The Gist Poker Face Goes To Interesting Places
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Jul 11, 2025 Tony Tost, the showrunner for Poker Face, delves into the art of blending genre storytelling with poetic depth. He discusses the compelling mysteries of the show, addressing why strong female characters are often put in violent situations. Tost also explores the struggle of modern Westerns in Hollywood, highlighting missed opportunities despite their inherent charm. The conversation cleverly connects storytelling dynamics, cultural representation, and the industry’s biases against rural narratives, all while teasing what's to come in his own projects.
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Durham Bulls & Baseball Episode
- Tony Tost attended grad school at Duke and lived near the Durham Bulls, famous from Bull Durham.
- He set a fictional minor league baseball town episode in North Carolina, drawing from local textures.
Setting Drives Story Development
- Poker Face episodes start with choosing a unique subculture or world to explore.
- Writers build characters and murder plots around these settings for compelling short stories.
Casting Driven by Connections
- John Mulaney joined Poker Face as an FBI agent after Natasha Lyonne's connection facilitated casting.
- Cynthia Erivo was cast for her intense acting chops to play quintuplets in a demanding role.