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
76
‘Snowpiercer’ Pulls Out of the Station with a ‘...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben finally fills Leo and Libby in on all that TNT's 'Snowpiercer' has to offer now that the press embargo has lifted, Libby waxes poetic about the premiere iteration of IndieWire's Emmy Awards Spotlight (which launched Monday), and in the wake of Jeffrey Katzenberg's scapegoating of the coronavirus as the reason for Quibi's early failures, Leo unsubscribes from the app.&nbsp;</p>
33 min
77
The Netflix Top 10: Who Are All These People Wa...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss what can be gleaned from Netflix's Top 10 feature, which Ben and Leo obsessively cataloged for the entire month of April. Additionally, they discuss the on-the-nose casting news that Nicolas Cage will lead the scripted 'Tiger King' series and Ben looks back wearily on the finale of 'Westworld.'</p>
34 min
78
Spring TV Reviewapalooza
<p>On this week's episode, Ben walks Libby and Leo through just a few of the television series he's watched and reviewed, such as Netflix's "The Eddy" and "Hollywood," Hulu's "Normal People," and the final season of Showtime's "Homeland." Additionally, the group talks about Disney+ hiring "Russian Doll" co-creator Leslye Headland to helm a new Star Wars spin-off, why people are watching ESPN's "The Last Dance," and why some industry insiders are bearish on the launch of HBO Max.</p>
31 min
79
Everything's Coming Up Netflix!
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Libby, Ben, and Leo discuss Netflix's massive Q1 fiscal report, which saw the streamer add nearly 16 million subscribers, as well as the Television Academy’s decision to ignore a rule requiring a minimum runtime in the TV Movie category so&nbsp; the “Black Mirror” episode “Smithereens” can compete. Additionally, Ben and Libby discuss what HBO Max has to offer when it launches on May 27.</p>
21 min
80
Binge-Watching In The Time of Coronavirus
<p>On this week’s episode of “Millions of Screens,” Libby, Leo, and Ben discuss the television they’ve been watching — not for work, but for pleasure. The three hosts also break down Quibi’s attempts to pivot from post-launch criticism (including how the mobile-only streaming service is fast-tracking a way to watch shows on TVs). Additionally, Ben gets some good news about “Snowpiercer,” that may not actually be good news at all.</p>
27 min
81
Quibi Is Here, Demanding Your Screen Time
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo delve into Quibi, Jeffrey Katzenberg and Meg Whitman's nearly $2 billion streaming platform: What, if anything, does it get right? Where does it go wrong? And how, in the era of second and third screens, does it have the audacity to hijack your phone, even if only for 8 minutes at a time? Additionally, Ben talks about ATX TV festival's decision to go virtual and Libby asks Ben why he's so fascinated by TNT's 'Snowpiercer.'</p>
34 min
82
The Emmys Enter Uncharted Territory
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about the Television Academy's decision to adjust their awards season schedule, truncating the nomination and final voting phases, while keeping the Primetime Emmy Awards telecast on September 20 as previously scheduled. Additionally, Ben walks us through his thoughts on Ozark Season 3, and Ben and Libby talk about the cultural sensation that is Netflix's "Tiger King."</p> <p><br></p> <p><br></p>
25 min
83
TV’s New Normal Is Missing an Ending
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about how various shows are dealing with the production stoppages due to the coronavirus pandemic, from broadcast stalwarts like "This Is Us" which was able to wrap up its season on its own terms, to new cable entities like "Snowpiercer," which was likely looking for a boost from March Madness to help raise awareness. Additionally, Ben talks about HBO Now releasing streaming numbers in the wake of the country's self-quarantine and Libby discusses just what might become of Emmy season.&nbsp;</p>
29 min
84
What Do The Next Several Months of Television L...
<p>On this week's podcast, Ben, Libby, and Leo jump on a Skype call to discuss the industry sea change in the wake of the coronavirus. With so many productions shutting down, what exactly do the next several months of television look like? Additionally, Libby talks us through Fargo missing out on contention for this year's Emmy's due to its own production stoppage and Ben tells us what the Season 3 premiere numbers for "Westworld" mean for the HBO juggernaut.</p>
22 min
85
Emmy FYC Season: What Is It, Exactly? And How M...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo dissect what serves as the unofficial kickoff of Emmy awards season: the arrival of the FYCs. Additionally, Libby examines how the current spread of COVID-19 may affect the rules the TV Academy institutes for FYC events moving forward, perhaps ushering in changes that have been a long time coming.</p>
27 min
86
Can HBO's ‘The Outsider’ Follow ‘True Detective...
<p>(Note: Minor spoilers for "The Outsider" begin at 18:03)</p> <p><br> On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss the unlikely hit that is HBO's "The Outsider," a show that shares some DNA with another of the network's former hits, "True Detective." Additionally, we discuss Netflix's recent addition of a Top 10 row of films and shows to its user interface, the streamer's announcement of their inaugural Netflix Is A Joke Fest, a comedy festival featuring David Letterman, Dave Chappelle, and Hannah Gadsby (amongst many, many others), and America Ferrara's impending departure from "Superstore."</p> <p><br></p>
38 min
87
Episode Length Creep: In The Era of Too Much TV...
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Leo, and Libby discuss the ever-expanding episode lengths of most prestige dramas, especially when it comes to those who make their homes on streaming platforms where commercial break considerations don't have to be taken into account. Additionally, Ben and Libby discuss how some potential Emmy contenders are handling their rollouts in hopes to be top of mind when voting opens.&nbsp;</p>
23 min
88
Netflix’s ‘The Circle’ and ‘Love Is Blind:’ Def...
<p>On this week’s podcast, Ben T. Travers grills his co-hosts, Leo and Libby, about their viewing choices, specifically why they each chose to watch several hours of “Love Is Blind” and “The Circle,” Netflix’s first forays into the trashier corners of reality television, when there’s so much prestige TV out there. Additionally, Ben walks us through his “Hunters” review and the group discusses their excitement for future pod favorite, “Run.”</p>
30 min
89
The Oscars: The Good ('Parasite'), The Bad (Emi...
<p>On this week's episode, Leo, Libby, and Ben bask in the glow of "Parasite" and Director Bong's impressive night, but can't help but wonder if the historic victory was tarnished by an incredibly bloated and at times confusing Oscars telecast. With ratings down from last year's host-less enterprise (in the wake of Kevin Hart debacle), the Academy is sorely in need of suggestions to help bring relevancy (or at the very least streamlining) back into the program, especially when you consider all the alternatives viewers have at their disposal across both the television landscape and the various streaming platforms. Additionally, Ben and Libby argue about the success of Quibi's first foray into the commercial space, and Libby defends CBS' decision to revive CSI as an event-series.&nbsp;</p>
36 min
90
Raphael Bob-Waksberg on the End of ‘BoJack Hors...
<p>On this week's podcast, Ben, Libby, and Leo sit down with Raphael Bob-Waksberg, creator of 'BoJack Horseman,' in the wake of the show's final episodes becoming available for fans over the weekend. Topics covered over the course of the interview include characters returning for the last season, mental health, the state of the anithero, and what he learned from his old sketch troupe, Olde English. Additionally, the group chats about Super Bowl ratings and the WGA awards, which saw some podcast favorites win.&nbsp;</p>
46 min
91
Sundance 2020: Steve James, Hillary Clinton, an...
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about Sundance (where Leo was in attendance heading up IndieWire's Sundance Studio, where 87 interviews were recorded over the course of four days) and what potential value it can bring to projects included in its Indie Episodic program. Additionally, Libby discusses her trip to the DGAs, Ben delves into what this week's Nic Pizzolatto/HBO split means for the future of 'True Detective,' and everyone makes their Super Bowl picks.</p>
35 min
92
Winter TCAs (Part 2): Apple TV+, You're Doing I...
<p>On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about the second half of the Television Critics Association's Press Tour, where Ben and Libby have spent what likely seems like the last month, focusing on Apple TV+'s inaugural session and HBO Max's somewhat confusing presentation on what exactly will be included when the streamer launches. Additional topics on this week's episode include which shows are currently in the Emmy driver's seat after reviewing what the guilds have chosen to celebrate, with Libby reporting back from her time at the ACE Eddies, the PGA Awards, and the SAG Awards. Also, Ben's befuddlement returns, as he was able to sit down with showrunner Richard Price and ask why and how anyone would turn Stephen King's 'The Outsider' into a show.</p>
37 min
93
Winter TCAs (Part 1): “I’m A Sucker For Sizzles”
On this week's episode of Millions of Screens, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about the Television Critics Association's Press Tour, otherwise known as the TCAs, where Ben and Libby have spent that last week. Additional topics on this week's episode include the somewhat sloppy rollout of the Directors Guild television nominations, Ben's befuddlement about why anyone would turn Stephen King's 'The Outsider' into a show, and the news of Bong Joon Ho partnering with Adam McKay for an HBO limited series based on  'Parasite.'
