Our guests are Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini, who play Jen and Judy in the Netflix show “Dead to Me.” Applegate and Cardellini talk about the true friendship that developed between them on set, how Wi-Fi challenges nearly thwarted the Emmys last year, and the TV shows they're watching during the COVID-19 pandemic. Photo credit: Katie Falkenberg / Los Angeles Times. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter....
Feb 03, 2021•44 min
Our guest is Rachel Brosnahan, who stars in the dramatic crime thriller “I’m Your Woman.” Brosnahan talks about the self-discovery of her character in the film, stepping into the role of producer for the first time, and actors she admires for disappearing seamlessly into their roles. Photo credit: Sam Jones. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: Today’s podcast is brought to you by Hulu, presentin...
Jan 27, 2021•38 min
Our guest is Radha Blank, writer, director and star of the film “The Forty-Year-Old Version.” Blank talks about her experiences with discrimination and gatekeepers in the arts, the empowerment of Black voices, and her rap persona, “RadhaMUSprime.” Photo credit: Jeong Park/Netflix. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.
Jan 20, 2021•43 min
Our guest is Hugh Grant, who recently starred in the HBO miniseries “The Undoing.” The actor talks about why he prefers playing darker roles, transitioning from film back into TV, and why he’s terrified of the word “action” on set. Photo credit: Jason Bell. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.
Jan 13, 2021•34 min
Our guest is Kemp Powers, writer of the play-turned-film “One Night in Miami.” Powers talks about fictionalizing real-life figures, his career transition from journalism to entertainment, and working with Pixar on the film “Soul.” Photo credit: Deborah Coleman Pixar. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: HBO, presenting “Lovecraft Country” and “Perry Mason,” two critically acclaimed HBO original d...
Jan 06, 2021•44 min
Our guest is Shira Haas, the star of the Netflix miniseries “Unorthodox.” Haas talks about how she tapped into her Israeli roots to play an Orthodox Jewish character, handles her newfound American fame, and promotes her work during a pandemic. Photo credit: Eyal Nevo. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.
Dec 30, 2020•45 min
Our guest is Rashida Jones, who recently starred in the film “On the Rocks.” Jones talks about her evolving relationship with her father, music producer Quincy Jones; the difference between producing and acting; and pushing Hollywood to acknowledge her biracial identity. Photo credit: Sam Jones. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter.
Dec 23, 2020•35 min
Our guests are actress and producer Aubrey Plaza and writer and director Lawrence Michael Levine, who teamed up on the film “Black Bear.” Plaza and Levine talk about the head-spinning plot, working on commercial versus independent films, and collaborating on set. Photo credit: Brian Bowen Smith. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: Apple TV Plus, presenting “Boys State,” the Critics Choice Award ...
Dec 16, 2020•36 min
Our guest is Anya Taylor-Joy, star of Netflix’s drama “The Queen’s Gambit.” Taylor-Joy talks about the similarities between herself and her character, Beth, what it's like to shoot to stardom, and how she learned to play chess for the role. Photo credit: Pip/Netflix. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: Apple TV Plus, presenting "Wolfwalkers," the animated film. Go to fyc.appletvplus.com for more...
Dec 09, 2020•38 min
Our guest is Jurnee Smollett, who plays Letitia “Leti” Lewis in HBO’s horror drama “Lovecraft Country.” Smollett talks about drawing on her own family history in preparation for this role, finding power through art, and playing charades with Samuel L. Jackson. Photo credit: Courtesy of Jurnee Smollett. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: Apple TV Plus, presenting "Wolfwalkers," the animated film...
Dec 09, 2020•36 min
Our guest is Andy Samberg, who recently starred in and produced Hulu’s romantic comedy “Palm Springs.” Samberg talks about what draws him to more serious acting roles, how “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” will address police brutality in the next season, and prepping for the dance numbers in “Palm Springs.” Photo credit: Ethan Miller. For more Envelope exclusive awards season coverage, visit latimes.com/envelope and sign up for the Envelope newsletter. Sponsors include: Apple TV Plus, presenting "Wolfwalker...
Dec 09, 2020•36 min
Beginning Dec. 9, join Los Angeles Times television and film reporters Yvonne Villarreal and Mark Olsen every Wednesday to hear interviews with award season's top contenders, from the Golden Globes to the Oscars and everything in between. Our interview-style, entertainment podcast will showcase key voices from both TV and film. First in the series is Olsen’s interview with Andy Samberg about his film “Palm Springs.” Samberg provides a glimpse into what it’s like to be a performer and producer in...
Dec 02, 2020•2 min
Writer and filmmaker Alex Garland joins host Mark Olsen to talk about his sci-fi thriller television series, “Devs.” Garland talks about the differences between working in film and television. Before “Devs,” Garland created the feature films “Ex Machina” and “Annihilation.” The complete limited series of “Devs” is now available on FX on Hulu.
May 01, 2020•30 min
Television writer and producer Dahvi Waller joins host Mark Olsen to talk about “Mrs. America,” FX on Hulu’s new miniseries based on the historical movement to ratify the Equal Rights Amendment in the 1970s. Waller discusses how the show explores the struggle to ratify the amendment and showcases the women at the center of the movement.
Apr 24, 2020•28 min
Writer-director Eliza Hittman joins host Mark Olsen to talk about her new film “Never Rarely Sometimes Always,” a drama focused on reproductive rights and a lack of local support. Hittman describes why she created this movie and what it’s been like to have a movie publicly released right when movie theaters began to close their doors worldwide.
