Scene N Nerd

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk reflect on the standout television shows of 2025 and share their most anticipated picks for 2026. As the dynamic duo navigates through their top five lists, they dive into the emotional highs and lows of various series, exploring themes of nostalgia, identity, and personal growth. Sarah and Will share their insights and passionate opinions on what made these shows memorable. 🎬

As they discuss their honorable mentions and the shows that didn't quite make the cut, they also touch on the disappointments of the year, providing a candid look at the highs and lows of the television landscape. With a mix of laughter, nostalgia, and critical analysis, this episode captures the essence of a year rich in storytelling and character development. 📺

Join Sarah and Will for an engaging conversation that celebrates the best of 2025 while looking ahead to the exciting possibilities of 2026!

Timestamps

0:16 Introduction to the Best of 2025/2026 List & Rules 1:33 Spoiler Warning & Listener Engagement 2:27 Sarah's #5 Pick 6:08 Will's #5 Pick 10:10 Sarah's #4 Pick 13:42 Will's #4 Pick 16:10 Sarah's #3 Pick 19:50 Will's #3 Pick 22:51 Sarah's #2 Pick 26:51 Will's #2 Pick 29:52 Sarah's #1 Pick 35:15 Will's #1 Pick 40:07 Honorable Mentions & Overlaps 41:01 Sarah's Disappointments List 47:55 Will's Disappointments & Favorite Movies 50:53 Sarah's Favorite High School TV Shows 58:26 Looking Ahead to 2026 1:02:04 Podcast Wrap-up & Final Thoughts

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

Scene N Serve Holiday Food Drive: https://www.scenennerdpodcast.com/p/scene-n-serve/

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk dive into the thrilling world of Stranger Things Season 5, Episodes 3 and 4, titled "The Turnbow Trap" and "The Sorcerer." The duo passionately explores the intricate plots and character dynamics as the gang faces off against new threats while grappling with their personal challenges. From nostalgic references to classic 80s films to the evolving relationships among the characters, Sarah and Will dissect the emotional stakes that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. 🎢

As they navigate the complexities of the Turnbow family trap, they reflect on the clever nods to films like Home Alone and Nightmare on Elm Street, while also addressing the representation of characters and their struggles with identity. The hosts delve into Will's journey of self-discovery and the implications of his powers, examining how the show intertwines themes of friendship, love, and the fight against darkness. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for an engaging discussion that captures the essence of nostalgia and the emotional depth of this beloved series as it heads toward its epic conclusion!

Timestamps

0:00 Welcome

0:30 Stranger Things Season 5 Volume 2 Posters and we go right into the discussion of the episodes.

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

Scene N Serve Holiday Food Drive: https://www.scenennerdpodcast.com/p/scene-n-serve/

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk dive into the thrilling world of Stranger Things Season 5, Episodes 1 and 2. The duo explores the emotional and narrative nuances as they reconnect with beloved characters and face new challenges in Hawkins. With the return of familiar faces and the introduction of fresh threats, Sarah and Will discuss the show's ability to blend nostalgia with suspense, all while tackling the heavy themes of grief and trauma that linger from past seasons. 🎢

As they dissect the character dynamics, including the evolving relationships between Steve, Robin, Dustin, and the rest of the gang, they highlight how the show continues to develop its ensemble cast. They also delve into Will's journey, exploring his connection to the Upside Down and the implications of his powers. With sharp insights and humor, they reflect on the show's balance of horror and heart, as well as the challenges of growing up in a world filled with supernatural dangers. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for a captivating conversation that navigates the complexities of friendship, love, and the fight against darkness in this highly anticipated season!

0:00 Welcome and winter reflections

3:27 Discussion on the Emmy Awards and industry dynamics (The Pitt and Severance)

11:23 Transition to Stranger Things Season 5

53:35 Donate Drive and Outro

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

Scene N Serve Holiday Food Drive: Donate here.

