The Plot Against America Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Part Six: “A Different Kind of Country” Apr 21, 2020

Show notes

In the sixth episode, host Peter Sagal sits down with The Plot Against America creator and executive producer David Simon to discuss Part Six of the limited series. Sagal and Simon track the path to a post-Lindbergh America, diving into Bess’s heroism, a country in upheaval, and the show’s jarring final moments. They also discuss the blowout between Alvin and Herman, and how it felt to watch the set burn. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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Part Five: "America First" Apr 14, 2020

Show notes

In the fifth episode, host Peter Sagal sits down with The Plot Against America creator and executive producer David Simon to discuss Part Five of the limited series. As the drama intensifies, Sagal and Simon unpack the historical context for the chaos, including the phrase “America First.” They also discuss what it took to build an era-accurate newsreel theater, Sandy’s puberty-driven politics, and how Zoe Kazan shaped Bess’s heartbreaking ultimatum. The next episode of this podcast comes out after Part Six of the series. The Plot Against America airs Mondays at 9 PM on HBO. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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Part Four: "Gay Kocken Offen Yam" Apr 07, 2020

Show notes

In the fourth episode, host Peter Sagal sits down with The Plot Against America creator and executive producer David Simon to discuss Part Four of the limited series. Sagal and Simon get into how the Lindbergh era is changing the Levin family, from fights over Evelyn and Bengelsdorf’s complicity, to the slap heard ‘round Weequahic. They also take us deeper into the show’s production, and reveal the line that made Winona Ryder say yes to the role of Evelyn. The next episode of this podcast comes out after Part Five of the series. The Plot Against America airs Mondays at 9 PM on HBO. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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Part Three: “Freedom Can Be Lost” Mar 31, 2020

Show notes

In the third episode, host Peter Sagal sits down with The Plot Against America creator and executive producer David Simon to discuss Part Three of the limited series. Sagal and Simon unpack life under a Lindbergh Presidency, including Bengelsdorf’s “Just Folks” assimilation program, and the historical precedent of anti-Jewish discrimination in the US. They also delve into what it means to create a Jewish-American identity, and Anthony Boyle’s (Alvin) surprisingly good Jersey accent. The next episode of this podcast comes out after Part Four of the series. The Plot Against America airs Mondays at 9 PM on HBO. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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Part Two: "Koshering Lindbergh" Mar 24, 2020

Show notes

In the second episode, host Peter Sagal sits down with The Plot Against America creator and executive producer David Simon to discuss Part Two of the limited series. Sagal and Simon unpack the burgeoning relationship between Evelyn and Rabbi Bengelsdorf, and discuss the role the rabbi plays in “Koshering Lindbergh” for the nation. They also dig into the historical context for complicity, and the real American isolationism behind the show’s premise. The Plot Against America airs Mondays at 9 PM on HBO. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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Part One: “It Can Happen Here” Mar 17, 2020

Show notes

In the first episode, host Peter Sagal sits down with The Plot Against America creator and executive producer David Simon to discuss Part One of the limited series. Sagal and Simon dive into the origin of the series and getting author Philip Roth’s blessing. They also dig into the core of the characters, give some insight into historical fact versus fiction, and discuss the show’s broader themes. The next episode of this podcast comes out after Part Two of the series. The Plot Against America airs Mondays at 9 PM on HBO. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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Coming soon... Mar 02, 2020

Show notes

The Plot Against America podcast launches after the series premiere on March 16. Over six episodes, host Peter Sagal (of NPR’s “Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me”) and creator and executive producer David Simon take you behind the scenes of the adaptation. Join Sagal and Simon as they discuss the show’s source material, what it means to build an alternate history, and the story’s connection to the present day. The Plot Against America Podcast is produced by HBO in conjunction with Pineapple Street Studios.

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