The Televerse (mp3)

Halloween may be over, but we extend the spooky season a little longer to talk Stranger Things season two this week on the podcast. What were the tricks and treats of the new season? Are we #TeamJonathan or #TeamSteve? Which kids got a raw deal this time around, and who got long-overdue development? And does anyone care about the adults?Before we dive back into the Upside Down, however, we have a full week of TV to discuss. First up are the comedy and reality episodes, including the premiere of Mom, a personal Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, strong installments of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and black-ish, and the midseason finale of The Good Place. Then we follow that up with the drama and genre entries, including another powerful Queen Sugar, potent (and perhaps problematic) developments from Supergirl, The Flash, and Arrow, and Star Trek: Discovery’s big time loop episode.Where’s the line between writers trusting their casts and actors saving underwritten dialogue? Does it really matter, if the scenes

It’s reunion time this week on the podcast, as Noel checks back in with Outlander for the first time in years just as Claire and Jamie reunite in the much-anticipated “A. Malcolm.” Has time made the heart grow fonder? Does the episode work as well for Noel as regular viewer Kate? How does this episode speak to the traditions of melodrama and romance, and just how prevalent are these genres on TV right now?Before we dive in with Outlander, though, we talk through another fun week in TV. As ever, we kick things off with the comedies, including a particularly strong Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, a somewhat mixed Jane the Virgin, Halloween-themed episodes of Fresh Off the Boat and Broad City, and another excellent The Good Place. Then we move over to the rest of the week’s TV, including a check-in with Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath, a brief look at Queen Sugar and follow-up on Mindhunter season one, a loose discussion of The CW’s superhero shows (Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow, The Flash, and Arrow), and a mo

After four terrific seasons, this week we bid farewell to little-show-that-could (thank you, Peak TV!) Halt and Catch Fire. Friend of the show and The A.V. Club contributor Dennis Perkins returns to the DVD Shelf to help us break down the finale and celebrate the ups and downs of a show that started as Mad Men meets the 1980s computer tech race and grew into much, much more. Which shots stick in our minds? Which costumes? And how do we feel about the show’s full-circle ending? Before we dive in with Halt and Catch Fire, though, Noel and Kate have a full week in TV to discuss. We start with the comedies, including the triumphant returns of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend and Jane the Virgin, season one of American Vandal, the finale of Survivor’s Remorse, and strong installments of Broad City and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. Then we move on to the genre and drama offerings, including season one of Mindhunter, the finale of Room 104, another spooky Exorcist, and The CW’s superhero series, Arrow, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and

Another week, another set of premieres. This week, Noel and Kate dive deep with The CW’s superhero premieres, spotlighting the returns of Supergirl, The Flash, Legends of Tomorrow, and Arrow. Which are off to a good start, which have us hiding behind our hands and dreading the next few episodes, and which should we really, truly break up with (even if we know we won’t)? Before that, however, we talk through another full week in TV. We kick things off, as ever, with the comedies, including the much-anticipated premiere of The Rundown with Robin Thede, strong installments of Better Things, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and black-ish, and a creative and animated, if somewhat disappointing Broad City. Then we move over to the genre and drama entries, including DuckTales, Outlander, Star Trek: Discovery, Queen Sugar, and another moving Halt and Catch Fire. What’s appropriate cookie etiquette? What makes Trek Trek? Which shows have us cracking up, getting misty, and waiting with bated breath? And who bu

Fall premieres and returns continue this week, giving us plenty to discuss on the podcast. First, we dive in with the comedies, including the premieres of Bob’s Burgers, Curb Your Enthusiasm, Ghosted, black-ish, Fresh Off the Boat, Kevin (Probably) Saves the World, and The Mayor, as well as another delightful DuckTales and a table-setting The Good Place. Next, we look at the genre and drama offerings, including the premieres of Marvel’s Inhumans, The Exorcist, The Gifted, and Queen Sugar, Outlander, and another moving Halt and Catch Fire. Afterward, writer and The A.V. Club contributor Zack Handlen returns to the podcast to help Kate break down Rick and Morty season three. We look at the show’s structure and morality, how it fits into the show’s overall progression, and what the season three finale means for season four. Season Spotlight: Rick and Morty Season 3 with Zack Handlen (1:24:48)Our Week in ComedyBob’s Burgers premiere (11:15)Curb Your Enthusiasm premiere (15:58)Ghosted premiere (20:11)black-ish pre

