Still Watching

In the highest-grossing movie of 2023, Barbie, a literal doll, leaves the comforts of Barbieland and ventures into real-world Los Angeles, where she discovers the myriad difficulties of modern womanhood. This arc from cosseted naïveté to feminist awakening is a narrative throughline that connects some of the biggest cultural products of the year. In this episode of Critics at Large, the staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss how 2023 became “the year of the doll,” tracing the trope from “Barbie” to Yorgos Lanthimos’s film “Poor Things,” whose protagonist finds self-determination through sexual agency, and beyond. In Sofia Coppola’s “Priscilla,” a teen-age Priscilla Beaulieu lives under the thumb of Elvis at Graceland before finally breaking free, while in Emma Cline’s novel “The Guest,” the doll figure must fend for herself after the trappings of luxury fall away, revealing the precarity of her circumstances. The hosts explore how ideas about whiteness, beauty, and women’s bodily autonomy inform these works, and how the shock of political backsliding might explain why these stories struck a chord with audiences. “Most of us believed that the work of Roe v. Wade was done,” Cunningham says. “If that is a message that we could all grasp—that a step forward is not a permanent thing—I think that would be a positive thing.”Read, watch, and listen with the critics:“Barbie” (2023) “M3GAN” (2023) “Poor Things” (2023) “Priscilla” (2023) “The Guest,” by Emma Cline “The House of Mirth,” by Edith WhartonNew episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard, Chris, and Hillary break down the series finale of The Crown, while producer Suzanne Mackie goes deep on the scene that united Imelda Staunton, Olivia Colman, and Claire Foy for the first time. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard, Chris, and Hillary go deep on episode 9 of The Crown season 6, "Hope Street," while VF staffer and royals expert Julie Miller stops by to explain whether Carole Middleton was as devious in real life as she is on the show. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard, Chris, and Hillary discuss The Crown's farewell to Princess Margaret in season 6, episode 8, "The Ritz"—and later, the celebrated actor details how she prepared for her showcase episode, as well as her long friendship with fellow Crown star Imelda Staunton. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching goes back to college for season 6, episode 7 of The Crown, which introduces a young Kate Middleton—and details how her mother's machinations may have put her directly in the path of Prince William. Plus, Chris chats with Ed McVay, who plays William, about nabbing the role of a lifetime. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In season 6, episode 6 of The Crown, Queen Elizabeth faces an existential crisis, and the modern energy of a beloved new prime minister named Tony Blair. Richard, Chris, and Hillary break it all down, and welcome VF royals expert Erin Vanderhoof to explain Blair and Elizabeth II's complicated relationship. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Prince William takes center stage in episode five of The Crown season six, as Richard, Chris, and Hillary dissect the future king's days as a teenage heartthrob. Plus, Jonathan Pryce stops by to talk about playing Prince Philip and the royal's special relationship with his grandson. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In a special bonus episode of Still Watching, Richard, Chris, Hillary, and VF fashion expert Kia Goosby take a break from The Crown to talk Diana’s enduring appeal, her style, and two very different recent projects about the People’s Princess: Spencer and Diana: the Musical. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard, Chris, and Hillary analyze the aftermath of that fatal car crash; plus, episode director Christian Schwochow explains how the show depicted it respectfully, and his approach to Diana’s spectral presence. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard, Chris, Hillary, and guest Julie Miller talk “Dis-Moi Oui” and who might have been Diana’s actual true love. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

VF staff writer and royals expert Erin Vanderhoof drops by the Still Watching podcast to chat about dueling photographs of Charles and Di—and why the show’s story about paparazzo Mario Brenna may stoke controversy. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

