Decoding TV

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episodes of VisionQuest.Can Apple TV’s Nocturne transcend the normal trappings of police procedurals? Is Druski set to become the next content creator that crosses over to traditional media? Are The Pitt and ER really that similar? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Homework for next week:VisionQuest episode 8 (Disney+)12 12 12 (Apple TV)Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):01:30 - Reacting to the US Midterm Elections20:00 - Show of the Week: Nocturne36:54 - TV NewsStranger Things spin-off‘The Pitt’ and ‘ER’ Are Similar Enough to Allow Crichton Suit, Appeals Court RulesHBO Renews Sharon Horgan Comedy ‘Youth’ For a Season 2Druski Sets Netflix Series ‘Collect & Praise’ Based on Megachurch Sketch, Signs Multi-Year Deal With Streamer37:39 - VisionQuestEpisode 7 - ImmolationLinks:Thanks to Michael J Johnson for our Show of the Week and Patrick Finishes the Damn Show audio bumpersListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the Decoding TV podcast, David and Patrick discuss what’s going on in the world of TV, then watch the latest episodes of VisionQuest and Dark Matter.We’ve been covering Dark Matter for months now. Was the conclusion of season 2 worth the journey? Why does the loss of Patrick Stewart hit so hard? And what will a PUBG TV show even look like? Listen to hear us discuss all these questions and more.Homework for next week:VisionQuest episode 7 (Disney+)Nocturne (Apple TV)Shownotes (All timestamps are approximate):01:30 - TV NewsPatrick Stewart, ‘Star Trek’s’ Captain Picard and ‘X-Men’s’ Charles Xavier, Dies at 86‘PUBG’ Live-Action Series From Donald Glover, Stephen Glover in Development at NetflixMatthew Weiner exits the ChairmanTubi Partners with Tiktok to create 10 Original Long-form SeriesNoah Wyle named people’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive37:39 - VisionQuestEpisode 5 - FirewallEpisode 6 - Deadlock1:02:15 - Dark Matter Season 2Episode 10 - No Quiet LifeLinks:Thanks to Michael J Johnson for our Show of the Week and Patrick Finishes the Damn Show audio bumpersListen to Patrick’s videogame podcast, Remap RadioSubscribe to Patrick’s newsletter, CrossplaySubscribe to this podcast on YouTubeFollow this podcast on InstagramFollow this podcast on TiktokSubscribe to David’s free newsletter, Decoding EverythingFollow David on InstagramFollow David on Tiktok Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Lowdown returns with a breezier second season, while Netflix’s identity crisis, binge model, and gaming ambitions spark debate. Carrie’s renewal, Heated Rivalry’s theatrical experiment, and DC’s disconnected universe also make headlines. Reviews cover VisionQuest’s playful AI chaos and Ultron twist, plus Dark Matter’s striking meteor sequence, emotional reunion, and increasingly tangled box mystery.

A spoiler-filled deep dive into Slow Horses season six, from murdered agents and Diana Taverner’s moral collapse to River and Sid’s brutal survival struggle. The discussion explores the season’s bleakest twists, emotional character turns, shocking deaths, and how its ambitious story combines material from two books. It also weighs adaptation changes, representation, and the season’s place in the series overall.

Mike Flanagan’s serialized Carrie sparks a debate over adaptation, cyberbullying, empowerment, and whether the story still works without its tragic core. Plus, Netflix’s historic layoffs, Marvel’s uncertain TV strategy, and Ryan Coogler’s X-Files revival. The discussion continues with Vision Quest’s tangled robot family drama and Dark Matter’s beautiful, emotionally charged detour through the multiverse.

Ryan and Amanda confront the fallout of alternate selves after a deadly pandemic, while the Dessen family spirals through increasingly reckless dimensional travel. Charlie encounters the enigmatic keeper of the box, Blair challenges its dangerous promise, and Jason sends Detective McNamara into it. The discussion explores the season’s scattered direction, moral consequences, and uneasy relationship with technology.

A major media merger reshapes Hollywood as production contracts and streaming strategies shift. The Lanterns finale sparks debate over strong performances, rushed resolutions, and a controversial Manhunter reveal. Dark Matter turns inward with Daniella’s reunion, Charlie’s dangerous mission, and a mysterious multiverse project.

A thoughtful look at Youth’s funny, melancholy take on aging, parenting, and finding happiness after 40. The discussion turns to The New York Times’ century-spanning TV rankings, surprising picks, glaring omissions, and recency bias. Reviews follow for Lanterns’ emotionally charged penultimate chapter and Dark Matter’s moving standalone story about grief, love, and starting over.

Netflix’s fading cultural impact sparks a debate over whether “just mid” can sustain a streaming giant. The discussion also covers media consolidation, news networks pushing back against White House restrictions, Apple’s delayed The Savant, and Daredevil’s uncertain future. Reviews explore Lanterns’ evolving mythology and Dark Matter’s increasingly scattered storylines.

Myles McNutt, a television critic and writer behind the Episodic Medium newsletter, joins the conversation to unpack the 2026 Emmys, from major wins and award momentum to a disjointed telecast and its clip-ready future. Then, Lanterns reaches a cosmic turning point, while Dark Matter leans fully into multiverse mechanics, converging Jasons, and alternate-world possibilities.