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The Televerse

Kate Kulzick and Noel Kirkpatrick discuss the week's notable television, covering comedy, genre, drama, and everything in-between, before breaking down a favorite series no longer on the air that listeners may want to pull down off the DVD Shelf.
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Now displaying: 2018
Dec 29, 2018

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 Award

Music: “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 Of

Music: “Kiss From a Rose” from Wrecked; “Bird in a Gilded Cage” from Trial & Error: Lady Killer; “I Want it That Way” from Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Production Awards (34:06)
Notable Direction, Comedy; Notable Direction, Drama; Most Memorable Long-Take; Best Cinematography; Best Costuming; Best Set Design; Best Hair; Best Makeup; Best Editing; Most Inventive Animation

Music: “Jesus Christ Superstar” from Jesus Christ Superstar Live in Concert; “This One’s For You” from the Tony Awards; “Home” from Pose

Music Awards (50:01)
Best/Catchiest New Theme Song; Best Score; Best Soundtrack; Best Original Song; Best Deployment of a Pre-Existing Song; Best Musical Moment

Music: “Come Away With Me” from Adventure Time; “The Fearful Pirate Dewey Duck” from DuckTales; “Shame” from Big Mouth

Writing Awards (58:09)
Writing for a Comedy Series; Writing for a Drama Series; Most Quotable Series; Most Memorable Line; Best Episode Title; Best Crafting of a Season

Music: “I Want Your Cray Cray” from Jessica Jones; “In” from Riverdale’s Carrie: The Musical episode; Jennifer and Rich’s song from Claws’ “Scream”

Sequence Awards (1:04:57)
Best Stunts; Best Action Setpiece; Best Standalone Fight Sequence; Best Dream Sequence; Best Dance Sequence; Best (New) Credit Sequence; Best Montage

Music: “Mama Mia” from The Bold Type; “Omar Sharif” as performed at the Tony Awards; “Nobody’s Above the Law” from The Good Fight

Season and Series Awards (1:15:27)
Most Spectacular Burn-out; Most Spectacular Slow Build; Best Finale Payoff; Most Underappreciated Finale; Best New Comedy (non-Top 20); Best New Drama (non-Top 20); Most Improved Series; Biggest Season-to-Season Drop; Most Underrated Series; Most Overrated Series (The Anne Veal Award); The Ringer Award; Srsly Guys, Why Aren’t You Watching…; Srsly, Why Aren’t We Watching…; Gone but Not Forgotten

Music: “The Miracle of Birth”, “My Sperm is Healthy”, and “Face Your Fears (Reprise)” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Moment Awards (1:35:38)
Trippiest Scene; Best WTF Moment; Biggest Gut-punch; Dusty, Dusty, Him Sad Award; Biggest F*ck Yeah Moment; Best Twist/Realization (non-finale); Most Traumatizing Moment; Schadenfreude Award; Most Striking Visual; Best OTT Sex/Nudity; Best Shipping; Most Chemistry; Oxygen Award, Comedy; Oxygen Award, Drama; Most Ridiculous Moment; Best Fan Interaction; The La-la-la Award (No Spoilers!); The Head Canon Award

Music: “G-G-G-Ghost”, “That Distant Shore”, and “Let’s Only Think About Love” from Steven Universe

Miscellaneous Awards (1:59:20)
Best Surprise; Worst Disappointment; Best Discovery; Spotlight of Shame; Breakthrough Performance; Breakthrough Series; It Shoulda Worked…; It Shouldn’t’ve Worked.; The It’s Not Me, It’s You Award; Anchor Award; Life Vest Award; Show We Want To See Make the Leap

Dec 22, 2018

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 Eve

Kate’s 20–16 (7:54)
Trial & Error: Lady Killer
Ugly Delicious/Queer Eye
Elementary
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Brooklyn Nine-Nine

Noel’s 15–11 (9:52)
Barry
Jane the Virgin
Steven Universe
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
The Good Fight

Kate’s 15–11 (12:10)
The Terror
Insecure
Sense8
Wyatt Cenac’s Problem Areas
Nanette

Noel 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
Pose

Noel and Kate’s 5–1 (33:03)
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow
Brooklyn Nine-Nine
The Good Place
One Day at a Time
Atlanta
Queen Sugar

