Nathan Fielder discusses 'The Curse' and the changing landscape of comedy. They delve into the flaws of the show, Nathan Fielder's other works, and the shift from pure laughter to satire. The conversation includes child actors, Birkenstocks, and live comedy shows.

Guest Nathan Fielder, co-producer of The Curse, discusses the cringe-worthy series. The panel also reviews The Holdovers and a memoir by Dwight Garner. They reflect on Jezebel's closure and media for women. Plus, endorsements of a nature documentary and a funny sketch with Emma Stone on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie discuss their hit series The Curse and prank calling The Best Show. Giant Dog performs live. Philly Boy Roy weighs in on Hall v. Oates. They also talk Thanksgiving experiences, Philly sports chants, and the creation of a local delicacy. A collaboration between Kurt Vile and John Oates is announced. They discuss tour experiences, starting a podcast, and a potential film project called Fogle's Nest. The speakers discuss meeting and friendship, the ending of a show, older musicians in Vegas, and the unsettling nature of a certain show. They recommend new music, admire Nathan Fielder and Benny Safdie, share a funny phone call mishap, and enjoy a live set from Giant Dog. They discuss giraffes, pigeons, and creating a theatrical metal album. They talk about going back to Europe, theater opportunities, David Cronenberg, and upcoming shows. They promote their upcoming show in Zebulon Los Angeles and Patreon bonuses.

For our first Friday culture chat, we talk about the new cringe-drama-comedy show The Curse, which dropped on Paramount Plus today. Nathan Fielder and Emma Stone play a couple who are making a problematic reality TV show, Flipanthropy, whose goal is to “ethically gentrify” an American neighbourhood. When they’re cursed by a child, their lives are turned upside down. Lilah’s joined by FT columnist Stephen Bush and assistant arts editor Rebecca Watson to talk about the show and how prestige TV is changing comedy. Why are we laughing less, and cringing more? And why is comedy so complicated right now? -------We love hearing from you. Lilah is on Instagram @lilahrap. You can email her at lilah.raptopoulos@ft.com.-------Links (all FT links get you past the paywall): – The Curse can be streamed on Paramount Plus and Showtime in the US from November 10. It airs on Paramount Plus in the UK from November 11– The other shows we discussed are Nathan For You (2013-2017) and The Rehearsal (2022)– Look out for the FT’s review of The Curse. TV critic Dan Einav’s review of The Rehearsal is here: https://on.ft.com/3SASwFM – Rebecca Watson’s novel is called Little Scratch. She’s on X at @rebeccawhatsun– Stephen Bush’s daily UK politics newsletter is called Inside Politics. You can trial it for free here. He’s on X at @stephenkb– Stephen recommended, as films where children act like children, the new British film Scrapper and the 2021 Belgian film Playground. Rebecca added the 2022 film Aftersun– Lilah recommended the comedian Rachel Kaly-------Special FT subscription offers for Life and Art podcast listeners, from 50% off a digital subscription to a $1/£1/€1 trial, are here: http://ft.com/lifeandart-------Original music by Metaphor Music. Mixing and sound design by Breen Turner and Sam Giovinco.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Comedian Nathan Fielder gifts Joe Jonas mayonnaise, Lara and Carey discuss Philadelphia's new restaurant Sin, and Taylor Swift's new USA Today reporter. They delve into the latest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, criticizing Lisa's behavior and discussing fascinating hairstyles. They also explore a dramatic fight on a reality show and encounters with a dangerous soulmate. Plus, they end with a shoutout to listeners.