Crossing Streams

Craig Elsten offers an apology for this week's podcast being delivered late, then dives into a deep discussion with John Gennaro, who makes his Crossing Streams debut to discuss the Netflix original series Russian Doll. The premise is unique, the characters colorful. Craig is all in with the show, but John has his doubts. An interesting debate ensues! Enjoy the first of two Crossing Streams episodes this week!

Craig Elsten and Steven Woods get into how Season 3 of True Detective on HBO has revitalized the franchise after a disappointing second season. Mahershela Ali and Stephen Dorff are sparkling on the screen; can showrunner Nic Pizzalato land this mystery effectively by season's end? Non-spoiler discussion.

Craig Elsten returns from a two-week Landon Donovan-induced hiatus (he explains on the show) with a look at a pair of true crime documentary series on Netflix. First in Craig's Critic Corner, a look at Conversations With a Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes. Does it cover any new ground, and what's worth watching? Then, Jefferson Jay makes his first appearance on Crossing Streams (with a new theme!) and helps break down the sad yet interesting series Murder Mountain, about the cannabis trade in Humboldt County.

Craig Elsten opens this week's podcast with a look at Netflix's new Black Mirror choose-your-own-adventure show, Bandersnatch. The technology and innovation in media is fascinating...but is the resultant movie a fun watch? We get into it in Craig's Critic Corner. Then, Jordan Carruth rejoins the show to spoil season 2 of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel on Amazon Prime. How did major plot developments in the final three episodes save the season in Craig's opinion? Plus, where will season 3 be heading?

It's a new year and Crossing Streams is back with a brand new episode talking about two of the most popular movies out right now. After a brief intro, Craig Elsten is joined by Tom Howell from the Hyperion Adventures podcast to talk about Mary Poppins Returns, a musical that returns you to the roots of classic Disney in the best way possible. Then, Ryan Phillips from thebiglead.com returns to Crossing Streams to talk about the viral sensation on Netflix, Bird Box. It's the most popular piece of media being consumed in the country...but is Bird Box good? The guys have thoughts.

Craig Elsten begins the final Crossing Streams podcast of 2018 with thanks and a look back at how Crossing Streams came to be in 2018. Next, in a quick "Craig's Critic Corner", a look at how Netflix is expanding into cooking competition shows with "The Final Table". Then, Craig counts down his Top-20 shows for 2018. There were some tough choices along the way, but the top choice was clear. John Browner joins Craig to discuss the best show of 2018, and what makes it unique in the viewing landscape.

Craig Elsten and Jordan Carruth gather on Crossing Streams for the first time to talk about one of the funniest, sharpest written shows on television, Amazon's The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. The show cleaned up at the Emmys after its first season; the guys discuss what lured them in and holds them in thrall over this show. Then, how will Maisel transition into its second season, and what should we expect as the characters continue to grow and develop? Will Marvelous Mrs. Maisel become more than a sweet treat, and gain greater depth? Tune in to hear it all; no spoilers here. Craig and Jordan will be back in three weeks to spoil the entire second season.

Host Craig Elsten is joined by Jake Parli (@Team_Thrash, More Than Baseball Podcast) to break down (with spoilers) the first season of The Haunting of Hill House on Netflix. Why is this show more than just a horror series, what does it say about grieving and depression, and is it a family drama in disguise? Plus, did it miss sticking the ultimate landing? First, Craig's Critic Corner takes a first look (no spoilers) at Chilling Adventures of Sabrina, also on Netflix. Things will go bump in the night on this week's Crossing Streams!

Host Craig Elsten is joined once again by Darren Smith to fully break down the first season of Narcos: Mexico on Netflix. How has the franchise transitioned from Columbia to Mexico, and how well positioned is it for future seasons? Who was the season 1 MVP? Craig and Darren discuss how institutional corruption was portrayed, which supporting characters shined or faded, and how the producers chose to integrate dramatic portryal with historic accuracy. Plus, in "Craig's Critic Corner", a first look at the AMC limited series, John LeCarre's The Little Drummer Girl.

Two great shows, two great guests making their second appearance this week on Crossing Streams. After a brief intro segment, Craig welcomes in Tom Callahan to discuss season 1 of Homecoming, on Amazon. How did a fictional podcast become an award hunting TV streaming show? Can a second season work? Where did Sam Esmail succeed, and what could have been done better? Then, it's time to talk Narcos: Mexico! Darren Smith joins Craig as they think about why Narcos is such an--ahem--addictive show. Is Narcos: Mexico living up to the standards of the first three seasons? A spoiler-free conversation ensues.
Menu: Intro (0:00), Homecoming w/spoilers (5:25), Narcos: Mexico (31:51)