The Sam Sanders Show

Latest Episodes:

Was Justin Bieber’s Coachella Set Lazy… or Genius? Apr 21, 2026

Show notes

Justin Bieber headlined Coachella with a stripped down set that quickly divided the internet.

While other artists had intricate sets, Justin sang on a mostly empty stage with nothing but a laptop. If you thought his set was lazy, 'The New Yorker' critic Vinson Cunnighman says you’re missing the point.

Vinson joins Sam to talk about Bieberchella, what Justin was trying to convey about fame and loneliness, and asks how authentic do fans really want their pop stars to be?

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Why Do We Still Love the ‘90s? Apr 17, 2026

Show notes

We’re so excited to be featured this month by Apple Podcasts’ Society & Culture.

This episode, comedian and TikTok star Rob Anderson brings back the '90s!

From 'Boy Meets World’ to 'Baywatch', Rob unpacks the most absurd pop culture from the era. He even breaks down an exceptionally unhinged episode of 'Touched By An Angel’ featuring civil rights icon Rosa Parks. Through jokes, songs and recaps, he breaks down why the ‘90s are the perfect moment to look back on. He also explains our enduring need for nostalgia.

Rob is currently touring his solo show, ‘Are You Afraid Of The '90s?’

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Is Kanye Forgiven? Apr 14, 2026

Show notes

After years of antisemitic comments, failed business deals and a failed Presidential run, Ye is making a comeback.

The artist, formerly known as Kanye West, recently apologized for his past behavior and released a new album. It’s his usual routine for new music releases. But this round was followed by two massive sold-out shows in Los Angeles. A myriad of fans and famous people were there to support.

So, what does this comeback say about the state of celebrity and society? Sam breaks it all down with Bloomberg’s Lucas Shaw.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Aparna Nancherla: Should We All Ditch the Internet? Apr 10, 2026

Show notes

Aparna Nancherla is probably the funniest introvert doing comedy. Although Sam is a total extrovert, he’s admired her work for years.

She tells Sam how she got comfortable on stage and why stand-up is the perfect activity to combat shyness. They also break down the excessive demands of modern life, the internet surveillance state, and why we all need to log off and touch grass. Plus, she shares a 'vicious’ pop culture hot take.

Aparna's latest special ‘Hopeful Potato’ is out now.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Want to Cancel ‘The Drama’? You’re Missing the Point Apr 07, 2026

Show notes

Note: This episode contains spoilers!

A24’s ‘The Drama’ has pissed off many moviegoers.

The film, directed by Kristoffer Borgli, follows a newly engaged couple played by Zendaya and Robert Pattinson. The trailer gives rom-com vibes, until a shocking confession threatens to end their relationship.

This movie (and the discourse around it) raises a lot of tricky questions: What does a movie studio owe to the public? How provocative should a mainstream film ever be? What kind of movie star is Zendaya? Sam dives into all of this with Amy Nicholson, film critic at the ‘Los Angeles Times’ and co-host of the ‘Unspooled’ podcast.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

What Are The Best Rom-Coms Ever? Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

We’re breaking down one of the most important film genres ever on the show today…The classic Romantic Comedy! Because rom-coms always make us feel better, even the ones that haven’t aged well.

Sam is joined by two lovebugs to create a (not quite) definitive list of the greatest rom-coms of all time. Liz Plank, author and host of the ‘Boy Problems’ podcast, and Ryan Mitchell, entertainment journalist and co-host of the ‘High Key’ podcast.

Together, they unpack the most rewarding life lessons from the best rom-coms in Hollywood history.

Can Robyn Teach Us To Love Again (and again and again)? w/ Jia Tolentino Mar 31, 2026

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Swedish pop star Robyn has just released a new album, after almost eight years since her last one. ‘Sexistential’ mixes themes of motherhood and maturity with classic club beats.

Sam breaks it all down with Jia Tolentino, staff writer at ‘The New Yorker,’ who recently profiled Robyn for the magazine. She explains what the new songs say about heartbreak, sexuality and the uncertainty of our modern times. Plus, they dive into Robyn’s origin story and how she’s managed to stay relevant after three decades in the music business.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

How Did Wordle Become a Pop Culture Icon? Mar 27, 2026

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A great piece of pop culture often includes cheating scandals, obsessed fans and some serious competition. We’re not talking about 'The Real Housewives'… But the NYT Games app!

Everdeen Mason leads the Games Team at 'The New York Times.' She tells Sam about what goes into making Wordle, Connections, The Crossword and so much more. She also breaks down the challenge of keeping millions of players satisfied. Plus, Everdeen shares what she really thinks about cheating at Wordle.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Can Reality TV Survive This? Mar 24, 2026

Show notes

It’s been a bad week for ‘The Bachelorette’ franchise.

For the first time in the show’s history, ABC pulled the plug on its new season just days before it was set to air. The move came after a 2023 video surfaced of the show’s star — Taylor Frankie Paul of ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ fame — physically assaulting her then boyfriend.

Could this scandal mark the end of the already struggling franchise? And what does it say about the future of the reality genre? Sam talks it out with Vulture’s TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.

Chris Fleming: Is Comedy His Love Language? Mar 20, 2026

Show notes

Chris Fleming’s comedy is unlike anyone else working right now. His act is equal parts stand-up and interpretative dance. He's constantly moving, grooving and writhing all over the stage.

It’s all on full display in his new HBO special ‘Chris Fleming: Live at the Palace’. He spoke with Sam about embracing imperfection on stage, and how he uses movement to become a ‘spectacle.’ Chris also shares how his supportive family helped him find his purpose — creating joy through stand-up.

The Sam Sanders Show is a production of KCRW and Sam Sanders Productions.