The Hollywood Outsider

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, 2026 has finally arrived at the greatest point of every cinephile's annual indulgence, the summer movie season!! This year theaters are trying to kick back into gear with blockbusters like The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Devil Wears Prada 2, Mortal Kombat II, The Sheep Detectives, Minions and Monsters, The Breadwinner, Jack Ryan: Ghost War, Masters of the Universe, Disclosure Day, and a whole lot more. But with so many films coming out at this time, how is any self-respecting fan supposed to know what to see when there are so many options available? We're here to help with our 2026 Summer Movie Preview! We discuss each month in detail and every major and many minor releases. May, June, July, and August all receive their fair due as we elaborate and debate on over 40 titles coming to theaters, as well as those independent and streaming gems to look for. Grab a pen and paper or your favorite app, because this is one episode you will want to take notes on. THIS is our 2026 Summer Movie Preview! *Editor's Note: Release dates and titles were based on the schedule as of the date of recording, and are subject to change Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this week's episode of The Hollywood Outsider, we dive into CinemaCon 2026, have a little fun with random TV, and discuss recent shows Big Mistakes, Testaments, Malcolm in the Middle revival and more! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 33:45)(33:46 – 1:16:46)(1:16:47 – 1:29:34)Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we shake things up with 10 Shots of Hollywood - ten topics or games revolving around our favorite subject of movies and TV! Book adaptations, do trailers even work anymore, Kill One Keep One, and a lot more on this very entertaining episode of The HO! Plus, recommendations this week include Darth Maul, The Madison, The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah Wilson, and more. Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 1:11:06)(1:11:07 – 1:23:09)The Truth and Tragedy of Moriah WilsonPatreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

The SXSW Film and TV Festival is one of the largest of its kind in the world. In a typical year, thousands of fans arrive in downtown Austin, TX to partake in a couple of weeks of great music, technology, and film. For this special episode of The Hollywood Outsider, we take you along for our annual deep dive into the heart of the 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival portion, and even further into the films themselves. Over the course of several days, the 2026 SXSW Film and TV Festival screened numerous features, TV premieres, many from first-time filmmakers (consisting of World Premieres, North American Premieres, and US Premieres), shorts, virtual reality exhibits, AI advancements, and other works. These films were selected from thousands of overall submissions, and – while we can't see them all – we have a nice sample to share with you of what came out of this stellar lineup of independent and popular films and television series. Over 25 films are on our docket this year, and we review them all (including Ready or Not 2, Family Movie, Phoenix Jones, Rock Springs, Obsession, Stormbound, Normal, They Will Kill You, Chili Finger, Ugly Cry, and more), as well as snippets from panels and a whole lot more! So sit back and relax. You're about to experience The 2026 SXSW Film & TV Festival from the comfort of your own home. Discussed on this episode of The Hollywood Outsider Movie and TV Podcast: Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook Group@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

For this special episode, Scott Clark from The Gaming Outsider podcast joins Aaron to breakdown Ryan Gosling's film adaptation of Andy Weir's bestselling novel, Project Hail Mary. The conversation begins spoiler-free before we dive head first into the connections to the book and deviations from the source material. Plus, why the world has fallen in love with Rocky. Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

For this special Oscars 2026 wrap-up, we discuss the events, speeches, and winners of the 98th Annual Academy Awards. Including Conan O'Brien's hosting performance, in-memoriam, one battle after another between Paul Thomas Anderson and Ryan Coogler, and more. All this and more are up for grabs as we recap this year's Oscars! The Academy Awards ("Oscars") are the most prestigious awards in filmmaking and showcase some of the greatest talent and work in motion pictures for that running year. The nominees and winners are selected by majority vote from members of the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Ballots are cast by members from within the industry and, in most categories, represent the corresponding branch (ex.: actors nominate actors).

