Decoding TV
David Chen and Patrick Klepek discuss everything going on in the world of TV, with recaps and reviews of the most interesting shows on the air. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 134 - Was ‘Dark Matter’ Season 2 Worth the Journey? (Plus: ‘VisionQuest’ Might Be One of our Favorite MCU TV Shows)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episodes of VisionQuest and Dark Matter.
We’ve been covering Dark Matter for months now. Was the conclusion of season 2 worth the journey? Why does the loss of Patrick Stewart hit so hard? And what will a PUBG TV show even look like? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
VisionQuest episode 7 (Disney+)Nocturne (Apple TV)Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):
01...Ep. 133 - Are We Ready To Get Down with ‘The Lowdown’ Again? (Plus: Reviews of ‘VisionQuest’ Eps 3-4 and ‘Dark Matter’ S2E08)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episodes of VisionQuest and Dark Matter.
Are we ready to return to the world of The Lowdown (Season 2 premiere)? Are we excited for a Carrie season 2? What do we think of the idea to play Heated Rivalry episodes in theaters? And WTF is the state of the DC Universe right now? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
VisionQuest episodes 5-6 (Disney+)Da...Bonus Ep: ‘Slow Horses’ Season 6 Brings Chaos and Death
Dave and @joyonapping have a spoiler-filled discussion about season 6 of Slow Horses. What did we think of the season overall? What were some of the most memorable moments and character developments? How did this season compare with what happened in the books? And how does this season stack up against all the others? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 132 - Mike Flanagan’s ‘Carrie’ Is a Good Show. But Should It Be Called ‘Carrie’? (Plus: Reviews of the ‘VisionQuest’ Premiere and ‘Dark Matter’ S2E08)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episodes of VisionQuest and Dark Matter.
What did we think of Mike Flanagan’s take on Carrie? What is going to happen when Netflix can’t lay people off anymore? What is the future of Marvel’s TV strategy? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
The Lowdown season premiere (Hulu)VisionQuest episode 3 (Disney+)Dark Matter season 2 episode 9 (Apple TV)Shownotes (All time...
Bonus Ep: ‘Dark Matter’ S2E07 Is About How AI Will Destroy Us All
In this bonus episode of Decoding TV, Patrick and David discuss the latest episode of Dark Matter.
What is this show trying to say about our relationship with technology? Is it still possible for season 2 to focus and become a great seaosn of TV? And what do we make of the presence of acclaimed character actress Margo Martindale? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 131 - Did ‘Lanterns’ Stick The Landing? Or Was It a Disaster? (Plus: ‘Dark Matter’ S2E06 Asks How You’d Approach Your Loved Ones)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns and Dark Matter.
Now that the Skydance merger is complete, what do we think will happen with the new mega company? Was the Lanterns finale a sublime end, or a storytelling disaster? And where do we think Dark Matter is really heading this season. Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Carrie season premiere (Prime Video)VisionQuest season premiere (Di...Ep. 130 - What Does ‘Youth’ Have To Say About Life In Your 50s? (Plus: Reviews of ‘Lanterns’ Ep 7 and ‘Dark Matter’ S2E05)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns and Dark Matter.
What does Youth have to say about life in your 50s? What did we think about The New York Times’ list of the top 100 TV shows o the 21st century? And was Dark Matter season 2 episode 5 a masterpiece? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Lanterns episode 8 (HBO Max)Dark Matter season 2 episode 6 (Apple TV)Sh...
Ep. 129 - Is The World Ready for a Netflix That’s Just Mid? (Plus: Reviews of ‘Lanterns’ Ep 6 and ‘Dark Matter’ S2E04)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns and Dark Matter.
Are Netflix’s viewership woes reversible? What are our thoughts on the latest news about the Paramount/Warner merger? And are we excited to finally see Apple’s The Savant when it premieres next year? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Youth (HBO Max)Lanterns episode 7 (HBO Max)Dark Matter season...Ep. 128 - Breaking Down the 2026 Emmy Awards with Myles McNutt (Plus: Reviews of ‘Lanterns’ Ep 5 and ‘Dark Matter’ S2E03)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns and Dark Matter.
First up, Myles McNutt joined us from Episodic Medium to discuss this year’s Emmy awards! What did we think of this year’s telecast? What about the awards? And what were some of the weird things that happened? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Ep. 127 - Is ‘Lanterns’ S1E04 Its Best Ep Yet? Or Just Extremely Anticlimactic? (Plus: ‘Dark Matter’ S2E02 Feels Like It’s Trying to Do Too Much)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns and Dark Matter.
Why did the announcer for Wheel of Fortune get fired? Are we sad about the cancellation of Spider-Noir? And is Lanterns one of the biggest hits in HBO history? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Lanterns episode 5 (HBO Max)Dark Matter season 2 episode 3 (Apple TV)Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):
00:30 - TV Ne...Ep. 126 - ‘Lanterns’ S1E03 Takes a Big Swing. Does It Connect? (Plus: ‘Dark Matter’ Season 2 Feels Like a Different Show)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns and Dark Matter.
Is Apple TV worth $15/month? Was it worth it for Rockstar to paywall a trailer for GTA VI on Netflix? And are we excited about a Furious season 2? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):
...
Ep. 125 - ‘Lanterns’ S1E02 Asks a Lot of Its Viewers (Plus: Will the Paramount-Warner Merger Be Good for Movie Theaters?)
In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episode of Lanterns.
What do we make of the news that Marvel might be making TV shows after all? Is Gorilla Grodd really the next best DC show to make? And what’s the latest with the Paramount-Warner merger? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Shownotes (All...
Bonus Ep: What Was ‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3 About, Anyway?
In this Decoding TV bonus episode, David and Patrick discuss their thoughts on season 3 of House of the Dragon.
What were our favorite and least favorite storylines this season? What’s the one place we never want the show to return to? And what was this season about, anyway? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
And of course, be sure to check out A Cast of Kings for a more detailed and informed breakdown!
Links:
Ep. 124 - ‘Lanterns’ Is Awesome (Plus: ‘Dark Matter’ S1E09 Opens Up Interesting Possibilities for Season 2)
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 HBO original series Lanterns and conclude their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch.
What do we make of the fact that Marvel won’t be making live action TV shows anymore? Are we excited about IT: Welcome to Derry Season 2? And will the DC Universe ever be appropriate for children? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Lanterns episode 2 (HBO Max)Shownotes (All...
Ep. 123 - What Makes 'Furious' a Compelling Cat-and-Mouse Show? (Plus: 'Dark Matter' S1E08 Is Audacious and Shocking)
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 Hulu original series Furious and continue their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch.
How much do we think Netflix paid Rockstar to broadcast a videogame commercial? Will Disney Verts ever be a thing? And will David Ellison actually move Paramount out of California? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
...
Ep. 122 - Can 'Ted Lasso' Season 4 Capture the Magic of Seasons 1-3? (Plus: 'Dark Matter' S1E07 Is When The Show Gets Real Good)
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 return of Ted Lasso and continue their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch.
What happened with Wonder Man season 2? What do we think is going on with the God of War TV show? Why did David Ellison write an op-ed about the Warner Bros. merger for the New York Times? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Furious (Hulu)Da...Ep. 121 - Is Will Ferrell Still a Relevant Comedic Force in 'The Hawk'? (Plus: 'Dark Matter' S1E06 Is About How Power Corrupts)
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 Netflix series The Hawk and continue their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch.
Are they really making fewer TV shows these days? Is Alan Ritchson really a loose cannon? Is Paramount gonna be able to bring this merger across the finish line? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Ted Lasso Season 4 (Apple TV)Dark Matter Rewatch: Season 1 Episode 7 (Ap...Bonus Ep: 'Dark Matter' S1E05 And Which Alternate Realities We'd Choose to Visit
In this bonus episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss the fifth episode of Dark Matter’s first season, and which alternate realities we’d choose to visit if we had the chance.
Homework for next week:
Links:
Ep. 120 - Is It Worth Debriefing with 'The Agency' Season 2? (Plus: 'Dark Matter' S1E04 Shows Why It's Hard To Live Someone Else's Life)
[Welcome to our new paid subscribers! Your subscription entitles you to premium podcast feeds for Decoding TV and A Cast of Kings. To access these, simply go to decodingtv.com/listen and walk through the steps to set them up on your favorite podcast app. Thanks for supporting Decoding TV!]
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 latest episodes of The Agency and continue their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch. What’s really behind Netflix’s plunging season 2 viewership? Are we exc...
Bonus Ep: Breaking Down the 2026 Emmy Nominations (feat. Myles McNutt from Episodic Medium)
In this bonus episode, David and Myles McNutt from the Episodic Medium newsletter discuss the 2026 Emmy nominations.
Which shows came away with some of the biggest nominations? Why does the TV Academy have an unhealthy obsession with The Pitt? What were the biggest snubs? And, as usual, was this overall a shameful year for the Emmys or did we experience less shame? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Links:
Ep. 119 - Are the Secrets of 'Silo' Season 3 Still Worth Exploring? (Plus: 'Dark Matter' S1E03 Is High-Quality Sci-fi Gobbledygook)
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 latest episodes of Silo and continue their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch. Also: What’s up with people not watching season 2+ of Netflix shows? Listen to hear us discuss all of these topics and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: The Agency season 2 (Paramount+)Dark Matter Rewatch: Season 1 Episode 4 (Apple TV)Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):
02:44 - Show of the WeekSilo Season 330:00 - TV News...Ep. 118 - Is 'The Bear' Season 5 Worth One Final Visit? (Plus: 'Dark Matter' S1E02 Is When The Show Locks In)
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 latest episodes of The Bear and continue their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch.
Why aren’t as many people watching this season of House of the Dragon? What’s going to happen after Comcast splits off its NBCUniversal wing? And should Netflix use the re-animated voice of Gene Wilder to promote its latest show? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the We...Ep. 117 - 'HOTD' Season 3 Still Brings the Spectacle (Plus: We Kick Off Our 'Dark Matter' Season 1 Rewatch!)
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 latest episodes of House of the Dragon and begin their Dark Matter season 1 rewatch.
Are we the only people who are kinda lost with who’s who in this season’s House of the Dragon? Was The Boroughs cancelled because the Duffer Brothers are personas non grata at Netflix? And what did we think of the series premiere of Dark Matter? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for...
Bonus Ep: What Made 'Spider-Noir' Work
In this Decoding TV bonus episode, David and @joyofnapping discuss the first season of Spider-Noir on Prime Video. What made the show work? What were its strongest elements? And did Nicolas Cage make for a convincing Spider-Man? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Links:
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Bonus Ep: Did 'Widow's Bay' Season 1 Stick The Landing?
In this bonus Decoding TV episode, David and Patrick discuss their thoughts on the season 1 finale of Widow’s Bay. What were some of the biggest surprises from the episode? Where does this show leave us as we start thinking about season 2? And was this a worthy ending to one of the best shows on TV this year? Listen to hear us discuss these questions and more.
Links:
Ep. 116 - Does Apple TV's 'Cape Fear' Have Anything New To Say?
NOTE: Next week’s episode will come out later than usual, although we will try to have some bonus episodes fill the void. Stay tuned!
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 latest episodes of Cape Fear on Apple TV.
Are we excited for another season of Widow’s Bay? What was it like to watch a UFC fight in front of the White House? And is society too woke for The Office? Listen to hear us discus...
Bonus Ep: Netflix's 'Michael Jackson: The Verdict' Was Sorely Needed (feat. Christie Boschman and Alex Biron)
In this bonus episode of Decoding TV, David chats with Christie Boschman (AKA @thatdocumentarygirl) and Alex Biron about the new Netflix documentary Michael Jackson: The Verdict. How did we feel about the manner in which this documentary approached its subject matter? What has been the online reaction to the film? And why is it so hard to talk about Michael Jackson right now? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Check out Christie and Alex’s podcast, Bonus Features. Follow Decoding TV on Instagram and Tiktok to get highlights of our episodes.
Ho...
Bonus Ep: Breaking Down the Ending of 'Half Man' (feat. BJ Colangelo)
Note: There won’t be a normal podcast episode this week. Instead, please enjoy this spoiler-filled breakdown of the Half Man ending. We’ll still do a Widow’s Bay bonus episode later in the week for paid subscribers.
In this bonus episode, BJ Colangelo joins Decoding TV to discuss the ending of Half Man. Was the journey of this show worth it? How did the show play with the viewer’s loyalties? And what did we make of the enigmatic ending? Listen to hear all our answers to these questions and more.
Be sure...
Ep. 115 - Can Nicolas Cage Play a Convincing Spider-Man in 'Spider-Noir'? (Plus: The 'Euphoria' Series Finale Was a Disaster)
NOTE: We’re considering doing a weekly (re)watch of Dark Matter season 1 in the lead-up to the season 2 premiere at the end of August. Would you support this? If so, let us know at decodingtv(at)gmail(dot)com.
In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episode of Euphoria and the Prime Video series Spider-Noir.
How much longer are we having to wait between seasons for TV shows these days? What the hell is going on a...
Bonus Ep: 'Widow's Bay' Eps. 6-7 Make for a Great Diptych
Thanks for your suggestions to cover Widow’s Bay! While we didn’t cover this show from the beginning, we’ll try to release podcasts about the remaining episodes of the season.
In this bonus Decoding TV episode, David and Patrick discuss their thoughts on the latest episodes of Widow’s Bay. What did we make of the sixth episode’s period piece? And how did it connect with the seventh film? Listen to hear us discuss these questions and more.
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubsc...Ep. 114 - Why 'The Buroughs' Feels Magical (Plus: The Stupid Decisions of 'Euphoria' S3E07)
In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episode of Euphoria and the Netflix series The Buroughs.
