The Spin-off

Latest Episodes:

Re-boot Nation, the News Host Blues, Cable Domination Apr 07, 2015

Show notes

A slew of new re-boots is headed our way. How much of the original gang must be on board to make a re-boot a success? The Trevor Noah backlash was swift and fierce. Do we have unrealistic expectations for hosts of news shows, comedy or otherwise? The cable-broadcast divide continues to fall and cable continues its ratings takeover. Finally, our monthly downloads.

'Better Call Saul' Panel Discussion Apr 06, 2015

Show notes

In this bonus episode, we share a recent panel discussion with the cast and creators of Better Call Saul moderated by Michael Schneider. Note: This podcast contains explicit language.

Chatting with 'Fresh Off the Boat' Creator Nahnatchka Khan Apr 01, 2015

Show notes

Special guest Nahnatchka Khan joins Michael Schneider and Joe Adalian. The creator of the new ABC comedy Fresh Off the Boat talks about the process of adapting Eddie Huang's memoir for television, the increase on-screen diversity, and how to cope with learning your mid-season comedy will air on Tuesday nights.

HBO Now, Andy Lack's Back, Two Comedies, Two Strategies Mar 11, 2015

Show notes

HBO reveals some details, including the price, behind their new OTT service. Andy Lack returns to NBC News, but that doesn't mean Brian Williams will be coming back. A very sad goodbye to Simpson's co-creator Sam Simon. And we take a look at two new, quirky comedies that were launched with very different strategies.

Rick Ludwin Shares Years of Late-Night Insight Feb 20, 2015

Show notes

Special guest Rick Ludwin stops by to talk thoughts on the future of late night and lessons learned from more than 30 years in the TV industry. Ludwin ran Nate Night and Special Programming at NBC from 1980 until 2012.

Brian Williams, 'Empire' Soars, What Makes a Good Spin-off? Feb 11, 2015

Show notes

Brian Williams and his hazy memory have taken over Twitter, but is the debacle really the biggest problem in network news right now? Plus, projects like Empire and Fresh Off the Boat prove shows with strong stories and diverse casts can indeed be profitable. And will Better Call Saul stand on its own, or is it just TV methadone for Breaking Bad withdrawals?

Diversity and Digital at 2015 TCA's; The Future of Fox Jan 16, 2015

Show notes

We gather at the Langham Huntington Hotel in Pasadena, site of the Winter 2015 TCA gathering, to talk the latest news coming out of this semi-annual conference of TV reporters, critics and network execs. Plus, a Golden Globes recap and looking at what new leadership might mean for Fox.

Cosby, the Fate of TV News, How TV Tackles Social Issues Dec 16, 2014

Show notes

For the last Spin-off episode of 2014 we talk about what Cosby's downfall means for the way network executives interact with their stars. Changes at major news shows has us wondering about the larger role of TV news today and why shows don't take on social issues they way they used to. Plus, our panelists share the story or show top of mind this month in the Download.

TV Turkeys, OTT Options Expand, Exercising Patience Nov 19, 2014

Show notes

It’s almost Thanksgiving, so we’ll take a moment to reflect on some of TV’s biggest turkeys this year -- shows that bombed or failed to live up to expectations. And Sony jumps on the web TV bandwagon with Playstation Vue, but are viewers really rushing to drop their cable subscriptions? Finally, how long is too long when waiting for a show to find an audience?

Delayed Viewing, Adaptations Galore, Cable and Online Buzz Oct 08, 2014

Show notes

With the continued shift in viewing habits, networks are really hoping you’ll ditch your DVR and catch up via VOD. Fox’s Gracepoint is the latest in a trend of adapting foreign series for a US market. And Twin Peaks returns. A continuation of David Lynch series is coming to Showtime. Plus, Amazon steps up their original content game with Transparent.

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