Awards Circuit | Variety

“Welcome to Chippendales” star Kumail Nanjiani, Emmy-nominated for outstanding lead actor in a limited or anthology series, talks about the Hulu series, which tells the story of Chippendale’s founder Somen "Steve" Banerjee, and more. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we talk about artisans events, Taylor Swift and the Emmys comedy race.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

"Yellowjackets" executive producer Karyn Kusama, who also directed the series’ shocking Season 2 finale, talks about about where the series went this year, balancing the tone of the show even as it goes full cannibal and where she'd like to see it go next. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, we talk about episodic submissions for this year’s Emmy awards and much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

'Better Call Saul' stars Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn and Giancarlo Esposito, as well as exec producer Peter Gould, talk at an FYC panel in March about the legacy of their landmark series. But first, on the Awards Circuit Roundtable, Variety's Matt Donnelly joins us for an update into how the SAG-AFTRA strike has impacted publicists, talent agencies and more. And of course, we chat about the "Barbenheimer" weekend to remember.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pedro Pascal is this year’s Emmy overachiever, receiving three nominations, including one for 'The Last of Us' and another as guest host on 'Saturday Night Live.' We talk to him about those shows (and "The Mandalorian") plus how he knows his huge success also comes with the duty to be a bit of a mentor and role model to others, just as he once had. But first, on the Roundtable, Variety's Marc Malkin joins us for a deep dive into where things stand with the SAG-AFTRA strike, and how it has severely impacted events and so much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Variety's Michael Schneider, Clayton Davis, Emily Longeretta and Jazz Tangcay dissect this year's Emmy nominations — including big noms for "Succession" and HBO, as well as how all the major categories played out. From snubs and surprises to big wins and the usual befuddlement, the Roundtable tackles it all. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Michael Shannon talks about his recent TV work as George Jones in the Showtime limited series “George & Tammy,” as well as starring in and producing “Waco: The Aftermath” for Paramount+. He also discusses “The Flash,” in which he reprises his role as General Zod, and more. But first, on the Roundtable, as Emmy Phase 1 voting wraps, we give our predictions for the upcoming Emmy nominations.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Saturday Night Live” star Cecily Strong — who left the show in December after a stint as the show’s longest-running female star — and now-veteran cast member Ego Nwodim, who has stepped up as a marquee star this season, talk about their friendship, Strong’s decision to leave “SNL,” advice they received upon joining “SNL” and the character Nwodim is willing to do more of.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rob Lowe talks about the father/son dynamic with John Owen Lowe that led to Netflix's "Unstable," and what it's like to work together. Lowe also shares how he wasn't keen at first with the idea of his son joining the family business, and whether that has changed. He also gets into his world inside the Ryan Murphy universe via Fox's "9-1-1: Lone Star," and what else he'd like to do with Murphy. And then there's a surprising amount of talk about "The Grinder."   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Comedian, actor and podcaster Marc Maron talks about a wide range of issues, including his special — and how he addressed the loss of his partner, filmmaker Lynn Shelton. He also takes on comedians who hide behind being "anti-woke," shares his concerns over how Netflix has impacted comedy, gives his take on Record Store Day, talks about his guest role on Season 2 of "Reservation Dogs," and shares some of his upcoming projects. And much more!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tyler James Williams has experienced several different kinds of fandom since childhood, starting with films like "Unaccompanied Minors," and then his starring role in "Everybody Hates Chris," and even a stint on "The Walking Dead." But there's nothing that compares to the passionate audience of teachers who have gravitated toward his latest series, ABC's hit comedy "Abbott Elementary." On this episode, Williams talks about the show’s resonance, his experience as a child actor, where his character’s relationship with Quinta Brunson’s character might be heading and so much more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices