Decoding Westworld

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of the season 2 premiere of The Rings of Power.Why is George R. R. Martin so intent on criticizing House of the Dragon? How do kids even think about movies these days? And does Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power change course from season 1? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Slow Horses season 4 (Apple TV+)Shownotes:05:30 - George R. R. Martin’s Blog Post about House of the Dragon37:39 - Winona Ryder doesn’t think younger folks watch enough movies49:30 - Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2Ep 1 - Elven Kings Under the SkyEp 2 - Where the Stars are StrangeEp 3 - The Eagle and the SceptreLinks:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast o

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of season 1 of The Gentlemen on Netflix.This week brought more details about The Acolyte cancellation and the promise of additional seasons of Ted Lasso. What do David and Patrick make of these developments? And are we excited for a Vision-focused TV series to finish the unofficial WandaVision trilogy? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 premiere (Netflix)Shownotes:02:30 - Inside the decision to cancel The Acolyte28:36 - Ted Lasso season 4 becomes realer41:00 - James Spader joins Vision TV series53:30 - The Gentlemen season 1Links:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David o

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of the first few episodes of Bad Monkey on Apple TV+.Are we going to watch any of the dozen plus shows from AMC+ that are now on Netflix? Do we think there’s any hope for Venu, the Fubo competitor? Are we still excited for the next season of True Detective? Which Secret Level are we looking forward to the most? And what do we make of the cancellation of The Acolyte? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Gentlemen Season 1 (Netflix)Shownotes:01:30 - A bunch of AMC+ shows just dropped on Netflix08:00 - Dark Matter renewed for season 211:30 - Judge blocks Venu sports bundle21:55 - The Acolyte is cancelled44:45 - Prime Video’s Secret Level gets trailer51:15 - Issa Lopez reacts to Nic Pizzolatto59:30 - Bad MonkeyEpisode 1 - The Floating-Human-Body-Parts

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of the final five episodes of Batman: Caped Crusader on Prime Video.What are some of the announcements at D23 that caught our eye? Are we excited for the newest Star Wars series, Skeleton Crew? Why should you never trust a short YouTube video from D23 to give you actual footage from the show? And should we expect to ever see more episodes of Ted Lasso? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Bad Monkey Eps 1-2 (Apple TV+)Shownotes:01:30- Paramount Television Studios shuts down09:00 - D23 NewsInside Out Spinoff SeriesDaredevil: Born Again reveals first footage with March premiereStar Wars: Skeleton Crew trailer23:45 - Gentleman renewed for season 2 and Traitors renewed for 2 more seasons26:08 - Jason Sudeikis has to make a decision about Ted Lasso 33:20 - Not getting invited to the Emmys39:30 - Batman: Caped Crusader Eps 6-10Episode 6 - Ni

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of the first five episodes of Batman: Caped Crusader on Prime Video.How did House of the Dragon do in the ratings this season? What is our first take on the footage from Welcome to Derry and The Last of Us Season 2? Are we excited for a new TV show in the world of John Wick? How about the second and third season of Squid Game? And should Baby Reindeer have been branded as a true story? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Batman: Caped Crusader Eps 6-10 (Prime Video)Shownotes:00:08:55 - House of the Dragon newsHOTD season finale viewershipHOTD will end with season 412:05 - HBO shows reveal early footage23:30 - John Wick Series28:40 - Squid game season 2 and 3 details37:40 - The real-life Martha in Baby Reindeer45:40 - Batman: Caped Crusa

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of Presumed Innocent season 1 on Apple TV+.What exactly was going on during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics? Should Warner be suing the NBA to get some of its games back onto TNT? Are we excited for a world full of Boys spinoffs from Amazon? And is Sausage Party actually a deep meditation on the nature of religion and atheism? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Batman: The Caped Crusader (Prime Video)Shownotes:00:08:55 - Our Olympics viewing experiences00:24:30 - Warner sues the NBA00:33:21 - Amazon’s The Boys spinoffsInvincible, Hazbin Hotel, Sausage Party: Foodtopia renewed00:47:45 - Presumed Innocent Season 101:16:00 - Comparing Presumed Innocent (1990) with Presumed Innocent (2024)Links:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow t

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek run down what’s going on in the world of TV and discuss what they thought of The Boys season 4.Is Euphoria season 3 actually going to happen?(!) Where can you expect to stream Homicide: Life on the Street? Why aren’t people watching Apple TV+ shows? And is the Apple TV+ gravy train for creators really over? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Presumed Innocent season 1 (Apple TV+)Shownotes:00:14:20 - Homicide: Life on the Street will stream on Peacock00:17:08 - Euphoria season 3 sets production dateBehind the tumultuous scenes at Euphoria00:22:30 - Apple tries to reign in spending00:29:00 - The Boys Season 401:20:15 - Acolyte feedback and Patrick’s reactionsLinks:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podc

