The Dark, Human Vapor, and X-Men ‘97. With guest Esther Smith

The Bear, Silo, and Elle

Jun 29, 20261h 30mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the team explores a diverse slate of upcoming and current television hits. The discussion kicks off with an enthusiastic deep dive into the recent teen drama sensation Off Campus. The hosts analyze why the show has become a cultural phenomenon, praising its witty dialogue, subversion of genre tropes, and its effective use of the female gaze to craft emotionally mature male characters. Beyond the drama, the conversation shifts toward broader television observations, including personal viewing habits during the current heatwave. The hosts also touch upon their varying reactions to the latest projects from Larry David, debating the merits of his recent comedy work, and offer a status update on their viewing of Spider Noir. James and the team weigh in on whether the black-and-white version of the latter offers a more satisfying experience, while also reflecting on their ongoing sports consumption during the World Cup. The episode rounds out by addressing a listener question regarding minor characters in television history who deserved more screen time, sparking a thoughtful discussion on memorable supporting roles and the impact they have on a series.

Sugar and The Agency

Jun 22, 20261h 18mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the hosts navigate a busy slate of television discussions while grappling with the impact of current scheduling and seasonal shifts. The conversation centers on a variety of shows, including season two of The Agency and the latest installment of Sugar. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the romantic drama Off Campus, with the team praising its unexpected emotional depth and its clever subversion of traditional tropes within the sports-romance genre. The hosts also share personal insights into their viewing habits and professional lives. A major highlight is the announcement of a new book project documenting the career of Russell T Davies, written by one of the hosts. Beyond the news, the group dives into a passionate retrospective on the show Ten Pound Poms, debating its intense tone and powerful social commentary. The episode concludes with a listener question regarding "unexpected" show recommendations that defied initial expectations. Through lively banter, the hosts showcase their deep investment in modern storytelling, offering thoughtful critiques on everything from gripping dramas to the evolving landscape of contemporary television.

House Of The Dragon and The Light In The Hall: Still Waters. With guest Javier Bardem

Jun 15, 20261h 43mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the hosts dive into the latest in television, starting with a return to Westeros for the latest season of the Game of Thrones prequel House of the Dragon. They also turn their attention to Wales for the drama The Light in the Hall: Still Waters, leading to a humorous discussion about the complexities of the Welsh language. The conversation spans a diverse range of shows, including reflections on the conclusion of Ted Lasso, the addictive nature of the Yellowstone universe, and the gripping midseason finale of the series Rivals. Beyond specific show reviews, the team explores the "cultural backslide" addressed in the powerful drama Tip, which continues to resonate with audiences for its bleak yet poignant commentary on modern society. The hosts also discuss the documentary series Brexit: A Very British Civil War, praising its candid, gossip-filled approach to political history. Finally, the episode tackles a listener question regarding "capsule" or outlier episodes, debating the merits and risks of TV series taking bold narrative detours that stray from their established formats and core casts.

Tip Toe, Two Weeks in August, and La Brea. With guest Russell T. Davies

Jun 1, 20261h 58mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the hosts dive into a variety of television discussions, covering everything from new releases to personal viewing habits. The show kicks off with an analysis of recent series, including a look at Tip Toe, Two Weeks in August, and the sci-fi epic La Brea. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on the polarizing yet visually stunning series Euphoria. The hosts examine the show’s progression into its penultimate episodes, specifically highlighting Zendaya’s compelling performance as the show's emotional anchor amidst a controversial and highly stylistic narrative. Beyond this, the team explores the eccentric comedy Make That Movie and shares reflections on the emotional journey and triumphant conclusion of the latest season of Race Across the World. The discussion also turns to listener engagement, addressing a fascinating inquiry about repurposing iconic television props into home decor. This sparks a creative exchange about legendary items like the Murder, She Wrote typewriter and various sci-fi artifacts. Balancing professional insights with the hosts' ongoing obsession with Yellowstone, the episode offers a lively, candid look at what is currently capturing audiences' attention on the small screen.

PONIES and Falling, with guests Emilia Clarke, Jon Bernthal & Ebon Moss-Bachrach

May 18, 20261h 57mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the hosts navigate a week of limited releases due to industry-wide embargoes. Despite the slim lineup, the conversation remains lively, starting with a review of Falling, a drama on Channel 4 that leads to a deeper discussion about the intensity of recent television storytelling. The team also covers the Cold War-inspired series Ponies, currently airing on Sky and Now. A significant portion of the episode is dedicated to the hosts’ recent viewing habits and U-turns. One host performs a surprising reversal of opinion on the show Dead Boy Detectives, admitting that initial reservations about the series were misplaced after settling into the narrative. They also explore the compelling true-crime documentary Should I Marry a Murderer?, analyzing the complex ethical dilemma faced by the protagonist. Elsewhere, the hosts touch upon the sports comedy series Running Point, highlighting the addition of Ray Romano in the second season, and share their ongoing journey through Yellowstone. As always, the discussion is punctuated by personal anecdotes, including an amusing behind-the-scenes account of the BAFTA TV Awards and the eternal struggle of balancing popular shows against personal tastes.

Rivals, Believe Me, Gary, and Off Campus. With guest Steve Coogan

May 11, 20261h 48mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the hosts navigate a varied smorgasbord of television viewing, ranging from the high-stakes drama of Rivals on Disney Plus and the intense investigative documentary Believe Me on ITV to a surprise new instalment of The Bear and the collegiate backdrop of Off-Campus. Amidst the professional critiques, the conversation takes an unexpected turn into an elaborate and slightly harrowing tale involving a real-life bee infestation at home, leading to a discussion on the importance of heeding recommendations for documentary viewing. The team also dives deep into their personal viewing habits, with Steph expressing her newfound obsession with Ted Lasso, while James shares his conflicted relationship with the series From and Prisoner, which he describes as a guilty pleasure despite finding certain narrative elements frustratingly executed. The episode features a special guest appearance by Steve Coogan, who joins the studio to discuss his work on the Netflix series Legends. Additionally, the hosts touch upon celebrity football fandoms, the enduring quality of Russell T. Davies’ earlier work like The Second Coming, and the surprising emotional impact of sports commentary.

The Cage, Secret Service, and Amandaland. With guest Jack Thorne

May 4, 20261h 55mSummary

In this episode of Pilot TV, the hosts dive into a diverse array of television programming, starting with ITV's Secret Service, the casino heist drama The Cage on BBC One, and the second series of the influencer-focused Amandaland. The episode also marks the Pilot TV debut of prolific television writer Jack Thorne, who joins the team for a discussion about his work. Beyond the reviews, the hosts engage in a lively debate about the nature of reality television, specifically focusing on the recent controversies surrounding the all-star edition of I’m a Celebrity. They explore the complexities of duty of care, the impact of editing on public perception, and the intense fallout that occurred during the show’s live finale. Elsewhere, the conversation shifts to lighter territory with recommendations for the documentary series Secrets of the Bees and reflections on the enduring appeal of Ted Lasso. The hosts also touch upon recent viewing habits, including The Boys and Silo, while debating the merits of various streaming services and the nuances of television storytelling, ultimately providing a comprehensive look at the shows currently making waves.