The Bitch Is Back with Charisma Carpenter
The Bitch Is Back with Charisma Carpenter is a rewatch podcast where the actress, known for playing Cordelia Chase on Buffy the Vampire Slayer, watches her own shows for the first time and shares the experience with fans. Powered by Patreon, it offers an unpredictable and personal journey through the series.
Episodes
My First Watch of Go Fish (S2E20) | This One Took Me Back
In this episode of The B*tch Is Back, I watch Go Fish, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 20, for the first time. The swim team is turning into fish creatures, the coach is hiding something, and watching this one brought back memories from set I hadn’t thought about in years. Plus why this episode is more relevant today than you might think.
Tell everyone you've ever met. The B*tch is Bac
Answering Your Most Asked Questions About The B*tch Is Back
In this episode of The B*tch Is Back I answer the questions I get asked most. Why I named the podcast The Bitch Is Back and what Cordelia's most iconic line has to do with it. Whether I have really never watched Buffy or Angel all the way through. And why watching this show with you felt like something I had to do for myself, for the fandom, and for everyone who felt conflicted loving a show with
My First Watch of I Only Have Eyes for You (S2E19) | I Didn't Sign Up for This
In this episode of The B*tch Is Back, I watched I Only Have Eyes for You, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 19, for the first time. This one hit different. A ghost reliving a murder. A love that couldn't be. And the cafeteria snake scene that I was absolutely not prepared for. I share what really happened on set that day and why this episode left me with more questions than answers. Inclu
Ranking Every BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Character (as someone who was on the show)
In this episode of The B*tch Is Back, I rank every Buffy the Vampire Slayer character from Seasons 1 and 2. I was in 147 episodes and never watched a single one until now. These are my honest rankings after watching for the first time and I have opinions, especially about my own character. Tell me your rankings in the comments, do you agree?
Tell everyone you've ever met. The B*tch is Back!
New V
My First Watch of Killed By Death (S2E18) | This episode That Still Haunts Me
In this episode of The Bitch Is Back, I watch Killed by Death, Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 18, for the first time. This is my least favorite episode of the season and I'll tell you exactly why. A demon that only sick children can see, an abandoned hospital that was genuinely creepy to film in, and Buffy making herself sicker to protect the kids she came to save. Plus I share what it
My First Watch of the Episode Fans Warned Me About | Passion (S2E17)
In this episode of The Bitch Is Back, I watch "Passion," Buffy the Vampire Slayer Season 2, Episode 17, for the first time. I knew Jenny Calendar dies in this one, but I didn't know how, and it left me stunned. I break down the olive branch scene between Jenny and Buffy, Joyce finding out about Buffy and Angel in the worst possible way and my thoughts as a mom on how she handled it, Giles going fu
My First LIVE First Watch: Buffy's Love Spell Disaster | Bewitched, Bothered & Bewildered (S2E16)
I threw out the playbook this week. No 20-page document, no teleprompter, no prep. For the first time ever, I'm watching an episode in real time with you, and of course it's Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered, the Valentine's Day love spell disaster. Season 2, Episode 16 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, written by Marti Noxon.
