'Welcome to Spiderwick,' is the pilot of The Roku Channel's new original series, The Spiderwick Chronicles. This reboot, distinct from the 2008 movie, presents an aged-up, more intricate portrayal of the Grace family as they encounter the magical and monstrous underbelly of Henson, Michigan. With its blend of darker tones, magic and haunted house lore, we compare the series to other family-centric supernatural shows like Locke and Key. Despite another ambitious attempt to revitalize a children's fantasy franchise, there are a lot of streaming networks trying to do the exact same thing. Join us as we unpack the highs and lows of this new adaptation, offering a critical lens on whether it truly merits its place in today’s streaming landscape. Enjoy!

On Today's Episode, we discuss a new true-crime detective series which follows  the 1997 murder of Reena Virk. The first two episodes of Under the Bridge were released on Hulu April 17th. Along with comparing Rebecca Godfrey's book with the series, we run through the plot, our highlights and criticisms, the development timeline of the series, our thoughts on the cast, and other reviews. We conclude with our overall rating of the series. Tune in and enjoy!

Tune in while we discuss this adaptation of Viet Thanh Nguyen's novel set during the Vietnam War's final days. The pilot, 'Death Wish,' introduces a world of espionage, loyalty, and betrayal against the backdrop of historical turmoil. From the enigmatic Captain to the double-crossing dynamics between Bon, Man, Claude, and the General, we analyze the series' strengths, weaknesses, and the cliffhangers. As well as running through some comparisons we also talk about how 'Death Wish,' as well as the following two episodes, were directed by Park Chan-wook (Oldboy, Decision to Leave). Welcome to Today's Episode!

On Today's Episode we review the pilot to Fallout.

[BEGIN TRANSMISSION]

[Cooper Howard]: Welcome, Survivor! 

[Lucy MacLean]: Raised in Vault 33, my peace shattered by raiders from my husband’s vault. They've taken my father. Join me to track them down?

[Brotherhood of Steel: Squire Maximus]: Tasked by the Brotherhood of Steel to hunt an elusive Enclave member. Will you join this dangerous quest?

[Howard the Ghoul]: Radiation transformed me, but my quest for vengeance burns strong. Help me settle scores?

[END TRANSMISSION]

Today's discussion focuses on the docuseries 'Quiet on Set: The Dark Side of Kids' TV,' a five-part program that unveiled the unsettling realities behind many of Nickelodeon's most famous shows from the last few decades. The series sheds light on the pressures and challenges faced by young stars, highlighting the industry's often overlooked dark corners. On this podcast, we compare 'Quiet on Set' to previous documentaries, pinpoint some of the most shocking revelations, and offer our perspective on how these findings impact the legacy of shows associated with people like Dan Schneider, Brian Peck, and Jason Michael Handy. Welcome to Today's Episode!

Believe it or not, 'Ripley,'  the new Netflix miniseries based on the infamous character created by Patricia Highsmith, starring Andrew Scott, shot entirely in black and white by one of the most famous cinematographers around and directed by the writer of 'Schindler's List,' 'The Irishman,' and 'The Night Of,'  just to name a few, was nearly scrapped entirely by SHOWTIME. Though the movie in the '90s is still considered a cult classic, this rendition is so far removed that reviewing the pilot is less about figuring out which is better, and instead focusing on the motivations driving each version. Along with talking plot, we also discuss some trivia, background, and the critical consensus. Tune in and enjoy!

If you're considering a trip to early 20th century post-Bolshevik Revolution Russia, this series has got the hotel for you! The Metropol, which offers luxury accommodations, fancy meals, and music, is located in the heart of the city right across the street from the Kremlin. But the real reason you can't pass up this trip is because of the friends you'll meet along the way. Take Count Alexander Rostov, one of the few remaining aristocrats who has been under house arrest in the hotel since returning to Russia. Rather than despair over the dire circumstances, Rostov chooses to embrace his new life with grace and wit. In all seriousness Ewan McGregor does a great job embodying the character. Tune in to hear our recap of the pilot, "A Master of Circumstance." Welcome to Today's Episode!

Though probably not the most lighthearted series to tackle on April Fools' Day, on Today's Episode we take a closer look at Hulu's new adaptation of Georgia Hunter's 2017 bestselling novel, We Were the Lucky Ones. Starring Joey King and Logan Lerman, and directed by Thomas Kail of Hamilton fame, there's plenty of talent on both sides of the camera. With a web of family storylines spanning from Radom to Siberia and several years, we discuss how the first few episodes (Radom,' 'Lvov,' and 'Siberia') balance the historical events with the personal tales of survival. Tune in and Enjoy!

Lockers are back! Well, at least in the fictional universe of Schrödinger High School - universe 6689. When Davey and Jonesie, two inseparable friends, find themselves reprimanded by their principal for their codependency, they plan a rebellious act during the school dance. Coincidentally, this is the same night their science teacher, Mr. Schneider, decides to open a portal to the multiverse. In this podcast episode, we share our thoughts on the pilot, "You don't belong here." We also draw comparisons to other teen comedies, dissect the common tropes it falls into, delve into the crowded market of universe-hopping content, and finally, give our rating. Welcome to Today's Episode!

Would it have been a bad choice to go with Coldplay's Chris Martin in the final moments of this episode singing "Look at the stars. Look how they shine for you?" Maybe. Would it have made the episode funnier, damn straight. The issue with "The Three-Body Problem" isn't its hard-science source material, nor the notion that all the world's top scientists studied together at Oxford in the same year and became friends. Rather, it's the patience required from both book readers and newcomers to determine if the story successfully translates to a TV medium. In this review of the pilot episode, "Countdown," we discuss our comparisons, play some games, and talk about the plot. Tune in to hear our thoughts. Welcome to Today's Episode!