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk tackle the intense and thought-provoking Season 2 finale of Severance, Episode 10, titled "Cold Harbor," and the penultimate episode "The After Hours." As Mark and Gemma's paths intertwine, the dynamic duo delves into the emotional stakes of their reunion, exploring the complexities of identity and choice within the severed experience. They discuss the implications of Mark's decision to stay on the severed floor while Gemma escapes into the outer world, raising questions about autonomy and the nature of love in a fractured reality. 💔

Sarah and Will also dissect the philosophical underpinnings of the episode, particularly the chilling concept of Cold Harbor and its connection to the severance process. They analyze the significance of the birthing cabin setting and the eerie rituals surrounding the Lumon cult, drawing parallels to the characters' struggles for agency and connection. With humor and insight, they reflect on the season's narrative arcs, character development, and the emotional resonance of each moment. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for an engaging discussion that navigates the intricate web of relationships, revelations, and the moral dilemmas posed by this gripping finale!

0:00 Welcome and Thanksgiving reflections

1:10 Holiday food drive announcement Scene N Serve

3:10 Severance Season 2, Episode 9 "The After Hours" recap

26:01 Severance Season 2, Episode 10 "Cold Harbor" discussion begins

1:11:10 Outro and where to find us

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

Scene N Serve Holiday Food Drive: https://www.scenennerdpodcast.com/p/scene-n-serve/

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk take a captivating dive into the emotional depths of Severance Season 2, Episodes 7 and 8, titled "Chikhai Bardo" and "Sweet Vitriol." The dynamic duo passionately discusses the heart-wrenching love story of Mark and Gemma, revealing how this episode might just be their favorite of the series. They explore the intricate storytelling that unfolds from Gemma's perspective and the impact of her past on Mark's journey, while also analyzing the chilling implications of Lumon's experiments on her. 💔

As they transition to Episode 8, Sarah and Will express their frustrations with the slower pacing and disconnection of the narrative centered around Cobel. They dissect the importance of Cobel's backstory, her relationship with Lumon, and the unsettling revelations about her role in the severance procedure. With a mix of critique and insight, they ponder what this means for the future of the characters and the overarching plot. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for an engaging discussion filled with laughter, critical reflections, and plenty of theories as they navigate the emotional complexities and narrative twists of these thought-provoking episodes!

0:00 Welcome and reflections on Severance

1:42 Episode 7 "Chikhai Bardo": Mark and Gemma's love story

40:20 Episode 8 "Sweet Vitriol": Cobel's backstory and revelations

1:00:00 Outro

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk dive deep into the intriguing dynamics of Severance Season 2, Episodes 5 and 6, titled "Trojan's Horse" and "Attila." The dynamic duo unpacks the emotional fallout as the team at Lumon grapples with loss, exploring the complex relationships between the severed employees and their Outties.

As they analyze the chilling performance review of Milchick and the philosophical dinner between Irving and Bert, Sarah and Will delve into the themes of control, identity, and the haunting implications of the severed procedure. With a mix of humor and critical insights, they ponder the potential consequences of Mark and Helly's relationship, including the shocking possibility of an unexpected pregnancy. 🤯

Join Sarah and Will for a thought-provoking conversation that navigates the emotional landscapes and intricate narratives of these gripping episodes!

Timestamps

0:48 Sarah's K-Drama Deep Dive: A Weekend of Binges and Discoveries 10:09 Severance S2 Episode 5: Cold Open Symbolism & Initial Reactions 12:47 Unraveling Lumon's Guardians: Milchek and Ms. Huang's Peculiar Roles 22:00 Milchek's Performance Review: Microaggressions and Lumon's Cult of Kier 27:35 Irving's Note: Dylan's Choice and the Export Floor 30:20 Episode 6: Unprotected Connections and Severance Motivations 35:39 Milchek's True Allegiance: Reformer or Sleeper Agent? 41:02 The Perils of Reintegration: Mark's Physical Manifestations 45:58 Irving and Bert's Dinner: Souls, Past Lives, and Unsevered Attraction

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk delve into the captivating world of Severance with a discussion on Season 2, Episode 3, titled "Who Is Alive." As Mark, Helly, Irving, and Dylan navigate the chilling secrets of Lumon, Sarah and Will unpack Dylan's compelling character arc and his struggle for identity amidst the severed experience. They explore the emotional weight of family visits and the implications of being a severed employee, highlighting the poignant moments that define Dylan's journey. 💔

Transitioning to Season 2, Episode 4, titled "Woe's Hollow, the dynamic duo examines the eerie mythology surrounding Kier and the significance of duality within the severed world and Irving's fate. As they dissect the chilling tale of Kier's twin, they ponder the implications of desire and autonomy in the lives of the characters, especially as Mark's and Helly's paths intertwine in unexpected ways. The episode's haunting visuals and layered storytelling leave Sarah and Will eager to unpack the complexities of this thought-provoking narrative. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for an insightful discussion filled with laughter, critiques, and theories as they navigate the intricate web of relationships and revelations in these gripping episodes!

0:00 Welcome and November reflections

2:00 Severance Season 2, Episode 3 "Who Is Alive"

37:08 Severance Season 2, Episode 4 "Woe's Hollow"

1:10:00 Outro

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk dive into the explosive season finale of Gen V Season 2, Episode 8, titled "Trojan." As chaos erupts at Godolkin University, Marie, Jordan, and Emma face their greatest challenges yet, navigating shocking betrayals and a brutal showdown that could reshape their futures. Sarah and Will share their candid reactions, discussing the predictability of the finale and its emotional impact while also reflecting on how the season's character arcs evolved. 💥

Transitioning to the intriguing world of Severance, the dynamic duo explores Season 2, Episode 2, "Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig," where Mark contemplates the meaning of a message while Lumon grapples with the fallout of the overtime contingency. They delve into the complexities of the Outtie and Innie experiences, particularly focusing on Helena's dual identity and the implications of her choices. The episode's haunting visuals and character dynamics leave Sarah and Will eager to unpack the layers of this thought-provoking narrative. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for a lively discussion filled with insights, critiques, and plenty of laughs as they navigate the thrilling conclusions of these captivating episodes!

0:00 Welcome and Halloween plans banter and 2nd season thoughts

6:07 Gen V Season 2, Episode 8 "Trojan"

31:47 Severance Season 2, Episode 2 "Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig"

1:05:30 Outro

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk dive into the penultimate episode of Gen V Season 2, Episode 7, titled "Hell Week." As the students at Godolkin University grapple with the complexities of loyalty and manipulation, Sarah and Will dissect the unexpected character dynamics between Cate and Marie. They explore the clever writing that highlights the insidious nature of their environment, while also pondering the implications of the choices made by the characters. 🌀

Shifting gears, the dynamic duo transitions to the highly anticipated return of Severance with Season 2, Episode 1, "Hello, Ms. Cobel." Mark finds himself navigating a changed workplace filled with new faces while grappling with his feelings for Helly and the mysteries surrounding Ms. Casey. The episode's unique perspective from the Innies provides a fresh take on the show's themes of identity and choice, leaving Sarah and Will eager to unravel the layers of this complex narrative. 🔍

Join Sarah and Will for an engaging discussion filled with insights, critiques, and plenty of laughs as they navigate the emotional landscapes of these captivating episodes!

0:00 Welcome and banter

5:42 Gen V Season 2, Episode 7 "Hell Week"

35:10 Severance Season 2, Episode 1 "Hello, Ms. Cobel"

59:05 Outro

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!

In this episode of Scene N Nerd, hosts Sarah Belmont and Will Polk tackle the emotional rollercoaster of Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 8, the series finale titled "Full Nelson." As the 11th Street Kids face escalating dangers, they must convince Peacemaker that he belongs with them. Sarah and Will share their real-time reactions, dissecting the montages and flashbacks that shaped the finale, while also discussing the missed opportunities and character arcs that left them feeling divided. 🤔 Shifting gears, the duo dives into Gen V Season 2, Episode 6, where they explore the complexities of power dynamics and character relationships. With the unexpected arrival of Stan Edgar and Zoe, the episode highlights the intricate web of alliances and the stakes involved in the world of superheroes. Sarah and Will analyze the developments surrounding Cipher, Polarity, and the ramifications of Annabeth's precognitive abilities, setting the stage for the thrilling conclusion of the season. 🔥 Join Sarah and Will for an insightful discussion filled with laughter, critiques, and theories as they navigate the highs and lows of these captivating episodes!

0:00 Welcome and banter

2:45 Peacemaker Season 2, Episode 8 "Full Nelson"

33:54 Gen V Season 2, Episode 6 "Cooking Lessons"

1:06:50 Outro

Want to keep the conversation going? Hit us up on X (formerly Twitter) @SceneNNerd, Bluesky @SceneNNerd.bsky.social, Facebook, Instagram @scene_n_nerd, and Threads @scene_n_nerd. Don't forget to check out our website at www.scenennerdpodcast.com. If you enjoyed this episode, drop us a rating and a shout-out on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcast fix!