Xander gets rejected, goes full scorned warlock, and accidentally makes eve
My Con Birthday Recap and the Fans Who Made It Unforgettable
I turned another year older in Manchester, surrounded by my Buffy family and a sea of fans. So this week is a full show and tell the cards that made me cry a little (Meg and her mom Catherine, I'm looking at you), the homemade ones that got me the most, Swedish gummies I've already half-eaten, ruby jewelry, friendship bracelets, a random duck, and a Taylor Swift Showgirl CD. Plus why Patreon membe
Charisma Carpenter Watches Buffy "Phases" (S2E15) for the First Time
This week I'm first-watching Buffy Season 2, Episode 15, "Phases," the one where Oz finds out he's a werewolf, Larry finds out it's easier to just be honest, and everyone learns that hiding who you are is a full-time job. But you know where my head really went: that car scene. Xander drags Cordelia out to do things she can't tell her father about, then spends the whole time obsessing over Willow,
Charisma Carpenter Reacts to Her Own Red Carpet Photos
The team pulled up two decades of my old red carpet photos and made me sit here and look at every single one. Here's what I learned: I've had some genuinely great looks, that Italian silk blouse, my hair, and my makeup combined, and I'd wear it again tomorrow. Some things I'd style differently now, I'm owning my crimes against pantyhose, the shoe choices that should've been slingbacks. There's a
Charisma Carpenter Watches Buffy "Innocence" (S2E14) for the First Time
This is a heavy one. Buffy gives Angel everything and wakes up to a man who is no longer home, and I could not stop thinking about how fast she assumes it's her fault. Because that's what we do.
That cigarette smoke shot might be the most cinematic thing this show has ever pulled off. The morning after the scene had me yelling at my screen. Jenny Calendar finally admits she's been a double agent
Reacting To My Old BUFFY THE VAMPIRE SLAYER Interview
New segment: Rewind in Time. The team dug up old footage of me promoting Buffy back in the day, and now I have to sit here and comment on all of it. First up is a five-minute KTLA interview with Sam Rubin from the set of the Halloween episode. I get into: Meeting the cast back when nobody knew if this show was even going to be a thing, stalking Michelle Pfeiffer at the Emmy party, and, decades lat
Charisma Carpenter Watches Buffy "Surprise" (S2E13) for the First Time
Charisma breaks down the will they won't they tension of Buffy and Angel's first night together and refuses to look away from the age gap that flew under the radar in 1997 and reads as a red flag on fire in 2026. She dissects the fever dream cold open, the infamous towel scene and the door left ajar that wrecked her nerves, and the gut punch reveal that sweet Jenny Calendar is actually Jana of the
The Bitch is Back! : Buffyverse Deep Dives and discussions on YouTube
The Bitch is Back! is my first ever watch of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Angel, and this channel is now your one-stop shop for everything Buffyverse. I'm bringing the full interviews out from behind the paywall and onto YouTube, alongside new segments covering Buffy and Angel news, reboot and non-reboot talk, the new Angel comic, and the pop culture moments worth weighing in on. I'll be vlogging
Ira Madison III Reveals Why He's an Angel Season 4 Defender
The Bitch is Back, and the vault is still open. More of our favorite Patreon interviews are making their way to YouTube for the first time, and this one is a fan favorite.
Charisma Carpenter sits down with culture critic and TV writer Ira Madison III for a deep dive into Season 2, Episode 2, Some Assembly Required, Buffy's Frankenstein episode, and one of the most unexpectedly rich hours of the s
James Marsters Reveals Who Really Inspired Spike
The B*tch is Back, and we're still opening the vault. More of our favorite Patreon interviews are making their way to YouTube for the first time, and this one was the first to go viral.
Charisma Carpenter sits down with James Marsters, Spike himself, to revisit Season 1, Episode 3, School Hard, the episode that introduced one of the most beloved characters in the Buffyverse. James reveals that Sp
Reunited after 20 years! Interview with Eric Balfour
The Bitch is Back, and we're opening the vault. A few of our favorite interviews are leaving Patreon for YouTube for the first time, and this is the one we wanted to lead with.
