Decoding TV

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 95 - 'The Pitt' S2E02 Tests How Okay You Are With Needles Jan 16, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episodes of The Pitt and Fallout.

Are Tony Dokoupil’s CBS News ratings disastrous or merely bad? What’s the latest with Netflix’s attempted takeover of American culture? And what our big takeaways from George R. R. Martin’s recent interview with The Hollywood Reporter? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.

Homework for next week:

The Pitt Season 2 Episode 3 (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 6 (Prime Video)

Shownotes:

03:45 - TV News
Tony Dokoupil’s ratings are bad
Netflix switches to all-cash bid amid trump accusations of Cultural Takeover (and Ted’s response)
First Look: Sophie Turner as Lara Croft and Ryan Hurst cast as Kratos
Euphoria Season 3 Trailer and Release Date (April 12)
Prime Video’s new Fallout shelter reality series
Mr. and Mrs. Smith Season 2 is back on track
George RR Martin’s interview with THR
1:00:33 - The Pitt Season 2
Episode 2 - 8:00 A.M.
1:34:45 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 5 - The Wrangler

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Ep: Why 'Heated Rivalry' Is Such a Big Deal (feat. Valentina Vee) Jan 15, 2026

Show notes

In this Decoding TV bonus episode, David is joined by filmmaker and cinematographer Valentina Vee to discuss the first season of Heated Rivalry on HBO Max.

Why has this show become a phenomenon? Why are women “feral” for the show? And why is it significant to the LGBTQ+ community in Russia and around the world? Listen to hear us discuss these questions and more.

Check out some of Valentina’s videos on Tiktok and Instagram.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 94 - 'The Pitt' Season 2 Has So Much Confidence (feat. Sarah Marrs) Jan 09, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the season 2 premiere of The Pitt and season 2 episode 4 of Fallout.

Was there a secret final episode of Stranger Things all along? How’s the new CBS Evening News broadcast going these days? And who do we think will win the very first Legacy Award Emmy? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.

Homework for next week:

The Pitt Season 2 Episode 2 (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 5 (Prime Video)

Shownotes:

03:04 - TV News
‘Stranger Things 5’ Becomes Netflix’s No. 9 Most Popular English-Language Series of All Time With 105.7 Million Views So Far
The Pitt renewed for Season 3
‘The Lowdown’ Renewed for Season 2 at FX and Hulu
Emmys announce Legacy Award
Tony Dokoupil’s ‘CBS Evening News’ Debut Included a Big Flub, but You Won’t See It on Streaming — Here’s Why
29:38 - Stranger Things season 5 finale discussion
Conformity Gate
46:15 The Pitt Season 2
Episode 1 - 7:00 A.M.
1:53:40 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 4 - The Demon in the Snow

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 93 - Unpacking Your Theories and Reactions to Pluribus Season 1 (Plus: 'Fallout' Feels Like It's Spinning Its Wheels So Far) Jan 02, 2026

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss your reactions to season 1 of Pluribus. Then, it’s time to catch up with Fallout Season 2.

What would we ask the Hive if we had the chance? What are our predictions for season 2 of Pluribus? And how is Fallout handling major lore like the Brotherhood of Steel? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.

Homework for next week:

The Pitt Season 2 premiere (HBO Max)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 4 (Prime Video)

Shownotes:

15:45 - Pluribus
Unpacking your theories and reactions to season 1
1:13:23 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 3 - The Profligate

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Ep: Did the 'Pluribus' Season Finale Stick the Landing? Dec 24, 2025

Show notes

In this bonus episode of Decoding TV, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the Pluribus season 1 finale. Was this a satisfying conclusion to this season of television? What are the biggest payoffs from the episode? And what are we looking forward to in season 2?

We’ll be back next week with more thoughta on Fallout season 2, plus your reactions/theories/comments on the Pluribus finale!

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 92 - It's Fun to Be Back in the World of 'Fallout' (S2 Premiere) Again. PLUS: Pluribus S1E08 Puts Characters on a Collision Course Dec 19, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the eighth episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus and the season 2 premiere of Fallout.

The Oscars are moving to YouTube! What does this mean, exactly? Why did our respect for David Zaslav go up this week? And Pluribus is the most-watched show on Apple TV, but please do not ask any follow up questions. Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more.

Homework for next week:

Pluribus Episode 9 (Apple TV)
Fallout Season 2 Episode 2 (Prime Video)

Shownotes:

03:04 - TV News
Oscars Bolts from ABC to YouTube Starting in 2029
Warner Bros. Discovery Rejects Paramount $30/Share Offer
Pluribus is most watched show on Apple TV ever
30:40 - Pluribus
Episode 8 - Charm Offensive
1:17:23 - Fallout Season 2
Episode 1 - The Innovator

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 91 - 'Pluribus' S1E07 Might Be Its Most Effective Episode Yet Dec 12, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the seventh episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus.

What is our reaction to the big news that Netflix might acquire Warner Bros? Do we think Paramount can release 30 movies per year? Is David Ellison really just Kendall Roy? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.

Homework for next week:

Pluribus Episode 8 (Apple TV)
Fallout Season 2 Premiere (Prime Video)

Shownotes:

06:00 - TV News
Netflix to Acquire Warner Bros for $72 billion of equity value.
Hostile takeover bid from Paramount
Netflix says it will shorten theatrical windows
Paramount commits to 30 films per year
David Ellison’s embarrassing text
The Verge did a feature on the guy operating the vomit machine
Did a Pluribus ad trigger someone’s psychotic episode
54:00 - Pluribus
Episode 7 - The Gap

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 90 - What 'Pluribus' S1E06 Has In Common with 'Notting Hill' Dec 05, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the sixth episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus.

Are we going to try to see the Stranger Things finale in theaters? What does the HBO Max/Mad Men debacle say about the world of streaming entertainment? Will Apple TV ever be able to stop pulling shows from its lineup? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.

Homework for next week:

Pluribus Episode 7 (Apple TV)

Shownotes:

04:30 - TV News
Stranger Things 5 Scores Netflix’s Second Biggest Premiere Ever for a Series
‘Stranger Things’ Finale
HBO Max’s Mad Men 4K release is the opposite of a remaster
Todd Vaziri’s analysis
The Hunt pulled from Apple TV for plagiarism allegations
Far Cry series is a go at FX with Rob Mac and Noah Hawley
43:30 - Pluribus
Episode 6 - HDP

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bonus Ep: 'Pluribus' S1E05 Makes Us Wonder Where This Show Is Going Nov 26, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss the fifth episode of Pluribus on Apple TV, ‘Got Milk.’

We hope everyone has a happy Thanksgiving this week! This year, we are grateful for all your support and listenership.

Homework for next week:

Pluribus Episode 6 (Apple TV)

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ep. 89 - 'Pluribus' S1E04 Tests the Limits of What's Possible in This World Nov 21, 2025

Show notes

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the fourth episode of Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus.

Will HBO save Poker Face? Are we excited about a new season of The Chair Company? How many seasons will House of the Dragon end up getting? Who’s the least terrible option to buy Warner Bros? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.

Homework for next week:

Pluribus Episode 5 (Apple TV)

Shownotes:

0:00 - David’s viewing of The Beast in Me on Netflix
09:33 - TV News
Could HBO rescue Poker Face?
Tim Robinson’s ‘The Chair Company’ Renewed
I Love LA renewed for season 2
‘House Of The Dragon’ Renewed For Season 4 At HBO
DC Studios’ ‘Lanterns’ Pushed
‘Twisted Metal’ Renewed for Season 3
Warner Acquisition News
47:15 - Pluribus
Episode 4 - Please, Carol

Links:

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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