IndieWire's Millions of Screens

Millions of Screens, IndieWire’s brand new TV podcast, provides an inside look at the TV industry, sharing conversations based in IndieWire’s original reporting, breaking down that ever-elusive Hollywood buzz about town, and highlighting thoughtful analysis of the best and most impactful series you’re watching right now. Hosted by TV Awards Editor Libby Hill, TV Deputy Editor Ben Travers, and Creative Producer Leo Garcia.

TV & Film
51
Is ‘Hannibal’ the Show We Need Right Now – Mayb...
<p>In the wake of Netflix's 'The Haunting of Bly Manor' and in anticipation of HBO's 'Lovecraft Country' finale, Libby, Ben, and Leo decide to talk about some of their favorite horror shows of all time, beginning with perennial podcast favorite ' Hannibal.' Additionally, Ben stumps for HBO's 'We Are Who We Are' and Executive Editor Ann Donahue returns for another edition of 'Corgi Corner' after Netflix released the trailer for ‘The Crown’ Season 4.</p>
29 min
52
Does 'Saturday Night Live' Have To Be Funny In ...
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss the much-ballyhoo'd return of 'Saturday Night Live' (replete with Jim Carrey's stunt casting as Joe Biden) and what the show's responsibility is to its audience during an election season. Additionally, Ben talks about the insane 12-hour 'The Third Day' live episode from this past weekend, while both Libby and Ben lament the cancellation of 'GLOW' in the face of the coronavirus pandemic.&nbsp;</p>
44 min
53
Is The Golden Age of True Crime Docuseries Real...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Libby talks about a dangerous trend she's noticed in the true crime docuseries genre: bloated episodes. Based on a viewing of Netflix's 'The Keepers' and revisiting HBO's 'The Jinx,' Libby notes what's been missing in the most current crop of true crime documentaries, including Netflix's 'Tiger King,' HBO's 'The Vow' and Showtime's 'Love Fraud.' Additionally, Ben and Libby talk about Film Independent's decision to add five television categories to this upcoming year's Indie Spirit Awards, and as a bonus, Executive Editor Ann Donahue (IndieWire's Corgi Correspondent) stops by to give us her thoughts on the first images released from season four of Netflix's 'The Crown.'</p>
24 min
54
'Schitt's Creek' Is Officially the Greatest Com...
<p>From the actual garbage fire that kicked off the proceedings to Zendaya's "upset" for Outstanding Actress in a Drama for her work on 'Euphoria,' Ben, Libby, and Leo look back on the biggest surprises from Sunday's Emmy telecast. Which is to say nothing of 'Schitt's Creek' historic sweep of the comedy categories at the Primetime Emmy Awards that paves the way for a cavalcade of new winners next year. Additionally, in light of recent rumblings (and two Emmy wins), Libby asks Ben and Leo her favorite question about Quibi.</p>
35 min
55
How 'The Mandalorian' Could Filch The Outstandi...
<p>That's right, on this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben frightens Libby and Leo by informing them just how Disney+'s 'The Mandalorian' can oust HBO's 'Succession' for the biggest prize at Sunday's Emmys: Outstanding Drama Series. Additionally, the hosts discuss other competitive Drama Series races: Will Jennifer Aniston's SAG win for Apple TV+'s 'The Morning Show' carry over? Has the acting branch come around on 'Succession' enough to finally award some of its actors? Is anyone still excited about Netflix's 'The Crown?' Plus, Ben and Libby review the first night of the virtual edition of the Creative Arts Emmys and Leo admits he'll likely be signing up for a paid Peacock account to watch some "<em>fútbol</em>."</p>
51 min
56
Is The 'Schitt's Creek' Emmy Hype Real?