The first week of network premieres is upon us, prompting another lengthy episode of the podcast. We kick things off with the comedies, including the premieres of Speechless, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, Superstore, and Will & Grace, the finales of Difficult People and People of Earth, and more delightful episodes of The Good Place and DuckTales. Next up are the reality and drama offerings, including the premiere of Law & Order True Crime: The Menendez Murders, a beautiful Halt & Catch Fire, and the conclusion of Ken Burns and Lynn Novick’s The Vietnam War. Finally, we wrap up the episode with our spotlight segment, diving deep with the two-episode premiere of Star Trek: Discovery. Spotlight: Star Trek: Discovery premiere (1:50:03)Our Week in Comedy Speechless premiere (11:24) Brooklyn Nine-Nine premiere (18:29) Superstore premiere (22:36) Will & Grace premiere (25:07) The Opposition with Jordan Klepper premiere (31:59) Difficult People finale (38:30) People of Earth finale (42:02) The Good Place

With the full sweep of fall network premieres headed our way next week, Noel and Kate take advantage of a lighter show list to check in once again with our 2017 TV resolutions. First, however, we look at the week’s TV, starting with the comedies, including the returns of The Good Place, Nathan For You, and Adventure Time, as well as Better Things and Broad City. Next up are the reality and drama offerings, including the 2017 Emmy awards, PBS’s The Vietnam War, the finale of The Sinner, and another moving Halt and Catch Fire. Afterward, it’s resolution time, with Noel continuing his exploration of current anime series, including new additions Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju and All Out!, and Kate diving in with her most potentially wheelhouse YouTube series yet, Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Dinner Party.2017 TV Resolution Check-in #4 (1:16:39): Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, All Out!, Edgar Allan Poe’s Murder Mystery Dinner PartyOur Week in Comedy and Genre The Good Place

Fall premiere season is already upon us, giving us plenty of TV to discuss this week on the podcast. First we look at the comedies, including the premieres of Broad City and Better Things, fun installments of You’re the Worst and Rick and Morty, and the finales of Insecure and Younger. Then we move on to the drama and genre offerings, including the premieres of The Orville, Outlander, Top of the Lake: China Girl, and The Deuce, as well as Room 104 and Halt and Catch Fire. Afterwards, we dive deep with the funny and moving second season of Tig Notaro’s One Mississippi, currently available on Amazon Prime.Season Spotlight: One Mississippi Season 2 (1:52:35)Our Week in Comedy Broad City premiere (12:05) Better Things premiere (17:09) You’re the Worst (20:48) Rick and Morty (22:49) Insecure finale (26:11) Younger finale (47:22)Our Week in Genre and Drama The Orville premiere (1:00:54) Outlander premiere (1:10:06) Top of the Lake: China Girl premiere (1:13:25) The Deuce premiere (1:29:36) Room 104 (1:38:31) Halt a

This week on the podcast, it’s The Televerse’s 6th anniversary! To celebrate, we dive in with our much-teased discussion of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with Noel and Kate ranking the MCU films and hashing out The Avengers vs. The Avengers: Age of Ultron. Then we head over to our week in TV, with a slue of premieres and finales, including I’m Sorry, Final Fantasy XIV: Dad of Light, You’re the Worst, American Horror Story: Cult, Twin Peaks, and The Bold Type, as well as a handful of other check-ins. Last up is the sixth installment of our yearly Make-You-Watch-athon, where each host picks one series that the other has to watch. This year, Noel’s pick is season one of the anime classic Sailor Moon, and Kate’s pick is the underseen Amazon series Catastrophe.  Between our MCU discussion, week in TV, and Make-You-Watch-athon, it’s a mega-installment of the podcast this week. Thank you to all of our listeners, those who’ve been with the podcast for six years, and those who’ve tuned in in the last six weeks.M

Noel’s on location this week, so we keep the podcast on the short side (for us). First we talk through our week in TV, including the midseason finale of Game of Thrones, another look at The Tick season 1.0, a catch-up with Room 104, the penultimate episode of The Bold Type, and a kid-centric Halt and Catch Fire, among others. Then we take a look at the upcoming new fall network TV series, previewing what’s in store for premiere season at the end of September and beginning of November.2017 Fall Network TV Preview (53:53)Our Week in TV Game of Thrones midseason finale (8:43) The Tick Season 1 (15:36) People of Earth (20:56) Rick and Morty (24:08) Difficult People (26:16) Twin Peaks (27:27) Room 104 (29:40) The Bold Type (36:09) Halt and Catch Fire (43:12)Music Featured: “Audrey’s Dance” by Angelo Badalamenti from Twin Peaks

After a solid month with reasonable runtimes, this week’s episode heads back towards the 3 hour mark, as Noel and Kate dive deep on several topics and shows. We kick off the podcast with some talk about TV news, including our thoughts on the James Cameron and Joss Whedon controversies from the past week. Then we move into our week in TV, starting with the comedies. After looking at The Tick season one, the finale of Wrecked, the premiere of Survivor’s Remorse, and more, we move over to the drama and genre offerings, including a lengthy look at the premiere of Halt and Catch Fire and spoiler-filled break down of The Defenders season one, among others. Then, friend of the show Dr. Elizabeth Bridges returns to the podcast to discuss the emotional season finale of Wynonna Earp, along with our takes on the rest of the season.Season Spotlight: Wynonna Earp with Dr. Elizabeth Bridges (2:02:43)Our Week in Comedy The Tick Season 1 (39:41) Wrecked finale (49:02) Survivor’s Remorse premiere (54:53) People of Earth (59:

It has been a week here in the US, but fortunately several TV shows (none more so than the new DuckTales) helped us get through it. We kick off the episode this week with the comedies, including looks at the aforementioned DuckTales series premiere, Atypical’s premiere, People of Earth, and Younger. Then we move over to the more serious fare, including the powerful VICE-produced documentary “Charlottesville: Race and Terror,” the middling first season of The Defenders, more charming installments of Wynonna Earp and The Bold Type, and the dramatic season finale of Claws. Afterward, Noel signs off and friend of the show Emma Fraser of TV Ate My Wardrobe, The Observer, and more returns to help Kate break down the series finale, final season, and entire run of the warm and wonderfully human Orphan Black.DVD Shelf: Orphan Black with Emma Fraser (1:21:26)Our Week in Comedy DuckTales premiere (13:12) Atypical Season 1 (22:06) People of Earth (27:28) Younger (32:16)Our Week in Reality, Genre, and Drama VICE: “Charlo

The waves of premieres continue, giving us lots to discuss once again on the podcast. First up are the comedies and reality episodes, including the premieres of Swedish Dicks, Comrade Detective, and Difficult People and the finale of The Great British Baking Show. Next up are the genre and drama offerings, including a quick check in on Orphan Black, before its finale, and lengthier looks at Game of Thrones, Wynonna Earp, Claws, The Bold Type, and more. Then Noel and Kate dive in with the series finale of The Carmichael Show and celebrate its thoughtful, creative, and entertaining three season run. DVD Shelf: The Carmichael Show (1:37:01)Our Week in Comedy and Reality Swedish Dicks premiere (11:02) Comrade Detective premiere (18:02) Difficult People premiere (26:05) Insecure (32:11) The Guest Book (34:29) Younger (38:43) The Great British Baking Show (46:00)Our Week in Genre and Drama Orphan Black (56:28) Game of Thrones (57:58) The Sinner (1:10:19) Wynonna Earp (1:14:18) Claws (1:22:06) The Bold Type (1:27:56

Anticipating a slower TV week (which then did not materialize), Noel and Kate try something new this week on the podcast: our first summer catch-up, where we sample series our listeners have been buzzing about. For our inaugural summer catch-up, we dive in with the first seasons of BBC Four’s Detectorists and SyFy’s Killjoys. First up, though, is that supposedly slow week in TV. We kick things off with looks at a handful of the comedies and reality series we tuned in for, including the premieres of The Lowe Files and The Guest Book, the return of Rick and Morty, and a squee-inducing Younger. Afterward, we head over to the genre and drama offerings, including the premieres of Sinner and Room 104, Game of Thrones, Wynonna Earp, The Bold Type, and the emotional midseason finale of Queen Sugar. What surprised and delighted us this week, and where did we fall on listener favorites Detectorists and Killjoys? Tune in to find out, then leave your thoughts in the comments!Summer Catch-up: Detectorists Series 1 (1:42:5

After a whirlwind week, Kate is back from San Diego Comic-Con International, with only the mildest of sunburns (a dramatic improvement over last year). Noel and Kate kick off the podcast this week with a quick discussion of the Jeremy Jordan/Supergirl and SuperCorp dustup from ComicCon, then head into our week in TV. First up are the comedies, including the returns of Insecure and People of Earth, along with entertaining episodes of I’m Sorry and Younger. Then it’s over to the drama and genre offerings, including the premieres of Midnight, Texas and Somewhere Between, an intense Adventure Time, a mixed Wynonna Earp, and much more (including a potentially controversial take from Kate on The Bold Type’s newest romance). Then to finish out the podcast, as well as our coverage of SDCC 2017, friend of the show Maggie Kulzick returns to share the high- and low-lights of this year’s Con, from panels and cosplay to signings and food. SDCC 2017 TV Wrapup with Maggie Kulzick (1:40:10)Our Week in Comedy Insecure premie