The  Americans
The Terror

Next episode will be our yearly Smorgasborgy, counting down our TV favorites in every category imaginable. Play along and reach out with your picks in the following categories:

Performance Awards:  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 Award

Character Awards:  Best New Character; Best Villain; Best Parents; Best Kids; Best On-Screen Death; Character We Want More Of; Actor We Want More Of

Production Awards:  Notable Direction,  Comedy; Notable Direction, Drama; Most Memorable Long-Take; Best Cinematography; Best Costuming; Best Set Design; Best Hair; Best Makeup; Best Editing; Most Inventive Animation

Music Awards: Best/Catchiest New Theme Song; Best Score; Best Soundtrack; Best Original Song; Best Deployment of a Pre-Existing Song; Best Musical Moment

Writing Awards: Writing for a Comedy Series; Writing for a Drama Series; Most Quotable Series; Most Memorable Line; Best Episode Title; Best Crafting of a Season

Sequence Awards: Best Stunts; Best Action Setpiece; Best Standalone Fight Sequence; Best Dream Sequence; Best Dance Sequence; Best (New) Credit Sequence; Best Montage

Season and Series Awards: Most Spectacular Burn-out; Most Spectacular Slow Build; Best Finale Payoff; Most Underappreciated Finale; Best New Comedy (non-Top 20); Best New Drama (non-Top 20); Most Improved Series; Biggest Season-to-Season Drop; Most Underrated Series; Most Overrated Series (The Anne Veal Award); The Ringer Award; Srsly Guys, Why Aren’t You Watching…; Srsly, Why Aren’t We Watching…; Gone but Not Forgotten

Moment Awards: Trippiest Scene; Best WTF Moment; Biggest Gut-punch; Dusty, Dusty, Him Sad Award; Biggest F*ck Yeah Moment; Best Twist/Realization (non-finale); Most Traumatizing Moment; Schadenfreude Award; Most Striking Visual; Best OTT Sex/Nudity; Best Shipping; Most Chemistry; Oxygen Award, Comedy; Oxygen Award, Drama; Most Ridiculous Moment; Best Fan Interaction; The La-la-la Award (No Spoilers!); The Head Canon Award

Miscellaneous Awards: Best Surprise; Worst Disappointment; Best Discovery; Spotlight of Shame; Breakthrough Performance; Breakthrough Series; It Shoulda Worked…; It Shouldn’t’ve Worked.; The It’s Not Me, It’s You Award; Anchor Award; Life Vest Award; Show We Want To See Make the Leap

Dec 16, 2018

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)
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow midseason finale (39:02)

Music Featured: “Where Have All the Cowboys Gone?” by Paula Cole

Dec 9, 2018

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 Comedy
The 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 Genre
Nightflyers premiere (44:33)
The Flash (48:05)
Arrow (58:27)
Supergirl (1:03:56)
Outlander (1:08:46)
Doctor Who (1:10:18)

Music Featured: “How To Clean Up” and “Forget It” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Dec 1, 2018

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

Nov 25, 2018

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 DuckTalesGhostbusters 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

Nov 17, 2018

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 Comedy
Fresh Off the Boat (16:03)
Crazy Ex-Girlfriend
(19:32)
Bob’s Burgers (25:03)
The Good Place (27:48)
Mom (33:02)

Our Week in Reality and Genre
Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath: The Jehovah’s Witnesses (38:31)
Doctor Who (45:10)
The Flash (54:45)
Black Lightning (56:24)

Music Featured: “Nothing Compares to You” as performed by the cast of black-ish; “The Group Mind Has Decided You’re in Love” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend

Nov 10, 2018

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)

Nov 3, 2018

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)
The Good Place (27:09)
Bodyguard Season 1 (35:22)
Doctor Who (40:35)
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow (47:26)
Supergirl (50:57)

Oct 27, 2018

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 of Sabrina Season 1 (58:36)
DC’s Legends of Tomorrow premiere (1:06:32)
The Flash
(1:13:19)
Doctor Who (1:22:07)

Music Featured:  “Halloween Surfboard” by Gavin Riley & Nathan Holt; “Rise Up” by Andra Day

Articles Referenced:  GLAAD’s 2018 “Where We Are On TV” Report; Subscribe to Noel’s weekly newsletter!

