The Spin-off

The Spin-off says so long (for now!) May 31, 2017

We're wrapping up four fabulous years of podcasting, but not before one final episode. The Spin-off crew reflects on the upfronts, Cannes vs Netflix, and the future of television.

'The Walking Dead' panel discussion Mar 31, 2017

WEB BONUS: Just in time for the Season 7 finale, we bring you a conversation about The Walking Dead, recorded at the annual gathering of the National Association of Television Program Executives. Michael Schneider sat down with Josh Sapan, the president and CEO of AMC; Gale Anne Hurd, the executive producer of The Walking Dead and Fear the Walking Dead; and Colman Domingo, the actor who plays Victor Strand on Fear the Walking Dead.

Netflix domination, Emmys overload, and another writers' strike? Mar 30, 2017

People in the industry always joke about Netflix taking over. With Netflix adding more and more kinds of shows, plus movies, have those jokes officially turned to real fear? Plus, it's Emmy season! Oh wait, the Emmys aren't until September? With the amount of campaigning already going on, you wouldn't know it. And is another writers' strike looming on the horizon?

Stephen Colbert on a hot streak; pilot season by the numbers Feb 24, 2017

For the third week in a row, Stephen Colbert has bested Jimmy Fallon in the ratings. The current president is no doubt part of the reason. And, in this year's pilot season, overall series orders are down this year, but networks are still dealing with a mid-season logjam.

TV in the age of Trump and media trends of 2017 Jan 31, 2017

Long-time TV reporters are finding their beats now apply to politics as the new POTUS continues to be obsessed with ratings. And looking to the year ahead, will broadcast streaming services like CBS All Access be able to break through?

Sterling K. Brown & Brian Tyree Henry on their breakout year Jan 11, 2017

Actors and long-time friends Brian Tyree Henry and Sterling K. Brown tell us how they first met (there were drag queens involved!), their evolving careers and why 2016 was a year that stood out and changed both of their lives. They both played memorable parts on FX shows -- Brown portrayed prosecutor Chris Darden in The People vs. O.J. Simpson and Henry introduced us to rapper Alfred "Paper Boi" Miles on Atlanta.

The year in TV and debating the usefulness of TCA press tour Dec 21, 2016

In our final episode of 2016, The Spin-off crew reflects on the year that was in television, and discusses the decision of ABC, NBC and CBS to skip out on the executive panels in the upcoming Television Critics Association press tour. They also talk about the recent ratings dip of AMC mega hit The Walking Dead. Plus, a holiday-themed Download segment.

Drew Carey, Wayne Brady and the legacy of game shows Dec 07, 2016

In this bonus edition of The Spin-off, we share a panel discussion from the Paley Center, celebrating CBS' number one spot in daytime television for 30 years. This conversation was all about daytime game shows, specifically those CBS stalwarts The Price Is Right and Let's Make a Deal. Michael Schneider sat down with the show hosts and executive producers to talk about the special role of game shows within the world of television.

Election, escapism and 'Gilmore Girls' Nov 23, 2016

In the first episode since the election, The Spin-off crew contemplates the role TV news had in this year's presidential contest, and what TV might look like going forward. Plus, what's up with NFL ratings this year, and Dan's take on the newest Gilmore Girls revival on Netflix.

'The Walking Dead' returns, and another shakeup at MTV Oct 26, 2016

AMC's zombie drama The Walking Dead returned to huge ratings with its Season 7 premiere, but some fans are not crazy about the extreme violence that's now becoming commonplace in the show. And, after just a year on the job, Sean Atkins is out at MTV. Chris McCarthy will be taking over.

Married Showrunners Tara Butters & Marc Guggenheim Oct 12, 2016

Married couple Marc Guggenheim and Tara Butters have separately written, produced and overseen multiple TV shows. Guggenheim produces Arrow and DC's Legends of Tomorrow on The CW, and Butters was one of the showrunners of Marvel's Agent Carter on ABC. She was also the executive producer of the ABC show Resurrection and Reaper on The CW. They tell us how they met, talk about the experience of working for rival superhero companies, and admit how, in the end, it all comes down to time management.

