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TV Is Good

Alan Sepinwall 5 Episodes Oct 12, 2026

TV critics Alan Sepinwall and Kathryn VanArendonk gather weekly to discuss what they love and dislike on television. They cover new releases, old favorites, TV curiosities, and trends in how people watch TV.

Episodes

How weird does the new CBS drama Cupertino get? Oct 12, 2026 1:08:05 With Alan out of action, Kathryn brings in The Hollywood Reporter's Daniel Fienberg to discuss a pair of future-focused legal dramas. First, Robert and Michelle King's latest legal drama Cupertino, featuring the return of Mike Colter, the grand arrival of Busy Phillips into the Kings universe, some typically delightful weirdo TV judges. Then they consider the long-forgotten science fiction

East of Eden gives us Cain, Abel, and Florence Pugh Oct 5, 2026 1:03:21 Alan and Kathryn return to discuss the highly anticipated East of Eden adaptation by Zoe Kazan starring Florence Pugh - but would you believe an even greater performance bowls them both over? Then the pair take a tour through the original Lonesome Dove miniseries and its many, many sequels.00:00 Introduction00:51 See Alan & Kathryn live01:41 Treehouse of Horror on Patreon02:50 Ninety seconds o

[Patreon Preview] The Simpsons: "Treehouse of Horror IV" Oct 5, 2026 11:30 Alan and Kathryn are discussing one of The Simpsons' classic Halloween anthologies this month on our special Patreon-exclusive episode. But first, some hot takes on the New York Times' latest list of superlatives.Hear the full episode on Patreon at https://patreon.com/tvisgoodpodSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biogra

What fall TV are we excited about? Sep 28, 2026 1:15:39 With the advent of fall TV upon us, Alan & Kathryn break from their format to run down several of the biggest shows on the horizon. Then, the pair are joined by journalist and author Lynette Rice to discuss her new book: "ER: The Oral History".Purchase Lynette's book at https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250399588/er/00:00 Introduction01:20 Housekeeping: Alan wrote a book! Live a

Is Reacher big enough to win our hearts? Sep 21, 2026 1:12:21 All characters great and small come under the microscope this week, as Alan & Kathryn reach first for Reacher (and the new Reacherverse spinoff Neagley) before hailing themselves a Taxi back to the 1970s.00:00 Introduction01:19 Housekeeping: See Alan & Kathryn live in New Jersey!2:19 The Emmys: great winners, garbage production11:01 October's Patreon episode revealed12:36 Renewal news: P-V

Slow Horses and Alias: What makes a great spy show? Sep 14, 2026 1:02:33 With the return of Apple TV's Slow Horses, Alan and Kathryn discuss the show's willingness to kill beloved characters off as well as the dichotomy of running-spies and strolling-spies. Then the pair navigate the many twists and turns of J.J. Abrams' own spy show, Alias.00:00 Introduction01:15 October's Patreon episode02:33 The Emmys, weekend one08:24 Fleabag's tenth anniversary10:00 Slow Horses37:

Colin From Accounts or Wishbone: Who's the goodest boy? Sep 7, 2026 54:42 This week, Alan and Kathryn's attention is briefly distracted by the return of Australian rom-com Colin from Accounts, causing them to unexpectedly veer into an impassioned discussion of the wonderful 90s PBS show Wishbone.00:00 Introduction01:11 The newest Patreon episode: Party Down01:48 The Simpsons - Kathryn's blind spot03:24 Colin From Accounts27:10 WishboneSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at W

[Patreon Preview] Party Down: "Sin Say Shun Awards Afterparty" Sep 7, 2026 10:03 For our special Labor Day Patreon-exclusive episode, Alan & Kathryn revisit Party Down, one of the most underrated sitcoms of the twenty-first century, in a discussion that is both long and interesting.Hear the full episode on Patreon at https://patreon.com/tvisgoodpodSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get t

Why do we love Adults so much? Aug 31, 2026 1:16:56 With the celebrated return of FX's Adults this week, Alan & Kathryn dedicate the episode to the sitcom's triumphant second season. Then, the pair sit down with Adults' creators Ben Kronengold and Rebecca Shaw for an in-depth discussion on the things they love about TV.00:00 Introduction01:26 Next month's Patreon episode02:30 The fall TV slate04:14 What's Alan plugging?05:30 Kathryn wants off o

Is Sterling Point the best YA soap since The OC? Aug 24, 2026 1:09:35 In this week's episode, Alan & Kathryn discuss the teen hit of the summer - Prime soap Sterling Point - including lauding the talents of Ella Rubin. Then, we look back at soap history to the early 2000s, through the lens of Josh Schwartz's opus The OC.00:00 Introduction1:07 Hayden Panettiere04:40 Kathryn's throat, and various teams05:30 Lanterns timeline watch09:15 Every Summer After ain't no

Does Lanterns want to be a comic book show? Aug 17, 2026 1:02:42 The latest instalment in the DC Universe arrives this week, and Alan & Kathryn are here to share their thoughts on HBO's Lanterns. Then, a throwback tribute to a legendary superhero one-hit wonder, The Middleman.00:00 Intro01:09 September Patreon Poll Results03:04 A Patreon Correction03:58 Kathryn's Voice: Why Does It Sound Like That?05:54 Alan's Audiobook11:35 Swiss Bones14:36 Alan's Watching

Why is Ted Lasso back, exactly? Aug 10, 2026 1:03:38 With the return of Apple TV's flagship comedy looming, Alan & Kathryn attempt to untangle the complicated road that brought Ted Lasso back for a fourth season. Then the pair compare sports comedies past and present with the Aaron Sorkin breakthrough Sports Night.00:00 Intro/Foreign TV Is Good11:00 Ted Lasso36:55 Sports NightSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at

Wait, the creator of New Girl made a cop show? Aug 3, 2026 1:03:10 Alan & Kathryn take a tour through Furious, the new Hulu crime drama from Elizabeth Meriwether. Then, they discuss the history of her hangout sitcom New Girl through the lens of its exceptional second season episode "Cooler".00:00 Intro/The Gilmore Girls Minute04:16 Furious35:01 New GirlSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling bi

[Patreon Preview] The Leftovers: "Axis Mundi" Aug 3, 2026 11:23 August's special Patreon-exclusive episode sees Alan and Kathryn break down the historic course correction of The Leftover's second season, beginning with its premiere episode "Axis Mundi". But first, an important celebrity sighting.See the full episode on Patreon at https://patreon.com/tvisgoodpodSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Ser

When spinoffs get too weird Jul 27, 2026 1:13:47 We've got spinoff fever this week, as Alan and Kathryn try to figure out the point of Stuart Fails to Save the Universe, the latest of the Big Bang Theory offshoots. Then, Kathryn celebrates the underwater clowns of The Brady Variety Hour while Alan tries to explain the potted history of Mrs Columbo. Lastly, the pair check in with the complete third season of The Vampire Lestat.00:00 Intro/Houseke

Does Lucky give us Anya Taylor joy? Jul 20, 2026 57:06 Alan & Kathryn discuss the thrills and limits of Lucky, Anya Taylor-Joy's newest star vehicle, before returning to her breakout role in Netflix's The Queen's Gambit.00:00 Intro01:00 Important Bluey Research07:35 August's Patreon Episode Revealed09:28 The Hawk13:27 Emmys Reactions16:51 Lucky36:23 The Queen's GambitSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePre

Are Little House on the Prairie and Deadwood the same show? Jul 13, 2026 1:03:11 This week's newest show is the Netflix remake of Little House of the Prairie, which Alan and Kathryn compare against the classic HBO drama Deadwood.00:00 Intro/Posterwatch05:41 Little House on the Prairie39:45 DeadwoodSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on

[Patreon Preview] The Americans: "START" Jul 6, 2026 7:02 Things are topsy-turvy at the office in this month's special Patreon-exclusive episode of TV Is Good, as Alan and Kathryn discuss one of the greatest series finales of all time: The Americans' "START".To hear the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon at Patreon.com/tvisgoodpodSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography &

Elle, Hannibal, and the prequel problem Jul 6, 2026 1:04:25 Starting with a discussion of the new Legally Blonde prequel series Elle, Alan and Kathryn examine the phenomenon of prequels in general before discussing one of their favourites - the NBC procedural Hannibal.Support us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on Acast. Se

Does The Bear earn a starred review? Jun 29, 2026 1:18:44 In a special extra-length discussion, Alan and Kathryn dissect the final season of The Bear. Then, a tribute to legendary sitcom director James Burrows precedes a chat with Tatiana Maslany about the TV she loves.00:00 Intro/Smash That Like Button06:25 The Bear01:03:29 James Burrows/Tatiana MaslanySupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serl

Do we finally like House of the Dragon? Jun 22, 2026 1:04:43 This week sees Alan and Kathryn grapple with the promising third season of House of the Dragon, followed by an examination of the astonishing series finale of Dinosaurs.00:00 Intro11:36 Widow's Bay45:17 DinosaursSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on Acast.

Is Widow's Bay more cursed than Gilligan's Island? Jun 15, 2026 1:12:25 Alan and Kathryn cast away to the sleeper hit of the TV season, Widow's Bay, before building a critique of Gilligan's Island out of nothing but bamboo and coconuts.00:00 Intro/Go New York Go!13:23 Widow's Bay42:06 Gilligan's IslandSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey bo

The Vampire Lestat & Buffy the Vampire Slayer Jun 8, 2026 1:14:06 The stakes have never been higher! Alan and Kathryn reflect on the upcoming season of The Vampire Lestat (formerly Interview With the Vampire), before reckoning with the complicated legacy of Buffy the Vampire Slayer.00:00 Intro/Kathryn's Kimmel Profile14:17 The Vampire Lestat38:27 Buffy the Vampire SlayerSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's

[Patreon Preview] Mad Men: "The Suitcase" Jun 1, 2026 10:06 In this special preview of the first Patreon-exclusive episode of TV Is Good, Alan and Kathryn promise to break down one of their favorite episodes of Mad Men. But first, a short tale of an ill-fated trip to the zoo.To hear the full episode, subscribe to our Patreon at Patreon.com/tvisgoodpodSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling b

Love Island & Lost Jun 1, 2026 1:01:15 With the new season of Love Island USA on the horizon, Kathryn tries to convince Alan to couple up with the show, before the two flash back to the classic Lost episode "The Constant".Support us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for mo

Star City & Outlander May 25, 2026 55:46 Alan and Kathryn discuss the new For All Mankind spinoff Star City, before taking a trip back in time to try and unpick the ins and outs of Outlander.00:00 Intro08:40 Star City33:06 OutlanderSupport us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac

Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed & Weeds May 18, 2026 55:57 It's a "moms-do-crime" double bill, as Alan and Kathryn share their impressions on the new Tatiana Maslany comedy Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed, before taking a trip back to Agrestic to discuss Weeds.Support us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com

Teaser May 10, 2026 10:33 Alan and Kathryn welcome you to TV Is Good in this special teaser. They break down the podcast and discuss the surprise release of The Bear's latest flashback episode.Support us on PatreonRead Alan at What's Alan Watching? and Kathryn at VulturePreorder Alan's Rod Serling biography & get the bonus essayPre-order Kathryn's Bluey book Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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