It’s been a cold week in much of the country, so we dip into some sun-soaked classic TV for this episode of the podcast. First, we talk through Our Week in TV, starting with the premieres of Clarice and Queen Sugar. Then we talk comedy, looking at Superstore and The Amber Ruffin Show, before checking in with RuPaul’s Drag Race and closing out the week’s TV with genre, Black Lightning and WandaVision. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and catch up with the ’70s PI series The Rockford Files, diving in with the many flavors of the show and its particular charms, and occasional dated drawbacks. Listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on Rockford and the week’s TV.
DVD Shelf: The Rockford Files (1:01:29)
Our Week in TV
Clarice premiere (9:29)
Queen Sugar premiere (17:35)
Superstore (25:29)
The Amber Ruffin Show (28:10)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (29:52)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (31:28)
Black Lightning (44:38)
WandaVision (49:53)
Music Featured: “Twilight” by Adeline; The Rockford Files Theme song
Noel, Allison, and Kate start their journey Streaming In Place with Gravity Falls, kicking things off with season one’s “Tourist Trapped” and “The Legend of the Gobblewonker.” Dipper and Mabel, Grunkle Stan, and gnomes? Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season one, episode three and four, “Headhunters” and “The Hand That Rocks the Mabel.”
It’s TCAs time again, plus Twitter was particularly extra this week, so there’s plenty to talk about this episode of the podcast. Noel and Kate kick things off with a news roundup, then head to Our Week in TV, including another delightful The Amber Ruffin Show, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, more RuPaul’s Drag Race chat, the much-buzzed about #FreeBritney documentary on The New York Times Presents, the premiere of Black Lightning, and a Family Ties-themed WandaVision. Afterward, we head to the DVD Shelf and dive in with Mangrove, the first installment of Steve McQueen’s anthology film series Small Axe, which follows the trial of the Mangrove Nine. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV, news, and more.
Errata: When discussing WandaVision, Kate refers to Monica Rambeau as Maria, which is her mother’s name. The Televerse regrets the error.
DVD Shelf: Small Axe: Mangrove (1:10:23)
Our Week in TV
The Amber Ruffin Show (29:36)
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (31:47)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (34:55)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (37:09)
The New York Times Presents (48:58)
Black Lightning premiere (54:07)
WandaVision (57:38)
Music Featured: “Let’s Have a Second Impeachin’” from The Amber Ruffin Show
Allison, Noel, and Kate finish Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, season two episode 10, “The Door.” First we pick our jaws off the ground, then we fume about the lack of a s3, then we break down the episode and the show in general. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we kick off our journey with Gravity Falls, starting with the first two episodes of season 1, “Tourist Trapped” and “The Legend of the Gobblewonker.”
Noel, Allison, and Kate return to Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode nine, “Le Reve Impossible.” The best dumplings in Guadalajara, Chekhov’s cargo pants pocket, and the thrill of the quest. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday as we finish our journey with Lodge 49, discussing the series finale, “The Door.”
The number of shows we’re watching may be down, but we still have plenty to say about the week’s TV. Noel and Kate kick things off as always with the week’s TV, starting with an underwhelming WandaVision, another transitional Batwoman, a romance-centric Superstore, and two design episodes of Drag Race. Kate has a few thoughts on UK, and then we dive deep with Original Recipe’s Bag Ball and a contentious Untucked. Afterward, we head to the spotlight section and have fun with David Tennant and Michael Sheen in lockdown, or is it Michael Sheen and David Tennant?, talking season one of Staged. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on Staged, WandaVision, and the rest of the TV you’re following.
Season Spotlight: Staged Season 1 (1:11:26)
Our Week in TV
WandaVision (13:47)
Batwoman (26:38)
Superstore (33:20)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (39:28)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (41:09)
Music Featured: “Help Me, Rhonda” by The Beach Boys
Allison and Kate are joined by Scottie Caldwell as they Stream In Place with The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries, talking the pilot, “Speedy Death,” and the first episode, “Death at the Opera.” The fabulous Dame Diana Rigg and her equally fabulous fashions, George and his impromptu portrait, and those plot holes. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we return to finish our journey with Lodge 49, talking season two episode nine, “Le Reve Impossible.”