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it is time for our own brand of March Madness! Everything is coming up brackets this time of year, so we decided to do our own HO March Madness and determine the Most Rewatchable Movie of the 2000s! This means the first decade, 2000-2009, and we take the Top 16 films as decided by HO HQ, and then break it down, bracket by bracket, until only one movie remains! It's a lot of fun, and please share with us your thoughts on the most rewatchable movie of the 2000s. That's not all! Also on this episode, we dive into another topic from a listener and Patreon supporter revolving around our own personal inspiration for our love of the creative arts (including movies, TV, and music). As well as our spoiler-free review of The Bride!, the Paramount / Warner Brothers merger is a go, and recommendations. We hope you enjoy this entertaining and packed episode of The Hollywood Outsider! Listen to our Inspired by a True Story episode on SCREAM! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 15:10)(15:11 – 1:02:13)(1:02:14 – 1:21:41)(1:21:42– 1:30:40)The Bride(1:30:41 – 1:48:01)Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, with Scream 7 hitting theaters (stick around for our review), we felt it was time to revisit the modern slasher movie rules and determine which ones are still absolutely necessary to have a fantastic time at the movies, and which ones are long overdue to be retired. Bad decisions, the car won't start, dropping the weapon, red herrings, and more are on the slab. It's time to decide for each one: do we keep it, or kill it? Then, we work together to create our own masterful slasher franchise! Also on this episode, Ryan Coogler's The X-Files is a go, billionaire tech mogul villains are popping up everywhere, and recommendations. Listen to our Inspired by a True Story episode on SCREAM! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 20:15)The X-Files(20:16 – 1:16:45)(1:16:46 – 1:33:23)Scream 7Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, TV reboots are all the rage! Again. Harry Potter, Scooby-Doo, Baywatch, The Rockford Files, Charlie's Angels, the list goes on and on. We debate this latest onslaught of reboots of classic TV shows, and whether they're ever good ideas. Also this week, two huge losses in entertainment with both Robert Duvall and Eric Dane passing away. Plus thoughts on Cross and Hijack Season 2, Ronda Rousey versus Gina Carano, and Hulu fans were in for a shock. Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 22:17)(22:18 – 52:39)Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it's time to debate if streaming truly is just modern cable, or if maybe Netflix and the rest are worse than cable ever was. Costs, availability, binge, residuals, it's all on the table as we decide if streaming duped us all! After this spirited debate, it's time to review Joe Keery's film, Cold Storage, plus Whatcha Been Watchin' with Bridgerton Season 4 and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 1:17:00)(1:17:01 – 1:30:03)Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it's that time of year: Valentine's Day. A time to reflect on love...BAD LOVE! Or missed opportunities for love! We are heading down memory lane to discuss those TV and movie couples who either should have ended up together but didn't, and shouldn't have ended up together but did. In other words, these are the mistakes. Then we discuss losing Catherine O'Hara, review Whistle, in theaters now, and discuss recommendations such as The Wrecking Crew on Prime and Roofman on Paramount+. Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 1:20:46)(1:20:47 – 1:37:04)Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we are kicking things off with a breakdown and discussion on Oscars 2026, that's right, the 98th Academy Awards nominations are here! From what should win to what seems to be the actual frontrunner in all of the major categories. Was One Battle After Another the best of the year? Did Sinners deserve a record 16 nominations? Should Timothée Chalamet finally receive his first Oscar? The 98th Annual Academy Awards will air Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 7 p.m. EDT (4 p.m. PDT) on ABC and Hulu. Visit TheHollywoodOutsider.com for a full list of nominees Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupJoin us on Discord@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we're breaking down everything that's getting us excited around TV with our 2026 TV Preview Extravaganza! We talk about 30 new shows coming to both streaming and networks this year plus 15 returning shows all with their respective release date and a brief synopsis. New shows such as Vanished, Steal, The Burbs, Strip Law, Marshalls, CIA, and more as well as returning gems like Scrubs, Shrinking, One Piece, Hijack, The Pitt, The Boys, The Bear and so many more. Last year was full of highlights, but 2026 is looking even more exciting. Enjoy our 2026 TV Preview Extravaganza! What 2026 TV shows are you most looking forward to? Discussed on this episode Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupJoin us on Discord@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we're breaking down everything that's getting us excited in film with our 2026 Movie Preview Extravaganza! We talk about all the big movies coming to theaters and streaming this year with their respective release date and a brief synopsis. Blockbusters such as Supergirl, Digger, Scream 7, Moana, Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu, Avengers: Doomsday, Dune: Part Three, Project Hail Mary, The Devil Wears Prada 2, The Odyssey, Toy Story 5, as well as plenty of smaller films like Ready or Not 2, Obsession, Send Help, and so many more. Last year was full of highlights, but 2026 is looking even more exciting. Enjoy our 2026 Movie Preview Extravaganza! What 2026 movie releases are you most looking forward to? Discussed on this episode 2026 Movie Preview Extravaganza!Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupJoin us on Discord@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