Oct 20, 2018

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 Drama
Crazy 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 Genre
FLCL 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 Else is Singing My Song” from Crazy Ex-Girlfriend; “Nature Boy” by John Coltrane Quartet

Articles Referenced:  The Verge interviews The Dragon Prince’s creative team about the animation style and the first season’s structure

Listener Art Referenced:  Thanks, Carl!

Oct 13, 2018

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 premiere (51:01)
All American premiere (56:35)

Music Featured: The Shame Wizard’s song from Big Mouth Season 2; “Supreme” by Alyssa Edwards, as heard on Dancing Queen Season 1

Oct 6, 2018

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 Comedy
Wrecked finale (20:01)
Insecure
finale (25:58)
Mom (29:43)
Bob’s Burgers premiere (33:52)
Superstore premiere (36:28)

Our Week in Drama, Reality, and Genre
God Friended Me premiere (42:36)
The Crown Season 2 (47:14)
Frontline (50:11)
The Dragon Prince Season 1 (53:37)
Wynonna Earp finale (1:00:10)

Music Featured: “The Right Number of Boys” from Bob’s Burgers; “Any Moment” by Jeen

Sep 29, 2018

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 catchup 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 Das Racist

Sep 22, 2018

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)
Wrecked
(27:26)
FLCL Alternative premiere (31:31)
The Sinner finale (34:47)
Elementary finale (41:13)

Music Featured: “This Is the One” by The Stone Roses

Article Discussed: Elementary’s showrunner Rob Doherty discusses the finale with TVLine

Sep 15, 2018

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 TV
Marvel’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

Sep 9, 2018

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 7
Noel’s pick: Star Wars: The Clone Wars (47:45)
Kate’s pick: The Leftovers (1:10:41)

Our Week in TV
Jack Ryan Season 1 (4:32)
Making It
finale (11:39)
It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia premiere (18:33)
Wrecked (21:20)
Castle Rock (24:38)
Adventure Time
finale (26:51)

Music Featured: “Come Along With Me”, from the Adventure Time finale; Star Wars: The Clone Wars Theme song; The Leftovers Theme song

Article Referenced: Mo Ryan’s reflection on The Leftovers’ finale for Variety, The Leftovers’, Life, Death,  Einstein and Time Travel

Sep 1, 2018

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 TV
Younger 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

Aug 25, 2018

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 TV
DuckTales 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

Aug 18, 2018

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

Aug 11, 2018

The end of summer looms, which means back-to-school shopping for parents and children and another wave of finales and premieres for TV fans. This week, Noel and Kate dive in with season one of Reverie, NBC’s virtual reality procedural and Sarah Shahi vehicle. What came together, what didn’t, and what would we like to see in season two should the series get renewed? Before that, though, we have a full week in TV, starting with the comedies. This week, that means Wrecked and The Venture  Bros., which both return firing on all cylinders, a catch-up on Trial & Error: Lady, Killer, an extra-Scottish DuckTales, and a cathartic Full Frontal with Samantha Bee. After that, we move over to the drama, reality, and genre offerings, including the finale of The Bold Type, the frustrating first live episode of SYTYCD, catch-ups with The Sinner and Castle Rock, and the first post-Dolls Wynonna Earp. Take a listen, then chime in with your thoughts on this and the rest of summer television!

Season Spotlight: Reverie Season 1 (1:19:35)

Our Week in Comedy
Wrecked premiere (18:03)
The Venture Bros. premiere (21:35)
Trial & Error: Lady, Killer (24:39)
DuckTales
(27:44)
Full Frontal with Samantha Bee (33:13)

Our Week in Drama, Reality, and Genre
The Bold Type finale (41:24)
SYTYCD (57:12)
The Sinner (1:03:27)
Castle Rock (1:05:21)
Wynonna Earp
(1:10:50)

Music Featured: Full Frontal with Samantha Bee’s Space Force Anthem, performed by the Young New York Chorus; “Love You Like That” by Dagny

Aug 5, 2018

We’re two weeks out from Comic-Con, but Kate still hasn’t caught back up. Thankfully, there’s still plenty of TV to discuss! Noel and Kate talk through the week’s viewing, including the finale of The Break with Michelle Wolf, the Making It premiere, another catchup with Terrace House: Opening New Doors, a musical DuckTales, the finales of Pose and Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, and a controversial Wynonna Earp. Then we dive in with the season finale of AMC’s Dietland, as well as the season as a whole, looking at what works and what had us scratching our heads.