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo dive into the two-horse Emmy race in almost every Comedy Series category between Amazon's 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' and Pop TV's 'Schitt's Creek' and ask which third show, if any, can play spoiler? Can Yvonne Orji earn 'Insecure' an award in Best Supporting Actress? Will Michael Schur get 'The Good Place' a win in Outstanding Writing for penning the finale? Could 'What We Do In The Shadows' sneak up and win Best Series? Additionally, Ben talks about the second season premiere of Amazon's 'The Boys,' and Libby wonders aloud about why the new gritty take on 'Fresh Prince of Bel-Air' landed at Peacock as opposed to HBO Max (which owns the rights to the original show).</p>
39 min
57
How Many Emmys Will 'Watchmen' Take Home?
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo dive into the Emmy categories for Limited Series/TV Movie and try and pin down just how many awards HBO's 'Watchmen' will take home. Which of the 'Watchmen' trio of Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Jovan Adepo, or Louis Gossett Jr could defeat Jim Parsons of 'Hollywood' in the Best Supporting Actor race? Can Paul Mescal ('Normal People') continue the Academy's tradition of celebrating young upstarts in the Best Actor race (Riz Ahmed in 2017, Darren Criss in 2018, and Jharrel Jerome last year)? Is there any reason to think Regina King won't take home Best Actress, other than perhaps Cate Blanchett's immaculate turn as as Phyllis Schlafly in 'Mrs. America?' Additionally, Ben tries to explain HBO Max's 'Raised By Wolves' to Libby and Leo, and Libby wonders aloud what changes the Academy should make to the ceremony in the face of the pandemic.&nbsp;</p> <p><br></p> <p><br></p>
32 min
58
BONUS EPISODE: The Meaning of Life (with Mike S...
<p>On this bonus episode of Millions of Screens, we present our complete interview with Michael Schur, the creator and showrunner of NBC's 'The Good Place,’ Damon Lindelof, the creator and showrunner of HBO's 'Watchmen,' and Cord Jefferson, staff writer for both, in the wake of their Emmy nominations. In this extended interview, we dive into how the three met, the meaning of life, and chat about some intense irrational fears.&nbsp;</p>
54 min
59
The Cord Jefferson Showrunning Tree (feat. Mike...
<p>Watchmen.</p> <p>The Good Place.</p> <p>On this week's Millions of Screens, Leo, Libby, and Ben are joined for the first time by three&nbsp;Emmy-nominated&nbsp;guests: Michael Schur, creator and showrunner of NBC's 'The Good Place;' Damon Lindelof, creator and showrunner of HBO's 'Watchmen;' and Cord Jefferson, staff writer for both. Jefferson, who has recently run a room of his own, reflects on what he learned working under both Schur and Lindelof, while later in the episode Lindelof praises Schur on 'The Good Place' finale. Additionally, Libby discusses why two scripted 'Tiger King' shows might not be a bad thing and Ben explains why he's excited about 'The West Wing' reunion set to air on HBO Max.</p>
42 min
60
BONUS EPISODE: Mahershala Ali & Sterling K. Bro...
<p>On this bonus episode of Millions of Screens, we present our complete interview with Sterling K. Brown and Mahershala Ali in the wake of their Emmy nominations. The two actors were keen to regale us with tales of their college days, how they felt about breaking into comedy, and how fatherhood has changed their work.&nbsp;</p>
60 min
61
2 Actors, 2 Emmys, 2 Oscars (feat. Mahershala A...
<p><strong>Mahershala Ali.</strong><br> <strong>Sterling K. Brown.</strong><br> On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo had the distinct pleasure of moderating a conversation between longtime friends Sterling K. Brown and Mahershala Ali, who are each up for two Emmys at next month's ceremony (and are competing head-to-head in Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series). Additionally, Ben talks about his interview with 'Ozark' star Jason Bateman and Libby admits that 'The Crown' casting Elizabeth Debecki as Princess Diana has piqued her interest. Plus, in the wake of Netflix canceling ‘Patriot Act with Hasan Minaj,’ Ben and Libby posit what the streamer can do to break through in the late night/variety space.</p>
39 min
62
Remakes, Reboots, and Remixes: What's Old Is Ne...
