The Vulture TV Podcast

Examining the power of original scoring for television throughout history, with a particular emphasis on its return to prominence in the era of Peak TV. Plus: an interview with Michael Stein and Kyle Dixon, who wrote the music for Netflix's "Stranger Things."Theme music: "Slinky" by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, we're deconstructing the trend away from prestige dramas, and more towards shorter, funnier series of varying lengths. Viewers' tolerance for drama is starting to wane, as illustrated in particular by issues with the latest seasons of "Unreal" and "Mr. Robot." Plus: in the wake of the series finale of HBO's "Looking," which took the form of a 90-minute film, we discuss the successes and failures of closing out beloved TV shows with movie-length finales.SPOILERS: 5:27-14:00: Unreal14:00-20:28: Mr. Robot20:28-27:25: Stranger Things32:00-43:00: LookingTheme music: "Slinky," by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of "Better Call Saul's" haul of Emmy nominations, this week we bring you Matt Zoller Seitz's interview with the show's cast and crew, recorded live at this year's Vulture Festival.SPOILERS: Contains many spoilers for "Better Call Saul."Theme music: "Slinky" by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A deep-dive into the beloved "show about nothing" with "Seinfeldia" author Jennifer Keishin Armstrong. Jennifer spoke extensively with the creative team behind the show, as well as the fans who keep its myths and legends alive to this day, and she joins Gazelle, Matt and Jen for a fond remembrance of the comedy that changed everything. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Jen reveal their choices for the best actor, actress and show of the year, as well as the many other amazing performances and series that almost made the cut. In a more crowded field of competitors than ever before, these artists are particularly impressive, and we can't wait to see what else they've got in store for us this year...and beyond.Spoilers: This episode contains spoilers for The Leftovers and Crazy Ex-Girlfriend.Theme music: "Slinky," by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle and Matt welcome new Vulture co-host Jen Chaney to the podcast for a discussion of shows which reboot or refocus their stories with each new season. Few shows demonstrate this better than Netflix's Orange is the New Black, and the team also takes a close look at season 4, with a particular emphasis on the heavy plot twist towards the end of the season.SPOILER: This episode contains spoilers for season 4 of Orange is the New Black, beginning at 19:57.Theme song: "Slinky," by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky). Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fargo showrunner Noah Hawley joins Gazelle and Matt for an in-depth look at his creative process. Hawley talks about the value of keeping viewers on their toes, and the joys of working in an era when creativity in TV writing is at an all-time high - particularly at FX, Fargo's home network.SPOILERS: This episode contains spoilers for Seasons 1 and 2 of Fargo, from the beginning through the 18:52 mark.Theme music: Slinky, by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Director Ezra Edelman joins Gazelle Emami, Matt Zoller Seitz, and Rembert Browne to discuss the lovable, mysterious, talented, and in most Americans' minds murderous man at the center of his new documentary, "O.J.: Made in America." The five-part, seven hour documentary premiered on ABC on June 11, and continues to air throughout the week on ESPN. SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers pertaining to the 22-year-old murders for which OJ Simpson was acquitted. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt pays tribute to Morley Safer, the legendary 60 Minutes correspondent who recently passed away after a legendary career. Safer was many things: a fearless reporter, a poet, a painter, a storyteller - not to mention one of Matt's greatest influences. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The creators of the Starz series The Girlfriend Experience (which is inspired, but not necessarily based on the Steven Soderbergh film of the same name) join Matt Zoller Seitz for an in-depth look at one of the most fascinating shows of 2016. Lodge Kerrigan and Amy Seimetz co-wrote every single episode of the show, and divided the directing duties for the series between themselves as well. The result is a complex series that asks lots of interesting questions about sex, morality, aesthetics, and more. Lodge and Amy are happy to answer most of them - but there's a few mysteries they'd like to preserve.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers throughout for the first season of The Girlfriend Experience. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle and Matt are joined by NPR's Eric Deggans and film critic Steven Boone for a careful look at the legacy of Roots. The importance of the original miniseries is undeniable - so what, if anything, is the value of the History Channel's remake?Spoilers throughout for both the old and new versions of Roots!Theme song: Slinky by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle and Matt are joined live on stage in New York by Crazy Ex-Girlfriend co-creators Rachel Bloom and Aline Brosh McKenna to talk about the show's complicated themes, how to tell realistic stories about love, how to run an entire music video studio in parallel with a sitcom, and much, much more.SPOILER ALERT: This episode contains spoilers for the first season of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend throughout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Vulture's Joe Adalian and Maria Elena Fernandez spent months interviewing sources throughout the television industry - actors, showrunners, crew members, and even caterers - about the opportunities and challenges of making television in the era of Peak TV. Is everyone getting rich? Are showrunners delighted or miserable? Why is it so hard to rent a crane in Vancouver? Joe and Maria Elena have the answers to these and many more of Gazelle and Matt's questions. No spoilers this week - enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle is joined by guest panelists Tara Abell, Mallika Rao, and Alex Jung for an in-depth look at recent portrayals of trauma on TV - when it's successful, and when it falls flat. Plus: an extended consideration of "Outlander's" handling of Jamie's assault from the end of last season.SPOILERS:0:00-32:15: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, The Americans, Scandal, Felicity, Friday Night Lights, Sex and the City, Orange is the New Black, Grey’s Anatomy32:25-43:42: Outlander Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt Zoller Seitz and an all-star cast of guests discuss favorite (and least favorite) dream sequences and politically-astute comedies. What separates a dream sequence from an alternate reality? Is "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" as smart as Tina Fey thinks it is? And what does a certain familiar piece of theme music mean for "Game of Thrones" fans?SPOILER ALERT:Game of Thrones 0:00 - 7:58 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A jam-packed episode featuring Joe Adalian on the uncertain future of HBO's "Vinyl," and what that says about the networks current approach to drama; Nate Jones on the season 6 premier of "Game of Thrones;" and Alan Sepinwall in conversation with Matt Zoller Seitz about the enduring fascination of the antihero and the recently-concluded second season of "Better Call Saul."SPOILERS:Game of Thrones: 13:30-25:52Better Call Saul: 26:13-41:27 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Girls" showrunner Jenni Konner joins Gazelle and Matt to talk about the season five finale. But first: an in-depth discussion of sex on TV, from "Catastrophe" to "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" to "Broad City," with a particular focus on the new Starz series "The Girlfriend Experience."SPOILERS:"Girls" (don't listen if you haven't watched the season 5 finale!), "Catastrophe," "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend," "The Girlfriend Experience" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian Jerrod Carmichael joins Gazelle and Matt in-studio to talk about his writing process and jazz inspirations as the creator and star of "The Carmichael Show" on NBC. Plus: "The Americans" showrunners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg return to talk about the shocking death in episode 4 of the FX series' fourth season.SPOILER WARNING:Do NOT listen to this episode if you haven't watched season 4, episode 4 of "The Americans." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rembert Browne joins Gazelle and Matt to rave about the biggest (and best?) television series of 2016 - a year that Rembert has taken to referring to simply as "OJ." Plus: a conversation with Anthony Hemingway, who directed several episodes of the series. Spoilers throughout for "The People vs OJ Simpson." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle, Matt, and Alex Jung wonder why "Broad City" isn't making them laugh as much this season, and consider the ongoing trend of "serious" comedies. Michelle Monaghan talks about building her character in Hulu's new original series "The Path," and Matt remembers the legacy of Garry Shandling.SPOILERS:"The Path," "Broad City," "Catastrophe," "You're the Worst" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Abraham Riesman joins Matt and Gazelle to talk about the ever-expanding world of comic adaptations on TV, with a particular focus on the new season of "Daredevil." Plus, Neve Campbell shares the joys of working with the creative team behind "House of Cards," and how her background in dance kept her focused amidst the feverish pace of her career in the 90's. SPOILERS: "Daredevil" (both seasons)"Jessica Jones""House of Cards" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An in-depth conversation about "The Americans" with showrunners Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields, who share their approach to storytelling, character development, running a writers room, being more "Tootsie" than "Fletch," and much, much more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bittersweet episode featuring an interview with Viola Davis, a fervent defense of Chris Carter, and a fond farewell. Gazelle, Matt, and Margaret look at the case for and against replacing showrunners when shows go south - at least in the eyes of their fans. Plus, a conversation with "How to Get Away With Murder" star Viola Davis on the values that have shaped her 30-year journey to stardom. This episode contains spoilers for "How to Get Away With Murder." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret and Gazelle are joined by Kevin T. Porter and Demi Adejuyigbe (aka the Gilmore Guys) to reminisce about favorite moments from the original run of the beloved series "Gilmore Girls." Plus, Gazelle's interview with Mary Elizabeth Ellis (aka The Waitress from "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia"), currently starring on Fox's "The Grinder."This episode contains spoilers for "Gilmore Girls," "Sex and the City," and "It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia."Theme music: "Slinky" by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A jam-packed episode featuring listener mail, Matt and Margaret's take on "11.22.63," and an interview with Steve Zissis. Listeners wonder which tropes Matt, Margaret, and Gazelle are most tired of, as well as the definition of "mythology" when it comes to television (if such a definition actually exists). Then, the group discusses Hulu's new miniseries "11.22.63," based on the Steven King novel of the same name, in which a man travels back in time in hopes of preventing the assassination of JFK. Finally, an interview with Steve Zissis, co-creator and star of HBO's "Togetherness."This episode includes spoilers for "11.22.63" and "Togetherness."Theme music: "Slinky" by Dlay (http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Dlay/Elemental/Slinky) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Examining the influence of Martin Scorsese and Terrence Winter on HBO's "Vinyl," and whether said influence is good or extremely frustrating. Plus: Louis CK's "Horace and Pete" is a valiant experiment - but is it a compelling story?This episode contains spoilers for "Vinyl" and "Horace and Pete." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Why is Showtime always a bridesmaid? Matt and Margaret take a hard look the network's latest series, "Billions." Plus: a conversation with Malcolm Jamal Warner (best known as Theo on "The Cosby Show"), who plays A.C. Cowlings in this week's episode of "The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story."This episode contains spoilers for "Billions" and "The People vs. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A wide-ranging discussion with Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, the creative team behind "The People Vs. Larry Flynt," "Ed Wood," and many other biopics, as well as FX's new miniseries "The People v. O.J. Simpson." Gazelle, Margaret, and guest Alex Jung talk to Scott and Larry about the challenge of adapting real life into drama, as well as the unexpectedly resonant political themes in the story of the O.J. Simpson trial, many of which feel as relevant today as they did twenty years ago. Spoilers throughout for "The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Keith Uhlich joins the crew to talk about the brand-new season of "The X-Files" on Fox. While the panel certainly doesn't agree on whether the new season is great or embarrassing (at least so far), the legacy of the show is undeniable, and everyone shares favorite memories from the past, as well as hopes for the future of Mulder and Scully's ongoing search for the truth.SPOILERS:Spoilers throughout for "The X-Files" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret and Matt reminisce about the golden age of "Sesame Street," and look ahead to what might change - and what they hope will stay the same - as the show begins its run on HBO. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Analyzing the biggest surprises, triumphs, and disappointments of this year’s Golden Globes. How, if at all, could the Globes - and awards shows in general - do a better job for their viewers? Plus: how to tell if you’re watching a drama or a soap opera. SPOILERS: House of Cards: 34:10-34:40 Game of Thrones: 35:00-37:00 ER: 38:30-39:45 Downton Abbey: 41:00-41:12 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Joined by TV historian Stephen Bowie, we discuss the evolution of the role of the director in scripted television. As Stephen tells us, TV directors have been innovators since the 50’s, but they’ve only recently begun to gain notoriety for their efforts. Plus: the moral issues raised by the narrative structure of Netflix’s “Making a Murderer.” SPOILERS: Making a Murderer 16:24 - 43:04 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt talks to Clive Owen about his work on “The Knick,” as we anxiously await news on the future of his role on the Cinemax drama. Plus: Matt, Margaret, and Gazelle read your emails, debating historical accuracy in television storytelling, whether the line between movies and television is irrelevant in a binge-centric ecosystem, the complicated legacy of voiceover, and more. Spoilers: Aquarius 4:30 - 5:20 Masters of Sex 5:20 - 5:42 Boardwalk Empire 5:42 - 6:19 Hannibal 10:50 - 11:11 Fresh Off the Boat 19:20 - 19:34 Fargo 19:40 - 20:25 Transparent 20:25 - 21:12 Felicity 26:00 - 26:51 Deadwood 27:20 - 27:57 The Knick 42:15 - 52:48 This episode is sponsored by See.it. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Sandow (aka Joe Caputo on “Orange is the New Black”) joins Gazelle and Margaret for an in-depth conversation about the evolution of his role on the hit Netflix series, which just wrapped filming of season 4. Plus: a discussion of the female-friendly trends in scripted television, of which Orange is a big part. This episode is sponsored by “Making a Murderer” on Netflix. Spoilers for “Orange is the New Black” throughout! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Margaret share their picks for the best TV of 2015, and discuss the shifts in the landscape as original streaming shows increasingly challenge HBO for primacy. Plus: why certain shows need second seasons to find their footing, and Margaret’s theory about the secret power of the bad series finale. This episode is sponsored by GE Podcast Theater’s “The Message” and SEEit. SPOILERS: The Americans 25:18 - 25:41 Mad Men 25:50 - 26:00 Inside Amy Schumer 26:25 - 26:50 The Leftovers 27:30 - 27: 50, 35:50 - 36:31 Orange is the New Black 28:10 - 28:35 Mr. Robot 32:13 - 33:05, 35:50 - 36:31 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” co-creator (and newly-minted Golden Globe nominee) Rachel Bloom joins Matt and Margaret for a special bonus episode. Rachel shares her interpretation of the role of music in the show, as well as her enduring love for musical theater and innovative food euphemisms. Please note: spoilers for “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” throughout this episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

HBO hasn’t revealed what’s next for “The Leftovers,” and Margaret and Matt are hoping for very different futures for the show. Plus: a spirited debate about the best way to watch “Battlestar Galactica,” and why it’s one of the most accurate depictions of the American psyche in the post-9/11 world. This episode is sponsored by Texture and GE Podcast Theater’s “The Message.” Spoilers throughout for both “The Leftovers” and “Battlestar Galactica.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An in-depth analysis of Netflix’s huge expansion in 2015. Is anyone else creating as much great original programming, with as much consistency? Plus, a comprehensive review of “Jessica Jones,” which just might feature the scariest comic book villain of all time. SPOILERS: You might want to postpone listening to this one until you've watched all of "Jessica Jones." This episode is sponsored by "The Message," from Panoply and GE Podcast Theater. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Selections from live appearances by Vulture’s Matt Zoller Seitz, currently on tour to celebrate the launch of his book “Mad Men Carousel,” a comprehensive critical analysis of the seminal AMC series "Mad Men." Seitz, alongside collaborators Roberta Lipp and Amy Cook, explains the endless complexities of Matthew Weiner's masterpiece, as well as favorite sequences and plot twists. An excellent companion for your holiday binge-watching, and if nothing else, a good way to sound smart at the Thanksgiving dinner table. Om… SPOILERS: This episode contains spoilers for major plot developments in Mad Men throughout (including the finale!), so listen with care. This episode is sponsored by "Legends" on TNT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret and Matt discuss the seemingly nonstop barrage of hyper-mythologized storylines in new cable shows, with a particular focus on AMC’s new series “Into the Badlands.” Then, an in-depth conversation with director (and professional martial artist) Lexi Alexander about the struggle for female directors to find work in Hollywood, as well as the complex art of shooting a meaningful action sequence. Plus, listener voicemail! Call