Tim Goodman's TV Talk Machine

Tim and Jason got together in Canada and did a podcast in front of a live studio audience, all thanks to the awesome people at VIFF, the Vancouver International Film Festival. We drank some wine and talked Canadian TV, Apple’s challenge in starting a video service, the return of Larry David to TV, the artistic challenges for filmmakers in a world of peak TV, and more—including some (quiet) questions from the audience.

Live from VIFF! Apple, movies, and Canada.

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

It’s a reviews lightning round, as Tim covers five network TV series in rapid succession. Then we talk about Tim’s Power Rankings! for top nonfiction programming. We also answer an awful lot of your emails and tweets.

Tim makes some lists and reviews many shows

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

The box is checked early this week as Tim discusses why the entire TV industry has completely lost its mind. Directives from billionaires! Threats from CFOs! Face scanning technology from Apple! We keep it tight and bright this week but still spend a lot of time talking about a disaster of a show, “Riviera,” and almost no time on one of the best returning shows on the air, “Better Things.” Isn’t it just like us to accentuate the negative?

TV industry madness, "Riviera", "Better Things"

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

This week Tim breaks some news about “Veep”, breaks down some popular Power Rankings! ensembles, and answers your letters.

Veep's end, Power Rankings! ensembles

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

This week, we’ve got the hottest podcast in the world! No, seriously—Tim and Jason are trapped inside on the hottest day of the year. But this episode is packed with conversation, from Tim’s new Power Rankings! list of escapist TV to Tim and Jason’s reactions to Amazon’s “The Tick.” We also announce a forthcoming live TVTM episode in Vancouver, British Columbia! And finally, Tim breaks his promise to watch all of “Twin Peaks: The Return” and swears off the series entirely, because life is too short to put up with whatever David Lynch thinks he’s doing on Showtime.

The Tick, Power Rankings! escapism, and a Twin Peaks rant

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

We’re back! Tim weaponizes his ignorance to write about shows he hasn’t seen! We discuss “The Defenders”, which Tim and Jason have both watched. There’s anticipation for “The Tick” and the season finale of “Game of Thrones”, and of course, we answer some of your letters.

Power Rankings!, The Defenders, and more

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

Tim’s back from the Death March With Cocktails! But before we close the books on his 18 days “in residence,” it’s time to recap the highlights of the last week of the summer press tour, including plenty of Netflix news and an address from the “mayor of television,” FX’s John Landgraf. Plus Tim reviews “Get Shorty” and “Atypical” and unveils a new edition of The Power Rankings!

TCA recap, "Get Shorty", "Atypical"

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

Tim’s still in residence at the Death March With Cocktails. This week it’s all about the health of the broadcast TV networks. Tim’s pity for the difficult lot of the network executive is turned on its head when he has drinks with the president of The CW and it turns out… things are looking up! NBC’s president seconds the notion. So what does this mean for the failure analysis of network television, and the future of its programming? Also, in an absolute shocker: The Power Rankings! return.

Network turnaround and Power Rankings!

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

Tim’s in residence at the Television Critics Association summer press tour, where he’s moved rooms, struggled with Netflix streaming screeners, and fought his mini bar. Still, he managed to find time to talk with Jason about the latest word from HBO, Starz, Hulu, and more, plus reviews of “The Last Tycoon” and the return of “People of Earth.” Check the box and see how much Wi-Fi is in the tank, we’re doing this!

The Last Tycoon, People of Earth, and TCA Summer Press Tour

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.

Tim reviews HBO’s “Insecure”, which is back for an excellent second season. Then we discuss HBO’s peculiar way of announcing a new series from the “Game of Thrones” producers that led to a whole lot of controversy—and ponder whether that series will ever get off the ground.

"Insecure", HBO's "Confederate" controversy

Hosts Tim Goodman and Jason Snell.