33 min
94
Ricky Gervais Makes His Case For Hostless Award...
<p>On this week's post Golden Globes episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss the various highs (Ramy Youssef, 'Succession') and lows (Ricky Gervais, Russell Crowe's win for 'The Loudest Voice') of this year's ceremony. Ben and Libby also discuss their various post-Globes party stops, and why Quibi (which has yet to give Libby a show) isn't at TCAs.</p>
34 min
95
"Toss A Coin to Ben Travers" and Golden Globes ...
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk about Netflix’s most popular movies and shows (well, one popular show that’s also Leo’s favorite show of all time), the truncated television press schedule dictated by an early Oscars, and share their picks for Sunday's Golden Globes ceremony.&nbsp;</p>
36 min
96
Crackin' Yolks with Damon Lindelof in the Wake ...
<p>On this week's podcast, Libby, Ben, and Leo sat down with Damon Lindelof, creator, executive producer, and showrunner of HBO's 'Watchmen' in advance of the show's finale. Over the course of the conversation, Damon discussed audience expectations, the fate of Lube Man (and his unseen sidekick), the impetus behind American Hero Story, if there was ever a plan for PeteyPedia to include video assets, how he built the 'Watchmen' writers' room, Liza Richardson's work as music supervisor and how she worked in concert with Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, how other shows in the current television landscape like 'Atlanta,' 'Legion,' and 'Mr. Robot' &nbsp;impacted the story he and the writers wanted to tell, as well as a slight tangent into <em>Paul's Boutique</em>'s place in the Beastie Boys' discography. We also do our due diligence, and ask the obligatory "Will There Be A Season 2 of 'Watchmen?'</p>
50 min
97
The 2020 Golden Globe Nominations: A Thoroughly...
<p>On this week's episode, Libby, Ben, and Leo take a closer look at Monday's Golden Globe nominations, focusing on those selections that surprised or disheartened them. They also take a look at HBO's 'Watchmen' ratings and talk about 'The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier &amp; Clay' getting a series commitment at Showtime.</p>
34 min
98
'Fleabag' Is No. 1, But What Else Can We Learn ...
<p>On this week's episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo talk through Ben's Best TV of 2019 list, where "Fleabag" claimed the number 1 spot, and delve into why we either enjoy/dread putting lists together, and what exactly we're seeking when we click on someone else's lists. Plus, we prognosticate about what insane nominations the HFPA may unleash unto the world Monday, and what the SAG Awards are likely to do two days later.&nbsp;</p>
28 min
99
Thankful For The Reginaissance, Too Much TV, an...
<p>On this week's Thanksgiving-themed episode, Ben, Libby, and Leo discuss the elements of the 2019 television industry that they're thankful for, including but not limited to, living in the era of "too much tv," great second seasons, and Werner Herzog's continued presence on Disney+'s 'The Mandalorian.' We also coin the phrase, "The Reginaissance." And speaking of Regina King, we dig a bit more into this past Sunday's episode of 'Watchmen,' aptly titled, "This Extraordinary Being." Also, Libby regales us with tales from The Paley Honors: A Special Tribute to Television’s Comedy Legends, which featured speeches from noted comedy luminaries Bob Newhart, Lily Tomlin, Carl Reiner, Carol Burnett, and Norman Lear.&nbsp;</p>
27 min
100
Netflix's 'Living With Yourself:' Cold Brews an...
<p>On this week's episode, Libby, Ben, and Leo invite the star and directors of Netflix's 'Living With Yourself' Paul Rudd, Jonathan Dayton, and Valerie Faris onto the pod as their inaugural guests. During their conversation, which took place over various sparkling waters, Rudd revealed using 'Celery Man' as an inspiration for his take on playing multiple versions of the same person, Dayton and Faris outlined some of the technical issues they encountered in trying to capture two Paul Rudds in a single frame, and everyone agreed that the stark contrast of comedy and tragedy within the original scripts is what attracted them to the project. Additionally, we chat about Netflix's upcoming David Fincher-helmed 'Chinatown' prequel, ask why Damon Lindelof hates dogs, and issue our first correction (kinda).</p>
34 min