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Myles McNutt discuss this year’s Emmy nominations. Then Dan Gvozden joins to discuss the season finale of The Acolyte.What were some things the Emmys got right? And what nominations made us raise an eyebrow or two? Did The Acolyte stick the landing? And are we excited for a possible season 2 of the show? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Boys Season 4 (Prime Video)Shownotes:00:01:30 - The 2024 Emmy Nominations00:29:00 - The AcolyteEpisode 8 - The AcolyteLinks:Subscribe to the Episodic Medium newsletterSubscribe to Dan Gvozden’s show The Amazing Spider-TalkSubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow 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, discuss the seventh episode of The Acolyte, and finish up their conversation about The Bear season 3.What are the implications of a Skydance/Paramount merger? Are we excited after seeing the new trailer for Agatha All Along? And should David Duchovny have been one of the main male leads in Full House? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Ep 8 (Disney+)Homework for upcoming weeks:The Boys season 4 (Prime Video)Presumed Innocent season 1 (Apple TV+)Shownotes:00:02:30 - Severance Season 2 announces release date00:06:30 - X-Men ‘97 season 3 gets a writer00:09:50 - Agatha All Along trailer00:18:30 - Skydance and Paramount merge00:29:30 - David Duchovny lost out on all 3 male leads for Full House00:35:30 - The AcolyteEpisode 7 - Choice01:07:30 - The Bear Season 3Links:Listen to P

In this episode of Decoding TV, David Chen and Patrick Klepek discuss the first three episodes of The Bear season 3. Then, Dan Gvozden joins us from The Amazing Spider-Talk podcast to discuss the latest episode of The Acolyte.Is The Bear a show that’s become too enamored of its own success and character dynamics to move forward? Does anything interesting happen on The Acolyte this week? Will Sol finally get to explain WTF happened on Brendok all those years ago? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Ep 7 (Disney+)Shownotes:00:01:00 - The BearEpisode 1 - TomorrowEpisode 2 - NextEpisode 3 - Doors00:47:20 - The AcolyteEpisode 6 - Teach/CorruptLinks:Check out Dan’s podcast, The Amazing Spider-TalkListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newslett

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 fifth episode of The Acolyte and the fourth episode of The Boys’ fourth season.Do we really care whether a show is branded as an HBO or Max original? (Unfortunately yes). Why is Presumed Innocent such an effective TV drama? And what’s going on with the audience reviews for The Acolyte? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Ep 6 (Disney+)The Bear season premiere (Hulu)Shownotes:00:01:30 - Presumed Innocent on Apple TV+00:10:28 - The Acolyte Is Getting Review Bombed00:22:45 - Max is rebranding some shows to HBO00:33:45 - Harry Potter gets a showrunner00:38:30 - The AcolyteEpisode 5 - Night01:08:00 - The BoysEpisode 4 - We’ll Keep The Red Flag Flying HereLinks:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to th

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 fourth episode of The Acolyte and the first three episodes of The Boys fourth season.Are fewer people watching House of the Dragon this year? Why did Jon Stewart leave Apple TV+ anyway? Are we excited about a film adaptation of Three-Body Problem? And has The Boys gotten too woke recently? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Ep 5 (Disney+)The Boys Season 4 Ep 4 (Prime Video)Shownotes:00:02:30 - The Curse ending behind-the-scenes00:05:15 - House of the Dragon ratings00:15:50 - Jon Stewart’s exit from Apple TV+00:24:17 - Zhang Yimou’s Three-Body Problem movie00:30:00 - The AcolyteEpisode 4 - Day01:00:05 - The BoysEpisode 1 - Department of Dirty TricksEpisode 2 - Life Among the SepticsEpisode 3 - We’ll Keep the Red Flag Flying HereLinks:Listen to Patrick’s videogame

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 Acolyte.Why does everyone keep suing Netflix? How has Jon Stewart’s return to late night gone so far? Are we excited about The Boys season 5 being its last? And is there going to be a Euphoria season 3 after all? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Ep 4 (Disney+)The Boys Season 4 premiere Eps 1-3 (Prime Video)Shownotes:00:07:00 - Man on Fire and Starfleet Academy casting news00:16:00 - Jon Stewart will host live shows after debates00:19:20 - Fi0na Harv3y is suing Netflix00:31:40 - Casey Bloys teases upcoming WB slate00:39:30 - The Boys season 5 will be its last00:51:55 - The AcolyteEpisode 3 - DestinyDave’s Nitpick CornerLinks:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on Insta

