to discuss. Noel and Kate kick things off with their week in TV, starting with the comedies, including Fresh Off the Boat, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Bob’s Burgers, The Good Place, and Mom. Then we head over to reality and genre, looking at Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath’s The Jehovah’s Witnesses special, Doctor Who, The Flash, and Black Lightning. Last, we dive in with the latest season of The Great British Bake Off (series 9), aka The Great British Baking Show (Collection 6), newly available on Netflix. Which baker walked away with the cake plate, and which with our hearts, and what’s with this Top Chef finale technical malarkey? Tune in to hear our thoughts, then reach out and let us know what you think.Spotlight: The Great British Bake Off Series 9 (1:04:11)Our Week in ComedyFresh Off the Boat (16:03) Crazy Ex-Girlfriend (19:32)Bob’s Burgers (25:03)The Good Place

News may have dominated televisions this week, but there was a lot of interesting and memorable TV as well. Noel and Kate kick things off with their week in TV, including the stunning finale of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a fun Fresh Off the Boat, a return-to-form The Good Place, the premiere of Outlander, a knowing Charmed, and clever DC’s Legends of Tomorrow. Afterward, we dive in with Amazon’s new drama from Mr. Robot’s Sam Esmail, starring Julia Roberts, which may actually be most notable for its irresistible half-hour episodic runtime.Spotlight: Homecoming (1:00:38)Our Week in TV It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia finale (17:07) Fresh Off the Boat (23:20) The Good Place (27:59) Outlander premiere (36:15) Charmed (43:37) DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (46:09)

Halloween is here, and little is spookier than the specter of the midterms. VOTE!! Regardless of your politics, stop reading this post right now and go vote. Unless it’s Wednesday, then you’re too late. Hopefully you already did. Anyways, back to your regularly scheduled programming. This week on the podcast, we talk through a handful of interesting recent episodes, including the premieres of Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj and Busy Tonight, a Tahani- and Eleanor-centric The Good Place, the compelling first season of Bodyguard, an arachnaphobic Doctor Who, witchy DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, and a villain-driven Supergirl. Afterward, Noel and Kate dive in with the first season of Netflix’s Chilling Adventures of Sabrina. Who’s in for more, and who’s ready to jump ship? Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on Sabrina, Supergirl, and more!Season Spotlight: Chilling Adventures of Sabrina Season 1 (1:04:06)Our Week in TV Patriot Act with Hasan Minhaj premiere (11:39) Busy Tonight premiere (21:07)

Kate was laid up sick most of the week, so it’s a Netflix- and genre-heavy week. Fortunately, that gives us plenty of interesting TV to discuss. First, Noel and Kate talk through the week’s TV, starting with reality and comedy, including the latest installment of Netflix’s Terrace House: Opening New Doors and new cooking documentary series Salt Fat Acid Heat, as well as black-ish and The Good Place. Next up are the week’s genre offerings, including season one of Netflix’s Hilda and a quick look at Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, along with the premiere of DC’s Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, and Doctor Who’s big Rosa Parks episode. Afterwards, we head to the season spotlight and dive in with the third, and potentially final season of Netflix’s Daredevil.Season Spotlight: Daredevil Season 3 (1:52:04)Our Week in Reality and Comedy Terrace House: Opening New Doors Part 4 (21:04) Salt Fat Acid Heat (31:52) black-ish (39:32) The Good Place (44:26)Our Week in Genre Hilda Season 1 (53:06) Chilling Adventures

Fall TV continues to return with another wave of premieres, giving Noel and Kate another full week of TV to discuss. We kick things off with the comedies and dramas, including the premieres of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, black-ish, The Conners, and The Rookie, as well as another terrific The Good Place. Then we move over to genre, including the finale of FLCL Alternative, the premieres of Supergirl and Arrow, another strong Black Lightning, and the first full-on adventure for the Thirteenth Doctor, on Doctor Who. Afterward, we head over to the spotlight section, to dive in with the first season of Netflix’s The Dragon Prince.Season Spotlight: The Dragon Prince Season 1 (1:15:10)Our Week in Comedy and DramaCrazy Ex-Girlfriend premiere (8:18) black-ish premiere (15:35)The Conners premiere (20:20)The Rookie premiere (26:48)The Good Place (33:18)Our Week in GenreFLCL Alternative finale (41:20)Supergirl premiere (51:02)Arrow premiere (58:02) Black Lightning (1:00:55)Doctor Who (1:04:49)Music Featured: “No One E

