The Bagel Report

Erin and Esther are still wading through the content rapids, wearing their masks and pickling in their preferences. From adoring Mandy Patinkin's Twitter videos to wondering if Jerry Seinfeld's didya-ever-notice humor needs a more modern approach. From Ben Platt on Netflix to Batwoman on the CW, we've got all the comments. Plus being charmed by Mindy Kaling's latest teen series, "Never Have I Ever." Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

The world is in chaos and the future uncertain, but oy with the content already! Ryan Murphy's "Hollywood" takes us back in time to help discrimination pave the way for a more inclusive Tinseltown; the Bagels unpack season 2 of "Dead to Me" and why Some Good News' John Krasinski should get the Nobel Peace Prize; and an unsolicited "paper bag dramatics" rewrite of HBOMax's upcoming Sarah Silverman/Seth Rogen Christmas project. Plus, drive the chevy to the levee with us for our final words (at least for now) about "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist."   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

The only bagel-related thing you should be consuming this Passover is...new and classic episodes of The Bagel Report! Erin and Esther reflect on the meaning of Passover and review essential Passover classics like "The Prince of Egypt," "Rugrats," "Ten Commandments" and "The Wizard of Oz" (Esther has her reasons). Plus, Esther's bad impressions of a Family Feud buzzer, Jeff Goldblum and Yul Brenner; Angel of Death Dementors; and why all of us simultaneously are and are not Elijah the prophet this year. Wishing you all a meaningful Passover.    Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

Zooming from different parts of Los Angeles, Erin and Esther look to pop culture for strength. After remembering songwriter Adam Schlesinger ("Crazy Ex-Girlfriend", "That Thing You Do", Fountains of Wayne) who had it going on with his music and jokes that we loved for so long, and who died April 1 from COVID-19 complications, the bagels talk Some Good News; create a show tunes playlist appropriate for our socially distant present; tackle the beautiful but challenging "Unorthodox" and the nerve wracking "Plot Against America"; and identify with John Mulaney. Plus, trying to find the roses amid the thorns.   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

This week (and for the foreseeable future) Erin and Esther are chilling at home while they social distance. Topics include catching up on what they're binging; sharing the best "Schoolhouse Rock" songs to teach kids while stuck at home; "Crazy Ex-Girlfriend" songs to wash your hands to and the possibilities of Jewish life via Zoom. Links: Haggadot.com https://www.bimbam.com Schoolhouse Rock on Youtube Taika Waititi's TED Talk: The Art of Creativity The infamous Celebrity "Imagine" video: https://www.instagram.com/p/B95M4kNhbzz/ Virtual Seder, April 12: https://www.facebook.com/events/2733814076686933/     Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

After spending a restrained 9 minutes on "Hunters," Esther and Erin SNAP OUT OF IT by getting "Moonstruck" before landing in a pickle over "Crossing Delancey." Later, the bagels tackle an array of topics including Purim costumes, how "Steel Magnolias" reminds us of the Jewish community, and why "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist" doesn't have us singing along in unison.   Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

Nazis in America? A group of diverse Nazi-hunters led by Al Pacino? Audiences are split on "Hunters," Amazon Prime's latest series from David Weil and produced by Jordan Peele. Erin and Esther, who both have complicated feelings, do a deep dive into the many layers and conversations spawned by the "Jewsploitation noir" show, including why it gives Erin nightmares and how it's contributing to secular Judaism's visibility and representation onscreen. **CAUTION: This episode contains spoilers from Episode 1 of "Hunters" because Erin is a loose cannon and it's conversationally helpful, but (mostly) refrains from other spoilers because Esther's committed to your experience as a potential viewer. You're welcome.** Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

In honor of the made-up Hallmark holiday of love, Erin and Esther talk Valentines, Galentines, Shabbat-o-grams and unrealistic romantic expectations (thanks, rom-coms!). We're also celebrating Nora Ephron and "Booksmart," remembering mortifying moments, considering the potential for a "First Wives' Club" sequel and more.    Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

"THEY WERE ON A BREAK!" But now Erin and Esther are back, talking fandoms, including "Star Wars," "The West Wing" & "Friends." Esther shares notes from her "Star Wars & Judaism" presentation at Limmud Seattle while Erin bids a fond, fan farewell to "The West Wing Weekly" podcast. Plus, David Schwimmer's comments on "Friends" political incorrectness and Batwoman's continued love for, but absence of details about, her Bat Mitzvah.    Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!

As the Oscars approach, Esther and Erin called in civilian expert and Oscar blogger Jodi Berman Kustanovich (bermanoscarblog.blogspot.com), to talk nominations, predictions, and Hollywood's attitude toward diversity. Plus, "Jojo Rabbit," how Holocaust stories are told on-screen and why they win Oscars, and awaiting the return of the #MakeMoviesJewish hashtag game. And an exploration of musical episodes of television, inspired by NBC's latest musical series "Zoey's Extraordinary Playlist."    Jodi's Blog: bermanoscarblog.blogspot.com JJ coverage on Jojo Rabbit  Jewish Journal at the Critics' Choice Awards     Follow Erin, Esther and The Bagel Report on Twitter!