our new voicemail box at 646-504-7673. This episode is sponsored by TNT’s “Legends.” SPOILERS: Into the Badlands 13:39 - 14:26 Battlestar Galactica 22:14 - 25:19 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Aziz Ansari’s new Netflix series raises complex questions about racial representation on television. Matt, Gazelle, and guests Alex Jung and Mallika Rao go deep on the issue, examining the innovations of Master of None and other current programs, as well as their personal experiences with the challenges of writing about race as critics. This episode is sponsored by GE Podcast Theater and Esquire Network. SPOILERS: MASTER OF NONE - 19:25-21:15, 29:19-29:27, 30:45-31:26 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The complex challenge of adapting films into television series, from "MASH" to "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" to "Parenthood," with a particular emphasis on the current season of FX's "Fargo." Plus: has television evolved into a more artistic form than cinema? This episode is sponsored by TNT's "Legends" and GE Podcast Theater. This episode contains spoilers for the following shows: Fargo - 10:08-10:12, 29:15-45:27 Edge of Tomorrow - 26:18-27:40 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A special live taping of the Vulture TV podcast at the New York Television Festival. Discover the origin stories of Matt and Margaret, as well as their uncensored opinions on the state of modern television. This episode is sponsored by “Legends” on TNT and GE Podcast Theater’s “The Message.” This episode contains spoilers for the following TV shows: How I Met Your Mother: 21:12 - 21:40 Joan of Arcadia: 33:37 - 33:48 Hannibal: 34:32 - 34:46 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Amy Brenneman joins Gazelle, Margaret, and Matt for an in-depth conversation about her role as Laurie on HBO’s “The Leftovers,” as well as the artistic philosophies that have informed her wide-ranging career. This episode of the Vulture TV Podcast is sponsored by Hulu’s “Casual” and GE Podcast Theater’s “The Message.” This episode contains spoilers for The Leftovers in the following sections:2:33-7:208:55-19:4521:02-24:0030:20-33:25 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Margaret, Matt and Gazelle talk about the rare hour-long comedy, plus the CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" and "Jane the Virgin." This episode contains spoilers in the following discussions 11:20 - 25:46 The pilot of The CW's "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend"25:47 - 35:59 The premiere of the second season of The CW's "Jane the Virgin" This episode is brought to you by "The Message" from GE Podcast Theater. Subscribe to "The Message" here Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt, Margaret and Gazelle explore a subject that has been more heavily present on TV recently. Which have done it well and which have failed? Plus the new season of The Leftovers. This episode contains spoilers in the following discussions: 32:00-51:21 The Leftovers Season 2 Episode 1. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt, Margaret and Gazelle emerge from the flurry of fall television premieres and dive into ABC's Quantico, plus the new season of Empire. This episode contains spoilers in the following discussions: Quantico: 16:38 - 35:53 Empire: 35:53 - 48:57 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle and Margaret are joined by Vulture West Coast Editor Joe Adalian and Vulture's Alex Jung to talk about the Emmys and all of the new fall tv shows you should keep your eye on. This episode of The Vulture TV Podcast is sponsored by ABC's "Quantico." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Matt and Margaret discuss FX's "You're the Worst," and "The Bastard Executioner." Plus, they dive deep on television network's personalities. This episode of The Vulture TV Podcast is sponsored by ABC's "Quantico." This episode contains spoilers in the following discussions 0:00 - 30:09 : FX's "You're the Worst," and "The Bastard Executioner" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Gazelle, Matt and Margaret talk about all the times when TV messed with your minds (i.e. shocking twists - many spoilers ahead), then the first season of "Mr. Robot." This episode contains spoilers in the following discussions 0:00 to 20:05 - *Spoiler Warning Red Alert* The first segment contains many spoilers about twists in popular TV shows throughout history. Including a Mr. Robot spoiler at 2:40. 21:13 - end of show: The last season of Mr. Robot This episode of The Vulture TV podcast is brought to you by Casper. Get $50 toward any mattress purchases by visiting www.casper.com/VULTURE and using the promo code Vulture. This episode of The Vulture TV podcast is also brought to you by Audible.com. Audible.com/Summerfarmer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices