Decoding TV

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Matt Goldberg discuss what we think of the Alien franchise is at this point in popular culture. Then, we review and recap the first two episodes of Alien: Earth on FX/Hulu.What did we think of the bold new premise for the show? Does it look like they spent $250 million to bring this to life? (Yes). What did we make of the fact that the show splits its attention between two major plotlines? And what about all the information that’s revealed about the main characters in the first two episodes? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Be sure to check out Matt’s written review for Decoding TV.Homework for next week:Alien: Earth Episode 3 (FX/Hulu)Shownotes:01:30 - What we think of the state of the Alien franchise15:00 - Alien: EarthEpisode 1 - NeverlandEpisode 2 - Mr. OctoberLinks:Check out Matt’s newsletter, Commentary TrackSubscribe 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 bonus episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David Chen and Sarah Marrs discuss Untamed’s first season on Netflix. What did we think of how this show handled its central mystery? Were we captivated by any of the characters’ side plots? How did the show take advantage of its unique setting? And where do we think the second season of Untamed should be set? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next episode:Alien: Earth season premiere (Hulu)Links:Follow Sarah Marrs on BlueskyCheck out Sarah’s work on Lainey GossipSubscribe 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 the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the first few episodes of Twisted Metal Season 2 on Peacock.What did we think of South Park’s provocative season 27 premiere? How excited are we for the possibility of a Wolfenstein TV show? And what do we make of the details about Vince Gilligan’s Pluribus that have dropped so far? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Homework for next week:Untamed Season 1 (Netflix)Shownotes:10:00 - TV NewsSouth Park Premiere puts Donald Trump in bed with SatanWolfenstein TV series in developmentRick and Morty spin-off resident Curtis spin-off announced at Comic-ConApple sets fall release for PluribusWBD announces the new (very silly) names for their companies49:48 - Twisted Metal Season 2Episode 1 - PRSRPNTEpisode 2 - DOLF4C3Episode 3 - T3STDRVLinks: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 on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

n this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the first five episodes of Smoke on Apple TV+.Was the cancellation of the Late Show financially motivated or were political considerations involved? Are the price hikes at Peacock reasonable or out of control? And what do we think about how The Last of Us might wrap up? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Twisted Metal Season 2 Premiere (Peacock)Shownotes:04:30 - TV NewsThe Late Show with Stephen Colbert is cancelledPeacock’s Biggest Price Increase EverThe Last of US Season 3 will take place in 2027 and will probably be the end of the show45:30 - Smoke Episode 1 - PilotEpisode 2 - Your Happy Makes Me SadEpisode 3 - Weird MilkEpisode 4 - StrawberryEpisode 5 - Size MattersLinks: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 on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the fourth season of The Bear.What is behind the President’s hatred of Rosie O’Donnell? Is Squid Game: The Challenge as abominable as it sounds? What were the biggest streaming shows in the first half of 2025? And did The Bear season 4 improve upon what we saw in season 3? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Smoke Season 1 eps 1-5 (Apple TV+)Shownotes:01:30 - TV NewsDonald Trump tries to revoke Rosie O’Donnell’s citizenshipLarry David Returning to HBO With Obamas-Produced Sketch SeriesSquid Game: The Challenge renewedStreaming Ratings: ‘Bluey’ Reign Continues in First Half of 2025, ‘Squid Game’ Leads Originals‘Harry Potter’ First Look43:30 - The Bear Season 4Links: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 on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Myles McNutt, creator of the Episodic Medium newsletter and Emmy expert, joins to dissect the 2025 Emmy nominations. They delve into standout nominees like 'Severance' and 'The Bear,' while questioning the dearth of diversity, especially in the guest actor categories. The conversation highlights significant snubs, including notable performances from 'Andor' and the absence of 'Squid Game' season two. Myles and the host also explore how industry politics shape recognition and what these nominations say about the current state of television.

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the final season of Squid Game.How is Squid Game Season 3 performing on Netflix? What did we make of the fact that Neil Druckmann has left The Last of Us? What’s going on with the creators of South Park and Paramount/Skydance? And are we excited about another season of The Bear? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:The Bear Season 4 (Hulu)Shownotes:13:00 - TV News‘Squid Game 3’ Sets Netflix Record With Massive 60.1 Million Views in Three Days‘Last of Us’ Shocker: Neil Druckmann Exits HBO Series Ahead of Season 3‘South Park’ Creators Slam Paramount-Skydance Merger as a ‘S— Show’ and Say ‘It’s F—ing Up’ New Episodes: ‘We Hope Fans Get to See Them Somehow’Renewals:Order Up: ‘The Bear’ Renewed for Season 5 by FXSlow Horses already renewed for season 741:45 - Squid Game Season 3Links: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 on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode, Dan Gvozden joins the podcast to review and discuss the final three episodes of Ironheart on Disney+:Episode 4 - Bad MagicEpisode 5 - Karma’s a GlitchEpisode 6 - The Past is the PastHow did the show handle the arc of Riri Williams? What did we make of that big cameo at the end? And what do we think is coming next for the MCU? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Squid Game Season 3 (Netflix)Links:Check out Dan’s podcast, 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 the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the first three episodes of Ironheart on Disney+.Does the Showtime name still have any meaning in our current streaming environment? Did Andor season 2 get more viewers than season 1? And why did The Last of Us season 2 have fewer viewers? Listen to us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next week:Ironheart Eps 4-6 (Disney+)Shownotes:07:30 - TV NewsParamount+ with Showtime is now Paramount Premium‘Mindhunter’ May Return as Three Movies, Star Holt McCallany RevealsAndor concludes with number 1 overall ranking on NielsenThe Last of Us Ratings Declined During Season 2 but Why35:02 - Ironheart Eps 1-3Episode 1 - Take Me HomeEpisode 2 - Will the Real Natalie Please Stand Up?Episode 3 - We in Danger, GirlLinks: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 on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this bonus episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David Chen and Sarah Marrs discuss Dept. Q's first season on Netflix. What did we think of how this show handled its central mystery? Did any of the subplots work well for us? What about the red herrings? Was Matthew Goode, well, any good as the lead? How excited are we for the prospect of a second season of Dept. Q? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more!Homework for next episode: Ironheart season premiere (Disney+)Links:Follow Sarah Marrs on BlueskyCheck out Sarah’s work on Lainey GossipSubscribe 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.