The Prestige TV Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Did ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ Stick the Landing? Feb 28, 2024

Show notes

Andy Greenwald is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss “Flip,” the series finale of ‘The Larry Sanders Show.’ They start by talking about why it’s one of HBO’s most underrated shows, why Garry Shandling was the perfect fit for the lead role, and how the ’90s comedy blurred the lines between fiction and reality (2:00). Along the way, they discuss the ways in which it was a tortured production behind the scenes and how it influenced the next wave of workplace sitcoms (25:25). Later, they break down the final season’s heightened stakes leading up to the finale (39:40). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (87:27).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Bill Simmons

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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‘Shogun’ Series Premiere Recap Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney reunite to break down the two-episode premiere of FX’s new series ‘Shogun.’ They open by unpacking the premise of the historical epic, its early adaptation choices, and its ties to the James Clavell novel of the same name. Next, they discuss the introduction of the show’s trio of main characters (John Blackthorne, Yoshii Toranaga, and Toda Mariko), their respective positions in the story so far, and the ensuing power struggle among the Council of Regents. Later, they close by highlighting their favorite production aspects, including the intricate set design and the immaculate costuming.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Did ‘The Leftovers’ Stick the Landing? Feb 21, 2024

Show notes

Andy Greenwald is joined by Mina Kimes to discuss “The Book of Nora,” the series finale of ‘The Leftovers.’ They explain what attracted them to the HBO drama in the first place and their subsequent desire to convince others to watch it (2:32). Next, they unpack the central theme of the series, how it’s deftly revealed over the course of just 28 episodes, and the show's unique ability to reinvent itself for the better season after season (23:07). Later, they talk about the final episode’s tone, which was dramatically different from the rest of the show; Justin Theroux's and Carrie Coon’s Hall of Fame performances; and why in the end ‘The Leftovers’ is a story about love (40:36). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (79:40).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Mina Kimes

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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‘True Detective: Night Country’ Season Finale Deep Dive. Plus, Shōgun Preview. Feb 20, 2024

Show notes

Jo and Rob return to break down the season finale of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss their thoughts on both the final episode and the season as a whole, why Pete’s story feels unfinished, and how the big reveals land. Along the way, they talk through some of the show’s lingering questions and debate the various meanings (or lack thereof) behind the season’s recurring iconography. Later, in anticipation of the two-episode series premiere of Shōgun, they take a brief look ahead at the upcoming FX historical drama including their first impressions, why they’re excited for its run, and what audiences can expect from the new series.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Did ‘Freaks and Geeks’ Stick the Landing? Feb 14, 2024

Show notes

Andy Greenwald is joined by Joanna Robinson to discuss “Discos and Dragons,” the series finale of ‘Freaks and Geeks.’ They open by talking about the show’s cultlike following, all of its famous alumni, and how NBC didn’t understand how to treat it (3:10). Next, they break down the reasons for its premature ending and why its short life span contributed to its prolonged impact (56:36). Later, they share their feelings on a potential ‘Freaks and Geeks’ reunion down the line (74:08). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (71:25).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Joanna Robinson

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith’ Review Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Charles and Jo give their thoughts on Donald Glover’s new spy comedy/drama on Prime Video, ‘Mr. & Mrs. Smith,’ a reformulation of the iconic 2005 movie starring Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie. They talk about Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s previous involvement in the show, Glover’s identity as an artist, and what they thought worked and didn’t work about the series.

Hosts: Charles Holmes and Joanna Robinson

Producer: Sasha Ashall

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‘True Detective: Night Country’ Episode 5 Deep Dive Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Jo and Rob return to break down the fifth episode of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss the whereabouts of Raymond Clark, potential connections to ‘The Odyssey,’ and whether or not Rose is a ghost. Next, they talk about the gut-wrenching turn of events between Pete and Hank and the ripple effect of the intense showdown. Later, they walk through how the vast conspiracy at the heart of the story unravels in the penultimate episode.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Did ‘Girls’ Stick the Landing? Feb 07, 2024

Show notes

Andy Greenwald is joined by Amanda Dobbins to discuss “Latching,” the series finale of ‘Girls.’ They start by providing context on the media environment at the time when the HBO comedy series premiered and how it was a bridge between the eras of network television and prestige cable TV (10:57). Along the way, they discuss what the show originally set out to do, the benefits (and drawbacks) of creator Lena Dunham’s unparalleled self-awareness, and how ‘Girls’ ended its six-season run with intent (27:03). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (77:14).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Amanda Dobbins

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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‘True Detective: Night Country’ Episode 4 Deep Dive Feb 06, 2024

Show notes

Jo and Rob return to break down the fourth episode of ‘True Detective: Night Country.’ They discuss a roundup of the show’s recurring themes, including its continued use of teal, deepening connection to Sedna the sea goddess, and significant expansion of supernatural horror compared to seasons past. Along the way, they talk about some of this season’s inconsistent storytelling and why the shortened six-episode season has been somewhat damaging to the overall narrative. Later, they theorize about the ambiguous role Rose Aguineau plays in Navarro’s life.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney

Producer: Kai Grady

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Did ‘The Office’ Stick the Landing? Jan 31, 2024

Show notes

Andy Greenwald is joined by Rembert Browne to discuss “Finale,” the series finale of ‘The Office.’ They open by describing their relationships with the beloved NBC sitcom and how impressive it is that ‘The Office’ has remained a centerpiece of popular culture so many years after it finished its run (3:58). Along the way, the two explain how the show “ended” multiple times throughout its nine seasons (21:12). Later, they talk about their complicated feelings regarding the final episode and how it tied up nicely in some ways and missed the mark in others (47:44). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (70:13).

Host: Andy Greenwald

Guest: Rembert Browne

Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady

Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano

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