These are the only awards that really matter, the 2026 HO Awards! On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we are breaking down our 2026 awards for both film and television. If you haven't listened to our HO Awards for movies and TV before, we do ours a bit different, for example our "actor" category covers all genders, we do not separate it. For TV: network, cable, and streaming all count, it just has to have had at least 3 new episodes in 2025. For movies, theatrical, VOD, and streaming are all eligible. If you want to follow along, the categories are below, so let us know what your picks are on our social media channels. What will take our awards? Wake Up Dead Man, The Pitt, Stranger Things, Reacher, Pluribus, F1: The Movie, Thunderbolts, Bugonia, Adolescence, Severance, Weapons, Sinners, The Housemaid, or something else? Each of us will award our winners in each category, and at the end, we'll combine ours with listener picks to determine what was the HO TV series and Movie of the Year! Take a listen to the 2026 HO Awards for TV and Film! [divider style="solid" top="20" bottom="20"] Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 15:22)(15:23 – 59:43)(59:44 – 1:56:35)(1:56:36 - 2:11:08)Inspired By A True StoryPatreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook Group@BuyPopcornBe wary of potential mild spoilers for 2024 films and TV series TV Award Categories Justin Macumber Movie Award Categories Justin Macumber

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it is time to say goodbye to one of our favorite TV shows of this century with our Stranger Things Season 5 and Series Finale spoiler review and wrap-up! We venture through each and every character's arc, hitting highs and lows, debating Will's monologue and the reaction it caused, the choice to focus on Holly this season, the finale and repercussions, and so much more. Hawkins, Indiana will never be the same. So let's head into this special podcast and spend one last adventure with Mike, Will, Lucas, Dustin, Eleven, Max, Hopper, Joyce, Nancy, Jonathan, Steve, and the 46 other characters we met along the road. Goodbye, Stranger Things! Discussed on this episode Stranger Things Season 5Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsider

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, it is time for our final episode of the year, and therefore it is time to say goodbye to 2025! We dive into a few of the biggest stories of the year - while shying away from all of that low-hanging political fruit - as well as recent news on director Rob Reiner that has impacted us all. The Warner Brothers and Netflix OR Paramount merger, watercooler TV makes a resurgence, K-Pop Demon Hunters, and even the impact of AI. Then, we say cheers to the past 25 years in movie and TV by an entire section of our show dedicated to a few of the highlights and even - using AI - determining what truly is the best of the best when it comes to this quarter century. How accurate is it? Let's find out together. It's a packed episode, and we appreciate all of your support, so we hope you enjoy. We will see you on the other side of 2026! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 46:59)(47:00 – 1:20:06)Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupJoin us on Discord@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we are at the quarter mark of this century and it is time to reflect. This is an introspective look back at our favorite movies and TV shows between 2000 and 2025, aka the past 25 years, with both narrowing our focus down to our favorites within this time frame, as well as listener Top 10s. This episode covers a lot of ground, so enjoy this discussion on the best movies and TV shows of the 2000s! Discussed on this episode (0:00 – 1:14:30)(1:14:31 – 2:08:37)Click here for more info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise!Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupJoin us on Discord@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

On this episode of The Hollywood Outsider podcast, we are at the quarter mark of this century and it is time to reflect. Therefore we are continuing our series that we began earlier this years by discussing the best holiday or Christmas movies of the past 25 years. The important distinction here, is that these are the best movies that we watch at this time of year to get us in the holiday spirit, so they are not necessarily Christmas movies. Lord of the Rings, Harry Potter, Hateful Eight - they all are just as relevant as Elf or 8-Bit Christmas. So sit back, grab some mistletoe, and lets debate the best holiday movies of the 2000s! Click here for info on our 2026 Alaskan Cruise! Discussed on this episode Patreon.com/ TheHollywoodOutsiderFacebook GroupJoin us on Discord@BuyPopcornSubscribe on AppleSubscribe on SpotifySubscribe via RSS

Every year, we love to celebrate the holiday season with our listeners, and there is no better way to do that than with our 2025 Holiday Special! It all started 10 years ago with a random idea: we were big fans of holiday specials, yet podcasts seemed to skip over the idea completely. Therefore, we decided we can do whatever we want here at The Hollywood Outsider, so let's create our own tradition and the Annual Holiday Special was born! Every year we rekindle the past (and occasionally add a little something new), assembling some of the best moments from our hosts for the most fantastic holiday special ever! Debating what constitutes a Christmas movie and specials we love, what makes for a great Christmas movie, Christmas cliches, and even our Holiday Spirit Movie Battle Royale! That's not all, oh no. The Christmas spirit kicks into overdrive as we open up and share our personal memories of the holiday season, stories that remind us of Christmas. And no holiday special would be complete without a visit from the big man himself, so get ready for as much St. Nick as legally allowed as Santa Claus drops by the studio to tell us just how naughty or nice we are, all throughout the episode! With a special game from Amanda, Santa in his sleigh, John's obsession with puppets, Troy's intriguing selection of Holiday Spirit films, Scott's first Christmas Poem, Bad Santa, and a lot of fun for everyone – This is the one podcast you don't want to miss this holiday season!