The Watchers

We’re deep into pilot season here on The Watchers, and this week we’re wrapping up our post-apocalyptic jaunt with 2023’s HBO drama, The Last of Us. We talk adaptation, genre, parallels, and plot as well as Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann’s relationship, which seems to be at the heart of what makes The Last of Us one of the very few successful video game adaptations out there. Next week, we’re out of the QZ and back in the office to review Dan Erickson’s sci-fi workplace thriller, Severance. The show is available on AppleTV+Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

It’s Pilot Season here at The Watchers, and this week, for our penultimate installment of our post-apocalyptic dystopian run, Jodie and Andrea watched “Freedom Day,” the first episode of the AppleTV+ series, Silo, based on Hugh Howey’s novel Wool (so far). We discuss Silo’s use of post-apocalyptic dystopia as the setting to tell a mystery story, the small town vibes inside the silo, why dystopian societies are real freaks for the mid-century modern aesthetic, and a whole lot more. Join us next week as we emerge from the down deep to get up close and personal with the fungus among us, in another post-apocalyptic pilot. This time, it’s The Last of Us, HBO’s adaptation of the hit video game series of the same name. Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We had so much fun in the post-apocalypse with Fallout last week that we decided to stick around a little longer. This week, Jodie and Andrea watched “Wheel of Fire,” the first episode of Station Eleven. This particular dystopian post-apocalyptic drama swaps ghouls for Shakespeare and delves into life after a flu pandemic. We discuss the show's relevance to our own pandemic, its unique–possibly more human–spin on the genre, the Bard's influence, and more.Join us next week for one more dystopian jaunt as we dive back underground to watch “Freedom Day,” the first episode of Graham Yost’s AppleTV+ drama, Silo.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We've spent the last few weeks looking back on some of the greatest television pilots of the past few decades. Now, we're applying what we've learned to something new: Fallout. Based on the video game series of the same name, the series follows folks in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, retrofuturistic United States, a few hundred years into our future. It also features our beloved Ella Purnell and a few other familiar faces, including everyone's third favorite FBI agent (after Mulder and Scully, OBVIOUSLY), Kyle MacLachlan, and the perfectly named Walton Goggins. We get into what makes for a successful video game adaptation, how this show manages to avoid the pitfalls of adaptations past, and whether or not the Fallout pilot holds its own for viewers unfamiliar with the series. Plus, of course, Jersey. Watch the grimly funny "Duck and Cover"Watch Nicole Byer and Sonic be best friendsJoin us next week for another jaunt into a post-apocalyptic dystopian landscape, with 2021's Station Eleven.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

For this week's installment of The Watchers' Pilot Season, we're talking about what some have called the greatest television pilot of the 90s, the first episode of Chris Carter's The X-Files. Join us as we break down the mysterious world of the two most beautiful agents ever employed by the FBI, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. We get into the weird encounters, shady government dealings, and spooky phenomena that hooked people in the first place. We also, of course, get into the giant suits, boxy cars, and perfectly 90s special effects. And we dive deep into the biggest conspiracy out there: Is Princeton even really in New Jersey?Join us next week for our review of the new Amazon Prime original, starring our beloved Ella Purnell, Fallout.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Alright folks, for this week's installment of our pilot season here at The Watchers, we watched "Northwest Passage," the first episode of Twin Peaks. Created by the strange and unusual pair of David Lynch and Mark Frost, this '90s gem has been a huge influence on so many of the shows Jodie and Andrea love. Join us as we navigate the quirky charm and eerie mysteries of this small-town-thriller-soap-opera-mystery-whodunit-horror story and break down what makes this show so unique.Join us next week for our review of Chris Carter's sci-fi drama, The X-files.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

It's pilot season here at The Watchers, and we're talking about the first episode of The Sopranos. Created by David Chase, this series, running from '99 to '07, is a Jersey landmark, so you know Jodie and Andrea are taking this review seriously. Join us as we dissect the pilot's portrayal of mob life, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas. More importantly though, its portrayal of business parks in Paramus, shfooyadell and gabagool, and Little Steven Van Zandt.Join us next week for our review of the David Lynch/Mark Frost cult classic, Twin Peaks‘The Sopranos’ Rewind: Season 1, Episode 1: ‘The Sopranos’ - Alan SepinwallThe Rascals Hall of Fame Induction Speech by Little Steven Van ZandtFollow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

This week on The Watchers, we’re continuing our journey into pilot season with Six Feet Under, a show that Jodie loves and that, somehow, Andrea has never seen. Created by Alan Ball, the show aired from 2001 to 2005 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time. Most importantly, Jodie’s obsessed with it. Join us as we discuss what makes this show so unique. From its darkly funny sense of reality, to its matter-of-fact handling of death, to lots more in between, we're really getting our hands dirty with this one, folks. We'll see you back here next week for our review of–come on, you knew it was coming–the very first episode of The Sopranos.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