<p>HBO's 'Perry Mason' finale.&nbsp;</p> <p>Maya Rudolph on Kamala Harris' VP nomination.&nbsp;</p> <p>Apple TV+'s 'Ted Lasso.'</p> <p>On this week's episode of 'Millions of Screens,' Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about a spate of nostalgia-drenched reboots brought about by the news of a potential dramatic take on 'The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.' Meanwhile, Ben explains the art of side-stepping expectations as exemplified by HBO's 'Perry Mason' finale, and Leo wonders aloud why Apple TV+'s 'Ted Lasso' isn't called 'Major League: Futbol.' Additionally, Libby talks about about her interview with Maya Rudolph in the wake of Kamala Harris' nomination as Joe Biden's vice presidential running mate and Ben walks us through Peacock's announcement of 'The Amber Ruffin Show' and an as-of-yet-untitled Larry Wilmore show.</p>
39 min
63
How Many Emmys Will 'Mulan' Win Next Year?
<p>On this week's podcast, Libby, Ben, and Leo are joined by Steve Greene to discuss the news that after a long delayed theatrical run, 'Mulan' will be made available on Disney+. Additionally, Libby, Ben, and Steve each talk about the advantages of the current digital iteration of the CTAM Press Tour currently occurring. And finally, everyone takes a turn in Steve Greene's Recommendation Machine, resulting in some odd suggestions.&nbsp;</p>
32 min
64
Emmy Nominations: Surprises, Snubs, and What We...
<p>Emmy nominations are in! And on this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk through the Television Academy's selections that surprised them, shocked them, and just made them scratch their heads. Additionally, they dive into Quibi's 10 nominations!</p>
41 min
65
Emmys 2020: Which Comedies Will The Academy Nom...
<p>'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel.'</p> <p>'Schitt's Creek.'</p> <p>'Mythic Quest: Raven's Banquet.'</p> <p><strong>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben &amp; Leo try and keep the podcast on the rails in Libby's absence, talking about the most likely nominees for Best Comedy Series at the upcoming Emmys. Additionally, Ben picks out a few shows he'd like to see recognized, while Leo goes way out on a limb and guarantees that the quarantine episode of Apple TV+'s 'Mythic Quest' will be nominated in both the comedy writing and comedy directing categories. Plus, Associate Editor Steve Greene stops by to recommend a show.</strong></p>
24 min
66
What Other Nominees Can Squeeze In Past 'Schitt...
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk through the potential Emmy nominees in the Comedy Acting categories, where 'Schitt's Creek' and 'The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel' seem destined to dominate. Additionally, with several past winners ineligible (notably 'Fleabag' and 'Barry'), what shows can sneak in? Plus, Ben breaks down Peacock's opening salvo and Libby questions the decision to use a '30 Rock' reunion as a vehicle for synergistic cheerleading.</p>
38 min
67
Top of Mind, Top of Ballot?: The Contenders for...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss the Emmy Drama series race, which is stacked with over a dozen worthy shows vying for eight nomination slots. Will voters remember series like 'The Handmaid's Tale,' 'Westworld,' and 'Stranger Things' which all spent a year away from contention? Can 'Big Little Lies' make the jump from Limited Series? Can new series like 'The Morning Show,' 'The Mandalorian,' and 'Hunters' break in? Additionally, Ben and Libby talk about the debut of 'Hamilton' on Disney+ (and its eventual Emmy category) and the news that John Mulaney will produce two more 'Sack Lunch Bunch' specials for Comedy Central.</p>
36 min
68
BONUS EPISODE: An Hour With Elisabeth Moss
<p>On this, our very first Millions of Screens bonus episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo welcome Elisabeth Moss to the podcast. The topics were varied and wide-ranging, touching on a plethora of projects, from 'The Handmaid’s Tale' to her turn as Shirley Jackson in Josephine Decker’s ‘Shirley’ to her upcoming role in Wes Anderson’s 'The French Dispatch,' and finally, and most importantly to one of our hosts, the Chicago Cubs.</p>