What did we think of Stephen Colbert’s final Late Show? Why do we think Jackass is a sign of positive masculinity? What are our thoughts on the new trailer for Vought Rising? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Spider-Noir (Prime Video)Euphoria season 3 episode 8 (HBO Max)Bonus Ep: Wido...Bonus Ep: Did 'The Boys' Series Finale Make Up For Its Lackluster Final Season?
In this bonus Decoding TV episode, David and Patrick discuss their thoughts on the series finale of The Boys. Did this show end with a bang or a whimper? Did the finale blow everyone away? Or confirm people’s worst fears about the show? Listen to hear us discuss these questions and more.
Links:
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 TiktokHost...
Ep. 113 - Is Netflix's 'Lord of the Flies' a Worthy Adaptation? (Plus: 'Euphoria' S3E06 Brings the Focus Back to Rue)
Netflix’s Lord of the Flies23:40 - TV NewsRonda Rousey destroys Gina CaranoConan O’Brien back for Oscars next yearStephen Colbert Sets Final WeekNFL responds to gripesHow The Pitt cast baby Jane DoeRenewals:Margot’s got money troubles renewedLove Is Blind Season 11 in Boston fall 2026Running Point has been renewed for season 3Big Mistakes renewed for season 250:32 - Euphoria Season 3Episode 6 - Stand Still and See
Links:
Thanks to Michael J Johnson for our Show of the Week and Patrick Finishes the Damn Show audio bumpersListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplayS...Ep. 112 - Why Did 'The Bear' Surprise Drop "Gary"? (Plus: 'Euphoria' S3E05 Is a Sydney Sweeney Showcase)
In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episode of Euphoria and the surprise drop episode of The Bear (“Gary”)
What do we make of the new X-Files casting that’s been announced? Are there really going to be four Fast and Furious TV shows? And how fair are the Golden Globes’ new AI rules? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Lord of the Flies (Netflix)Euphoria s...Ep. 111 - Is 'Widow's Bay' Worth a Visit? (Also: 'Euphoria' S3E04 Was Rough)
In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episode of Euphoria and the season premiere of Widow’s Bay.
Can the FCC really revoke Disney’s broadcast license? Why are Far Cry fans so upset with Noah Hawley? And what do Nielsen ratings have to say about the state of the Star Wars universe? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Lord of the Flies (hopefully!) (Netflix)Euphoria season...Bonus Ep: 'The Boys' S5E05 Has One Excellent Subplot (And Another That Should've Been a Webisode)
In this bonus Decoding TV episode, David and Patrick discuss their thoughts The Boys season 5 episode 5. This episode tells the story of one day from the perspective of multiple characters. Which characters were our favorites? Is the show really going to end in 3 episodes? Is the show gonna have a satisfying ending or is this all just gonna be preparation for Vought Rising? Listen to hear us discuss these questions and more.
Links:
Listen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podc...Bonus Ep: Is 'Beef' Season 2 Worth a Second Helping?
In this bonus Decoding TV episode, David is joined by Chris Klimek to discuss the second season of Lee Sung Jin’s Beef. Did this season of the show live up to its stellar first season? How did we feel about the cast this time around? And what was up with that ending? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Follow Chris on Threads and check out his latest piece for NPR.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Ep. 110 - 'Half Man' Is Excruciating to Watch. Is It Good? (Plus: 'Euphoria' S3E03 and the Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Wedding)
In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episode of Euphoria.
Is Half Man worth the painful experience of watching it? Is Peacock a must-have streaming service? What might have happened on the set of The White Lotus season 4? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Show of the Week: Widow’s BayEuphoria season 3 episode 4 (HBO Max)Bonus Ep: Beef season 2 (Netflix)Bonus Ep (hopefully!): The Boys season 5 episode 5 (Prime Video)Shownotes (Al...
Bonus Ep: 'The Boys' S5E04 Was Pure Filler. Is That Bad?
In this bonus Decoding TV episode, David and Patrick discuss the fourth episode of The Boys season 5. This episode featured the gang getting into a fetchquest and learning about themselves along the way. In other words: a filler episode. Is that a bad thing? Listen to hear us discuss.
Links:
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 TiktokHosted on Acast. See ac...
Ep. 109 - 'Margo's Got Money Troubles' Is a Delightful Family Dramedy (Plus: 'Euphoria' S3E02 Brings a Long Awaited Reunion)
In this episode of Decoding TV, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then dive into the latest episode of Euphoria.
What do we make of Noah Wyle’s comments about the ending of The Pitt? Is it easy to spend $50 million of ER money? And what will people finally have to say about The Savant when it hits Apple TV this summer? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.
Homework for next week:
Euphoria episode 3 (HBO Max)Show of the Week: Half ManBonus Ep: Invincible se...