The Drop with Osman Faruqi

The Drop is on hiatus. We'll post any updates here, but in the meantime, keep following our entertainment culture news and analysis at The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age.

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The Drop is taking a short break. Check back soon with the latest from The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age's culture writers and critics from the world of pop culture and entertainment.

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Blink Twice, Zoe Kravitz's directorial debut, is the latest #MeToo thriller designed to skewer the rich. In this episode, Meg, Thomas and Osman discuss whether Kravitz adds anything new the conversation or just rehashes films like Don't Worry Darling, Promising Young Woman and Get Out.

Plus, Oasis announce their surprise comeback, which is excellent news for aging Millennials who can stop crying their hearts out.

And Industry goes full Succession with a high stakes trip to Europe in a private jet.

This episode also features a conversation with Australian actor Charlie Vickers, who plays Sauron in Amazon Prime Video's The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power.

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Another year, another marathon-length Logies. But this year’s ceremony showed a massive shift in Australian TV with Netflix’s Boy Swallows Universe swallowing the whole event.

Osman, Thomas and returning guest Meg discuss the state of Aussie drama and comedy on commercial TV and whether the streaming takeover has finally arrived.

Plus, they dive into the golden age of tabloid media that birthed "Bennifer" (RIP) and break down Industry's second episode. Is this one of the best episodes of TV this year?

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The film adaptation of Colleen Hoover's wildly popular book It Ends With Us is having it's Don't Worry Darling moment, with behind-the-scenes drama between co-stars Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni overshadowing the film's release. Osman, Thomas and special guest Meg discuss the film, it's controversial portray of domestic violence and what's going between the cast.

Plus, they discuss what the divisive reaction to Raygun tells us about the Olympics, Australia and culture.

Finally, they review the season three premiere of Industry and unpack why it's one of the most underrated shows on TV.

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We're in the midst of the biggest TV event that comes around every four years: the Olympics. Osman, Thomas and Mel have Olympics fever, and they share their favourite moments so far - from emotional victories, to funny highlights and best celebrity encounters. Then they turn their attention to the state of cinema, with massive blockbusters Twisters and Deadpool & Wolverine bringing audiences back to theatres.

Are the films any good? Has Thomas finally come around to Glen Powell? Will Osman ever stop saying a movie he doesn't like is "the end of society as we know it"? Plus, three great film, TV and book recommendations to round out the episode.

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Are you having a Brat summer?

Presidential candidate Kamala Harris is, according to singer Charli XCX. In this episode, Mel, Thomas and Os consider whether the Brat movement has reached its peak, and what happens when pop culture and presidential elections collide.

Plus, 20 years ago Vince, E, Ari, Turtle and Drama took us behind the scenes of Hollywood's elite when Entourage hit our screens. The hosts reflect on the show and its legacy - while it captured the popular imagination then, it's since copped strong criticism.

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In a culture-packed episode, Osman, Thomas and Mel discuss Shaun Micallef's return to the ABC and what it says about the broadcaster's failure to invest in younger creatives, and try to attract young audiences.

They unpack Katy Perry's disastrous attempt at a comeback, why Woman's World fails as a satire, and the likelihood of a Perry-renaissance.

Finally, they review the new horror film Longlegs, starring Nicholas Cage, and the star's recent performances. 

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The most popular Australian song in this year was released 11 years ago. The dominance of Vance Joy's Riptide, as well the command 40-year-old tracks by AC/DC have on the charts have highlighted a massive problem in Australian music: It's never been harder for Australian artists to break through, get played or make a living touring. Osman, Thomas and Mel discuss the situation and how the disintegration of live music and festivals, and the dominance of platforms like Spotify, YouTube and TikTok are all combining to squash Australian music. They also discuss what steps could be taken to support the local industry.

Plus dissecting the new trailers for Gladiator II and F1, the Nicole Kidman and Zac Efron film A Family Affair, and look at whether the second of The Bear season three was any better than the first.

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One of our most highly anticipated shows of the year, The Bear, is back. Os, Thomas and Mel break down the good and the bad of season three and discuss why it doesn't feel as tight and polished as earlier seasons. They discuss where they show is heading, if it can redeem itself and what it's trying to say about food, family and grief.

Plus, they jump back into Presumed Innocent and unpack why it's best crime show in years, and Osman and Mel school Thomas on the joy of Le Tour de France.

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