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 premiere of The Acolyte.What do we make of the new price increases to Max? How has culture war stuff influenced writing about Star Wars? Why is Netflix still being so weird about the renewal of 3 Body Problem? And are we excited for a new series based on Like a Dragon: Yakuza? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Ep 3 (Disney+)Bonus: The Boys Season 3 finaleShownotes:00:19:54 - Max Prices Going Up00:23:46 - Leslye Headland Hopes the Force Is With the Acolyte00:31:33 - 3 Body Problem Will Return for Seasons 2 and 300:37:15 - Like a Dragon: Yakuza Live Action Series00:45:44 - The AcolyteEpisode 1 - Lost/FoundEpisode 2 - Revenge/JusticeDave’s Nitpick CornerLinks:Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’

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 (series?) finale of The Sympathizer (Max).What do we think about Jeffrey Wright being cast in the same role in the TV version of The Last of Us season 2? What’s the difference between Marvel Television and Marvel Spotlight? And are we psyched for a Damon Lindelof show about Green Lantern? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Acolyte Eps 1-2 (Disney+)Shownotes:00:03:05 - Jeffrey Wright cast as Isaac in Last of Us Season 200:13:38 - Marvel’s rebranding of its TV Shows00:38:10 - Damon Lindelof is on board the Green Lantern TV show00:49:30 - The SympathizerEpisode 7 - Endings Are Hard, Aren’t They?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,

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 sixth episode of The Sympathizer (Max) and the first season of X-Men ‘97 (Disney+).Why should you definitely watch Scavengers Reign when it hits Netflix in late May? Like really? (Seriously). What do we make of Netflix’s weird announcement for more episodes of 3-Body Problem? And what is it that X-Men ‘97 gets so right about the Marvel universe and about the X-Men themselves? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Sympathizer Ep 7 (Max)Shownotes:00:01:30 - Comcast’s Streamsaver bundle is $15/month00:06:50 - Scavengers Reign is cancelled at Max but not on Netflix00:18:24 - Shogun seasons 2 and 3 are in development00:26:30 - More episodes of 3-Body Problem are happening under mysterious circumstances00:38:30 - The SympathizerEpisode 6 - The Oriental Mode of Destruction01

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 fifth episode of The Sympathizer (Max) and the final three episodes of Baby Reindeer (Netflix).How do we feel about Netflix’s latest efforts to get into live programming? Which streaming bundle are we looking forward to the most? Why can’t Paramount+ get any love? Is there still life left in The Office as a franchise? Are we excited about another season of Mr. and Mrs. Smith? And what about season 2 of Shogun for that matter? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Sympathizer Ep 6 (Max)X-Men ‘97 Season 1 (Disney+)Shownotes:00:01:30 - Netflix’s big moves into live TVNFL gets Christmas day football00:17:00 - Begun, the streaming bundle wars haveMax bundling with Disney+/HuluPeacock bundling with Netflix/Apple TV+00:26:00 - The Office Reboot00:33:30 - Mr and Mrs Smith Season 2 and The Boys season 500:36:15 - Shogun Season 2 is in development00:43:00

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 fourth episode of The Sympathizer (Max) and the first four episodes of Baby Reindeer (Netflix).How are studios navigating tricky situations when beloved cast members pass on? Does Cobra Kai really need to be split into three separate parts? What’s the best way to advertise to kids these days anyways? Is there such thing as an anti-war film in the world of The Sympathizer? And why is Baby Reindeer so damn good at unraveling its story? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Baby Reindeer Eps 5-7 (Netflix)The Sympathizer Ep 5 (Max)X-Men '97 Season 1 (Disney+)Bonus Ep: Sugar Season 1 (Apple TV+)Shownotes:00:06:00 - Gen V will not recast Chance Perdomo00:13:00 - Cobra Kai’s release schedule00:28:30 - The SympathizerEpisode 4 - Give Us Some Good Lines00:56:00 - Baby ReindeerEpisode 1 - The Gho

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 Eps 1-4 (Netflix)The Sympathizer Ep 4 (Max)Bonus Ep: Invincible Season 2 Part 2 (Prime Video)Shownotes:00:01:30 - Fallout gets 65 million viewers00:08:33 - THR’s cover story about The Curse00:26:45 - The SympathizerEpisode 3 - Love It Or Leave It51:15 - Fallou

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 Season 1 (Prime Video)The Sympathizer Ep 3 (Max)Shownotes:00:01:30 - Fallout renewed for season 200:07:33 - Oldboy TV series00:12:50 - There was more Bluey after all00:18:00 - The Jinx: Season 2Episode 2 - Why Are You Still Here?00:41:30 - The SympathizerEpisode 1 - Death WishEpisode 2 - Good Little Asian1:03:30 -