It's pilot season here at Watchers HQ. With our Yellowjackets season 1 recap all tied up, Jodie and Andrea are kicking off a new series where we revisit some of the most acclaimed, iconic, and/or controversial TV pilots of all time. We're starting with the shows that have some connection to our beloved Yellowjackets. You'll be shocked to hear our first installment is a rewatch of the groundbreaking ABC show, LOST. We take you through how the show changed the TV landscape and give you a general idea of what it's all about. Then, we dive into the pilot episode itself. As we watch each pilot, we'll be looking for key elements like character introduction and world-building. And while we won't spoil any specific plot points, we'll definitely be discussing some of the major themes and arcs in these shows. So, if you're super spoiler sensitive, you might want to go watch all 120 episodes of LOST real quick, just to be safe.We'll see you back here next week for Jodie's first pick, Six Feet UnderFollow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

In what can only be described as an outright act of nepotism, Jodie and Andrea are joined this week by comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, etcetera-er, and–some might say–mother of this very podcast, Chris Gethard, who stops by to help us wrap up our Yellowjackets rewatch. As someone who binged seasons 1 and 2 over the course of just a couple weeks, Gethard has a slightly different perspective on the show than those of us who have spent the last couple of years painstakingly unpacking every little detail, and he's also able to weigh in from an actor and writer's perspective. Geth also helps us put some of our long-running debates to bed. Of course, we get very nerdy about New Jersey, 90s music, and the best places to hide a body in the Garden State. Jodie and Andrea close out the episode by letting you know what we'll be covering for our next season of The Watchers. We think it's gonna be really fun. Hope you stick around. But if not, we'll see you back here for season 3 in the hopefully not too distant future! Keep up with Gethard at chrisgeth.comFollow Gethard on Instagram and TwitterListen to Beautiful/AnonymousListen to Jodie yelling at Geth and Andrea about Bergen County on New Jersey Is the WorldFollow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We're finally here! "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," the season 1 finale of Yellowjackets, marks a real turn toward the dark in a season that was already pretty freakin' dark. In 1996, the team does a collective walk of shame after the events of "Doomcoming." In 2021, the gang struts their collective stuff at their high school reunion. Lots more happens in between, but since we recorded this one as a watch-along, we'll spare you the details here in the notes. Listen to the beginning of the episode for instructions on how to sync our show to the episode. Happy listening! We'll see you next week with our seasons 1 and 2 wrap up and to let you know what we've got planned for next month.This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

*AIRHORN* Jodie and Andrea are coming at you large and in charge from the very same room, and the energy is . . . well, it's pretty much the same. But if you're a visual listener, you should picture us sitting across from each other in a fancy little studio. Anyway, we're revisiting the events of the ninth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Doomcoming." In 1996, we find the girls eating a dinner that's slimy yet satisfying. It's almost Rush Week at Rutgers and the team wants to celebrate, so Tai gets her arts and crafts on, Misty spikes the punch bowl, and just about everyone leans into their darker urges. In 2021, Tai's on the campaign trail, Nat REALLY needs a snack, Misty's slumber party continues, and Shauna deals a crushing blow to Jeff's book club beliefs. This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 10 of Yellowjackets, "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi." (THAT'S THE FINALE!)

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the eighth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Flight of the Bumblebee." In 1996, Van uses up another one of her nine lives, Jackie helps Shauna share the news about her little secret, and Laura Lee flies the friendly skies. In 2021, Misty and Jessica bond, Nat leans on an old sponsor for support, Tai takes a walk, Shauna goes undercover, and a university admin violates FERPA This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 9 of Yellowjackets, "Doomcoming."

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the seventh episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "No Compass." In 1996, our soccer team begins to worry about the approaching winter, and Tai decides to do something about it. Jackie figures out what Shauna has been keeping from her. Travis continues to be a baby, and Nat continues to let him. In 2021, Shauna's in a farce, Tai's up a tree, Misty's in the basement, and Nat's in bed with a cop.This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 8 of Yellowjackets, "Flight of the Bumblebee."

You're listening to The Watchers, a show where sometimes one of your podcast hosts can't edit the podcast because she got too busy making podcasts for people who pay her money to do so. Very sorry, but we'll be back this Tuesday with our review of "Flight of the Bumblebee." In the meantime, Andrea recommends checking out Mariah Stovall's fantastic new book, "I Love You So Much, It's Killing Us Both."Thanks for rolling with us. See you in a few days!

