Andy Greenwald is joined by Bill Simmons to discuss “Flip,” the series finale of ‘The Larry Sanders Show.’ They start by talking about why it’s one of HBO’s most underrated shows, why Garry Shandling was the perfect fit for the lead role, and how the ’90s comedy blurred the lines between fiction and reality (2:00). Along the way, they discuss the ways in which it was a tortured production behind the scenes and how it influenced the next wave of workplace sitcoms (25:25). Later, they break down the final season’s heightened stakes leading up to the finale (39:40). Finally, they answer the titular question: “Did it stick the landing?” (87:27).

Host: Andy Greenwald
Guest: Bill Simmons
Producers: Kaya McMullen and Kai Grady
Theme Song and Other Music Credits: Giancarlo Vulcano
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Did ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ Stick the Landing?

The Prestige TV Podcast covers the best shows on television with unparalleled passion and expertise. The feed features must-listen commentary from The Ringer’s own Bill Simmons, Joanna Robinson, Sean Fennessey, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, and many more. Subscribe to The Prestige TV Podcast for weekly recaps, comprehensive breakdowns, and exclusive creator & cast interviews.

TV & Film

Joanna is first joined by ‘Shogun’ cocreator Rachel Kondo and writer Caillin Puente to discuss writing the penultimate episode, Mariko’s fate, making Ochiba a more layered character than her book counterpart, why they decided to cut out the heir’s parentage as a plot point for the story, how Nagakado’s death came to fruition, and much more. Next, ‘Shogun’ writers Emily Yoshida and Maegan Houang talk to Jo about penning the script for the finale, the elderly Blackthorne sequences, what the final interaction between Toranaga and Yabushige says about the former, why the book’s ending was one of the toughest parts to adapt, and much more.

Host: Joanna Robinson
Guests: Rachel Kondo, Caillin Puente, Emily Yoshida, and Maegan Houang
Producer: Kai Grady
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‘Shogun’ Finale Interview Special

Jo and Rob return to break down the ‘Shogun’ finale. They discuss the surprising restraint throughout the final episode, their feelings about the show as a whole, and the revelation behind Toranaga’s true intentions. Along the way, they talk about the placement of Blackthorne’s seppuku moment and the beautiful subtlety of Ochiba’s poetry. Later, they unpack the ways in which the television adaptation surpassed the original work.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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‘Shogun’ Finale Recap

Jo and Rob return to break down the ninth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss Anna Sawai’s impressive performance, Mariko’s intense standoff at the castle gates, and how the show has been gradually building up to “Crimson Sky.” Along the way, they talk about Ochiba pulling the strings behind the scenes and her emotional interaction with Mariko. Later, they unpack the outcome of various main characters in the penultimate episode’s shocking final scene. 

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producers: Kai Grady and Isaiah Blakely
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‘Shogun’ Episode 9 Recap

Jo and Rob return to break down the eighth episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the grand introduction of Edo, the emotionally crushing tea room exchange between Mariko and Buntaro, and Blackthorne’s unexpected revulsion toward his men. Along the way, they talk about the thematic significance of loyalty throughout the episode. Later, they unpack Hiromatsu’s devastating sacrifice and the substantial consequences of his decision.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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‘Shogun’ Episode 8 Recap

Jo and Rob return to break down the seventh episode of ‘Shogun.’ They discuss the aftermath of Saeki’s betrayal, how Nagakado’s fate is a major departure from the book, and the many question marks surrounding Toranaga’s plan (or lack thereof). Along the way, they talk about the increasingly complicated dynamic between Mariko and Buntaro. Later, they consider whether or not “Crimson Sky” is just one big misdirection.

Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney
Producer: Kai Grady
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Did ‘The Larry Sanders Show’ Stick the Landing?

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