The Rewatchables ‘Quiz Show’ With Bill Simmons and Brian Koppelman
Oct 21, 2025
In this discussion, Brian Koppelman, a talented screenwriter and producer, joins Bill Simmons to revisit the classic ‘Quiz Show.’ They delve into the film's compelling themes of media manipulation and class dynamics, exploring how it resonates today. Koppelman lauds the screenplay as a masterclass in structure and character depth. The hosts also dissect standout performances and Redford's role in casting and directing, debating the film's Oscars fate and historical accuracy. Their reflections highlight the film's prescience regarding reality TV and its enduring relevance.
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TV Can Reshape Public Trust
- Quiz Show shows how rigged TV can reshape public perception and trust in institutions.
- The film links 1950s media manipulation to broader societal loss of idealism and faith in authority.
A Screenplay That Feels Human
- Brian Koppelman describes how the film evokes innocence lost while remaining emotionally uplifting.
- He calls Atanasio's screenplay one of the greatest modern screenplays for its human complexity.
Scenes Built With Purpose
- The screenplay tightly structures every scene and transition to serve the film's purpose.
- Bill Simmons praises it as a clinic in writing a two-hour movie about past events.