The Weekly Substandard | A nerdcast on movies and pop-culture

On this disaster of an episode, the Substandard discusses The Disaster Artist and cult classics. From Kentucky Fried Movie to Office Space, what counts and what doesn’t? And speaking of episodes, one of the hosts suffers a major breakdown that leaves the studio in chaos. Plus tips on how to handle a Traveling Santa—all on this heavily edited and censored episode of the Substandard!

The Substandard is sponsored by HelloFresh.com. HelloFresh is the meal kit delivery service that makes cooking fun, easy, and convenient! For $30 off your first week of deliveries, visit hellofresh.com and enter SUBSTANDARD30 when you subscribe!

In this latest micro episode of the Substandard, Vic and JVL discuss the life and times of Jim Nabors and reminisce about classic ’60s reruns and spinoffs. Sonny spent his youth watching ESPN and playing NES. 

On this latest episode, the Substandard discusses the works of Denzel Washington. Sonny reviews Roman J. Israel, Esquire. Vic expounds on the deliciousness of disco fries. And JVL loves his “Marwel” helicarrier. Plus an iWatch story that will leave you, um, drained.

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In this latest micro episode, the Substandard discusses the Justice League box office debacle. JVL and Sonny talk damage control—can a reboot save the day? We also chat about (yes, dudes chattin'!) the inappropriateness of hugs. Vic and JVL explain the magic of Silver Spoons to Sonny.

In this week’s Thanksgiving episode, the Substandard takes on Justice League. But just how bad is it? Like, Suicide Squad bad? (JVL: Yes.) Sonny runs us through a Thanksgiving bracket: pecan vs. pumpkin pie? turkey vs. stuffing? Vic judges a whiskey competition (Sonny couldn’t have been happier for him!) and bids farewell to woodshop. All in this latest mega episode of the Substandard!

The Substandard is sponsored by HelloFresh.com. HelloFresh is the meal kit delivery service that makes cooking fun, easy, and convenient! For $30 off your first week of deliveries, visit hellofresh.com and enter SUBSTANDARD30 when you subscribe!

On this week’s episode, the Substandard discusses Murder on the Orient Express. Sonny and Vic are on board but JVL calls it a trainwreck! Sonny visits a Chinese buffet, JVL’s watch talks smack, and Vic gets all out of joint talking about dowels. Plus a “Gene” review, rejected Halloween candies, and getting excited for The Post!

On this latest micro episode of the Substandard, Sonny and Vic discuss the greatest television show of all time, Stranger Things 2. At least it's the greatest show since Stranger Things, which was the greatest show since Game of Thrones, which was the best show since The Wire and The Sopranos. Which is exactly why JVL has refused to watch these shows. But Sonny warns him that overhyping doesn't mean it isn't good. Alas, JVL doesn't have the time to watch TV so what's the point?

On this week’s episode, the Substandard takes on Thor: Ragnarok, Sonny lectures JVL on the immorality of buying fake Lego, and Vic fears his father-in-law has hijacked his woodshop class. Plus tips for day-long drinking!

The Substandard is sponsored by HelloFresh.com. HelloFresh is the meal kit delivery service that makes cooking fun, easy, and convenient! For $30 off your first week of deliveries, visit hellofresh.com and enter SUBSTANDARD30 when you subscribe!

This latest micro episode of the Substandard takes a sudden detour (stay tuned for a future episode on Stranger Things 2!) when Vic discusses being spotted by a fan of the podcast. Sonny theorizes that Vic gets recognized because he genuinely likes talking with people while Sonny doesn’t. JVL takes a very hard line on tipping.

On this week’s 50th episode, the Substandard realizes there’s not much left to talk about. And yet: Sonny hates Suburbicon and JVL wonders when George Clooney will stop making movies. Vic operates a bandsaw (woodshop update!) and “Gene” reveals his top 10 candies.