VF royal correspondent Katie Nicholls stops by Still Watching to discuss episode one of The Crown season six part one, Diana's fractured relationship with the royal family, and watching William and Harry grow up. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Next up on Still Watching, we'll be tackling the final season of The Crown, Netflix's sumptuous series about the British royal family. But what have we thought of the series so far, and what are we hoping to see from its last run of episodes? Here, Richard, Chris, and Hillary break it all down, and explain how Still Watching’s Crown episodes will be rolling out. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Contributor Anna Peele spent months speaking to ‘Real Housewives’ cast members, crew, and people on set to understand the dynamics on and off screen. Here, she takes Chris and Hillary through her explosive story and the history of the Bravoverse. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard, Chris, and Hillary discuss their favorite TV drama episodes of the past 25 years—from a left-field Sopranos choice to a soapy network favorite to what might be the quarter-century's undisputed best episode ever. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this week's episode, Hillary, Chris, and Richard discuss what qualities make a sitcom episode "perfect," and then present their choices for the best half-hours of the last 25 years. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On a special bonus episode of Still Watching, executive producer Michael Ellenberg and consulting producer Brian Stelter dish on the headlines that inspired season three and why “morning shows might be the last man standing” in broadcast TV. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On a bonus episode of Still Watching, executive producer Jamie Campbell chats with VF about the demolition of Moordale, introducing Dan Levy, and saying goodbye to Sex Education. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On a special episode of Still Watching, Jordan Reddout and Gus Hickey, co-executive producers on Hulu's new horror-comedy series The Other Black Girl chat with VF's Chris Murphy about the challenges of adapting a complicated novel into a television series. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We have a special episode for you today. We're sharing an episode of the new podcast from APM Studios and Chalk & Blade called Tiny Huge Decisions. This is a story about two best friends, Mohsin and Dalia, as they make a life-changing decision: will she be the gestational surrogate for Mohsin and his husband? It’s emotional, intimate, and more than a little complicated. Here is episode 1! Subscribe to Tiny Huge Decisions now to catch each new episode. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It looks like it won't be Carrie Bradshaw's last supper after all. On the heels of the news that And Just Like That was renewed by MAX for a third season, Still Watching wraps up its season with a bonus episode featuring an interview with writer, executive producer, and director Michael Patrick King. A fan of the podcast, King has a lively chat with host Chris Murphy about directing the season finale, the return of Samantha Jones, the fan response to Che Diaz, and what might be in store for season three. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the final episode of And Just Like That… season two, Miranda gets closure with both her exes, Samantha Jones returns for an all too brief phone call, and Aidan finally steps into Carrie's old apartment and out of her life—at least for now. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the penultimate episode of And Just Like That... season two, Charlotte asserts her independence, Che makes jokes at Miranda's expense, and Carrie prepares for a Michelin-star dinner party to say goodbye to her old apartment. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the ninth episode of And Just Like That… season two, Miranda and Charlotte attempt to figure out if their teens are more than old friends, Seema and Nyah entertain new lovers, and Carrie commits to Aiden by letting go of her old apartment. Plus, a conversation with VF editor in chief Radhika Jones. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the eighth episode of And Just Like That season two, Miranda and Charlotte rejoin the workforce with varying degrees of success, as Carrie and Aiden continue to rekindle their romance, leading Carrie to ask herself a big question about her relationship with Big. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the seventh episode of And Just Like That, Miranda dives back into the dating scene with mixed results, Charlotte has a profound pot-brownie induced revelation, and Carrie finally comes face-to-face with her old flame, Aidan Shaw. Still Watching covers all that and more, plus real New Yorkers weigh in on their feelings about season two thus far. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the 6th episode of And Just Like That, a rare winter storm shakes up the Sex and the City universe, sending Charlotte on a snowy quest to buy condoms for her daughter, Carrie emailing her ex-fiancé Aidan, and Miranda reckoning with the end of not one, but two romantic relationships. Still Watching covers all that and more, plus Cynthia Nixon stops by to discuss 25 years of playing Miranda Hobbes. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the fifth episode of And Just Like That season two, Carrie finally reenters the dating pool, Charlotte enters her stage parent era, Miranda can’t sleep, and we finally learn whether Che’s pilot is supposed to be any good Still Watching recaps all that and more, plus costume designers Molly Rogers and Danny Santiago stop by to talk Met Gala looks and Carrie's sweatshirt collection. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the fourth episode of And Just Like That, Carrie wonders if she's ready to write for a senior audience, Miranda considers a threesome, and Charlotte and Harry contend with a post-bang whimper. Still Watching recaps all that and more, plus Nicole Ari Parker stops by to talk about Lisa Todd Wexley's dud of an anniversary party. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the third episode of And Just Like That, Carrie fakes COVID while Miranda and Che get into a potentially relationship ending fight. Who? Weekly co-hosts Bobby Finger and Lindsey Weber drop by Still Watching and share their unadulterated thoughts and feelings on the Sex and the City revival. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching hosts Richard Lawson, Chris Murphy, and Hillary Busis head back to Carrie Bradshaw's New York to break down the first two episodes of And Just Like That's sophomore season, with special guest Radhika Jones—Vanity Fair's editor-in-chief, who chats about how Sex and the City changed Manhattan and whether the show's take on the Met Gala rings true. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In the second episode of our two-part special, Vanity Fair dissects the most memorable moments from two iconic Sex and the City episodes: "Splat!" and "The Post-It Always Sticks Twice." Hollywood editor Hilary Busis and executive editor Claire Howorth (resident SATC analysts) join Still Watching host Chris Murphy to discuss, with a top-five ranking reveal at the end! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Who do you like least: Big, Berger, or Aidan? Was Bradley Cooper or Lucy Liu the better cameo? And why is Miranda always suffering? Vanity Fair dissects the most memorable moments from three iconic Sex and the City episodes; "The Shoot Single People, Don't They?" along with "Hot Child In The City" and "Coulda, Woulda, Shoulda." Still Watching host Chris Murphy joins Hollywood editor Hilary Busis and executive editor Claire Howorth (resident SATC analysts). Next week we'll return to recap two more episodes and definitively rank our top five. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On a special bonus episode of Still Watching, Mylod reveals how he shaped the Roy family's demise: “It's about the cruelty of hope.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On Still Watching, hosts Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy and TV correspondent Joy Press unpack the tragic ending for the Roy family. Plus, an in-depth conversation with Jeremy Strong about filming the finale. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Richard and Chris share their initial impressions of the series finale. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On the penultimate episode of Succession, the series presents conflicting views of Logan as the Roy patriarch is laid to rest. Plus, a conversation with Alan Ruck. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching hosts Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy break down the PTSD-triggering “America Decides,” while David Canfield chats with Justin Kirk about playing neo-fascist Jeryd Mencken. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On this week’s episode of Still Watching, Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy unpack Shiv and Tom’s epic fight, Kendall’s poor parenting skills, and the fallout of Roman’s big moves. Plus, interviews with Peter Friedman and David Rasche. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On this week’s episode of Still Watching, Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy unpack Kendall’s corny but effective product launch for Waystar Royco’s newest venture. Plus, an in-depth interview with the episode’s director, Lorene Scafaria. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

