Slate's Spoiler Specials

This is a free preview of Slate's Downton Abbey podcast, a TV Club series that’s just for Slate Plus members. If you are not yet a member and you'd like to listen along as we recap each episode of the show’s final season, learn more at slate.com/downton.In this edition of their members-only TV Club podcast, Outward Editor June Thomas and contributing writer Seth Stevenson discuss the third episode of Season 6 of Downton Abbey. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

New York Magazine’s Carl Swanson joins us to share behind-the-scenes insights on the making of Serial’s new season, gleaned from his recent interviews with Sarah Koenig and the production team. Plus: is Serial still appointment listening, or is this season’s narrative somehow less compelling, despite its broadened scope? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crack open some Veuve Clicquot and enjoy this free preview of Slate's Downton Abbey podcast, a TV club series that's just for Slate Plus members. If you are not yet a member and you'd like to listen along as we recap each episode of the show’s final season, learn more at Slate.com/Downton.In this edition of the podcast, Outward Editor June Thomas and contributing writer Seth Stevenson discuss the Season 6 premiere. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabe is joined by Slate’s Jacob Brogan and June Thomas to examine the deepening question of whether or not Bowe Bergdahl is a trustworthy narrator. After an episode that sees him struggle mightily to survive at the hands of the Taliban, it’s becoming harder to doubt him. Plus: listener reactions to episode 2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens, Forrest Wickman, and Jamelle Bouie dive into the latest film in the Star Wars saga --- Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens.WARNING: This podcast contains spoilers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Gabe and Katy wrestle with their feelings of empathy for Bowe Bergdahl, despite the fact that he plainly endangered the lives of many of his fellow soldiers. The question, of course, is why? Author Brendan Koerner, who has written extensively on the phenomenon of military desertion, joins us to offer some theories. Plus: listener responses to last week’s show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Gabriel Roth and Katy Waldman are joined by writer and Afghanistan war veteran Adrian Bonenberger to discuss the first episode of Serial's new season. Sarah Koenig and her team opened their new season by deploying a series of familiar narrative tricks, but the show's effect has the potential to be much more wide-ranging this time around. And what are we supposed to make of this Mark Boal guy - can we trust him? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Spoiler Special, Slate's Willa Paskin, Laura Bennett, and Ben Mathis-Lilley discuss season two of HBO's True Detective. WARNING: This podcast contains spoilers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dana Stevens and BuzzFeed features writer Anne Helen-Petersen discuss the plot of Trainwreck, the new comedy starring Amy Schumer. Dana and Anne discuss their favorite moments, the distinctive touch of director Judd Apatow, and performances by Schumer, Bill Hader, John Cena, and LeBron James. Warning: This podcast contains spoilers. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate film critic Dana Stevens and senior editor Dan Kois dive into Pixar's Inside Out, an animated film that goes inside the emotions of a young girl. It stars Amy Poehler, Mindy Kaling, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Bill Hader and Diane Lane. Dana and Dan discuss how a highly conceptual film about human emotions connects with kids as young as seven years old. Warning: This podcast contains spoilers. Read Dana's review of Inside Out in Slate. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special podcast mash-up, Dana Stevens of Slate's Spoiler Special sits down with the hosts of Panoply's new show About Race: Baratunde Thurston, Raquel Cepeda, and Tanner Colby. The discuss Dope, filmmaker Rick Famuyiwa's sly new comedy about a young black man's coming of age.Read Dana's review of the film on Slate. Check out Baratunde, Raquel, and Tanner on the About Race podcast at ShowAboutRace.com or subscribe on iTunes or your favorite podcast app. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate film critic Dana Stevens and senior editor Forrest Wickman discuss Spy, the new comedy starring Melissa McCarthy. The discuss McCarthy's performance in a top-billed role, the abundance of gore and violence, and why Forrest thinks it should have been called Miss Moneypenny Leans In. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Spoiler Special, Slate film critic Dana Stevens and senior editor Forrest Wickman split on Tomorrowland, director and screenwriter Brad Bird's new Disney film about time travel, environmental disaster, and the power of utopian thinking to change the world. It stars George Clooney, Britt Robertson, Hugh Laurie, Keegan-Michael Key, and Tim McGraw. Dana and Forrest discuss the performances, the ending, and the role of Walt Disney's idealistic vision for the future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sponsor Content: In this official companion podcast to the HBO Documentary film “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck,” host Hugo Lindgren talks with the documentary’s director Brett Morgen. “Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck” premieres on Monday, May 4th at 9 pm eastern on HBO and HBO NOW. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Spoiler Special, Slate film critic Dana Stevens and ScreenCrush's Matt Singer talk about Avengers: Age of Ultron, writer/director Joss Whedon's last project with Marvel Studios, and debate where this latest superhero blockbuster fits into the huge and ever-expanding Marvel canon. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sponsor Content: In this official companion podcast to the HBO Documentary film Tales of the Grim Sleeper, host Hugo Lindgren talks with the documentary’s director Nick Broomfield.Tales of the Grim Sleeper premieres Monday, April 27 at 9 pm eastern on HBO and HBO NOW. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Film critics Dana Stevens of Slate and Matt Prigge of Metro discuss the new Olivier Assayas film Clouds of Sils Maria, starring Juliette Binoche, Kristen Stewart, and and Chloë Grace Moretz. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie.Read Matt Prigge's interview with filmmaker Olivier Assayas in Metro. Read Sharan Shetty's review of the film on Slate: Read Will Di Novi's Slate piece on "The Binoche Effect."Love Slate podcasts? Get more with Slate Plus! Enjoy exclusive podcasts, extra segements, member-only content, and much more with your membership. Join today at slate.com/spoilerplus. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens and Forrest Wickman discuss White God. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sponsor Content: In this official companion to the HBO Documentary film It’s Me, Hilary, host Hugo Lindgren speaks with illustrator and author Hilary Knight, and the documentary’s director Matt Wolf. It’s Me, Hilary: The Man Who Drew Eloise debuts on HBO March 23 at 9 pm eastern. See HBO.com for more info. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dan Kois and Katy Waldman discuss Cinderella. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season. In this installment about the seventh episode, “Walter Taffet,” Noah Emmerich, who stars as FBI agent Stan Beeman, joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss the trials and tribulations of a first time director. Plus: Fleetwood Mac and the song that didn’t make it into the episode. Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Willa Paskin, J. Bryan Lowder, Katy Waldman, and Miriam Krule discuss the entire third season of House of Cards, including the show's transi​tioning focus from political drama to relationship drama, Frank's sexuality, and whether or not that was the best mid-urination international diplomacy ever seen on TV. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week, Slate culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will join frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey. In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss the Dowager Countess’ romantic past with Prince Kuragin, how Rose’s quick thinking earned Lord Sinderby’s trust, and what lessons Downton Abbey has learned from reality TV. Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode.Listen to the other episodes here.Feedback about today’s podcast? Let us know! [email protected]. For info on how to subscribe to the Slate Plus podcast feed, go here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week, Slate culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will join frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey. In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Lord Grantham’s feelings towards Marigold, poor Anna’s arrest, and what plotlines should be resolved in the Christmas episode. Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode.Our sponsor this week is HBO, presenting the new documentary series "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." More info here. Spoilers for Episodes 4 to 9 will be made available to Slate Plus members on Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern, at the conclusion of the PBS broadcast—and to non-members on Tuesdays morning. (Want early access? Join Slate Plus! Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/spoilerplus) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week, Slate’s culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will chat with frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey. In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Lord Grantham’s tearful farewell to Isis, Lady Edith’s short reign over the publishing house, and whether Atticus and Rose’s new engagement will really last. This podcast contains major spoilers, so listen after you watch each episode.Listen to the other episodes here.Feedback about today’s podcast? Let us know! [email protected] sponsors this week are:HBO’s The Jinx. Four decades. Three murders. And one very rich man who refused to speak, until now. “The Jinx” airs Sundays at 8 on HBO.And Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting www.casper.com/downton and using the promo code “Downton” For info on how to subscribe to the Slate Plus podcast feed, go here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens, Amanda Hess and Dan Kois discuss Fifty Shades of Grey. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back! With the return of Season 5, listen to a recap of the midseason premiere, "What Happened and What's Going On.”This is Slate's Walking Dead podcast recap and spoiler special, hosted by Mike Vuolo and Chris Wade.Mike is the host of Lexicon Valley and a senior producer for Slate podcasts. Chris is a producer for the Slate Video team. Be forewarned: We’ll do our best to make this a weekly recap, but we might miss a week or two.For the second half of Season 5, Slate Plus members will have early access to the podcast. Approximately twenty-four hours after the podcast has been published for members, we'll allow non-members to access the latest episode. Slate Plus members can also leave questions and comments for Mike and Chris on the podcast show page. Complete Slate's podcast listener survey! Tell us about yourself and your favorite podcasts so Slate can serve you better. We'd appreciate two minutes of your time. Go to slate.com/survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As a member of Slate Plus, you’ll get access to our Spoiler Special podcasts—including our newly launched series about Season 5 of PBS’s Downton Abbey! This Spoiler podcast will be available for Slate Plus members the moment each Downton episode ends, at 10 p.m. Eastern on Sunday nights. Each week, Slate’s culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will chat with frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey. In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Edith’s decision to shrug off the blanket of convention, the “cure” for homosexuality, and Lady Mary’s fetching new haircut.This podcast contains major spoilers, so listen after you watch each episode.Listen to the other episodes here.Feedback about today’s podcast? Let us know! [email protected]. Our sponsors this week are: Audible, a leading provider of spoken audio information and entertainment. Get a free audiobook of your choice at audiblepodcast.com/downton. HBO’s The Jinx. Four decades. Three murders. And one very rich man who refused to speak, until now. “The Jinx” airs Sundays at 8 on HBO, starting this Sunday (Feb. 8). For info on how to subscribe to the Slate Plus podcast feed, go here. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week, Slate’s culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will chat with frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey. In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss the tragedy among poor Edith’s shoulders, why Lord Merton and Isobel make a fine match, and whether Rose just might end up as Mrs. Atticus Aldridge. Spoilers for Episodes 4 to 9 will be made available to Slate Plus members on Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern, at the conclusion of the PBS broadcast—and to non-members on Tuesdays morning. (Want early access? Join Slate Plus!)Help Slate learn more about our podcast listeners! Take a couple of minutes to answer our listener survey.Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Each week, Slate culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will join frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey. In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Miss Bunting's lack of social grace, Lady Mary's trail of broken hearts, and how the Dowager Countess continues to surprise us this season. Spoilers for Episodes 4 to 9 will be made available to Slate Plus members on Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern, at the conclusion of the PBS broadcast—and to non-members on Tuesdays morning. (Want early access? Join Slate Plus!)Our sponsor today is Harry's! Visit harrys.com and use the promo code DOWNTON.Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this installment of the podcast, Slate's June Thomas and Seth Stevenson discuss the best match for Lady Cora, the developing battle over Marigold, and what Thomas’ mysterious phone call could mean for this season. Slate Plus members get early access to our Downton Abbey spoiler specials this season, immediately following the broadcast. If you’re not a Slate Plus member, try out this early access for the first three Downtown spoilers. If you like it, sign up for Slate Plus! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's culture editor June Thomas and senior writer Seth Stevenson react to Episode 2 of Downton Abbey's fifth season, including the war memorial and the lingering possibility of a Carson-Mrs. Hughes kiss.Slate Plus members get early access to our Downton Abbey spoiler specials this season, immediately following the broadcast. If you’re not a Slate Plus member, try out this early access for the first three Downtown spoilers. If you like it, sign up for Slate Plus! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's culture editor June Thomas and contributor Seth Stevenson react to Episode 1 of Downton Abbey's fifth season, including vintage burns, whether anyone can truly make Lady Edith happy, and brewing class resentment.Slate Plus members get early access to our Downton Abbey spoiler specials this season, immediately following the broadcast. If you’re not a Slate Plus member, try out this early access for the first three Downtown spoilers. If you like it, sign up for Slate Plus here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In the wake of Jay Wilds' exclusive interview with The Intercept, Slate reunites the Serial Spoiler gang for one more crazy caper. David Haglund and Katy Waldman discuss how Jay's Q-and-A might affect the case and Serial's first season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens, Aisha Harris and Chris Wade discuss Inherent Vice. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and The Gist's Mike Pesca discuss "What We Know" and whether Serial's first season ended up being "a contemplation on the nature of truth," as Mike once feared. NOTE: Listen to this podcast AFTER you listen to the Serial episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Grantland's Wesley Morris react to "Rumors," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. Plus, they talk with Mark Phillips, the musician and sound designer who composes most of the show's score. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Laura Anderson react to "The Best Defense Is a Good Defense," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. They discuss possible religious bias in Adnan's trial, the defense attorney's behavior, and Jay's deal with prosecutors. NOTE: Listen to this spoiler AFTER you listen to the Serial episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For one episode only, co-hosts David Haglund and Katy Waldman discuss Reddit threads, reporting, blogs, and other sources of information about Serial's murder investigation. Our guest, Slate's June Thomas, has avoided outside sources and joins us today to learn more. WARNING: Contains info not yet reported on Serial. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With Serial on hiatus this week, Mike Pesca of The Gist reflects on the success of the investigative podcast. Plus: Hear a longer version of Mike's interview with Serial host Sarah Koenig, recorded just before the release of episode 5, "Route Talk." Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens and Willa Paskin discuss The Hunger Games: Mockingjay - Part 1. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Willa Paskin discuss To Be Suspected, the ninth episode of Serial from This American Life. WARNING: Enjoy this spoiler special after you listen to the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens and Bloomberg Politics reporter Dave Weigel discuss Rosewater. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Haglund, Katy Waldman and Jami Floyd discuss The Deal With Jay, the eighth episode of Serial from This American Life. Plus, inside a Serial meetup group. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be listened to after you’ve heard the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens and Forrest Wickman discuss Interstellar. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate’s David Haglund, Katy Waldman and Amanda Hess discuss The Opposite of the Prosecution, the seventh episode of Serial from This American Life. Plus: Dahlia Lithwick of Amicus explains two aspects. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be listened to after you’ve listened to the episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate’s David Haglund, Katy Waldman and Mike Pesca discuss “The Case Against Adnan Syed,” the sixth episode of Serial from This American Life. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be listened to after you’ve listened to the Serial episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Dana Stevens, David Haglund and Forrest Wickman discuss Birdman. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's David Haglund, Julia Turner, and Katy Waldman discuss the fifth episode of the podcast Serial, from This American Life and producers Sarah Koenig and Julia Snyder. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've listened to the Serial episode. Email: [email protected]. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Slate's Aisha Harris and author Tanner Colby discuss Dear White People. WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.