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the sixth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Saints." In 1996, Nat gives Travis a lesson in Women and Gender Studies, Tai helps Shauna deal with her pregnancy, Ben puts on his Health Teacher hat, and Laura Lee and Lottie go for a dip. In 2021, Shauna and Jeff celebrate Jackie's birthday, Tai struggles to be the wife and mother Simone expects, Kevyn and Nat run some errands, and Misty puts a pause on Jessica Robert's days as a roving reporting. Referenced in this episode: We've Been Here For Years: A Yellowjackets Video EssayThis episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 7 of Yellowjackets, "No Compass."

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the fifth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Blood Hive." In 1996, the girls are surfin' the collective (scientifically unfounded) crimson wave. In 2021, Shauna celebrates Halloween, Nat and Misty meet a Lone Gunmen reject, and Tai's campaign gets messy.This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 6 of Yellowjackets, "Saints."

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the fourth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Bear Down." In 1996, the team makes two big discoveries. Nat and Travis prove themselves, Jackie has a close call, and Shauna does some writing in her gurnal.  In 2021, Nat reconnects with an old friend, Misty goes on a stakeout, Shauna stays stunted, and Tai rubs elbows.This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 5 of Yellowjackets, "Blood Hive."

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the third episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "The Dollhouse." In 1996, the team sees its first real divide, as some of the girls want to leave the plane wreckage in favor of a lake a few miles inland. In 2021, Shauna goes undercover, Tai plays dirty, and Nat and Misty hit the road.Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A show raising money for mental health awareness in schools.This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 4 of Yellowjackets, "Bear Down."

You're listening to The Watchers, a show where two women are trying their best. This week, Jodie's here to let you know that, unfortunately, we won't be delivering a hot and fresh new episode to you. But we will absolutely be back next week with our rewatch-review of episode 3 of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "The Dollhouse." Appreciate you sticking with us. And in the words of our dearest Laura Lee, see you next Tuesday!

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the second episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "F Sharp." In 1996, we find the team in the immediate aftermath of the crash. We assess injuries, track new and existing relationships, and get an idea of who is and isn't cut out for life in the wilderness. In 2021, Tai's in the dog house, Nat interrupts Misty's date, and Shauna gets in a fender-bender.Jodie recommends Society of the Snow. This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch.Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 3 of Yellowjackets, "The Dollhouse."

This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch. This week, we're starting with the pilot. We're reflecting on character introductions, revisiting earlier fan theories in light of what we now know, breaking down what makes this pilot so successful (hint: the music), and, of course, unpacking the Jersey of it all. Follow:The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 2 of Yellowjackets, "F Sharp."

Well, it’s officially the new year, but this was our last recording of 2023, which means we were contractually obligated as podcast hosts to record a year in review episode, so Jodie and Andrea are sharing some of their favorite movies, shows, books, music, comedy specials, and podcasts of the last year.Next week we start our Yellowjackets season 1 rewatch. It will be chock full of spoilers for season 1 AND 2, so get your binge on if you haven’t watched Yellowjackets yet and then meet us back here next week when we dive into the first season of the show that convinced us to start this very podcast. Can’t wait to see youse in the woods!If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Closing out our month of giving gifts to ourselves, Jodie and Andrea watched a mutually beloved holiday movie, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Join us as we unwrap the heartwarming tale that has become a treasured gem within the Muppetverse. We break it down from its origins as an adaptation of Russell and Lillian Hoban's book (love it) to the current stage adaptation (we're skeptical). We dive into the incredible work of the Muppeteers who continue to ruin their fragile human bodies in order to bring our beloved Muppets to life; we wonder at the unbelievable sets that make Frogtown Hollow and Waterville feel like places we've always wanted to visit, and we openly weep over Paul Williams' impeccable score (well, maybe that fat otter song is a tiny bit peccable. Maybe).Referenced in this episode:The INCREDIBLE bloopersAn Oral History of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band ChristmasEmmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas: The Lost SongNext week, we're wrapping up 2023 with our contribution to the Every Podcast Must Release At Least One Episode Reviewing Their Favorite Things of the Last Year. (The Council of Podcasts demands it. Our hands our tied.) If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Two queer women from Jersey, hosting a podcast where we watch movies and tv that are often–though not always–about New Jersey. It’s a bit surprising it’s taken us this long, but this week, Jodie and Andrea watched Chasing Amy, the third installment of Kevin Smith’s so-called Jersey Trilogy. We spend a lot of time working through some of the elements that didn’t age well (and were, frankly, already problematic in 1997), unpack the issues of bisexual representation (or lack thereof) in the 1990s in general, and in Chasing Amy in particular, and discuss why, despite all of that, we still find value in and have love for this movie.Next week, we’re going for something a little more family-friendly with our jointly beloved Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Here’s where you can watch it.And here’s a link to watch the INCREDIBLE bloopers, but wait until you’ve finished watching the movie before you do so.Referenced in this episode:Revisiting Bisexuality in Chasing AmyMy Rage at “Chasing Amy” Helped Me Find My BisexualityChasing Chasing Amy and The Rom-Com That Saved My LifeIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Jodie and Andrea are hitting the slopes and running from indefatigable paperboys with this week's movie, Savage Steve Holland's 1985 black comedy, Better Off Dead. We talk about John Cusack's general disdain for the film (and we uncover some recent SHOCKING developments on that front), try to explain some of the truly bizarre ongoings in Lane Meyer's world, and talk about our shared love for the world's coolest French (FRONCH) exchange student, Monique Junet (Diane Franklin 4-->).We figured we couldn't end our first year as a podcast without covering Jersey's own Kevin Smith, so next week, we're watching Chasing Amy. You can watch it lots of places. Join us as we talk about bisexual representation, the complexity of attraction, and Ben Affleck's goatee. Referenced in this episode:Cult Classic Better Off Dead Finally Available To Buy on DigitalBetter Off Dead DVD Extras That Never WereThe Long, Strange Journey Of “Better Off Dead” Director “Savage” Steve HollandMike Doyle (Lanemeyer)'s This Was the Scene PodcastNJPP ArchivesIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

