When Atlanta premiered, it redefined what a TV show could be. The Emmy-winning series, created by Donald Glover, blends surrealism, comedy, and social commentary like nothing before it. But how did it all start?

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Racquel Callahan (The Chi, Swagger, Good Trouble) to break down the Atlanta pilot. They explore why Donald Glover tricked FX into greenlighting the show, how the pilot follows classic sitcom structure despite its experimental style, and why the series resonated across so many different audiences.

From Earn’s struggle to get Paper Boi’s song on the radio to the genre-bending moments that make Atlanta unique, we dive into what makes this pilot one of the most important of the last decade.

📺 Watch the full episode on YouTube – https://youtu.be/NDxwF331uQQ

📽️ Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar

🎤 Host: Rae Benjamin
🎙️ Guest: Racquel Callahan
🎬 Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes
🎵 Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne

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🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317

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What makes Veep one of the smartest and sharpest political comedies ever made? From its rapid-fire dialogue to its brutal satire of Washington politics, the Emmy-winning HBO series redefined what a comedy could be. 

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Rickey Larke (Mr. Throwback, Grown-ish, Black-ish) to break down the Veep pilot. They dive into the fast-paced writing, how improv shaped the show, and why unlikable characters can still be compelling. Plus, they discuss how Veep predicted modern politics and whether a show like this could still get made today. 

#Veep #TVWriting #ComedyWriting #InTheCutPodcast #Screenwriting #HBO #storytelling 

📽️ Produced by Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar 

🎤 Host: Rae Benjamin 

🎙️ Guest: Rickey Larke

🎬 Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes 

🎵 Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

📢 For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://www.inthecutla.org 

📱 Follow us on Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inthecutla 

📹 Watch on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/podcasts 

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 

🎵 Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq

What happens when you mix crime, comedy, and a missing person mystery—all set in Detroit? Diarra from Detroit does something we’ve never seen before, and we’re breaking down how it works. The show is executive produced by NAACP Award winning writer and producer Kenya Barris (Black-ish, Grown-ish) for BET+. 

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Kira Talise (Insecure, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Black and Sexy TV) to dive into what makes Diarra from Detroit so unique. From its film noir influences to its sharp humor and social commentary, they discuss why this show is changing the game for TV storytelling. 

#DiarraFromDetroit #TVWriting #Screenwriting #InTheCutPodcast #ComedyWriting #CrimeDrama #BET 

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar 

Host: Rae Benjamin 

Guest: Kira Talise 

Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org 

YouTube:

https://youtu.be/_0Q-9BHG2nk

Instagram: 

https://Instagram.com/inthecutla 

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

In the Cut Podcast host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Alesia Etinoff (The Game) to break down the Queen Sugar pilot. In this episode, we explore how Ava DuVernay crafted a deeply cinematic and subversive drama—one that defies traditional TV structure in favor of rich character studies and visual storytelling. 

Queen Sugar is a groundbreaking family drama that follows the estranged Bordelon siblings as they reunite to save their family's struggling sugarcane farm in Louisiana. With stunning cinematography, complex character dynamics, and a slow-burn approach to storytelling, the series delivers an emotionally resonant experience rarely seen on television. Though it never received the awards recognition it deserved, Queen Sugar remains a standout example of Black storytelling at its finest.

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar 

Host: Rae Benjamin 

Guest: Alesia Etinoff 

Producer, Editor, and Videographer: Joseph Fuentes 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org 

Instagram: https://Instagram.com/inthecutla 

Apple Podcasts: 

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 

Spotify: 

https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

In the Cut Podcast host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Jonterri Gadson (Everybody Still Hates Chris, The Upshaws, A Black Lady Sketch Show) to break down the Abbott Elementary pilot. On this episode, we explain how Quinta Brunson crafted a pitch-perfect first episode—balancing comedy, heart, and unique characters.

Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows a group of dedicated teachers at a public school in Philadelphia. Led by the passionate yet inexperienced Janine Teagues, the quirky faculty navigates the challenges of underfunded classrooms and unruly students. With a mix of heartfelt moments and sharp humor, the Emmy-winning show highlights the resilience of teachers who are committed to making a difference in their students' lives. It’s a fresh take on education with plenty of laughs and relatable moments for anyone who’s ever been in a classroom.

🎬 Want more behind-the-scenes breakdowns of great TV? Subscribe for more!

#AbbottElementary #TVWriting #ComedyWriting #InTheCutPodcast

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar

Host: Rae Benjamin

Guest: Jonterri Gadson

Producer, Editor, and Videdographer: Joseph Fuentes

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org

Instagram:

https://Instagram.com/inthecutla

Apple Podcasts:

https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq?si=f-fdmRcPRVax49P7O6C6jQ

Memorable storytelling is built on conflict and change—and no one changed more than Walter White on the iconic AMC drama, Breaking Bad. From his initial introduction as a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to his first foray into dealing drugs, every moment pushes the protagonist Walt toward his inevitable transformation. Listen as professional writers Rae Benjamin and Troy Dangerfield break down the Breaking Bad pilot and explain why the show is truly the GOAT. 

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Produced by Raenbo Media and Video Del Mar 

Host: Rae Benjamin 

Guest: Troy Dangerfield 

Producer, Editor, and Camera Operator: Joseph Fuentes 

Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne 

For more resources including live and virtual events, visit inthecutla.org

Follow us @inthecutla on Instagram