Premiere season is once again in full swing, giving us plenty of TV to discuss. First up, Noel and Kate look at the week’s comedy, including Big Mouth season two, the premieres of Speechless and Fresh Off the Boat, the finale of The Venture Bros., and new episodes of Murphy Brown and The Good Place. Next up are the reality, genre, and drama offerings, including Dancing Queen season one, American Experience, and the premieres of Black Lightning, The Flash, and All American. Last, we dive in with the debut of the Chris Chibnall era of Doctor Who, Jodie Whittaker’s first story as the Thirteenth Doctor, “The Woman Who Fell to Earth.”Spotlight: Doctor Who Season 11 premiere (1:03:36)Our Week in Comedy Big Mouth Season 2 (7:08) Speechless premiere (11:42) Fresh Off the Boat premiere (13:17) The Venture Bros. finale (17:23) Murphy Brown (20:44) The Good Place (25:25)Our Week in Reality, Genre, and Drama Dancing Queen Season 1 (30:15) American Experience (41:29) Black Lightning premiere (47:27) The Flash premi

It’s been a week, gentle listeners, so join Kate and Noel as we take a break and dive in with the week’s TV. First up, we look at the comedies, including the finales of Wrecked and Insecure, Mom, and the premieres of Bob’s Burgers and Superstore. Then we move on to the rest of the week’s TV, including the premiere of God Friended Me, Frontline, catchups with The Crown season two and The Dragon Prince season one, and the finale of Wynonna Earp. Afterward, we head to the spotlight section to discuss the BBC’s new adaptation of King Lear. Anthony Hopkins stars with a ridiculously stacked ensemble, including Emma Thompson, Emily Watson, Florence Pugh, Jim Carter, Jim Broadbent, Andrew Scott, John Macmillian, Tobias Menzies, Christopher Eccleston, and more. Listen as Lear newbie Kate has a few notes for Shakespeare, Noel gives some context, and both break down the highs and lows of this particular interpretation of the classic tragedy.Spotlight: King Lear (1:12:38)Our Week in ComedyWrecked finale (20:01) Inse

The 2018 fall TV season is officially underway, bringing more summer finales and fall premieres and plenty to discuss. Noel and Kate kick things off with the week’s TV, including the double-episode premiere of The Good Place, a MeToo-themed It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, a much-needed self-care catch-up with The Great British Bake-Off season eight, the season premiere of Lethal Weapon, and the finale of PBS’ The Miniaturist. Then we dive in with a special DVD Shelf/Spotlight section, looking at the premiere of the Murphy Brown revival, as well as the original ten-season run of the show. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on Murphy Brown, music rights, reboots, and super-secret cameos. DVD Shelf/Spotlight: Murphy Brown (1:08:21)Our Week in TV The Good Place premiere (21:35) It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia (31:57) The Great British Bake-Off Season 8/Collection 5 (33:52) Lethal Weapon premiere (52:33) The Miniaturist finale (58:42)Music Featured: “Combination Pizza Hut And Taco Bell” by

It’s our last (projected) 90-minute podcast for a while, and Noel and Kate take advantage of one more week of a light TV load to dive in for in-depth looks at several of the week’s more notable episodes. This week, that means the premiere sneak-peek of I Feel Bad, a Very Special Rob Cordry Episode of Wrecked, the premiere and second episode of FLCL Alternative, and the finales of The Sinner and Elementary. Afterward, we return to a world of teenage drama and intrigue, spotlighting the second season of Netflix’s American Vandal. Did the Turd Burglar manage to step outside of the wide shadow of season one’s “Who did the dicks?” How meta is too meta, and what, if anything, can the writers do in season three to recapture the personal element of season one? Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on American Vandal, the various Sherlock Holmes adaptations, and any other TV worth talking about. Season Spotlight: American Vandal Season 2 (1:03:43)Our Week in TV I Feel Bad premiere sneak peek (14:33) Wr

We’re in the final weeks of respite before the barrage of fall TV, so Noel and Kate take advantage of the week’s light viewing schedule to catch up with the BBC’s recent miniseries adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Ordeal by Innocence. Before that, however, we catch up with the past week’s memorable episodes, including Iron Fist season two, the finale of SYTYCD, the premiere of Rel, the long-awaited beginning of the hunt on Wrecked, the return of Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, and the premiere of PBS’ The Miniaturist miniseries. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on this latest Christie adaptation, what the Matthew Goode role is currently (and has been), and anything else these last few relaxing weeks of summer TV has to offer.Spotlight: Ordeal by Innocence (55:06)Our Week in TVMarvel’s Iron Fist Season 2 (13:14) SYTYCD finale (23:48)Rel premiere (27:14)Wrecked (33:24)Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (36:11) The Miniaturist premiere (40:43)Music Featured: “Wonderful” by Isaac Hayes

The Televerse is entering its eighth year, which means it’s time once again for the yearly Televerse Make-You-Watch-athon, wherein your two gracious hosts force each other to fill in a gap in their viewing history and watch a show they’ve missed (intentionally or otherwise). This year, Noel subjects Kate to yet another animated series, the much-loved Star Wars: The Clone Wars, and Kate subjects Noel to the glacially-paced and oh-so-intense The Leftovers. How very on-brand. Before that, however, there’s another interesting week in TV to discuss. We kick things off with a brief look from Kate at Jack Ryan season one, some love for the Making It finale, Kate’s thoughts on the season 13 premiere of It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia, another fun Wrecked, an answer-filled Castle Rock, and the emotional series finale of Adventure Time. Take a listen, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV and our latest Make-You-Watch-athon picks.Make-You-Watch-athon 7Noel’s pick: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (47:45)Kate’s pick

Fall TV may be kicking off a bit later than usual this year, but with summer TV winding down, it’s time for our yearly look at the networks’ upcoming new series. First, however, Noel and Kate talk through a rather light week in TV, looking at the finale of Younger, another fun Wrecked, a frustrating So You Think You Can Dance, catching up with The Sinner, a delightfully Conan Doyle-y Elementary, and a Christmas-themed Wynonna Earp. Then we look at the new series ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox, and The CW will be offering this fall, giving plot synopses, brief reactions (where we can), and premiere dates for the coming network season. Take a listen, then let us know which fall premieres you’re most excited for.Fall 2018 Network TV Preview (53:37)Our Week in TVYounger finale (13:48)Wrecked (21:49)So You Think You Can Dance (25:10)The Sinner (31:45)Elementary (34:22)Wynonna Earp (40:08)Music Featured: “Kiss from a Rose” as performed by the cast of Wrecked; “Comeback Kid” by Lindi Ortega

It was another terrific week of TV, with several compelling and satisfying episodes and finales giving us lots to discuss on the podcast. First up, we talk through our week in TV, including the finales of DuckTales, Trial & Error: Lady, Killer, and The Great British Baking Show, entertaining and intriguing episodes of The Venture Bros., Younger, and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, a powerful Castle Rock, and a baking-filled and -fueled Wynonna Earp. Then Noel and Kate slow down to spotlight the finale and entire third season of the fantastic and ridiculously under-watched and discussed Queen Sugar.Season Spotlight: Queen Sugar Season 3 (46:52)Our Week in TVDuckTales finale (13:10) Trial & Error: Lady, Killer finale (22:24)The Great British Baking Show finale (23:53)The Venture Bros. (29:41) Younger (32:22)Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (33:10)Castle Rock (35:36) Wynonna Earp (39:03)Music Featured: “Willkommen” as performed by Miriam Shor and Martha Plimpton on Younger

With only one premiere and one finale, it’s a welcome light week here at the Televerse, a respite before the coming deluge of fall returns. This episode, we kick things off as always with our week in TV, including the premiere of Insecure, entertaining episodes of Wrecked and DuckTales, a controversial Making It, a wig-tastic Elementary, and an intriguing Wynonna Earp. Afterward, we head over to the spotlight section to dive in with the finale of Claws, along with season two as a whole. Take a listen, then head to the comments to let us know where you fall on this at times terrific, at times troubling season. Season Spotlight: Claws Season 2 (43:01)Our Week in TV Insecure premiere (7:36) Wrecked (10:33) DuckTales (15:09) Making It (23:32) Elementary (31:15) Wynonna Earp (35:15)Music Featured: “Natural Woman” by Aretha Franklin, performed at the 2015 Kennedy Center Honors