This week, Jodie and Andrea officially kick off their month of watching movies they have both loved forever. We're starting with the 1985 Val Kilmer comedy Real Genius. We talk female representation, nerd representation, and female nerd representation in movies of the time. We discuss the ways the film's creators worked to get the science as right as possible without encouraging others to engage in war crimes. We dive into the real-life inspiration for one of Real Genius's most beloved characters, and we talk about how likely you would be to die if you got buried in a giant house full of popcorn. (Less likely than if you fell into a grain silo. More likely than a ball pit.)Next week, we're hitting the slopes and watching the John Cusack-led comedy, Better Off Dead. It's available to rent or stream in a few places.Referenced in this episode:The Real Real GeniusReal Genius Turns 35—Celebrating This Cult Classic is a Moral ImperativeIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

This week, Jodie picked Jim Jarmusch's Paterson, a movie about a man, and a city, and a poem that share its name. She and Andrea talk about the man, and the city, and the poem, and how they all inform and are informed by one another. It's a delightful tangle of meaning in a quiet, uncomplicated film that is kind of like a poem, itself.Referenced in this episode:"Paterson Review – Adam Driver Beguiling in Miraculous Tale of Everyday Goodness"Paterson Press Conference at CannesNext week, we're kicking off our holiday series. We're watching some of our shared favorite movies, starting with the 1985 Val Kilmer comedy Real Genius. Here's where you can watch it.

We watched the only best Thanksgiving movie, a John Hughes film that isn't about teenagers, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. We talk about the complicated and nuanced dynamic between Del Griffith and Neal Page. We discuss the ways this movie speaks to our current historical moment and the loneliness epidemic of recent years. Andrea cries about John Candy. Jodie shares a bunch of recipes.Next week, we're watching Jim Jarmusch's Paterson. It's a movie about New Jersey and poetry. Come on now. Here's where you can watch it.Referenced in the episode:"8 Things You Didn't Know About Planes, Trains And Automobiles""Planes, Trains and Automobiles at 35: An Oral History of One of the Most Beloved Road Movies Ever Made""Roger Ebert's Great Movies - Planes, Trains and Automobiles"Unspooled's episode about Planes, Trains and AutomobilesJodie's Recipe Round Up:Hard SauceVegetarian ChiliIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

This week, we watched Top Secret!, a favorite movie of both Jodie's dad and the great Weird Al Yankovic. It features Val Kilmer in his debut role as a rock and roll singer who becomes involved in a secret plot to rescue a scientist imprisoned in East Germany, and it makes absolutely zero sense, but that's kind of besides the point because the plot is the least important thing in this movie. We talk about whether or not Top Secret! holds up in 2023, how it compares to the movies that came before and after it, Airplane! and The Naked Gun, and admit that it did make both of us laugh out loud at least a few times.Next week is Andrea's pick, and she chose the most fitting movie for this podcast and this time of year, a John Hughes film that isn't about teenagers, but is instead about Steve Martin and John Candy trying to make it home for Thanksgiving. It's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. You can rent it pretty much everywhere, including free on Pluto with ads.Referenced in this episode:“Weird Al” Yankovic answers our 11 Questions‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Explains Why Top Secret! Is the Funniest Film Ever MadeThe Agoraphobic Cowboy episode of Left of the Dial If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