Allison and Kate Stream In Place with The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, talking the pilot. The luminous Precious Ramotswe, that ridiculous cast, and yes, we do ship it. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday as we continue our detour with lady detectives, exploring the pilot and first episode of The Mrs. Bradley Mysteries, “Speedy Death” and “Death at the Opera.”
It’s another week of premieres here at the podcast. First Noel and Kate check in with Our Week in TV, including the premieres of Resident Alien, Charmed, and Painting with John, then we catch up with RuPaul’s Drag Race, RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, Batwoman, and of course, WandaVision. Afterward, we head to the spotlight section and share our thoughts on Blown Away season two, Netflix’s competitive glass blowing show. Tune in for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on Blown Away, WandaVision, or any of the rest of the week’s TV.
Season Spotlight: Blown Away Season 2 (1:04:32)
Our Week in TV
Resident Alien premiere (12:28)
Charmed premiere (19:41)
Painting with John premiere (22:25)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (24:34)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK (43:20)
Batwoman (45:22)
WandaVision (53:26)
Music Featured: “Bore Me Daddy” from The Amber Ruffin Show
Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode eight, “Zugzwang.” Blaise and Lamar, Scott’s very bad day, and a glimpse of the real Janet? Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as Allison and Kate take a quick break from Lodge 49 with the pilot of The No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency, available streaming on HBO Max.
Noel and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode seven, “Exile.” It’s a rough one for everyone this week. Blaise and his lemon, Ernie’s bet and breakthrough, and Liz’s well-placed punch. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season two, episode eight, “Zugzwang.”
It’s another long one here at The Televerse, with plenty of new TV to discuss. First we dive in with our week in TV, starting with the comedies, the return of Superstore, the premiere of Mr. Mayor, Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, the premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race UK, and another RuPaul’s Drag Race. Then we take a break and return with a different kind of reality, plus drama and genre, talking Celebrating America, the Biden Inauguration concert, plus other musical celebrations of a certain someone’s departure, and the premieres of Miss Scarlet & The Duke, Batwoman, and WandaVision. Then we head over to the DVD Shelf, catching up with Netflix’s travel docuseries Somebody Feed Phil. Take a listen for our thoughts, then reach out with your take on the week’s TV, Somebody Feed Phil, and whatever is happening over on WandaVision.
DVD Shelf: Somebody Feed Phil (1:34:58)
Our Week in Comedy and Reality
Superstore (15:51)
Mr. Mayor pilot (23:00)
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (28:13)
RuPaul’s Drag Race UK premiere (37:48)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (40:48)
Our Week in Drama and Genre
Celebrating America (55:47)
Presidential send-off musical parodies (1:02:11)
Miss Scarlet & The Duke premiere (1:07:03)
Batwoman premiere (1:11:24)
WandaVision premiere (1:20:06)
Music Featured: “Despite Everything That’s Happened, Let’s Unite!” from The Amber Ruffin Show; “Feeling Good” performed by John Legend
Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode six, “Circles.” Jackie’s journal, Liz and Dud’s breakthroughs, and Scott’s lovely, doomed song. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season two, episode seven, “Exile.”
After dipping back into three segments last episode, we’re back to a quieter episode this week on The Televerse. Noel and Kate kick things off with a more truncated week in TV, including Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, The Amber Ruffin Show, the premiere of All Creatures Great and Small, the return of A Discovery of Witches, The Promised Neverland, and the second premiere for RuPaul’s Drag Race. Then we move over to the season spotlight and dive in with Young Justice: Outsiders, the third season of Young Justice, now available on HBO Max. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on Young Justice: Outsiders or any of the other TV you’re watching this week.
Season Spotlight: Young Justice: Outsiders (42:17)
Our Week in TV
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist (5:00)
The Amber Ruffin Show (15:38)
All Creatures Great and Small premiere (17:54)
A Discovery of Witches premiere (20:24)
The Promised Neverland (24:16)
RuPaul’s Drag Race (25:59)
Music Featured: “Too Good at Goodbyes” from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode five, “Estrella y Mar.” Blaise’s break, Connie’s cliffhanger, and Liz and Lenore. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season two, episode six, “Circles.”
Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode four, “Conjunctio.” Dud and his blushing bride, Scott gives Jocelyn the boot, and Connie’s back, but blindfolded. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season two, episode five, “Estrella y Mar.”
It’s been quite a while, and Noel and Kate are as surprised as anyone, but we’re back to three segments this week on the podcast. That’s right, among all the ridiculousness and stress of this week, we also watched quite a lot of TV. First, we look at our week in comedy and reality, talking about the premiere of Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist, Netflix’s History of Swear Words, the premiere of The Hustler, the third season of The Repair Shop, and the premiere of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Then we talk drama and genre, with PBS’ Elizabeth is Missing, the premieres of The Watch, The Promised Neverland, and Cells at Work: Code Black, and the Doctor Who New Years’ Special. Afterward, we head to the spotlight section and dive in with the second season of Netflix’s charming animated series Hilda. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on Hilda and the rest of the week’s TV.
Season Spotlight: Hilda Season 2 (1:17:33)
Our Week in Comedy and Reality
Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist premiere (10:17)
History of Swear Words (20:13)
The Hustler premiere (24:25)
The Repair Shop S3 (29:50)
RuPaul’s Drag Race premiere (34:17)
Our Week in Drama and Genre
Elizabeth is Missing (45:13)
The Watch premiere (51:27)
The Promised Neverland premiere (57:08)
Cells at Work: Code Black premiere (1:00:29)
Doctor Who (1:05:29)
Music Featured: “Don’t Cry Out Loud” and “Are You Gonna Be My Girl?” from Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist
Noel, Allison, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode three, “DisOriented.” Linda Emond, ladies and gentlemen! Plus a donkeycorn, El Confidente, fydration, and so much more. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season two, episode four, “Conjunctio.”
Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, talking season two episode two, “The Slide.” Liz’s questionable decision-making, Dud’s new business model, and Melinda, who isn’t Michelle Gomez but who we really hope is Michelle Gomez. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for season two, episode three, “DisOriented.”
Ding dong, 2020 is gone. Welcome to 2021, and here at The Televerse, we’re ringing in the new year by previewing the TV headed our way in the next few months. Noel and Kate rattle off the new series debuting on the major networks and notable premieres and season drops on the high profile streamers, plus we check in on when our favs are returning for their new seasons. Before that, though, there’s plenty of TV to catch up on from the past few weeks. First we go long on Bridgerton season one, then Noel shares a few thoughts on Hilda season two. Kate has a quick, spoiler-free preview of the RuPaul’s Drag Race premiere, we break down the finale of The Amazing Race, give a few thoughts on The Amber Ruffin Show holiday special, and round things out with the dramatic finale of The Mandalorian. Take a listen, then reach out with your thoughts on the past weeks’ TV and the shows you’re most looking forward to these next few months.
2021 Winter TV Preview (1:03:04)
Our Week in TV
Bridgerton S1 (11:08)
Hilda S2 (31:09)
RuPaul’s Drag Race preview (33:06)
The Amazing Race finale (37:04)
The Amber Ruffin Show (43:59)
The Mandalorian finale (46:43)
Music Featured: Billie Eilish’s “Bad Guy” by Vitamin String Quartet
Noel, Allison, and Kate return to Streaming In Place with Lodge 49, kicking off season two with the premiere, “All Circles Vanish.” Six weeks later, Dud’s shark bite, Liz’s new gig, and much more. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week for season two, episode two, “The Slide.”
Allison is back, joining Noel and Kate to Stream In Place with Netflix’s Jingle Jangle: A Christmas Journey. We talk Forest Whitaker, Anika Noni Rose, and discovering Madalen Mills. Plus the music, the animation, and those costumes! Tune in for our thoughts, then come back on Wednesday as we return to Lodge 49 to talk season two, episode one, “All Circles Vanish.”
Shout-out to our Zoom listeners, Marcus and Scottie! Thanks for joining in on the fun and sharing your thoughts on the movie.