Creativity abounds in fall TV & analyzing debate ratings Oct 05, 2016

The Spin-off crew evaluates new fall TV, which in spite of a few stinkers, shows much more overall creative promise than in years past. Then, a look at the ratings from the first presidential debate, which were indeed very high, but need to be put in context.

Sophomore slumps & niche streaming services Aug 31, 2016

The Spin-off crew sums up the summer. They talk about Olympics ratings, discuss why two hot cable shows are struggling in their second seasons and contemplate whether the myriad niche streaming services can ever offer them the TV line-up of their dreams.

Showrunners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg on 'The Americans' Aug 24, 2016

After years of being adored by critics but ignored by the TV Academy, the FX series The Americans is finally having its Emmy moment. Executive producers Joe Weisberg and Joel Fields tell us how their partnership is a match made in show-runner heaven, why they work so far in advance, and how collaboration is key to the success of the series.

Emotional Moments at Comic-Con and Always Be Marketing Jul 27, 2016

In the brief window between Comic-Con and TCA press tour this year, this Spin-Off crew gathers to talk about the most interesting moments at this year's Comic-Con and why marketing for cable shows has turned into a year-round event.

Steve Mosko on His Sudden Departure from Sony Pictures Television Jul 01, 2016

“In life, if you're not 100 percent in on something, you need to take a deep breath and figure it out.” That’s what Steve Mosko told Michael Schneider during a conversation at the Paley Center, just two days after Mosko announced he would be leaving his job as chairman of Sony Pictures Television.

Drama Problems at HBO, Which New Shows Will Score Emmy Noms? Jun 29, 2016

There won’t be any more Vinyl on HBO, even though there had been an earlier announcement of a second season. With that show gone and Game of Thrones wrapping up its season, there’s a lot of pressure on the forthcoming ‘Westworld. Plus, we’re at the height of Emmy campaigning, but will all that noise actually help any new shows snag a nomination?

Writer-Producer Noah Hawley on 'Fargo' and 'Legion' Jun 15, 2016

How does Noah Hawley get so much writing done? He tells us he's discovered a “rift in the space-time continuum.” The novelist, screenwriter and TV writer-producer talks about his career arc and what he knows so far about the upcoming Legion and season three of Fargo, both on FX.

Jerrod Carmichael Brings Heart Back to the Multi-Cam Sitcom Jun 08, 2016

Jerrod Carmichael grew up loving multi-camera sitcoms, especially the ones on NBC. Now he’s created and stars in one of his own. Carmichael tells us why he opted to go the retro, multi-cam route to tell personal stories and tackle tough topics.

2016 Upfronts & the Economics of a TV Boom May 25, 2016

The Spin-off crew reports back from this year's network upfront presentations and Joe Adalian shares his biggest takeaways after spending four months investigating the current state of television. Plus, a shake-up at HBO.

Matt Walsh & Timothy Simons on 'Veep' and Pronouncing "Nevada" May 10, 2016

Matt Walsh and Timothy Simons play Mike McLintock and Jonah Ryan, respectively, on HBO's Veep. They tell us about the experience of starring in a show about a dysfunctional government in the middle of a crazy election year, and working in a new location with a new showrunner for Season 5.

Ben Winston, EP of 'The Late, Late Show with James Corden' Apr 18, 2016

Ben Winston never planned to pursue a career in American late night television, but when his good friend James Corden got the call and invited Winston along, he took the leap and moved across the ocean. He tells us how he first met Corden, how they've approached their first year of The Late, Late Show, and why he looks at YouTube numbers before the Nielsen ratings.