What a day for a podcast, huh? This week, Andrea asked Jodie to watch one of her favorite movies, Nora Ephron's technically-kind-of sequel to Goodfellas, 1990's My Blue Heaven. It stars Steve Martin as mafia-informant Vinnie Antonelli, and Rick Moranis as Barney Coopersmith, the FBI agent tasked with watching over him in witness protection, and it is a capital-R Romp. We talk about the real life informant who inspired both Goodfellas and My Blue Heaven, why the real antagonist in this movie is small town cops, and the subversive masculinity of Steve Martin.Next week, we're watching a favorite movie of both Jodie's dad and the great Weird Al Yankovic, Top Secret! It features Val Kilmer in his debut role as a rock and roll singer who becomes involved in a secret plot to rescue a scientist imprisoned in East Germany. You can watch it a few different places.Referenced in this episode:"The Campy Masculinity of Steve Martin" - plazmaburn"'My Blue Heaven,' Steve Martin's Comedic, Spiritual Sequel to 'Goodfellas'" - Jake RossenLast week, Jodie and I mentioned the found footage movie that preceded The Blair Witch Project and, more importantly, takes place in New Jersey, The Last Broadcast. We covered it this week over on the New Jersey Is the World podcast with Andrea's other co-host, Chris Gethard. You can listen to that on Patreon.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers are back in the woods this week for the last installment of our Movies That Are Thematically Appropriate to Watch in the Month of October series, and against her horror-averse judgment, Jodie picked what has become a classic in the world of found footage horror, 1999s The Blair Witch Project. She and Andrea talk about how this movie was a direct product of its time, the influence of reality TV and early horror novels on the found footage genre, the lasting effect Blair Witch had on its stars, and so much more. For a movie neither of us found particularly scary, we have a lot to share with you about this one.For next week, Jodie demanded some levity in Andrea's pick, so she chose a favorite movie from her childhood, My Blue Heaven. If you've never seen it, all you need to know is that Steve Martin plays a mobster named Vinnie Antonelli who goes into witness protection, and Rick Moranis plays the FBI agent assigned to watch over him, and HIS name is Barney Coopersmith. Vinnie Antonelli and Barney Coopersmith. What more do you need to know? Happy Halloween! And Happy Post-MischiefGooseyCabbage Night to all our Jersey listeners. We hope, if your house was TP'd, it wasn't too bad.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Gather 'round ghosts and ghouls, Jodie and Andrea are back with another bone-chilling edition of The Watchers. This week, Andrea shares one of her favorite movies, Josh Ruben's 2020 horror comedy Scare Me, a movie with two major villains: toxic masculinity and noisy eaters. We talk about how much can be done with thoughtful sound design, the power of collaborative storytelling, and what Ruben has described as one of the most savage combinations there is: a brilliant woman and a fragile man.Mentioned in the Episode:Check out the pitch deck for Scare Me.Watch Werewolves WithinWatch Make Some Noise on Dropout.tvFollow Ruben on Instagram @joshrubenJodie is being SO BRAVE and has chosen, of her own volition, to watch the 1999 found footage movie, The Blair Witch Project. Here's where you can watch it.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

It is better that you should rush upon this blade than enter the podcast with fear in your heart. How do you enter?This week, Jodie and Andrea kick off a month of Movies That are Thematically Appropriate to Watch in October with 1996’s supernatural teen horror (ish) movie, The Craft. We talk about the enduring legacy of this movie, its aesthetic influence, and the way it probably created a generation of cool-rock collectors. We also spend a lot of time debating whether it would be worse to hold a rat or a roach.CW: The Craft includes elements of self harm, violence, and sexual assault. We discuss these elements throughout the episode.Referenced in This Episode: The Craft Inspired a Generation of Teenage Witches. Now a Sequel Is Poised to Do the SameRelax, It's Only Magic: An Oral History Of 'The Craft'The Profound, Enduring Legacy of The CraftHow The Craft Realized the Power of Teen Girls and Made Witchcraft Cool“The Craft: Legacy” Atones For The Sins Of The OriginalRoger Ebert’s review of the movieWe’re taking off next week while Jodie travels across the country, but we’ll be back on October 24th to talk about Josh Ruben’s horror movie, Scare Me. You can watch it a few places including Amazon Prime and Shudder (which offers a 7 day free trial). If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

You knew this had to happen eventually. We watched Garden State, a movie we are all contractually obligated to say we hate now because we loved it so much in 2004. For this week’s review, Andrea and Jodie made a promise to themselves that they would come to this movie for the first time in over a decade with an open mind and an open heart. And what they found while exploring the infinite abyss may surprise you. They talk about the dangers of quitting your psychiatric meds cold turkey, Natalie Portman’s baby voice, unprocessed family trauma, why Zach Braff hates dogs, and how the soundtrack to Garden State still kinda slaps. Plus a whole lot more. We had a lot to say about this movie.And next week, we’re kicking off our "Movies That Are Thematically Appropriate to Watch During the Month of October" mini-series with the 1996 teen supernatural horror movie, The Craft. You can watch it everywhere.Mentioned in this episode:- It’s the Ten-Year Anniversary of Realizing Garden State Sucked- In Defense of Zach Braff’s Garden State- The Bataan Death March of Whimsy Case File #1: Elizabethtown- Sally Hayward’s review of Garden State for Disability Studies Quarterly- Zach Braff on You Made It Weird with Pete HolmesIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Oooooh, y’all. This week, we got ourselves a Jersey. Ass. Jersey. Movie. Jodie tasked Andrea with watching Geremy Jasper’s 2017 coming-of-age drama, Patti Cake$, starring Danielle McDonald, Bridget Everett, Siddharth Dhananjay, Mamoudou Athie, and Cathy Moriarty. We talk about the complicated nature of race and class in this movie, Jasper’s history as a music video director, the ways in which Patti Cake$ follows all the beats of the archetypal hero’s journey, and–most importantly–we talk about New Jersey. Like a lot about Jersey.For next week, Andrea’s decided it’s time to revisit another Jersey movie. Zach Braff’s Garden State. We're gonna try to come at this one with an open heart and a clear mind. You can watch it pretty much everywhere.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We're closing out our Allan Moyle mini-series with his 1980 coming-of-age drama, Times Square. This is the first movie we've covered that wasn't already one of our favorites, and it was kind of fascinating to see how many of our recurring themes also show up in this movie. We discuss the queer history of the movie's making, its Moyle-esque soundtrack, how the film manages to act as a (certainly romanticized) snapshot of New York City in the 80s, and even manage to tie in our favorite Tomboy-focused dissertation.Next week, we're shifting away from movies we consider foundational to our identities as two queer women from Jersey. Jodie's picked a much more recent film, Geremy Jasper's Patti Cake$. Released in 2017, it's an extremely Jersey movie about a young North Jersey woman who dreams of making it as a rapper. It stars Danielle Macdonald and one of our favorites, Bridget Everett. Here's where you can rent it.Mentioned in this episode:For the fiftieth time, just read it already: Unhappy Medium: Filmic Tomboy Narrative And Queer Feminist Spectatorship by Lynne StahlWhen in doubt, look at a chart.Vanishing New York: How a Great City Lost Its Soul by Jeremiah MossIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