It’s our final episode of 2020, which means one thing: The List-ening is upon us. Noel and Kate list off their picks for the best in TV in 2020, from traditional categories like Best Performance or Best Direction to much more specific categories, like Best Shipping and Best WTF moment. There was a lot to remember and celebrate in this year of TV, and listen in to get some of Noel and Kate’s picks, then reach out with your picks.
Spoiler alert: We do not hold back in our wide-ranging 2020 TV talk. If you’re worried about being spoiled for your favorite series, wait to listen to this episode until you’re all caught up.
Performance Awards (7:50)
Best Lead Performance; Best Supporting Performance; Most Acting; Least Acting; Best Voice Acting; Best Reality Personality; Most Novel Casting; Best Ensemble; Most Underrated Ensemble; Best Cameo; Best Guest Appearance; 6th Man Award
Character Awards (18:52)
Best New Characters; Best Villain; Best (and Worst) Parents; Best Kids; Best Pet; Best (and Worst) On-screen Death; Badass Award; Character We Want More Of; Actor We Want More Of
Production Awards (33:37)
Notable Comedy Direction; Notable Drama Direction; Best Cinematography; Best Costuming; Best Set Design; Best Hair; Best Makeup; Best Editing; Most Inventive Animation
Music Awards (41:44)
Best or Catchiest New Theme Song; Best New Opening Credit Sequence; Best Score; Best Soundtrack; Best Original Song; Best Musical Moment
Sequence Awards (45:56)
Best Stunts; Best Action Set Piece; Best Standalone Fight Scene; Best Dream Sequence; Best Dance Sequence; Best Montage
Writing Awards (52:18)
Best Writing for a Comedy Series; Best Writing for a Drama Series; Best Monologue; Best Writing for a Single Episode; Best Episode Title; Best Crafting of a Season
Season Awards (1:01:37)
Season with the Most Spectacular Burn Out; Most Spectacular Slow Build or Season-Long Mystery; Best Finale Payoff; Most Underappreciated Finale or Payoff; Most Overrated Finale or Payoff
Series Awards (1:07:52)
Best New Comedy (not in our Top 20); Best New Drama (not in our Top 20); Most Underrated Series; Homework Award; Ringer Award; Srsly Guys, Why Aren’t You Watching…?; Srsly, Why Aren’t We Watching…?; Gone, But Not Forgotten
Moment Awards (1:15:49)
Trippiest Scene; Best WTF Moment; Dusty, Dusty Him Sad Award; Best Extraneous Nudity; Best Shipping/Most Chemistry; Least Chemistry; Oxygen Award; Most Ridiculous Moment; The La-la-la Award (for Show We Least Want Spoiled)
Miscellaneous Awards (1:26:42)
Best Surprise; Worst Disappointment; Spotlight of Shame; Breakthrough Performance or Series; It Should Have Worked…; It Shouldn’t Have Worked…; It’s Not Me, It’s You Award; Life Vest Award; Show We Most Want to See Make the Leap
Music Featured:
“Call Me When You Get There” from The Eddy; “Suzie’s Song (Busker Version)” by Johnny Lloyd and Nathan Coen, from I Hate Suzie; “Edge of Great” from Julie and the Phantoms
“Hallelujah”/“Eye of the Tiger” from Perfect Harmony; “Mighty as Kong” from Royalties; “Being Human” from Steven Universe Future
Allison is on assignment, so Noel and Kate finish Streaming In Place with season one of The Flight Attendant, talking episode eight, “Arrivals and Departures.” Cassie makes some changes, Ani makes a new friend, and Shane?!? Tune in for our thoughts, then come back next week as we embrace the holiday spirit with Netflx’s Jingle Jangle.
Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for joining us for The Flight Attendant and sharing your take on the season.
Allison, Noel, and Kate continue Streaming In Place with The Flight Attendant, episodes six and seven, “After Dark” and “Hitchcock Double.” More stellar work from Kaley Cuoco, team-up shenanigans, and ugh, dead cat guy. Tune in for our thoughts, then come back Wednesday for the season one finale of The Flight Attendant, “Arrivals and Departures.”
Shout-out to our Zoom listener, Marcus! Thanks for sharing your thoughts on these episodes.