39 min
69
Elisabeth Moss & Emmy Drama Acting Predictions
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss the Emmy Drama acting races, where the big questions are: Will enough of the acting arm of the Academy vote for 'Succession,' and how will a complete lack of an FYC season affect those shows that aired almost a year ago? Plus, Elisabeth Moss stops by to chat about all things 'The Handmaid's Tale,' including what it's like to share scenes with the inimitable Ann Dowd.</p>
45 min
70
'El Camino:' Is The Emmy For Best TV Movie Its ...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo take a look at Best Limited Series and Best TV Movie. What besides 'Watchmen' and 'Mrs. America' could break into Limited Series nominations? And in the TV Movie race, does 'El Camino' have any real competition? Additionally, Libby discusses the Television Academy doing away with the longstanding 2 percent rule for nominations last week, while Ben excitedly revels in 'Perry Mason' eclipsing both the debuts of 'The Outsider' and 'Watchmen' with 1.7 million views for its series premiere.</p>
35 min
71
'Watchmen,' 'Mrs. America,' and 'Unbelievable' ...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens (the first of six focusing on the 2020 Emmy nominations), Ben, Libby, and Leo take a look at the acting categories for Limited Series/TV Movie where HBO's 'Watchmen,' FX on Hulu's 'Mrs. America,' and Netflix's 'Unbelievable' and 'Hollywood' all stand to rack up several nominations. In addition, Libby discusses just what it means that The Academy and ABC have chosen a host, while the group discusses the latest setbacks for streaming pariah Quibi.</p>
33 min
72
HBO Max: The Only Streaming Must-Have
<p>Back in November, following the rollouts of Apple TV+ and Disney+, Libby, Ben, and Leo took a moment to figure out just which streaming services they would keep when given a strict budget. Now, with HBO Max launched, the trio decided to revisit their picks, poll the IndieWire staff, and invite Special Projects Editor Steve Greene to weigh in on his choices.&nbsp;</p>
43 min
73
What To Watch After #TheShowMustBePaused
<p>On this week's episode, recorded on #BlackOutTuesday and in the wake of the senseless killing of George Floyd at the hands of Minneapolis Police Department, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss shows like 'When They See Us,' 'The Carmichael Show,' and others they'll be turning to after #TheShowMustBePaused. Additionally, the group discusses Color of Change's "Normalizing Injustice: The Dangerous Misrepresentations that Define Television’s Scripted Crime Genre" study which profiled 26 different scripted crime dramas including “NCIS," “Blue Bloods,” and “FBI: Most Wanted” about the biases being perpetuated by procedurals, as well as the movement, spearheaded by Griffin Newman, of actors across Hollywood donating money to #BlackLivesMatter causes based on their portrayals of law enforcement in the past.</p> <p>For more ways to help: <a href="https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/*" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/</a></p>
22 min
74
When It Rains, It Pours with Pamela Adlon
<p>This week, Ben, Libby, and Leo bask in the inevitability of Pamela Adlon, the star/showrunner/creator of FX's "Better Things." Topics ranged from her unique and amazing casting choices on "Better Things," what she's been watching while sheltering-in-place, and her early film roles in "Plump Fiction" and "Sgt. Bilko." Additionally, Ben and Libby each share which show they're most excited to see coming back, after a week that featured plenty of renewals and cancellations.</p>
36 min
75
FX on Hulu's 'Mrs. America:' Coming To Terms Wi...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo focus on FX on Hulu's divisive drama 'Mrs. America' and whether it's entertaining to watch the character at its center, conservative activist Phyllis Schlafly, actively pursue an agenda that runs counter to the views of most of its audience. Additionally, Ben regales Leo and Libby with his experience at TNT's 'Snowpiercer' virtual premiere, and Libby shares her closing thoughts on the final two episodes of ESPN's 'The Last Dance'.</p>
29 min