It's a big day here at Watchers HQ–not Rex Manning Day big, but still, pretty big. We're watching Andrea's most beloved movie, Empire Records. We discuss the reasons this movie bombed and how it became a cult classic. We talk about what makes it feel like a real Jersey movie, even though it's mostly set in Delaware. Andrea reflects on why this movie takes up such a special place in her heart and Jodie weighs in on what it felt like to watch it for the first time as an adult. And, of course, we talk about its iconic 90s soundtrack.Next week, we're closing out our trio of Allan Moyle-directed films with his 1980 teen drama, Times Square. You can rent it in a few different places or watch for free at archive.org.Mentioned in this episode:"How Empire Records Became The Unlikely Film Of A Generation" by Anne Helen PetersonIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.We've reached a pivotal moment in The Watchers history. Jodie has finally made us watch what might be the most formative movie of her younger years, the 1990 Christian Slater coming-of-age teen drama, Pump Up the Volume. We talk about teenage rebellion, youth empowerment, out-of-touch authority figures, and this movie's incredible soundtrack. Also, Samantha Mathis. Next week, Andrea is bringing the movie most important to her youth, 1995's Empire Records, which, coincidentally, shares a director with Pump Up the Volume, Allan Moyle. You can rent Empire Records in lots of places.Mentioned in this episode:Pump Up the Volume: can Christian Slater’s teen movie become a musical hit like Heathers?Death Becomes Her Musical Releases Teaser TrailersIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.It’s time to strap on your skates, trade your five hundred dollar jacket in for an old bum’s trenchcoat, and, for the love of god, please don’t date a highschooler. Andrea made Jodie watch the 1987 generation squeeze flick, Hiding Out, and they are both struggling with that fact. Hiding Out is a mostly pleasant, sometimes funny movie that gives Jon Cryer the chance to be sort of charming, but it also asks you to root 29-year-old Andrew’s relationship with his 17-year-old classmate, Ryan (played by the delightful Annabeth Gish). It’s complicated. We’re conflicted. We also talk a lot about Jersey, a little about roller skating, and Andrea uncovers something deep in her psyche that, honestly, she’s still dealing with right now as she writes these episode notes.For next week, Jodie picked the movie she has been most wanting to cover since we started covering movies on The Watchers, 1990’s Pump Up the Volume. It’s a coming-of-age high school comedy-drama starring Christian Slater and featuring an incredible soundtrack. You can’t stream this one on any of the regular services (probably because of that incredible soundtrack), BUT you can watch it for free in two different places. Pick whichever suits your preference.In a seamless, 20 part playlist on YoutubeIn full, through the Internet ArchiveHere’s the article Jodie recommended: Inside The Rink, the Iconic Roller Skating Hot Spot That Ruled North Jersey in the ’80s and ’90s by Amy KuperinskyIf you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.This week, Jodie helped Andrea cross the last remaining movie off her John Hughes list with the 1987 teen highschool romance, Some Kind of Wonderful. The two talk about the ways in which this movie is a gender-swapped Pretty in Pink and why it wasn’t easy to root for Watts and Keith OR Keith and Amanda to end up together. They discuss all of the gender stuff in this movie, and there’s a lot of it. More importantly than all of that though, they talk about the movie’s incredibly lovable punk, Duncan. And they discover that there are two kinds of people in this world, those of us who love the Molly Ringwald half of Hughes’ ouvre and those of us who are really just here for John Candy. From the episode:“The Art of Perception: Some Kind of Wonderful” Gender Spiral’s recent interview with our fav, Liv HewsonNext week, we’ve got another 1987 movie set in a high school. Strap on your skates, and do your best to outrun the mob because we’re watching Andrea’s pick, Jon Cryer and Keith Coogan’s Hiding Out. You can watch it in a few different places.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.This week, Andrea introduced Jodie to one of her favorite black comedies of all time, the 1992 Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis triple-hander, Death Becomes Her. It's as funny as it is macabre and as close to a cartoon as a live action movie can be, unless you count Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which, like this movie, was also directed by Robert Zemeckis. Jodie and Andrea talk about what makes this movie such a blast to watch, but they also talk about how watching it in your 30s and 40s makes some of the jokes land a little differently. You know, more like a shovel to the head that smashes your face down into your neck all weird like you're straight up Bugs Bunny.Mentioned in this episode:"The Gloriously Queer Afterlife of Death Becomes Her""Isabella Rossellini Answers Every Question We Have About Death Becomes Her""Depth Becomes Her"Next week, we’re watching Jodie's pick, 1987's Some Kind of Wonderful. It's a John Hughes (written, not directed) movie starring Lea Thompson and Mary Stuart Masterson. What more do you want?If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.This week, Jodie grabbed Andrea by bangs (and pulled us all up from the depths of Radio Flyer despair) to introduce her to the absolute romp that is the 1985 comedy dance romance, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt, this delightful little movie provided some much-needed relief from our last two movies, which, we'll admit, included a surprising amount of child abuse. We talk about the tropes that populate this genre of movie and Jodie argues Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a dance movie pioneer. We discuss our love for Helen Hunt and her very cool hats. Jodie talks about her love of dance, and Andrea talks about her love of Bruce Springsteen. This is honestly a pretty silly episode. We had a lot of fun. Hope you have fun listening!Mentioned in this episode:"31 Years Later, Girls Just Want To Have Fun is a Ridiculous Dance Party""America’s Love for TV Dance Shows Has Long History""Dancing in the Dark" music videoNext week, we’re watching Andrea’s pick, the 1992 black comedy, Death Becomes Her. You can rent it in a few different places or watch it free with ads on Amazon Prime.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.CW: Radio Flyer depicts child and animal abuse. Both of which we discuss throughout this episode. Just in case you’ve been having too much fun watching movies with us, Andrea has decided to bring everyone down by making us watch her favorite movie about childhood trauma, the 1992 Richard Donner film, Radio Flyer. We talk about memory versus reality, the power of childhood imagination, how this movie fails to handle either successfully and why that might be. Referenced in this episode:“The Giant Buffalo of Rick Lazzarini's Character Shop”“Random Ramblings: The Radio Flyer Conundrum”“What happened to Bobby?...What happened to Bobby?...”Next week, we’re watching Jodie’s pick, the 1985 comedy dance romance, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. You can stream it for free on Tubi or with an Amazon Prime account. If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.Fair is fair! And this week, it was Jodie's turn to pick a movie that Andrea hasn't seen. She chose the 1985 teen drama, The Legend of Billie Jean, starring Helen and Christian Slater (no relation). Billie Jean and her brother Binx are two siblings who end up on the run after fighting back against a teenage bully and his father. Andrea and Jodie talk about movies with iconic haircuts, teenagers versus adults, rejecting the male gaze, class dynamics, the significance of pop icons like Madonna and Taylor Swift for young women, the commodification of the female body, and a ton more. This admittedly kind of ridiculous movie led to some serious conversations that we did not anticipate. We'd love to hear what you all thought of the movie! Next week, Andrea's back in the pilot's seat, and we're watching Radio Flyer, another movie about young people fighting back against adults, starring Watchers favorite Elijah Wood in one of his earliest roles. This one is darker and definitely more intense than The Legend of Billie Jean, but it's also beautiful and moving, and it will probably make you cry. Content warning for child abuse and alcoholism. If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

