

WHAT WENT WRONG
Sad Boom Media
What Went Wrong covers Hollywood’s most notoriously disastrous movie productions, digging into the behind-the-scenes insanity of everything from massive flops to record-breaking blockbusters. In each episode, hosts Lizzie Bassett and Chris Winterbauer dive into a new film to explore the mind-blowing (and sometimes numbing) reasons why making a movie is nearly impossible (especially a good one). Produced by David Boman.Subscribe on Apple Podcasts or PATREON for monthly bonus episodes! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books

8 snips
Jan 5, 2026 • 1h 26min
Memento
Dive into the mind-bending world of Memento, where Christopher Nolan's unique storytelling nearly went unnoticed. Discover how casting near-misses shaped iconic roles, and hear the hilarious audition story involving Stephen Tobolowsky. The hosts explore the film's themes of memory and free will while praising the performances of Guy Pearce and Carrie-Anne Moss. Learn how editing becomes a character itself, and uncover the challenges Nolan faced with distribution before the film's rise to cult classic status.

14 snips
Dec 29, 2025 • 1h 7min
Top Movie Moments (with Glamorous Trash)
Chelsea DeVantez, the witty host of Glamorous Trash, teams up with Chris and Lizzie to delve into memorable movie moments and celebrity memoirs. They discuss Barbra Streisand's take on Gaga's A Star Is Born, the chaotic filming of Dirty Dancing, and Carrie Fisher's strong portrayal of Princess Leia. Tales of on-set antics, including Rex Harrison's notorious behavior and Matthew Perry's jet ski accident, keep listeners entertained. This lively conversation serves up a delightful mix of film history and pop culture gossip!

10 snips
Dec 26, 2025 • 21min
[Bonus Preview] Avatar: Fire and Ash Review
The hosts dive into the visuals versus storytelling debate in Avatar: Fire and Ash, praising the breathtaking effects while critiquing the convoluted narrative. They share their immediate reactions after viewing the film, highlighting standout performances from Una Chaplin and Stephen Lang. The discussion touches on the film's production challenges, including underwater capture techniques, and speculates on the franchise's future and writing approach. Fans will love the insights into the evolving saga and how character depth is impacted!

28 snips
Dec 22, 2025 • 1h 52min
Avatar (2009)
Delving into the spectacular world of Pandora, the hosts explore the epic journey of James Cameron's polarizing work. They discuss the film's simplistic storyline compared to its rich sci-fi roots and uncover its influences from literary giants. The conversation flows into performance capture technology, casting choices, and the industry's response to Avatar's groundbreaking visual effects. With a nod to the cultural impact and debates on themes like the white savior trope, this analysis reveals what truly went right—and wrong—in shaping a box office titan.

20 snips
Dec 15, 2025 • 1h 23min
Aliens
Dive into the chaotic world behind 'Aliens' where James Cameron battles studio interference and crew mutinies. Discover why Sigourney Weaver almost missed her role and the intense negotiations for her $1 million deal. Hear about the casting struggles for the Marines and how a rebel crew nearly derailed production. Learn about the groundbreaking design of the Alien Queen puppet and the rushed scoring that followed. Finally, uncover what made this film a classic and the careers that flourished afterward.

Dec 12, 2025 • 47min
REVIEW: Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Chris and Lizzie dive into Rian Johnson's latest film, unearthing its surprising themes around faith and critique of organized religion. They spotlight standout performances by Josh O'Connor and Daryl McCormack while dissecting pacing issues and a tonal shift that leaves some viewers unsatisfied. The duo debates the film's political commentary, the challenges from streaming deals on the industry, and how the movie deviates from traditional ensemble mysteries. Spoilers abound as they reveal flaws in the murder setup, ultimately unpacking the deeper moral messages woven throughout.

26 snips
Dec 8, 2025 • 1h 35min
It's a Wonderful Life
Dive into the unexpected origins of a Christmas classic never meant to be one! Uncover dark alternate scripts featuring affairs and doppelgangers. Discover Jimmy Stewart's wartime hesitations and political tensions surrounding the film's release. Learn about the innovation of fake snow on a massive set and how the story became a holiday staple due to a copyright lapse. Hear about the tumultuous relationships and last-minute rewrites that shaped the final product, along with Capra's legacy in the film industry.

10 snips
Dec 1, 2025 • 1h 23min
Bad Santa
Dive into the chaotic behind-the-scenes saga of 'Bad Santa'! Discover how Bob Weinstein emerged as the villain, reshaping the film's fate. Uncover the surprising choices for the lead role and why Billy Bob Thornton was a last-minute pick. Explore the stark contrasts between the theatrical and director's cuts, revealing a richer storytelling journey. From production struggles to unexpected success, this tale of a holiday classic is filled with clashes, controversies, and a dash of Christmas spirit!

Nov 24, 2025 • 1h 40min
The Iron Giant
Alex Steed, host of the You Are Good podcast, dives into the intricate story of The Iron Giant. He discusses Brad Bird's persistent approach, which ultimately led to this beloved film. The conversation touches on its mature themes, the film’s emotional resonance, and Bird's personal tragedies that influenced the narrative. They also explore the animation landscape during the film's creation, production challenges, and the film's surprising cult status post-release. Steed highlights the core message: we are defined by our choices.

Nov 21, 2025 • 1h 23min
The Curious Case of Grey Gardens (with Watch What Crappens)
Join Ben Mandelker and Ronnie Karam, co-hosts of Watch What Crappens, as they explore the fascinating world of Grey Gardens. They delve into the quirky lives of Big and Little Edie Beale, revealing surprising details about their past, finances, and the cultural impact of their story on reality TV. Listen as they discuss the film's production chaos, the role of hidden collaborators, and the fine line between exploitation and intimacy. Their insights offer a fresh perspective on this documentary classic's legacy and enduring influence.


