Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) is joined by film critic Justin Chang (@JustinCChang) and writers Jen Yamato (@JenYamato) and Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) to discuss the new and controversial Popular Film category announced by The Academy. They also break down their favorite summer movies.

Then, writer Yvonne Villarreal (@villarrealy) interviews the co-creators of Netflix's GLOW to talk all about the show.

After some time off, The Reel is back!

This week film critic Justin Chang (@JustinCChang) and reporters Jen Yamato (@JenYamato) and Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA) discuss the movies Crazy Rich Asians and BlacKkKlansman with host Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus). They discuss the importance of the films in their respective communities and the film world at large, as well as the genre-bending techniques each uses to stand out from the crowd.

Then, reporter Lorraine Ali (@LorraineAli) interviews The Handmaid's Tale show runner, Bruce Miller.

Host Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) talks with writer Kristine McKenna about the process of writing Room to Dream, a new book that she co-wrote with David Lynch.

Room to Dream is part biography and part memoir of David Lynch. Due to this unconventional format, it offers a unique window into his singular vision for his life and art.

Hear our reactions to this year's Emmys nominations and our team's predictions for who might win the night's most coveted awards. TV writer Lorraine Ali (@LorraineAli) and critic Glenn Whipp (@GlennWhipp) join Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) to discuss the different categories and talk about what else to expect as we prepare for the 2018 Emmy Awards.

A number of recent television shows, including the second seasons of “GLOW” and “The Handmaid’s Tale” and the premieres of “Sharp Objects” and “Dietland,” have dealt with female empowerment and rage in fresh and innovative ways, grappling with the roles set out for women in society. There’s also been a behind-the-scenes analogue for many of these shows as well, with women often in roles of creative control.

Times TV reporter Yvonne Villarreal (@villarrealy), television critic Lorraine Ali (@loraineali) and resident wrestling enthusiast Jen Yamato (@jenyamato) join Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) for a conversation on these exciting turns both in front of and behind the camera.

As there has been increased attention given to issues of representation, inclusion and diversity regarding what goes on-screen and who is involved in making the movies that we see, there has also recently been a parallel conversation gaining momentum with regards to the media itself. Who are the people who write the reviews, cover the red carpets, attend the film festivals and how do their perspectives impact how movies are discussed and received? From the LA Times film team, Tre'vell Anderson (@TrevellAnderson), Jen Yamato (@JenYamato), Justin Chang (@JustinCChang) and Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) get into the nuance of what this all means for the media and the reviews and coverage of films such as “Sicario: Day of the Soldado,” “Nancy,” “Sorry To Bother You,” “Ocean’s 8” and “BlacKkKlansman.”

Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) brings in reporters Jen Yamato (@JenYamato), Amy Kaufman (@AmyKinLA), and Yvonne Villarreal (@villarrealy) to talk about Netflix's recent wave of new romantic comedies. Focusing on the films Set It Up, The Kissing Booth, and Ibiza, the group discusses the timeless appeal of romcoms, why they are the perfect movies for summer, and how these type of movies and their inherent charm let actors become stars.

Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) interviews co-creator and showrunner of Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, Aline Brosh McKenna (@alinebmckenna). They discuss the dark, emotional places that emerge in the show's third season and talk about what's next for Rebecca Bunch.

Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) speaks to Academy Award-Winning Documentarian Morgan Neville about his most recent film, Won't You Be My Neighbor? The documentary celebrates the life and work of Fred Rogers, best known for his TV program Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood. Morgan discusses the use of archival footage and new interviews in his film as well as the overarching theme of both his documentary and Mr. Rogers' program: the idea that culture matters.

As we continue our Emmys season discussion, Mark Olsen (@IndieFocus) brings in TV critics Lorraine Ali (@Lorraine Ali) and Robert Lloyd (@LATimesTVLloyd) to talk with TV editor Greg Braxton. They discuss the TV era we're in today, which streaming services are dominating this season, and more.