CW: Beyond all of the warnings that apply to Scream, we also talk about real world violence against women and violence in schools.Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.This week, Andrea tasked Jodie and our listeners with watching the 1996 horror movie, Scream. Directed by horror icon Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, Scream is a movie we're sure most of you have already seen, but it's also one that is part of Andrea's DNA. We talk about what the movie did for the horror genre, what it says about the high school experience, the inherent (confirmed) queerness of two of the characters in the movie, Rose McGowan's tiny eyebrows and Matthew Lillard's giant shirts.Referenced in the episode:The cast of Yellowjackets at Paleyfest"‘Scream’ Screenwriter Kevin Williamson Confirms Billy and Stu’s Queer-Coded Relationship Was Based on Real Gay Killers"“How ‘Scream’ Explored the Exploitative Nature of the Nightly News”Recommended in this episode:Josh Ruben, in general. His movies Scare Me and Werewolves Within, in particularSomebody, SomewhereNext week, we’re watching Jodie’s second pick, the 1985 teen action movie The Legend of Billie Jean. Here’s where you can watch it.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Content warning: Discussions of suicide and sexual assault throughout this episode.Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets. Jodie kicks it off with her first pick, the 1989 black comedy, Heathers, written by Daniel Waters, directed by Michael Lehmann, and starring 80s icons Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and plenty of other familiar faces. We don’t treat this like a typical recap podcast. We do break the movie down, but we’re much more interested in what it has to say about its cultural context, how it informed the teen movie genre moving forward, and what reflecting on it in 2023 tells us about our current cultural moment. Of course, we talk about the fashion and language of the movie because it’s Heathers. How can you not? Mentioned in the episode:Heathers: An oral history - Adam MarkovitzNext week, we’re watching Andrea’s first pick, the 1996 horror movie classic, Scream (Written by Kevin Williamson, Directed by Wes Craven). Here’s where you can watch it: Paramount Plus, Amazon, Apple TV.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We’re back, baby! This season of Yellowjackets might be over, but The Watchers isn’t quitting! we’re going to keep sharing our favorite shows and movies with each other and with you. After watching a bunch of TV and thinking about all of the movies that matter to us, Andrea and Jodie have decided what we’re talking about next week. In this episode, we do a little Yellowjackets check-in, we give a light review of a few shows we’ve been watching, and we let you know what movie we’re going to watch next week, so you can watch it and come back on Tuesday for our conversation about a movie that feels like a spiritual influence on Yellowjackets. It’s one we’ve spent a lot of time referencing in our episodes, so far, even though one of us has never seen before. Check below if you want to know what we’re watching before you listen to this episode. Thanks so much for sticking with us in the off-season! We’re really excited to keep chatting with you all.Mentioned in this episode:- This conversation between Melanie Lynskey and Natasha Lyonne for Variety.- Silo- From- The Bear- Alone- You can watch next week’s movie in a few places. Here are all of them.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Now that season two of Yellowjackets has been over for a week, and Andrea and Jodie have had some time to digest it, we're back to unpack all the nitty-gritty details of season 2. We return to that controversial Nat scene–what we still don't love about it, what's started to make some sense with a little more time to think about it, and what it might mean for season 3. We trace our main characters' arcs from "Friends, Romans, Countrymen" to "Storytelling." We also talk about the tricky work of portraying mental illness ethically and responsibility on screen. And of course we dig into all the fun stuff: needle drops, class superlatives, and, of course, the Jersey of it all. We've gotten so many great suggestions from our listeners for what we should cover in the off-season. We're going to take a couple of weeks to comb through them and see what we think will be the most fun for us to watch and chat about. As soon as we decide, we'll drop a quick little episode in the feed to let you know what's coming up. And obviously no matter what we decide, whenever we get that good bonus Cabin Daddy content (Jodie didn't gloat TOO hard in this episode), our very next episode will be covering that.Jodie's recommended reading: "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins GilmanThank you all so much for joining us for this first official season of The Watchers podcast. It has been such a joy to watch these wonderfully complicated, cannibalistic Jersey girls with youse. See you in a couple weeks!If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Jodie and Andrea are back and recapping the gripping Yellowjackets season 2 finale, "Storytelling." From 1996, where our survivors wrestle with the aftermath of their first official hunt, to 2021 where the gang learns that old habits die hard, we're breaking it all down. We know the fan reception to this one has been all over the map, so we also do our best to navigate through the maze of opinions and offer our own analysis of what the final moments of this episode might mean for season 3 of Yellowjackets.And while this season of Yellowjackets might be over (well, we're still holding out for that Cabin Daddy content), we've got plenty coming your way. We'll be back next week to wrap up season 2 more broadly and let you know what we've got planned for the podcast while we wait for season 3.If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️Follow:The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."