Kate’s off at San Diego Comic-Con, so Noel is carrying the podcast this week, as Noel leads Kate through the week’s comedies, including the premieres of Friends from College and Loaded, as well as genre and drama offerings, including the premieres of Game of Thrones and Remember Me. After talking through a few more episodes, it’s time for our third check-in on our 2017 TV resolutions. Kate discusses The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, a vlog-inspired adaptation of Jane Austen’s classic Pride and Prejudice, while Noel gives his thoughts on the latest anime offerings, including Fastest Finger First, Clean Freak, and Classroom of the Elite.2017 TV Resolution Check-in #3 (1:10:09): The Lizzie Bennet Diaries, Fastest Finger First, Clean Freak, Classroom of the EliteOur Week in Comedy and RealityFriends from College Season 1 (11:32)Loaded premiere (17:05) The Carmichael Show (22:22)I’m Sorry (26:09)The Great British Baking Show (29:57)Our Week in Genre and DramaGame of Thrones premiere (37:02) Remember Me premiere (44:23) C

With both an uptick in premieres and the return of our yearly SDCC TV preview, it’s another long episode this week. First up, Noel and Kate talk through the week’s comedy and reality offerings, including Tour de Pharmacy, the premieres of I’m Sorry and Hooten & The Lady, surprising (for better and worse) episodes of Wrecked and The Carmichael Show, and another underwhelming The Great British Baking Show. Next up are the genre and drama series, including the premieres of Will, The Bold Type, and Salvation, twist-happy episodes of Wynonna Earp and Claws, and another compelling Queen Sugar. Afterward, Maggie Kulzick returns to the podcast to help Noel and Kate preview the TV-centric panels coming next week at San Diego Comic-Con International, from retrospectives and fan reunions to brand new series debuts and cosplay contests. There’s a frankly ridiculous amount of TV geekery afoot in San Diego this year. What panels will you seek out?SDCC 2017 TV Preview (1:38:40)Our Week in Comedy and Reality Tour de Pha

Thanks to the holiday weekend, a lot of TV took the week off, giving Noel and Kate time for season catch-ups! We kick things off with our week in comedy, including the first seasons of Danger and Eggs and GLOW, the third season of Playing House, another fun Younger, a dramatic The Carmichael Show, and a somewhat disappointing The Great British Baking Show. Next up is our week in genre and drama, including the perplexing Castlevania season one, the finale of Doctor Who, and new episodes of Wynonna Earp, Claws, and Queen Sugar. Afterwards, Noel and Kate catch up with a series they’ve been behind on for a while, seasons one and two of Channel 4 and Netflix’s Chewing Gum.Season Spotlight: Chewing Gum Seasons 1 and 2 (2:01:46)Our Week in Comedy and Reality Danger and Eggs Season 1 (27:56) GLOW Season 1 (39:22) Playing House Season 3 (49:16) Younger (56:29) The Carmichael Show (1:04:50) The Great British Baking Show (1:09:14)Our Week in Genre and Drama Castlevania Season 1 (1:20:09) Doctor Who finale (1:27:47) Wyn

Things get a bit contentious this week on the podcast, with several episodes prompting strong reactions from Noel and Kate. First up are the comedies, including the premieres of Playing House and Younger, the finale of Veep, and fun episodes of Wrecked and The Carmichael Show. Then we move over to reality, with looks at the return of Terrace House and relaunch of Battle of the Network Stars, an underwhelming The Great British Baking Show, and the finale of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Last up in our week in TV are the genre and drama offerings, including the premiere of GLOW (which Kate perhaps mis-categorized), the finale of iZombie, and new installments of Queen Sugar and Wynonna Earp. Afterward, Allison Shoemaker of Podlander Drunkcast, Debating Doctor Who, Consequence of Sound, and The A.V. Club, among others, returns to the podcast to champion American Gods season one and bring us around on a much-anticipated season that left us as cold as Laura Moon.Season Spotlight: American Gods Season 1 with Allison Shoemaker

Season Spotlight: The Handmaid’s Tale Season 1 with Angelica Jade Bastién (1:55:38)  ///  Our Week in Comedy and Reality: The Ranch Part 3 (4:40) // Wrecked premiere (11:06) // Last Week Tonight with John Oliver and Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (15:20) // The Great British Baking Show premiere (22:24) // So You Think You Can Dance (28:16) // RuPaul’s Drag Race (31:42) // Hollywood Game Night and The Gong Show premieres (37:58) // Independent Lens (49:27)  ///  Our Week in Genre and Drama: The Mist premiere (1:04:04) // Wynonna Earp (1:10:37) // iZombie (1:15:26) // Claws (1:23:35) // Twin Peaks (1:26:27) // Queen Sugar premiere (1:27:34) // American Gods finale (1:29:30) // The Handmaid’s Tale finale (1:39:06)