Decoding TV

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss the third episode of The Sympathizer (Max) and the rest of season 1 of Fallout (Prime Video). Is 65 million viewers actually a lot when it comes to a streaming service? How embarrassed does the OG Emily Stone feel about taking Emma Stone’s SAG name? What other famous people just aren’t being clear about their real names and pronunciations? What do we think The Sympathizer is trying to say about being an American? And what did we think of the rest of season 1 of Fallout on Prime Video? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Homework for next week: Baby Reindeer The Sympathizer Shownotes: Fallout gets 65 million viewersTHR’s cover story about The CurseLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss the season 2 premiere of ‘The Jinx,’ the first two episodes of The Sympathizer (Max) and the season 1 finale of Shogun (Hulu/FX). How big of a deal is Fallout these days? Why do people keep trying to remake Oldboy? Is it worth watching The Jinx: Season 2 even if you haven’t seen The Jinx: Season 1? What did we make of the mishmash of tones in The Sympathizer? And does Shogun season 1 stick the landing in its finale? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Homework for next week: Fallout The Sympathizer Shownotes: Fallout renewed for season 2Oldboy TV seriesA list of callbacksShogun vs. Real LifeLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss the first three episodes of Fallout (Prime Video) and the ninth episode of Shogun (Hulu/FX). Are we excited about more Monarch: Legacy of Monsters? Will we ever see a Heroes reboot that people care about? What did we make of Bluey’s season finale, “The Sign”? Is Fallout the greatest videogame adaptation ever made? And what did we think of Mariko’s fateful decisions on this week’s episode of Shogun? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Homework for next week: Shogun The Sympathizer The JinxShownotes: More seasons/spin-offs for MonarchTim Kring wants to reboot HeroesThe SignBBC: Producer confirms series returnLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode preview, David and Patrick discuss the final episodes of season 1 of 3 Body Problem on Netflix. To hear the rest of the episode, become a paid subscriber at decodingtv.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss the eighth episode of Shogun (Hulu/FX). Why was Larry David’s Curb Your Enthusiasm a middle finger to TV watchers? Is it possible we will actually get more Westworld in the future? Why is it such a difficult time to be a TV writer right now? And why can’t people finish Ripley, anyway? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Homework for next week: Shogun Fallout 3 Body Problem Shownotes: Fallout Season 2 seems likelyWestworld is still alive?Why it’s a brutal time to be a TV writerWhy people can’t finish RipleyLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, David and @joyonapping continue their conversation about the royal family by discussing Netflix’s new film, Scoop, which chronicles the events surrounding Prince Andrew’s disastrous 2019 Newsnight interview. Is this film interesting to people who don’t care about the royal family? What did we think about who the film chose as its main characters? Does Rufus Sewell make for a convincing Prince Andrew? And what did we make of the film’s depiction of the interview itself? Listen to hear us discuss all this and more! Also: Should we cover A Very Royal Scandal, an upcoming 3-part Prime Video series that covers these same events? Let us know at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com Links: Follow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode preview, David and Patrick discuss the final episodes of season 1 of Constellation on Apple TV+. To hear the rest of the episode, become a paid subscriber at decodingtv.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss the seventh episode of Shogun (Hulu/FX). Is the true story behind Netflix’s 3 Body Problem more intricate than the show itself? What are the chances that 3 Body Problem will get a second season? Are we looking forward to Ryan Coogler’s take on The X-Files (if it even happens)? And what did we think of this week’s relatively quiet episode of Shogun? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Homework for next week: Shogun Constellation 3 Body Problem Shownotes: Chance Perdomo Dead at 273 Body Problem Murder ScandalLatest on 3 Body Problem RatingsChris Carter on the legacy of the X-FilesLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV, then discuss the first three episodes of 3 Body Problem (Netflix) and the sixth episode of Shogun (Hulu/FX). What do we think of a new John Wells/Noah Wyle hospital-themed team-up? Was it cool for Pete Davidson to leave Bupkis like that? Will we ever see another season of Euphoria? And is 3 Body Problem a worthy TV follow-up from the creators of Game of Thrones? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Homework for next week: Shogun Constellation Shownotes: 00:03:00 - Noah Wyle and John Wells reteam for The Pitt 00:12:15 - Euphoria Season 3 delayed indefinitely 00:20:25 - Pete Davidson abruptly leaves Bupkis 00:29:15 - 3 Body Problem 01:10:00 - Shogun Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As with all things in life: Better late than never! In this bonus episode, @joyonapping (AKA Joy) returns to the podcast to finish our conversation about the Netflix original series The Crown. You can listen to the first part of this conversation right here. What did we think of how the final six episodes of season 6 wrapped up the story for these characters? What did we make of the specific end point the show chose? Did the show do a good job of finishing the Diana storyline? And what about its depiction of Will and Kate’s courtship? Did the ending of this show predict the events that we’re currently experiencing? And finally: What do we make of all the news that’s happening about the Royals right now? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more! Also: We’re sorry this episode is late but sometimes life (and medical things) get in the way! We’ll hopefully be back in a few weeks to discuss Scoop on Netflix, the upcoming film about Prince Andrew’s Newsnight interview that’s releasing on April 5. Links: Follow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Jessie Earl run down what’s going on in the world of TV, then discuss the season premiere of Manhunt (Apple TV+) and continue their weekly discussion of Shogun (Hulu/FX). What do we think of Mr. Beast’s new game show? Is TV going to become more like YouTube or is YouTube going to become more like TV? Are we excited for the new Star Wars series The Acolyte? Why do people like waiting for movies to stream instead of seeing them in theaters these days? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more! Homework for next week: 3 Body Problem Shogun Shownotes: Two thirds of adults would rather wait to watch movies on streamingMr. Beast’s deal with Prime VideoThe Acolyte trailerManhuntShogunLinks: Subscribe to Jessie Gender on YouTubeLearn more about Jessie’s short film, IdentiteazeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV, then discuss the first two episodes of of The Gentlemen (Netflix) and the fourth episode of Shogun (Apple TV+). What do we think of the Oscars this year? Why would they show us the stars of upcoming films without telling us what the films are, exactly? Does The Gentleman on Netflix capture the magic of Guy Ritchie’s early British gangster pics? And what did we think of that scene in this week’s Shogun? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more! Homework for next week: Shogun Manhunt Shownotes: The 2024 OscarsMarvel fires Beau DeMayoLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV, then discuss the season premiere of The Regime (Max) and the next episode of Shogun (Apple TV+). What do we think of the prospect of more Rings of Power from the same showrunners? Would we buy a Sopranos ice cream booth for $82K? Is Kate Winslet enough to maintain our interest in The Regime? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more! Homework for next week: Shogun The Gentlemen Shownotes: Shogun is a hitBrother Sun CanceledNeuromancer Adaptation at AppleRings of Power Showrunners Sign New Deal with AmazonThe Sopranos Finale Booth Sells for $82KLinks: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen, Jessie Earl, and Patrick Klepek discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then discuss the season premieres of Shogun (Hulu/FX) and Constellation (Apple TV+). Are we excited about the new Game of Thrones spinoff? Is it really a good idea to try to bring Harry Potter back in TV form? Does Constellation have more to offer beyond a mystery box? Is Shogun really as good as everybody says it is? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more! Homework for next week: Shogun The Regime Shownotes: True Detective will return!A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: The Hedge Knight to launch in late 2025New Harry Potter series to debut in 2026WSJ: Uncancelling JK RowlingJessie Earl: JK Rowling's Anti-Transgender Stance And Hogwarts LegacyLinks: Subscribe to Jessie Gender on YouTubeLearn more about Jessie’s short film, IdentiteazeListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this Decoding TV bonus episode, Patrick Klepek and David Chen discuss the first season of Lulu Wang’s Expats on Prime Video, including: This show has some gorgeous cinematography and great acting, but left both of us feeling a bit cold. What was it about the show that made it inaccessible? Why was episode 5 such an amazing tour-de-force by comparison? How did we feel about the way the show wrapped up all the plots? And do we believe that Nicole Kidman would ever wear a JanSport backpack? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more! Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

NOTE: We’re planning to do a mailbag bonus episode soon! Let us know your questions and TV recommendations by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com. In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek discuss Jon Stewart's return to The Daily Show and the season finale of True Detective: Night Country. Is Jon Stewart still the voice we need right now? Did True Detective: Night Country stick the landing? Are people out of control for going after Alan Sepinwall for liking it? Is Nic Pizzolatto acting like a cringe-y asshole online (again)? Listen to hear us discuss all these topics and more! Shownotes: The Daily ShowThe discourse around True Detective: Night CountryHomework for next week: ConstellationShogun Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss the why/how the ads of the Super Bowl kinda stink these days, Warner/Fox/Disney’s new streaming venture, whether or not Mr. and Mrs. Smith on Prime Video is about anything (and whether or not it needs to be), and how we anticipate True Detective: Night Country wrapping up. Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com! Shownotes: Warner, Fox and Disney Launch Joint Sports Streaming VentureThe Ads of Super Bowl LVIIIHomework for next week: Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss Evan Rachel Wood’s comments about the end (or lack thereof) of Westworld, Netflix and Apple TV+’s upcoming show slate, and why Nic Pizzolatto should probably stay off Instagram for a few more weeks. Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com! Shownotes: Evan Rachel Wood on Westworld’s EndingApple TV+’s upcoming slateNetflix’s upcoming slateNic Pizzolatto and Issa Lopez’s comments on Night CountryHomework for next week: Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss Evan Rachel Wood’s comments about the end (or lack thereof) of Westworld, Netflix and Apple TV+’s upcoming show slate, and why Nic Pizzolatto should probably stay off Instagram for a few more weeks. Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com! Shownotes: Evan Rachel Wood on Westworld’s EndingApple TV+’s upcoming slateNetflix’s upcoming slateNic Pizzolatto and Issa Lopez’s comments on Night CountryHomework for next week: Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss Evan Rachel Wood’s comments about the end (or lack thereof) of Westworld, Netflix and Apple TV+’s upcoming show slate, and why Nic Pizzolatto should probably stay off Instagram for a few more weeks. Let us know what you think of all of the above by emailing us at decodingtv(AT)gmail(DOT)com! Shownotes: Evan Rachel Wood on Westworld’s EndingApple TV+’s upcoming slateNetflix’s upcoming slateNic Pizzolatto and Issa Lopez’s comments on Night CountryHomework for next week: Links: Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.