I've Been Meaning To Watch That

Manika is back with Lydia (@landoflydia) for part two of their deep dive into HBO’s Industry, covering the chaos of seasons 2 and 3.

They unpack Harper’s risky power plays, Eric’s growing resentment, and the toxic mess of Pierpoint’s sales floor. Yasmin’s privilege unravels under the weight of scandal, Robert spirals into self-sabotage, and Gus proves that quiet ambition might be the smartest move of all.

Season 3 brings greenwashing, betrayal, and Kit Harington as billionaire tech bro Henry Muck. Manika and Lydia break down the ESG pivot, Harper’s latest scheme, and Yasmin’s doomed engagement—with sharp commentary and zero tolerance for mediocrity.

Friendships burn, careers collapse, and the girls are still choosing chaos. Welcome back to Industry.

Lydia's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@landoflydia

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

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Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

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Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

In this episode, Manika is joined by Lydia (@landoflydia), a whip-smart TikTok creator and pop culture observer, for the first of a two-part conversation all about HBO’s high-stakes financial drama Industry. The episode opens with a lively round of Media Mania, where Manika and Lydia dive into timely entertainment stories, including the controversy surrounding HBO’s upcoming Harry Potter series. They break down the problematic implications of supporting JK Rowling’s work in 2025, especially in light of escalating anti-trans sentiment in the UK and US. Both express frustration at the entertainment industry’s unwillingness to hold creators accountable, and highlight how fandom often prioritizes nostalgia over human rights.

From there, the two shift gears to celebrate Sinners, Ryan Coogler’s genre-bending new musical, which they agree is already a strong Oscar contender. They praise its powerful storytelling, stunning vocals, and the joy of seeing a Black-led original IP break box office expectations—despite negative media framing. The conversation also veers into Marvel fatigue, the wasted potential of Blade, and the systemic obstacles still plaguing directors like Nia DaCosta and actors like Mahershala Ali.

Finally, they dig into Industry—the show’s themes, characters, and cutthroat environment. Manika recalls being drawn in by the promise of a “Succession-like” drama with a Black woman lead, while Lydia shares how the show piqued her curiosity after buzz around Interview with the Vampire. The two discuss the brutal demands of Pierpoint & Co., particularly the tragic death of Hari in episode one, and how that moment sets the tone for the show’s ruthless world.

They break down season one through the lens of its four key grads—Harper, Yasmin, Robert, and Gus—exploring their backgrounds, ambitions, and moral compromises. They praise Gus’s integrity, dissect Harper’s calculated ruthlessness, and debate whether Yasmin’s privilege shields or isolates her. A strong undercurrent of class and identity shapes the conversation, with both hosts reflecting on how different upbringings influence ambition in a world like Pierpoint.

The episode ends with a powerful discussion of Harper’s pivotal betrayal at the end of season one—when she chooses ambition over allegiance, takes down Daria, and secures her place beside Eric. Lydia and Manika agree: these aren’t good people—but that’s what makes them so compelling to watch.

Lydia's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@landoflydia

Manika's Socials

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Podcast Socials

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

In this episode, Manika is joined by Maya (@bodegavanetta), a pop culture commentator and TikTok creator, for a cozy, spirited deep dive into the films of Nancy Meyers. The two kick things off reflecting on the golden age of tween girl movies and how the genre has all but disappeared. They reminisce about the joy and specificity of early 2000s hits like What a Girl Wants and Cadet Kelly, and mourn the loss of mid-budget coming-of-age stories that felt fun, earnest, and emotionally rich. Maya points out how today’s film landscape leans heavily into aesthetics and “prestige,” often at the expense of heartfelt storytelling. What used to be a shared cultural experience is now fragmented by streaming platforms and driven by algorithms instead of vibes.

The conversation naturally shifts to Nancy Meyers, a director whose work remains comforting, elegant, and emotionally layered. For both Manika and Maya, The Parent Trap was a formative film—one that shaped their ideas about family, womanhood, and storytelling. They discuss the film’s complex emotional core, the fantasy of divorced parents reuniting, and how Lindsay Lohan’s dual performance carries the movie with sincerity and charm. Meyers’ attention to detail, especially in emotional beats and set design, is praised throughout the episode.

From there, they move on to It’s Complicated, a rom-com that embraces the messiness of middle-aged relationships and gives us a rare portrait of post-divorce desire. Manika and Maya appreciate the film’s grounded portrayal of love and longing, noting how Meryl Streep’s character is allowed to be flawed, funny, and desirable—something still too rare for women on screen. They reflect on how the film resists tying things up neatly and instead celebrates the freedom of ambiguity.

Next up is The Holiday, another favorite for both. Maya highlights the significance of Jack Black being cast as a romantic lead and how that broke certain conventions around desirability in Hollywood. They talk about how The Holiday makes space for emotional vulnerability, friendship, and self-discovery, all while being set in two of the coziest cinematic homes of all time. The episode continues to explore how Meyers crafts stories that are aesthetically pleasing but never hollow—where the kitchens are iconic but so are the inner lives of her characters.

Throughout the episode, Manika and Maya keep returning to the importance of joy in storytelling. They talk about how movies like Meyers’ can be emotionally honest without being gritty, and why fun shouldn’t be considered frivolous. The episode closes with a heartfelt appreciation for the way Nancy Meyers writes characters—especially women—who are allowed to be fully themselves: stylish, chaotic, competent, and full of longing.

Maya's socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@b0dega.veneta

maya and fola takes over the world https://open.spotify.com/show/3hewyYLxSyrspCZh9gxGk8

Carrd https://b0degaveneta.carrd.co/

Manika's Socials

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Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

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In this episode, host Manika is joined by TikTok favorite and pop culture commentator Galen for a sharp, hilarious deep dive into the glitter-soaked world of campy horror. But before the gory glam kicks off, the two detour through the chaos of celebrity space tourism, the X-Files reboot nobody asked for (but maybe kind of needed?), and why Katy Perry’s latest stunt has the internet divided—again.

Then it's all about the scream queens, high drama, and deliciously deranged plots that define camp horror at its best. Manika and Galen dissect the twisted brilliance of Death Becomes Her, She-Devil, and Serial Mom, celebrating iconic performances by Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, and Kathleen Turner, and unpacking what these films have to say about vanity, vengeance, and the absurd pressures of womanhood.

From Ernest’s flaccid undertaker era to Jessica Rabbit wigs, broken necks, and literal paint jobs, this is a laugh-out-loud conversation that blends film critique with fandom-level obsession. Along the way, they reflect on aging, immortality, and why being a walking corpse with good hair still beats going to space with Jeff Bezos.

It’s a wickedly fun, surprisingly deep episode full of hot takes, iconic quotes, and camp appreciation at its finest.

Galen's Socials

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Manika's Socials

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Podcast Socials

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this episode, host Manika is joined once again by pop culture commentator Naja (@nawjuhh) for the second half of their candid, no-holds-barred exploration of Ryan Murphy’s TV empire. But before diving in, they take a detour into the fandom-fueled chaos of Tumblr-era television, the fan theories that became canon, and the blurred lines between creators and online fanbases.

Together, they revisit the emotional rollercoaster that was Glee, unpacking its messy brilliance and maddening missed opportunities—especially when it came to characters like Mercedes and Sam. They discuss the show's flirtation with queer representation, its uneven treatment of Black characters, and how the writers often seemed to take cues from the fandom without fully committing to the stories they teased.

The conversation also traces Murphy’s signature style across his post-Glee work—from the stylish absurdity of Scream Queens to the prestige ambitions of Pose and American Crime Story. Manika and Naja dig into his tendency to reuse actors, the moral whiplash of his storytelling, and the way real-world controversies (including Emma Roberts' behavior and Angelica Ross’s exit) reflect larger issues on Murphy sets.

They also reflect on Pose's legacy, the offscreen drama that undercut its impact, and the industry's failure to sustain shows centered on trans and queer people of color. Finally, they tackle the internet’s appetite for reboot culture, why a Glee revival should never happen, and how formative shows like Glee and Riverdale capture a very specific kind of chaotic cultural lightning.

This is a sharp, funny, and deeply personal conversation about art, identity, fandom, and the media that shapes us—whether we love it, hate it, or keep rewatching it anyway.

Naja's Socials

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@nawjuhh

Twitter https://x.com/nawjuhh

Manika's Socials

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Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

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Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it.

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this episode, host Manika welcomes TikTok creator and pop culture commentator Naja (@nawjuhh) to kick off a deep-dive into the chaotic legacy of TV mastermind Ryan Murphy. But first, they open with Media Mania, covering AMC’s push to reinstate the 45-day theatrical window, Fatima Hassuna’s tragic death and the responsibility of film creators in times of conflict, and the internet’s uneasy reaction to the war-glorifying press tour for Warfare.

Manika and Naja also share their love for the communal moviegoing experience, their gripes with early streaming drops, and the cultural rot of press junkets built for stan Twitter rather than substance.

Then, the conversation turns to Ryan Murphy, the prolific (and polarizing) creator behind shows like Glee, Nip/Tuck, Pose, and American Horror Story. Manika and Naja revisit Glee as both cultural phenomenon and fever dream—from underwritten storylines and wasted potential (justice for Mercedes) to Rachel Berry’s unchecked ego and the show’s chaotic relationship with continuity. They also explore Murphy’s patterns as a writer—big on spectacle, thin on follow-through—and the industry dynamics that allowed his empire to flourish despite criticism.

Throughout, they reflect on the complicated grief around the deaths of multiple Glee cast members and the parasocial intensity that followed. It’s a sharp, candid, and emotionally grounded conversation about pop culture, memory, and how we hold space for media that shaped us—even when it doesn’t hold up.

Naja's SocialsTiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@nawjuhhTwitter https://x.com/nawjuhhManika's SocialsYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1Podcast SocialsYouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2PodTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2podFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it. If you would like to support the podcast, you can subscribe for 4.99 a month. https://anchor.fm/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support

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In this episode, host Manika welcomes TikTok creator and media commentator Chelsea (@_chelseawelsey) to discuss Netflix’s body-swapping psychological thriller It’s What’s Inside. Before diving into the film, they kick things off with Media Mania, covering the upcoming Clueless reboot at Peacock, Ryan Gosling’s surprising lead role in a new Star Wars film, and the frustrations of streaming services canceling shows mid-story. Chelsea and Manika also trade thoughts on under-the-radar hits like Poker Face and One of Us is Lying, and the increasingly chaotic world of Hollywood reboots.

The conversation then shifts to It’s What’s Inside, where a group of estranged college friends reunite for a pre-wedding weekend that takes a dark turn when a former friend arrives with a machine that allows them to swap bodies. Manika and Chelsea unpack the film’s themes of insecurity, obsession, and suppressed resentment—particularly through the character of Shelby, whose desire to emulate influencer Nikki spirals into self-erasure. As the swaps grow more chaotic, secrets unravel, relationships implode, and a disturbing double death forces the group to confront what they’ve become.

Together, they explore how the film uses sci-fi to interrogate deeper issues like identity, intimacy, and the lies we tell to stay connected to people we should’ve outgrown. The episode offers a sharp, funny, and emotionally honest breakdown of one of Netflix’s most underrated recent releases.

Content warnings: discussion of toxic relationships, body autonomy, graphic death, and references to past media depictions of sexual assault and transphobia.

Chelsea's Socials

TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@_chelseawelsea

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/_chelseawelsea

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

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Podcast Socials

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Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

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In this week’s episode of I’ve Been Meaning to Watch That, host Manika welcomes back returning guest Mar Mar, a sharp and insightful film and TV critic known for her candid takes across TikTok and YouTube. The duo kick things off with Media Mania, covering the current surge in video game adaptations—from Minecraft and Five Nights at Freddy’s to The Last of Us and Fallout. They debate what makes a successful adaptation, the risks of IP fatigue, and the evolving standards for storytelling in gaming cinema.

Then, the two dive deep into the Apple TV+ hit Bad Sisters, breaking down Season 1’s pitch-black comedy, the unbearable villainy of JP, and the sisterhood that powers the show. They explore themes of misogyny, gaslighting, revenge, and the complex emotional toll of abuse. It’s funny, heartfelt, sharp—and not afraid to get messy.