Charisma Carpenter interviews Eric Balfour, who played Jesse McNally, Xander's best friend and the first Scooby to get turned, more than two decades after they last spoke. Eric gets into auditioning for Xander and landing
One year anniversary on the Hellmouth Charisma’s best of Hot Takes
In this week's episode of The Bitch is Back, Charisma Carpenter closes out the podcast's first season, a run that carried her through 24 episodes across Seasons 1 and the first half of Season 2, culminating in a Vacation Edition best-of special where she revisits the Pod’s sharpest hot takes. It's a first watch, so every reaction lands fresh: the dream sequence sucker punch that genuinely shocked
S2 Episode 12 "Bad Eggs"
The Bitch is Back, and this week Charisma Carpenter takes on Buffy Season 2, Episode 12 "Bad Eggs" a Marty Noxon sex-ed cautionary tale featuring two vampire cowboys, parasitic alien hatchlings, and a prehistoric mama demon nesting under Sunnydale High. Charisma unpacks the episode's patriarchal reading of motherhood and connects it directly to being branded the "maternal monster" herself years la
Bad Eggs, Good Takes. Interview with Iliza Shlesinger & Emily Higgins
Charisma interviews comedian Iliza Shlesinger and her right hand Emily Higgins, host and producer of Ask Iliza, pull up for "Bad Eggs," the Season 2 episode where the Scoobies babysit sentient parasites and Buffy fights a subterranean Mama Bezoar with baby fever. Emily is the Buffy expert (she came armed with DVDs). Iliza is the first-watch newcomer who immediately clocks Sarah Michelle Gellar's i
S2 Episode 10 "What's My Line (Part 2)"
In the conclusion of the "What is My Line" two-parter, Charisma Carpenter breaks down the arrival of Kendra, the strict new Vampire Slayer , and the relentless onslaught of the Order of Taraka assassins. While analyzing Buffy's desire for a normal teenage life and Spike and Drusilla's dark ritual , Charisma shares vivid behind-the-scenes memories of the fiery church showdown that took days to film
S2 Episode 11 "Ted"
The Bitch is Back, and this week, Charisma is taking on Episode 11, "Ted," features the late John Ritter as Joyce's too-perfect new boyfriend, and Charisma's first-watch reaction is everything: equal parts horrified, pissed off, and weirdly relevant to 2026. Charisma breaks down Ted's slow slide from charming to menacing, the moment he threatens to slap Buffy at mini golf, and Joyce's gut-wrenchin
S2 Episode 9 "What's My Line (Part 1)"
Buffy wasn't just training. She was escaping. And if you watched closely, you already knew something was wrong at home before she ever said a word. Charisma breaks down what this episode gets right about kids, chaos at home, and finding your way through it. Full episode on Patreon, link in bio.
Listen now!
Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter
TT: / www.tiktok.c
Giles betrays Buffy! Interview with Joanna Johnson
In this dynamic continuation of the "Dark Age" discussion, Charisma welcomes TikTok educator and author Joanna Johnson to unpack the rebellious "Ripper" phase of Rupert Giles and the heavy burdens of destiny. The two explore the episode’s themes through the lens of education and parenting, emphasizing the critical need for "rupture and repair" and why adults must show their flaws to the next gener
S2 Episode 8 "The Dark Age"
This week on the Hellmouth, Charisma Carpenter explores“The Dark Age" of Season 2, witnessing the shocking transformation of "Tweed Daddy" Giles into his rebellious, occult-dabbling alter ego, Ripper. While breaking down the episode’s intense confrontation with the Eyghon, demon and the trauma it leaves in its wake, Charisma reflects on the profound moment a "father figure" is revealed to be a fla
Slayers Season 2?! An interview with Christopher Golden
The Bitch is Back, and this week, Charisma is sitting down with a true architect of the Buffyverse! Prolific New York Times bestselling author and Buffy comic/novel writer Christopher Golden joins the podcast to talk about his incredible career, co-directing the Slayers Audible series, and his deep, decades-long friendship with Amber Benson. Charisma and Christopher trade behind-the-scenes stories
S2 Episode 7 "Lie to Me"
This week on the Hellmouth, Charisma tackles one of Buffy’s most emotionally devastating episodes, "Lie to Me," in a deeply personal first-watch reaction that unpacks the heavy themes of betrayal, codependency, and the painful realities of growing up. From Angel’s manipulative “Do you love me?” curveball to Ford trading innocent lives for immortality, Charisma gets incredibly candid about how the
Buffy Reunion: Interview with Seth Green
In this candid reunion on The Bitch is Back, Charisma Carpenter sits down with her former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star, Seth Green. The two dive deep into the realities of navigating Hollywood, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the Buffy set, Seth’s balancing act between series regular life on Buffy and his movie career and the contrasting pressures faced by men and women in the industry.