Showrunners Ilene Chaiken & Michelle Ashford Apr 04, 2016

Michelle Ashford, creator of Masters of Sex and Empire showrunner Ilene Chaiken sit down with Michael Schneider to talk about their process of becoming TV writers and executive producers, and why they don’t typically call themselves "showrunners."

New Shows Losing Viewers Faster & the Media and Trump Mar 17, 2016

Why are viewers flirting with new shows but failing to commit? Then, we talk about the media's role, or not, in Donald Trump's rise from reality star to presidential front-runner.

Fox's Dana Walden & Gary Newman Are 'Frenemies' with SVOD Mar 03, 2016

In this special edition of the Spin-Off, we bring you a conversation between Michael Schneider and Fox chiefs Dana Walden and Gary Newman, recorded as a part of Paley Dialogues LA, hosted by the Paley Media Council.

Shakeup at ABC and Family Comedies Dominate Pilot Season Feb 26, 2016

In a surprisingly-timed move, Paul Lee is out at ABC, and Channing Dungey is in. And in the midst of pilot season, all the major networks have family comedy fever.

Steve Harvey Talks Miss Universe, Family Feud and His Faith Feb 10, 2016

Comedian and Family Feud host Steve Harvey joins Michael Schneider on this special edition of The Spin-Off. The two recently sat down for a wide-ranging conversation at the annual conference of the National Association of Television Program Executives.

Cord Cobblers and What TV Can Learn from 'Making a Murderer' Jan 20, 2016

The Spin-off crew steps away from the 2016 Television Critics Association gathering to talk about prevailing themes at this year's TCA and look ahead to what the TV landscape may look like in the coming months.

The Year That Was Peak TV, Tackling Tough Social Issues Dec 23, 2015

In our final " of 2015, we look back on the year that was in television. Have we reached the peak of "Peak TV?"

Showrunner Melissa Rosenberg on Justice in 'Jessica Jones' Dec 17, 2015

Jessica Jones showrunner Melissa Rosenberg is no stranger to big projects with passionate fan bases. But she tells us the response to Netflix's Jessica Jones has been "beyond anything I hoped for." She shares the challenges and thrills of working within the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Evolution of Streaming and a Late-Night Check-In Nov 17, 2015

Long gone are the days when Netflix was the only streaming game in town. Now, networks are increasingly starting to offer their own streaming subscription services. As content continues to multiply, how will consumers respond? Plus, CBS announced they'll put Stephen Colbert in the coveted post-Super Bowl spot -- the first time for a talk show to ever go there.

Betsy Beers on Executive Producing in Shondaland Nov 04, 2015

Betsy Beers is Shonda Rhimes' producing partner and the executive producer of Grey's Anatomy, Scandal and How to Get Away with Murder. She tells us how she transitioned from acting, to movie development to producing for television and the myriad hats she wears within Shondaland.

*Note: This podcast contains explicit language.

TV Development Trends & Behind-the-Scenes Drama Oct 28, 2015

Another day, another reboot. The Spin-Off crew dives into this year's TV development trends, including the seemingly unstoppable pattern of bringing old shows or movies back from the dead. And, are behind-the-scenes struggles to blame for this year's disappointing fall broadcast season, or is it just another example of the system being broken?

Fall TV Fails to Excite, New Faces in Late Night Oct 01, 2015

Fall TV is officially up and running, and while people are still turning up for linear TV, the general sense of excitement around this year's new shows pales in comparison to last year. And all the new late night hosts are now in place, most recently Trevor Noah replacing Jon Stewart on The Daily Show.

Paul Scheer Tackles TV 'like Pioneer Life' Sep 16, 2015

As the final season of the FX show The League kicks off, actor/writer/comedian Paul Scheer stops by to talk about his many jobs and why he’s willing to take "a lower level of money to do a higher level of creative freedom."

Keegan-Michael Key on the End of 'Key & Peele,' What's Next Sep 09, 2015

Keegan-Michael Key is one half of the hit Comedy Central duo Key & Peele. This week, after five seasons and much acclaim, Key and Jordan Peele wrap up the series. Key reflects on what made the show work so well and tells us what's up next.