Season Spotlight: Dietland Season 1 (1:22:46)

Our Week in TV
The Break with Michelle Wolf finale (16:42)
Making It premiere (20:53)
Terrace House: Opening New Doors Part 3 (28:52)
DuckTales
(36:23)
Pose finale (42:44)
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger finale (46:17)
Wynonna Earp (1:00:24)

Music Featured: “The Fearful Pirate Dewey Duck” from DuckTales

Article Referenced: “This Heroic Death on Wynonna Earp Left Me Feeling Sad & Frustrated,” by Princess Weekes

Jul 29, 2018

Kate’s back from San Diego Comic-Con, but still behind on her viewing, so it’s another more reasonable podcast this week. First up, Noel and Kate talk through their week in TV, including a more in-depth discussion of the Wynonna Earp premiere, Noel’s take on Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger and Elementary, more Magica on DuckTales, a Purge-inspired Drunk History, the student debt-centered game show Paid Off with Michael Torpey, and a dramatic The Great British Baking Show. Then Kate’s sister Maggie returns to the podcast to help run down the highs and lows of San Diego Comic-Con 2018

SDCC 2018 TV Wrapup with Maggie Kulzick (55:07)

Our Week in TV
Wynonna Earp premiere (8:47)
Marvel’s Claok & Dagger (14:26)
Elementary (19:17)
DuckTales
(25:07)
Drunk History (29:30)
Paid Off with Michael Torpey premiere (32:23)
The Great British Baking Show (45:51)

Music Featured: “That Was the Whiskey” by Antigone Rising; “Always Running” by Wooden Horsemen

Jul 21, 2018

Kate’s camped out at San Diego Comic-Con, so despite Noel holding down the fort, it’s a truncated podcast this week. First up, we talk through our week in TV, including the premiere of Trial and Error: Lady, Killer (now with more Kristin Chenoweth), DuckTales (now with more Gizmoduck), The Break with Michelle Wolf, SYTYCD, The Great British Baking Show, SyFy’s preview of the Wynonna Earp premiere, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, and a frustrating Claws. Then we head over to our season spotlight, welcoming on Crunchyroll’s Thomas Zoth to help us break down the return of FLCL, FLCL Progressive.

Season Spotlight: FLCL Progressive (47:07)

Our Week in TV
Trial and Error: Lady, Killer premiere (3:26)
DuckTales (6:06)
The Break with Michelle Wolf (9:43)
SYTYCD
(13:48)
The Great British Baking Show (18:06)
Wynonna Earp premiere (30:42)
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger (31:58)
Claws (36:31)

Music Featured: Kristin Chenoweth’s solo from Trial and Error: Lady, Killer’s “The Suitcase”

Jul 15, 2018

It’s that glorious time of the year once again, San Diego Comic-Con! Noel and Kate kick things off with their week in TV, starting with comedy and reality, including DuckTales, Younger, SYTYCD, the return of Double Dare, and the latest premiere of The Great British Baking Show. Next up is genre and drama, including Steven Universe, Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger, The Handmaid’s Tale finale, Pose, and Claws. Then it’s time for our Comic-Con TV preview! Noel and Kate run down SDCC 2018’s TV panels, giving Con attendees (or those living vicariously) a look TV’s increasing presence at San Diego International Comic-Con.

SDCC 2018 TV Preview (1:09:34)

Our Week in Comedy and Reality
DuckTales (13:05)
Younger (20:09)
SYTYCD (22:48)
Double Dare
(23:40)
The Great British Baking Show (30:00)

Our Week in Genre and  Drama
Steven Universe (40:01)
Marvel’s Cloak & Dagger (56:38)
The Handmaid’s Tale finale (59:51)
Pose (1:01:47)
Claws (1:03:04)

Music Featured: “Let’s Only Think About Love,” performed by Zach Callison on Steven Universe; “Home” as performed by MJ Rodriguez and Billy Porter on Pose; Nerdist’s COMIC CON the Musical! by Whitney Avalon of Princess Rap Battles

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