Apr 17, 2020•26 min
A very special interview with film critic Kenneth Turan, recorded on his last day in the position of Times film critic after nearly 30 years. Host Mark Olsen has a wide-ranging conversation with Turan about his years reviewing film. He talks to Olsen about some of his most memorable reviews and reminisces on some of his interviews from decades ago. They talk about what it’s like being a film critic, and whether the process has changed over time.
Apr 10, 2020•36 min
We’re talking “Tiger King” the new, hit Netflix docuseries that everyone’s been talking about. Plus, host Mark Olsen catches up with TV reporter Yvonne Villarreal who shares some of her favorite reality TV shows she suggests watching to help pass the time at home. And then, Olsen speaks with entertainment reporter Amy Kaufman about “Tiger King” and why so many people are binging on the series right now.
Apr 03, 2020•33 min
We’re back with more TV and film recommendations for you and your family while you’re spending some extra time at home. Our team is still self-isolated, so we continue to check in with our entertainment colleagues to see what they’re watching. LA Times film critic Justin Chang talks with host Mark Olsen about some light-hearted comedies he recommends for all of us to watch from home. Plus, TV Critic Robert Lloyd joins the show to talk about two shows he recently reviewed and whether they’re wort...
Mar 27, 2020•30 min
We’re taking a short break from our usual format to help guide listeners who may be staying home more often than usual. If you're wondering what to watch, what’s worth streaming now and what you can watch with your kids who are home from school… We’ve got you covered. Host Mark Olsen sits down with film reporter Jen Yamato to talk about specific genre films you may want to check out. Plus, television reporter Lorraine Ali joins the show to talk about the latest season of “Westworld” and how it r...
Mar 20, 2020•26 min
(EDITOR’S NOTE: This episode was taped on March 11, 2020. Many new developments have emerged and continue to rapidly develop after the taping of this episode.) Entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder joins host Mark Olsen to talk about the impact of the coronavirus and how it’s affecting the Hollywood and entertainment industries. Plus, this week marked the final episode of HBO’s six-part documentary series, McMillions. Olsen is joined by two Los Angeles Times television writers to discus...
Mar 13, 2020•29 min
This week we’re following some of the latest in pop culture and Hollywood. First, host Mark Olsen speaks with two reporters who were actually in the courtroom during Harvey Weinstein’s trial in New York. We take a serious look at the trial and discuss what happens next and whether the verdict marks a milestone for survivors. Then, later in the show, we shift toward a lighter conversation about the television sensation that so many people are talking about: “Love Is Blind.” Olsen is joined by Amy...
Mar 06, 2020•38 min
The Netflix movie “To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You” is out now and we take an inside look at the highly anticipated sequel. Host Mark Olsen sits down with entertainment reporter Jen Yamato, who recently spoke with star Lana Condor and author Jenny Han about the second installment of “To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.” Olsen and Yamato discuss the Netflix film series and go behind the scenes of the teen romance movie. Plus, Olsen also talks with entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughn...
Feb 21, 2020•33 min
The Oscars are over and this year’s awards season has come to an end. Host Mark Olsen and a team of entertainment colleagues and critics recap the 92nd Academy Awards and share their thoughts on Parasite’s historic night. Plus, Olsen sits down with “Portrait of a Lady on Fire” writer and director, Céline Sciamma.
Feb 14, 2020•34 min
The 92nd Academy Awards are almost here. Host Mark Olsen and a team of entertainment reporters and critics sit down for one final roundtable before the big night. Listen to hear final thoughts and predictions for what’s to come at this year’s Oscars. Plus, hear from entertainment, culture writer Carolina Miranda who breaks down this year’s Oscar nominated movies with a unique angle… architecture. Get a full roundup of Oscars talk right here in this week’s episode.
Feb 07, 2020•35 min
“The Reel” is live in Park City at the 2020 Sundance Film Festival. Host Mark Olsen had a chance to catch up with some actors and filmmakers to explore different storytelling formats. He moderated a panel, taped live at Audible’s Sundance studio setup, which included Tessa Thompson, Colman Domingo and Justin Simien. Plus, Olsen sits down with a group of Times colleagues to recap and talk about the films of the festival.
Jan 31, 2020•41 min
The 2020 Sundance Film Festival has just begun, and host Mark Olsen and entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder sit down to discuss the wheeling and dealing behind the festival. Plus, Olsen is joined by Justin Chang, Glenn Whipp and Jen Yamato, who sit down to talk about this year’s overlooked films and dive into the movies not being considered for major Academy Awards categories.
Jan 24, 2020•33 min
From this year’s most celebrated films to the biggest surprises, host Mark Olsen looks at the 92nd Academy Awards nominations from every level. First, Olsen sits down with entertainment business reporter Ryan Faughnder to dive into the business of awards season and how streaming services may be impacting the dynamics. Plus, Justin Chang, Mary McNamara and Glenn Whipp join the show to dissect the Oscar nominations and provide unique input on this year’s top films, why some face criticism, and whi...
Jan 17, 2020•37 min
Screenwriting duo Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski talk with Mark Olsen about the film “Dolemite is My Name” starring Eddie Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore. Plus, Times film and TV writers discuss highlights from the 77th Golden Globe Awards.
Jan 10, 2020•36 min
Wishing our listeners a Happy New Year! Thanks for joining us every week for “The Reel," we hope you’ve been enjoying the show. We look forward to sharing more episodes with you in the New Year. Keep checking back here every Friday for more. Happy Holidays!
Jan 03, 2020•1 min
Writer-director Noah Baumbach sits down with Mark Olsen to talk about his latest film “Marriage Story.” He describes the inspiration for his movie and how he was able to find love through divorce while creating the film. Plus, Times entertainment writers Jen Yamato and Justin Chang on "Star Wars: The Rise of Skywalker" and "Cats."
Dec 27, 2019•34 min