On this week's episode of Still Watching, Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy break down the winners and losers of “Kill Lists.” Plus, a conversation with J. Smith Cameron. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

After the most shocking episode of the series to date, Still Watching hosts Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy chat with PR expert Risa Heller about her advice for the Roys, and discuss the future of the Roy dynasty. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching hosts Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy unpack the seismic, life altering event that occurred during “Connor's Wedding” the third episode of the final season of Succession. Plus, VF's Julie Miller chats with Succession actress Justine Lupe about Willa's wedding day. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Roy kids have a heart-to-heart with Logan in the unlikeliest of places. Still Watching hosts Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy break down the episode with guest Bess Levin. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Succession returns for its fourth and final season—and Still Watching is here to unpack the Roy children's big purchase, the dissolution of Tom and Shiv's marriage, and what, exactly, happened to Anne Pierce in Maine. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Vanity Fair’s TV podcast returns to cover the Emmy-winning drama, whose fourth and final season premieres Sunday. Spring is in the air, and it’s time to pick an heir. Succession returns for its fourth and final season on Sunday, March 26th—and Still Watching, Vanity Fair’s TV analysis podcast, is all over it. Hosts Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy will dive deep into the final 10 episodes of the Emmy-winning series—which remains as “sleek and engaging” as ever in its last round, according to Lawson’s review. We’ll be unpacking everything from deliciously devastating Roy family drama to the show’s greatest one-liners and sharpest insults.“What is the moral of the story for Succession?” asks Murphy on Still Watching. The answer may depend on ends up in charge of Waystar Royco by series’ end. Throughout the season, Lawson and Murphy will make their predictions as to who, if anyone, will inherit the WayStar Royco throne, while also interviewing key members of the cast and crew. The beginning of the end for Succession kicks off this Sunday, with a brand new episode of Still Watching dropping right after the episode airs. Tune in, or in the words of Logan Roy, “F— off.” Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy devoured all of the second season of The White Lotus on HBO, and are wrapping up the year with an interview with series creator, writer, and director of the show: Mike White!This week, find out which one of the story lines was hardest to write, Jennifer Coolidge and the murderous gays, how White decided on the themes of the second season and what to expect in the future when The White Lotus ventures into a third season! Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching is wrapping up our Sicilian vacation as Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy check-out of the second season of The White Lotus on HBO.This week, Richard and Chris tune in for the seventh and final episode of the second season of White Lotus, titled "Arrivederci." We finally end up with a body. The gays are trying to kill Tanya, and Portia's trip takes a nightmarish turn. Daphne, Cameron, Harper, and Ethan find something like resolution at the end of their vacation. This time on The White Lotus, the locals...win?This podcast includes an interview with Meghann Fahy who plays Daphne on the show and her take on what happened with Ethan this episode. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching is watching other people on a Sicilian vacation as Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy check-in to the second season of The White Lotus on HBO.This week, Richard and Chris tune in for the sixth and penultimate episode of the second season of White Lotus, titled "Abductions." Portia and Tanya find themselves lured into a situation they don't fully understand, Ethan becomes paranoid about Harper and Cameron, Albie and Lucia's relationship becomes much more complicated.This podcast includes an interview with Aubrey Plaza who plays Harper on the show and her big episode with Ethan and Cameron. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Still Watching is watching other people on a Sicilian vacation as Vanity Fair's Richard Lawson and Chris Murphy check-in to the second season of The White Lotus on HBO.This week, Richard and Chris tune in for the fifth episode of the second season of White Lotus, titled "That's Amoré." Tanya and Portia head off with their new friends, Albie and Lucia's relationship evolves, Harper forces some hard truths and Mia gets to sing again!This podcast includes an interview with Adam DiMarco who plays Albie on the show and has an overall positive outlook on his character. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices