Tim Goodman's TV Talk Machine

[Crossposted from Downstream on Relay FM.] Down the chimney comes Tim Goodman, reuniting with Jason to discuss his super-secret insider TV reviews, streaming’s influence in the rise of international TV here in the U.S., and Jason’s top TV shows of the year. Downstream 85 Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors Trakt.tv: Track shows and movies you watch. Discover what’s hot and where to stream it. Get 50% off your first year. Show Notes & Links Jason mentioned: Shogun (Hulu), Dark Matter (Apple TV+), Bad Monkey (Apple TV+), Hacks (Max), Slow Horses (Apple TV+), Silo (Apple TV+), Shoresy (Hulu), Masters of the Air (Apple TV+), The Diplomat (Netflix), and A Man on the Inside (Netflix). Tim Mentioned: Black Doves (Netflix), Giri/Haji (Netflix), Moving (Hulu), House of Ninjas (Netflix), A Shop For Killers (Hulu), The Frog (Netflix), Kleo (Netflix), and Black Twitter: A Peoplpe’s History (Hulu).

This reunion is crossposted from Downstream episode 43. Tim Goodman drops by to discuss his decision to be a TV writer at the very end of the Peak TV era, the challenges of TV criticism, and his return to writing about TV on his own terms via his Substack. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell

“Counterpart” revisited, CNN+ as seen through the lens of an escaping prisoner, Apple TV+’s surprise success, the mess that is the current streaming landscape, and Tim shares a book idea with substack readers. Plus, letters from listeners! Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Tim's Substack Justin Marks on "Counterpart" season 3 (which never was)

“Station Eleven,” “The Afterparty,” Stephen Colbert, TV marriages, “The A Word,” and the moment when Tim’s partner said, “Yeah, I’m never gonna watch that.” Plus: your letters! Tim Goodman and Jason Snell

Tim finds “Utopia”—twice. Jason gets confused by “NCIS: Hawaii.” We ponder series hiding away on services like STARZ and EPIX. It’s Peacock’s time to shine (not just the Olympics, but “Vigil”!). PBS, please take my money. Tim bounces off of “Raised By Wolves.” And at the end of the episode The Box Set takes on episode one of “Station Eleven” and episode one of “Collateral.” Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Bastard Machine Substack

It’s been 612 pandemic-fueled days. But we’ve taken the tarp off the TV Talk Machine, replaced a few parts, and are ready to kick it into gear. Tim spent the last two years writing TV scripts! He’s going to keep doing that, and write a book, and also has launched a newsletter on Substack so he can write about television again. And… did we mention the TV Talk Machine is back, too? It’s true! In this episode Tim explains where he’s been, where he’s going, and the origin of his new project, which launches today! Also Jason raves about “Station Eleven” and believe it or not, there’s a letter from a listener! Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links The Bastard Machine - Substack Tim: Welcome to the Bastard Machine Craig Calcaterra's Cup of Coffee on Substack Jandy Nelson Downstream - Jason's new podcast about the Streaming Wars

Tim and Jason return to close the book on Volume 4 of the TV Talk Machine chronicles. (You can find the previous three volumes at theincomparable.com/tvtm/about.) We’ll be back in this feed, probably soon, with something that’s more of us talking about stuff, but a lot less about things that are TV related. But before we go, Tim describes the experience of having an opinion about a TV show and not sharing it. Jason goads him into some mild opinions. Jason mildly regrets an error, and recounts a bunch of shows he’s been watching on streaming. Then it’s time to check in on the Streaming Wars, including the impending launch of HBO Max, the mysteries of Peacock, and the question about what service is the mostly like to fail. We also read a few of your letters and about a million of your pandemic viewing suggestions, none of which appear in these show notes. On brand till the end. Finally, if you’d like to make suggestions for topics for us to talk about in the future, or just want to share your thoughts with a podcast, you can still tweet at us at @tvtm or email podcast at tvtalkmachine dot com. Bye everybody! Tim Goodman and Jason Snell

This week Tim has a new refrigerator and is watching comfort food like “Peaky Blinders.” Comcast stealth-launches Peacock. Bad things happen at Tim’s former employer. Jason watched “Home Before Dark” and “Devs.” And “What We Do In The Shadows” is back! Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Michael Taylor's "Hollywood Juicer" blog Resounding Bastard Tim on Instagram

Tim just got home after several weeks away for complicated reasons. We’re back to fill your ears with talk about TV, music, life, and more. We hope it helps. We’ll read your letters and play your audio files if you send them in. Tweet at @tvtm or email podcast at tvtalkmachine dot com. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Mentioned: “Tiger King”, “All Creatures Great and Small”, “Devs”, “Too Funny to Fail.” Comedy Power Rankings Goodykoontz on Adam Schlesinger Ben Gibbard Colin Meloy Neil Finn Joe Pernice

This week your teacher has given you a break—we’re giving you another week to watch “What We Do In The Shadows.” Instead, we keep it tight and bright as Tim joins the rest of us in these Times of Confusion by not even realizing what TV shows are debuting. After some brief Death Cab For Cutie banter, we shift it into gear and discuss Actual TV News, including the return of “Better Things”, the premiere of “Devs” and an explanation of the whole “FX on Hulu” strategy, and the Hilary Duff problem at Disney+. Plus, your letters! [Want to have a letter read on the show? Email podcast at tvtalkmachine.com, or tweet @tvtm.] Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Disney's "Expensive NBC" moment Adweek interview with John Landgraf "Devs" review from Dan Feinberg "Better Things" review from Dan Feinberg

This podcast is like your friend who left a longtime job, got some new tattoos, and is showing a renewed interest in yoga. It’s a new life. Tim launched his new Resounding blog, which leads us to discuss why we love women singers. Speaking of learning and growing and pop music, Jason’s seen “High Fidelity” and does a real-estate check on “Zoey’s Extraordinary Playlist.” Then we put Netflix’s “Sex Education” in the spotlight (did you do the homework?)—and why it works on so many levels. Next episode’s assignment: “What We Do in the Shadows” on Hulu. Send us your letters/comments! Tweet at us at @tvtm or email us at podcast at tvtalkmachine.com! Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Jason mentioned: CHVRCHES, Maggie Rogers, Halsey, Chairlift/Caroline Polachek, Florence + the Machine, HAIM, IDER, K. Flay, Pale Waves Tim Goodman's Resounding Jason's modern women artists playlist (Apple Music) "What We Do in the Shadows" (Hulu)

We’re back! Tim is retired, rested, and ready. And he’s got two new music-based projects to announce—neither of which is his secret job, sorry. Jason has some TV news and reports back on finishing a couple of series. We also read some of your letters and start a brand-new segment where Tim gives both Jason and the listeners a TV viewing assignment! Your assignment: “Sex Education” season 1, episodes 1-4. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Why Netflix is Ending "The Crown" at 5 seasons Falling Iguanas "Fake 'Drop Bear'" double prank

One last time before the end of the year, we’re back! Jason uses computer technology to construct a best-of-the-decade list for Tim. We’re probably forgetting something. We also discuss “Watchmen” a little bit, so if you want to not be spoiled at all about it, you can skip ahead to minute 20 and you’ll miss the whole thing. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package. Show Notes & Links Tim’s decade list (first draft, computer assisted) Mad Men Breaking Bad The Americans The rest of the list, in alphabetical order: The A Word Anthony Bourdain’s No Reservations / The Layover / Parts Unknown Archer Atlanta Barry Better Call Saul Better Things Black Mirror Bob’s Burgers Brooklyn Nine-Nine Catastrophe Detectorists The End of the Fxxxing World Fargo Fleabag Game of Thrones Get Shorty Girls The Good Place Happy Valley It’s Always Sunny Jane the Virgin Justified Ken Burns docs Killing Eve The Leftovers Legion Louie Master of None Mr Inbetween Mr. Robot Orange is the New Black Parks & Recreation Patriot Planet Earth/Blue Planet docs Rectify Silicon Valley Stranger Things Succession 30 Rock Veep

Tim’s done with being a TV critic and is trying to be all positive, but he put in nearly 11 months of work and Jason’s demanding a list! So Tim and Jason both present their lists of their favorite shows of 2019. Plus we answer your letters. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors Mack Weldon: Smart underwear for smart guys. Get 20% off your first order with the code TVTM. Show Notes & Links Tim’s (unordered) list of 22 Back to Life, Showtime Better Things, FX Catastrophe, Amazon Chernobyl, HBO Fleabag, Amazon Game of Thrones, HBO Informer, Amazon Los Espookys, HBO Modern Love, Amazon Mr Inbetween, FX Mr. Robot, USA Perpetual Grace LTD, Epix Sex Education, Netflix Shangri-La, Showtime Silicon Valley, HBO Succession, HBO The Spy, Netflix This Way Up, Hulu Veep, HBO Watchmen, HBO What We Do in the Shadows, FX Years and Years, HBO Honorable mention: Barry, Black Earth Rising, Black Mirror, Bob’s Burgers, Brexit, Euphoria, Gentleman Jack, Good Omens, Killing Eve, Legion, PEN15, Pennyworth, Ramy, Russian Doll, The End of the Fxxxing World, The Tick, Valley of the Boom. Jason’s Top 10 Watchmen, HBO Counterpart, Starz Chernobyl, HBO Sex Education, Netflix What We Do In The Shadows, FX For All Mankind, Apple TV+ The Good Place, NBC You’re the Worst, FXX Catastrophe, Amazon Game of Thrones, HBO Honorable mention: Good Omens, Last Week Tonight With John Oliver, The Mandalorian, Star Trek: Discovery, The Tick, Brooklyn Nine Nine, Veronica Mars, Russian Doll, Letterkenny, A.P. Bio, Perpetual Grace LTD Our Silent Nights Are Getting Loud (Spotify) Our Silent Nights Are Getting Loud (Apple Music) Merry Christmas, Baby (Spotify) Merry Christmas, Baby (Apple Music)

Happy Thanksgiving! The Machine’s gas tank is now full of gravy. This week we’re reading your letters, Jason mentions a couple of shows he’s watching, and Tim encourages you not to overspend on streaming services if you’re cord cutting. Listeners have theories about Tim’s undisclosed employer! And Jason tries several techniques to convince Tim to make a final best-of-the-year list. We still want your letters. Tweet us at @tvtm or email us at podcast at tvtalkmachine dot com. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package.

Having been safely “offboarded” from The Hollywood Reporter, Tim discusses his final review, which is a negative review of “Dublin Murders.” Jason watches a bunch of TV shows, while Tim has spent a couple of weeks going to sleep early and not watching television. It’s a new era for the TV Talk Machine, as we roll into parts unknown. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links The last THR link: Tim's "Dublin Murders" review

Did anything happen this week? Oh, yes, Tim announced that he’s leaving The Hollywood Reporter and “retiring” as a TV critic! We discuss Tim’s feelings about moving on from the TV critic racket and try to figure out what form the TV Talk Machine will take in the future. (Hint: There are a bunch of year- and decade-end lists coming up, and Tim doesn’t have anywhere to post them unless he breaks his Blogspot site out of mothballs.) Although we aren’t sure of our destination quite yet, the Machine drives on… Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package. Show Notes & Links Tim's Twitter thread Bastard Machine Facebook page Tim's Blogspot Blog All the old TVTM volumes

Tim reviews Amazon’s “Jack Ryan”, Apple’s “For All Mankind”, Showtime’s “Back to Life”, and is in the midst of watching Netflix’s surprising second season of “The End of the Fxxxing World.” Plus Apple TV+ launches, HBO Max clarifies, we talk Bay Area blackouts, and we read your letters and tweets! It’s a podcast about television, remember? Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Show Notes & Links Tim's review of "Jack Ryan" Tim's review of "For All Mankind" Tim's review of "Back to Life" Tim's review of "The End of the F***ing World"

This week we’ve got Tim’s reviews of Australian drama in “The Cry”, two Paul Rudds are better than one in “Living With Yourself”, a not-so-Bourne “Treadstone”, and the final season of HBO’s “Silicon Valley.” Plus, Jason watches “Watchmen” and “Letterkenny,” the Netflix bot gets sassy, and political debates are super boring. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors Flatiron School: Launch a career in tech with Flatiron School’s modern curriculum paired with one-on-one support from dedicated Career Coaches, all just in 15 weeks. Show Notes & Links Tim's review of "Cry" Tim's review of "Living With Yourself" Tim's review of "Treadstone" Tim's review of "Silicon Valley" "Watchmen" supplementary Peteypedia

Tim’s seen most of HBO’s “Watchmen” but never read the comics. Jason owns multiple copies of the comics. Who will have the harder time parsing Damon Lindelof’s unlikely new series, which follows the world of the comics into the present day? We discuss the difficulties of laying down new story ground while also making inside references for the fans. In other news, Jason watched two network TV dramas (they still exist!) and we answer your letters and tweets. Tim Goodman and Jason Snell Sponsors ExpressVPN: High-Speed, Secure & Anonymous VPN Service. Get 3 months free with a 1-year package. Show Notes & Links Tim's "Watchmen" review