If you love shows with layered characters, chaotic murder plots, and emotionally resonant commentary on modern womanhood, this episode is for you

Don't forget to check out Mar Mar's tiktok! https://www.tiktok.com/@marmaryeesa2022Linktree https://linktr.ee/marmaryeesa2022

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/marmar.yeesa/

Bsky https://bsky.app/profile/marmaryeesa.bsky.social

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@marmaryeesa2024

Podcast Socials

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Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIwInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

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This week on I Have Been Meaning to Watch That, Manika is joined by Joc’s Watchlist to break down Netflix’s gripping new miniseries Adolescence. They dive deep into the show's unique one-shot filming style, the intense portrayal of internet culture's influence on young minds, and how Adolescence feels almost too real. Plus, they discuss broader entertainment news, including the fallout from Jonathan Majors' controversy, Netflix's evolving platform strategy, and Daisy Edgar-Jones' refreshing comments on pay equality in Hollywood.
From red pill internet dangers to the changing landscape of celebrity accountability, Manika and Joc bring thoughtful commentary, hot takes, and their signature humor to this packed episode. Tune in for an honest conversation about what we’re watching — and what it says about the world around us.

The Netflix miniseries Adolescence delves into complex and sensitive themes that may be distressing for some viewers. Here are the primary content warnings associated with the series:

1. Violence & Crime

2. Sexual Content & Misogyny

3. Language

4. Psychological Distress

5. Online Harm & Radicalization

If you or someone you know is affected by the issues depicted in the series, consider reaching out to support organizations such as:

• National Sexual Assault Hotline

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

• StopBullying.gov

Jocelyn's Socials

Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jocwatchlist/

Tiktok https://www.tiktok.com/@jocwatchlist

Podcast Socials

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/

Thank you so much for listening to the podcast. We really appreciate it. If you would like to support the podcast, you can subscribe for 4.99 a month. https://anchor.fm/ivebeenmeaningtowatchthat/support

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

🌟 Unlock special gifts with our latest podcast highlights and full VODS. Gain early access on our Patreon: patreon.com/ivebeenmeaningtowatch. 🌐

In this lively episode, host Monica welcomes back returning favorite James, known online as @moviegoodormoviebad, a sharp-witted content creator and film critic with a keen eye for all things cinema. Together, they dive into the highly anticipated sci-fi release Mickey 17, directed by Bong Joon-ho, while unpacking the latest headlines from the entertainment world.

The episode kicks off with “Media Mania,” where Monica and James cover a range of buzzworthy stories, starting with the surreal announcement of an A24 Barney film, featuring Daniel Kaluuya and Ayo Edebiri. They reflect on the risks and possibilities of reimagining childhood icons, while also addressing the complexities of representation through the lens of director Amma Asante’s controversial film Where Hands Touch. The conversation expands to the larger landscape for Black women directors and how the industry often misinterprets or under-supports their vision.

They also discuss the surprising box office performance of The Day the Earth Blew Up, ponder the bizarre Coyote vs. Acme situation (can this film just be released already?), and speculate on how the commodification of nostalgia continues to dominate studio decisions.

In the second half, Monica and James turn their attention to Mickey 17, Bong Joon-ho’s return to genre filmmaking. They explore Robert Pattinson’s nuanced performance as a clone assigned to die repeatedly for the sake of a colonized planet, and how the film blends existential sci-fi with dark comedy.

Naomi Ackie’s performance as Nasha earns high praise for breaking new ground as a fully realized Black female lead in sci-fi — a rare feat Bong handles with care. They break down themes of class, body autonomy, and the ethics of immortality, and unpack the role of Mark Ruffalo’s villainous commander, who channels not just authoritarianism, but corporate entitlement and ego.

They also debate the moral ambiguity of Teemo, the clone who chooses self-preservation, and how that character challenges easy notions of “right” and “wrong” in survival narratives. As the discussion evolves, the duo highlights how Bong subverts the traditional hero arc while creating something deeply human beneath the sci-fi sheen.

Key Themes:

• The surreal rise of A24’s Barney and rebranding childhood
• Hollywood’s uneasy relationship with Black women directors
• Bong Joon-ho’s genre shift post-Parasite
• Robert Pattinson and Naomi Ackie’s layered performances
• Sci-fi as a lens for class, identity, and rebellion
• The ethics of cloning and disposable labor
• Teemo’s dilemma and survival morality
• Naomi Ackie’s Nasha and rare representation done right

Movie Good or Movie Bad aks James Linktree

https://linktr.ee/moviegoodormoviebad

Manika's Socials

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1CmokqeLIagz7nYQJfeRIw

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdulcio98/

Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/manika3000

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@manika3000?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1

Podcast Socials

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@ivebeenmeaningtowatchthatp2316

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BeenMeaning2Pod

Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ivebeenmeaning2pod

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Ive-Been-Meaning-To-Watch-That-113280083760521/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ivebeenmeaning2/