Preston Beckman: The Scheduler Unmasked Aug 26, 2015

TV scheduler Preston Beckman has years of experience at both NBC and Fox. As he prepares to retire, he reflects on his career, his most and least successful scheduling decisions and tells us why, in an age of VOD and DVR, scheduling still matters.

Summer 2015 TCA's: Streaming Media Boom & Networks as Brands Aug 13, 2015

The Spin-off crew steps away from the Beverly Hilton, the home of the summer TCA gathering, to report back on this year's press tour. The story of the season seems to be the explosion in content streaming media outlets. Other noteworthy presentations focused on the current TV glut and the potential that the bubble could burst, as well as the increasing importance of brand identity for networks.

Homeland's Alex Gansa on Bouncing Back, Hive Mind Criticism Jul 29, 2015

Alex Gansa and Homeland have had a hot and cold relationship with the Emmys. After being shut out last year, the show is back with several big nominations in 2015. The Showtime drama's co-creator and showrunner talks about how they approached Season 4 with a clean slate and what's in store for Season 5.

A Changing Comic-Con; Scrambling to Scrub Pariahs from TV Jul 15, 2015

The Spin-Off crew finds a few moments in between Comic-Con and the announcement of Emmy nominations to report back on this year's fan gathering in San Diego. As television festivals and gatherings proliferate around the nation, is the cost and hassle of Comic-Con still worth it? Plus, this summer has seen several instances of the real world and the TV world colliding -- think Cosby, Trump and the Confederate flag. We look at the differing network responses to each of these incidents.

'Portlandia,' 'Togetherness' and 'Last Man on Earth' Panel Jul 08, 2015

Showrunners and stars from three different shows from three different networks join Michael Schneider for a panel discussion about the creative forces that drive their programs. *This podcast contains explicit language,

For Wendi McLendon-Covey, a "Smother's" Work Is Never Done Jun 24, 2015

Wendi McLendon-Covey plays the funny, loving Beverly Goldberg on ABC's sitcom The Goldbergs, which is heading into its third season. She's followed her gut over the years, even when that meant disregarding advice from a manager. *This podcast contains explicit language.*

Producer Mark Burnett on Faith, Family and Facial Hair Jun 17, 2015

Mark Burnett on how faith has been a guiding force in television. The newly clean-shaven producer shares how he keeps Survivor feeling fresh, what he thinks of the Duggars and why he’s convinced The Voice will never go off the air.

Note: This podcast contains explicit language.

Emmy Campaign Overload; Have We Reached Peak Binge? Jun 03, 2015

Now that the upfronts are over, Emmy campaigns are kicking into high gear. Years ago, TV awards were not a big deal, but now, huge amounts of time and money go into a quest for Emmys. What's driving the change? Plus, the ability to binge-watch a show used to be a fun novelty. But now that we're drowning in new content, people are starting to speak out against the all-at-once style show release.

Chad Hodge and the Mysterious World of 'Wayward Pines' May 29, 2015

Wayward Pines executive producer Chad Hodge chats with Michael Schneider about what initially drew him to the series and why he decided to structure his show in an unconventional way.

Meet the People Who Decide When and If Shows Live or Die May 20, 2015

Scheduling executives Andy Kubitz at ABC and Kelly Kahl at CBS explain the ins and outs of network TV planning. Now that the upfronts are over and we know which shows are airing when, Kahl and Kubitz tell us what goes into that kind of decision making and why passion from fans simply isn't enough to keep a struggling show on the air.

Robert Kirkman and Steven Yeun on 'The Walking Dead' May 13, 2015

TV Guide's Michael Schneider moderates a Walking Dead panel at a recent gathering of the National Association of Broadcasters in Las Vegas. Steven Yeun, Robert Kirkman and AMC president Charlie Collier talk the number one show on all of television, as well as the upcoming companion series, Fear the Walking Dead.