S2 Episode 6 "Halloween"
In this week's episode, Charisma Carpenter dives right into Season 2, Episode 6: "Halloween." Grab your candy (and maybe a stake) as Charisma breaks down the chaos of the Scooby Gang actually turning into their costumes, highlighting everything from Cordelia's legendary "Slayer of dating" zinger and that unforgettable skin-tight cat suit to Giles revealing his dark "Ripper" side. Along the way, sh
S2 Episode 5 "Reptile Boy"
Charisma is diving into Season 2, Episode 5: "Reptile Boy," where she watches this frat house nightmare for the very first time and has plenty of notes on Cordelia’s desperate "pick-me" vibes and that fake laugh. She also learns into the cringey reality of the Buffy/Angel age gap conversation.
Charisma then reunites with her old friend and Malibu Shores co-star, Greg Vaughan (Richard the frat lea
S2 Episode 4 "Inca Mummy Girl”
Listen up as Charisma UNWRAPS the vibes and a prime Cordelia spotlight - only for FIRM MEMBERS. This episode is sharp, territorial, and weirdly TIMELY, beneath the beloved BTVS sarcasm. While the Scoobies fight through ancient curses, Charisma calls out her top tier scenes and fav moments in true bitch fashion. Left out a scene you love? Sound off in the comments!
Full future episodes on Patreon
S2 Episode 3 “School Hard”
It’s a TBIB EXCLUSIVE : The Buffyverse is not ready! For the 1st time we have James “Spike” Marsters on the pod, delivering the most demanded fan conversation EVER. Listen (and watch) as Charisma & James have a truly honest, in-depth, heart to heart discussing all things BTVS …and yes reboot & revival thoughts are shared.
Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter
TT:
S2 Episode 2 “Some Assembly Required”
Charisma Carpenter & ultimate Buffy stan Ira Madison III leave no stake unturned, diving deep into the Buffyverse (Angel S4 & revival Cordelia discourse included) for the most no-topic-off-limits TBIB yet.
Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter
TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter
IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter
S2 Episode 1 "When She Was Bad"
FIRM MEMBERS beware: Sunnydale doesn’t do summer break — and neither does The Bitch Is Back.
Charisma kicks off her first-watch of the first episode of season two “When She Was Bad”, in true Cordelia form. Expect side-eye and freshly formed theories as she dives headfirst into post Prophecy Girl chaos, unpacking “big feelings”, bigger stakes! and the moment Buffy officially clocks back in as a Sla
S1 Episode 12 "Prophecy Girl"
Basking in the Thanksgiving glow stops now. Sit up & strap in for an over stuffed TBIB! Featuring Ryan B TV, the ultimate Buffy/Angel influencer (and professor of all things Cordelia Chase) dishing his take on not just ep 12, but the entire BUFFYverse. Listen & watch as these two dissect fan discourse, lore & get to the bottom of why “Cordelia is kind, not nice”. Charisma & Ryan do not hold back
S1 Episode 11 "Out of Mind, Out of Sight"
This episode is a cautionary tale about peer isolation and loneliness having dangerous consequences. Making the case that love, empathy and the inclusion of others is the answer to many of our societal problems today.
Listen now!
Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter
TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter
IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter
S1 Episode 10 "Nightmares"
Using literal manifestations of fears, this episode allows us to explore core themes of responsibility, trauma, and identity. By making personal fears a reality for each character, the episode forces the Scoobies and Giles to confront their inner demons providing more insight to deeper character motivations. We also welcome self described Buffy nerd, book author and songwriter, Amy Foster, for ano
S1 Episode 9 "The Puppet Show"
This week’s podcast episode covers one of my favorites from Season 1: Puppet Show. This podcast ep is 1.5 hours long - GULP. Why so long, you ask? Because Armin Shimerman, a.k.a. Principal Snyder, one of the most beloved recurring stars and Buffy villains, joins Charisma to talk shop. Spanning topics from Brian Cox, to winning the replacement role of the new principal from a dear friend, Shakespea
S1 Episode 8 "I, Robot... You, Jane"
We all know online dating is a literal nightmare. Evil exists today just as it did in 1997. Shockingly, this episode was written ONLY two years into the online dating phenomenon that has since taken over the world.
NGL this ep of Buffy, where a demon made false promises of love to an impressionable Willow, could have been written today.
It also led to serious consequences of self-doubt, feelin
S1 Episode 7 “Angel”
I’m truly affected by this week's episode called Angel. I am drawn into the palpable attraction between these star crossed lovers with complicated backstories that prove most challenging to overcome. Is their love an epic one of emotional, highs and lows, tragedies and disappointments? Distance and togetherness? Is their connection enough to last a lifetime?
Can an emotionally unavailable vampi
S1 Episode 6 "The Pack"
The Bitch is Back! podcast welcomes Joanna Johnson, an educational influencer on TikTok with over 4 million followers worldwide (mostly from the US and… Texas!). Joanna is also a dedicated teacher, administrator, and the author of the recent book, “That’s Not What This Book Is About.” This episode covers themes of forgiveness and redemption—universal concepts that affect everyone including myself
S1 Episode 5 "Never Kill a Boy on the First Date"
Demonstrates through compelling storytelling the imperfect balancing act Buffy faces between leading a normal teenage life inclusive of dating Owen while also attempting to honor her duty as the Slayer.
Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter
TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter
IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter
S1 Episode 4 "Teacher's Pet"
A new, big-bad bug in the form of a seductive new teacher comes to town, preying on feral, lusty Xander and bros.
The real Teacher’s Pet, Buffy, saves the day by dismemberment before the she-mantis can wrap her raptorial legs around the sacrificial virginal boys.
Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter
TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter
IG: / www.instagram
S1 Episode 3 "Witch"
This week’s episode, The Witch, explores themes of power and obsession with dangerous consequences. In this episode of TBIB, Charisma breaks it all down, highlighting how the show’s characters repeatedly demonstrate an intolerance for body diversity and exhibit the dark nature of strong competitive edges, the perils of peaking in high school, with a dash of voodoo magic. Welcome to 90s genre telev
S1 Episode 2 "The Harvest"
The Bitch is Back! Podcast episode 2 features a soulful interview with Eric Balfour, along with a deep dive into Charisma’s “Hot Takes on the Hellmouth.” In this episode, she shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming library scenes, as well as her reactions, thoughts, and observations about the show—particularly highlighting early red flags related to Xander. She also offers career insights,
S1 Episode 1 "Welcome to the Hellmouth"
Join Charisma Carpenter in the studio for the premiere episode of The Bitch is Back! — a first-watch podcast where she recaps each episode with her signature sass, dives into the show's title and why she chose it, and welcomes Julie Benz to dish about episode fashion, blood-soaked FX makeup, Darla’s true soulmate, and who she considers a really good kisser. One of them names names!
Your Buffy/Ang
Introducing "The Bitch Is Back: A First Watch with Charisma Carpenter"
The Bitch Is Back: A First Watch with Charisma Carpenter *Powered by Patreon* is a spin on the traditional rewatch. Known as the formidable queen bee of the Buffyverse, Cordelia Chase-played by Charisma Carpenter-has finally decided to watch her own shows – and she’s taking fans along for the unpredictable ride!
First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon:
www.patreon.com/Char
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