Periscope, Pilot Season and a 2015 Upfronts Preview May 06, 2015

Before the Spin-off crew disappears into the abyss that is covering the 2015 TV upfronts, they gather to report on what they're likely to find in New York this year. Plus, is using Periscope at live events piracy or free marketing for the networks?

Julie Plec on Growing an Empire, Ardent Fans & Social Media Apr 29, 2015

Julie Plec, showrunner of The Vampire Diaries and The Originals, shares how she built her career, advice about getting into the industry and how she dealt with the departure of Nina Dobrev. This podcast contains explicit language.

TV Guide WonderCon Showrunners Panel Apr 22, 2015

In this bonus episode of The Spin-off, we share the recent TV Guide showrunners panel discussion from Wondercon. Spin-off host Michael Schneider moderates.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

Trends in Fall TV, The Battle for Thursday Nights Sep 11, 2014

Fall TV season on the broadcast networks is just around the corner. On this episode of The Spin-Off, we talk new shows premiering and old shows returning, take a look at which networks are shaking things up with their nightly lineups, and which ones are hoping for success with more of the same.

Hits And Misses, Reality Risks and ‘Big Bang’ Contracts Aug 13, 2014

This summer saw lots of new, original programming in both cable and broadcast networks. Not all of it was great, but much of it has been renewed. Some new reality projects are taking interesting risks, but are networks willing to give the shows the marketing boost they need? And after resolving contract disputes for the show's main stars, The Big Bang Theory will be back, though no one ever really doubted its return.

TCA Press Tour, Emmy Categories and New Leaders at Fox Jul 24, 2014

Another summer’s TCA press tour wraps up, and Emmy nominations are out with no major surprises, but are certain shows gaming the system by switching up categories? Fox Broadcasting announced a new leadership plan, and it’s something of a return to form.

Big Summer Shows, Chelsea Handler and Cable Makeovers Jun 25, 2014

Lots of big new shows launch this summer, and several cable channels get naming makeovers. Chelsea Handler will bring her late-night show, or some version of it, to Netflix, and AMC's Better Call Saul will be around for at least two seasons.

Diversity Is Up, Comedy Is Down; TV Stars on Film May 21, 2014

Hosted by TV journalists Michael Schneider and Joe Adalian, KCRW's The Spin-off is the podcast that takes you inside the television industry. Twice a month we feature in-depth conversations with people who are changing what and how we watch. You'll hear from showrunners, writers, actors, executives and other TV journalists tackling the latest news and evolutions in television.

Colbert to CBS; What's up with CNN and HLN?; Twitter and TV Apr 17, 2014

Can CBS get the Colbert bump? What has become of CNN and its sister network, HLN? Plus, the intersection of Twitter and TV.

The State of ABC; Is There Too Much Good TV?; Amazon Shows Mar 14, 2014

ABC loses a top exec and gains a (potential) new hit show, "Resurrection." Also, is there too much good TV? Can Amazon rival Netflix?

Changes in Late Night; The Olympics, NFL, and 'Bubble' Shows Feb 06, 2014

Do changes in late night matter? Live sports: The Olympics and NFL; ‘Bubble’ Shows

TCA's; Wherefore Pilot Season; Duck Dynasty Jan 15, 2014

What are the TCA's and do you care? Some TV networks are changing pilot season. What's the fallout from the "Duck Dynasty" drama?

'The Sound of Music Live;' TV Violence; Netflix Dec 11, 2013

'The Sound of Music Live' hits big. Also, TV violence and the top TV stories of 2013.

Netflix; DVR Ratings; Reality TV Nov 15, 2013

The Netflix deal with Marvel; the changing TV ecosystem and what's up with Reality TV?

The Comedy Crisis; The Walking Dead; Social TV Oct 18, 2013

Special TV Roundtable Edition Sep 19, 2013

The roundtable discusses the Fall TV Season, how we watch and the Emmys.

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