

The Prestige TV Podcast
The Ringer
The Prestige TV Podcast is your home for instant reactions, deep dives, creator interviews, and Hall of Fame retrospectives on the best television around. Join a rotating cast of Ringer personalities including Bill Simmons, Joanna Robinson, Rob Mahoney, Mallory Rubin, Van Lathan, and more as they break down the shows you're binging and the ones you're waiting to drop every week. Subscribe to The Prestige TV Podcast, check back weekly for our breakdowns, and most importantly, keep watching.
Episodes
Mentioned books

11 snips
May 2, 2025 • 47min
‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ Episode 5: High Risk, No Reward
The hosts recap a wild episode that uncovers the shocking identity of a dead body, shaking up relationships among characters. They explore Coop and Elena's complex partnership and dive into the comedic nuances of teenage culture and midlife crises. The discussion also touches on generational music influences and how past encounters complicate modern relationships. Plus, there's a humorous look at high-stakes theft and the absurdities of love, reminding listeners of the intricate dynamics at play.

May 1, 2025 • 1h 30min
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 3 Precap: Every Road Trip Needs a Dina, Plus Gabriel Luna
Gabriel Luna, celebrated for his role as Tommy in 'The Last of Us,' joins the conversation with insights into his character's emotional journey. He delves into Tommy's transformation from follower to leader, reflecting on the balance of humor and gravity in a dark narrative. The discussion explores the deep connection between Ellie and Dina, highlighting their contrasting personalities. The hosts also touch on the gameplay dynamics and narrative choices, focusing on the emotional depth that drives the characters' motivations.

8 snips
Apr 28, 2025 • 53min
‘The Rehearsal’ Season 2, Episode 2: The Height of Absurdist Comedy
Hosts delve into the absurdity of Nathan Fielder's world, mixing humor with profound insights about authenticity in reality TV. They explore the cringe-worthy antics of characters navigating social pitfalls, like Jeff, whose awkwardness highlights the complexities of modern relationships. The conversation touches on the unique lives of pilots and their dating struggles, while also critiquing the fine line between comedy and emotional depth. Tune in for a mix of hilarious anecdotes and sharp commentary!

16 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 34min
'Your Friends & Neighbors' Episode 4: One Birkin Too Far
The hosts dive into the complex character of Coop, exploring his flaws and emotional depth. Audiences grapple with the likeability of characters, with surprising insights from listener feedback. They discuss casting choices and draw parallels with iconic figures. Relationships between characters like Liv Cross and Coop are examined, touching on themes of class and responsibility. Plus, there's a fun tangent about the rarity of the NBA jersey number 79, blending sports with the show's narrative.

4 snips
Apr 25, 2025 • 1h 25min
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2, Episode 2 Precap: The Most Important Episode of the Show Yet. Plus, Composer Gustavo Santaolalla.
Joining the conversation is Gustavo Santaolalla, the acclaimed composer behind the haunting scores for The Last of Us and Brokeback Mountain. He shares insights on the creative process of adapting music from the game to the series, emphasizing the importance of emotional depth and silence. The discussion delves into Kaitlyn Dever's portrayal of Abby, the narrative complexities of character relationships, and the art of crafting suspense. They also tackle the modern debate on spoilers and the significance of thematic storytelling in contemporary television.

7 snips
Apr 21, 2025 • 50min
‘The Rehearsal’ Season 2, Episode 1: Can Plane Crashes Be Funny?
Hosts dive into the hilarity of airplane disasters, blending dark humor with emotional depth. They debate standout characters and Nathan Fielder’s bizarre ambition to create a fake airport. The absurdity of social interactions and authenticity takes center stage, while ethical quandaries about reality TV are examined. The evolution of the show raises questions on whether surprises still exist in its chaotic narrative. Listeners get a reflective look at the art of podcasting itself, champions of a medium often overlooked.

41 snips
Apr 18, 2025 • 55min
‘Your Friends and Neighbors’ Episodes 1-3: Your (Not So) Friendly Neighborhood Jon Hamm
Joanna Robinson and Rob Mahoney break into mansions to recap the first three episodes of ‘Your Friends and Neighbors,’ the Apple TV+ series starring Jon Hamm.(0:00) Intro(1:48) What’s working and what isn’t(10:07) Series creator Jonathan Tropper’s unique writing style(20:41) Is Coop likable?(24:21) Rob’s real-life comp for Nick’s faux NBA career(36:48) Why this show feels like it’s from a different era(43:42) Is Jon Hamm the right actor for Coop?Email us! prestigetv@spotify.comSubscribe to the Ringer TV YouTube channel here for full episodes of ‘The Prestige TV Podcast’ and so much more!Hosts: Joanna Robinson and Rob MahoneyProducers: Kai Grady and Donnie Beacham Jr.Additional Production Support: Justin Sayles Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Apr 17, 2025 • 60min
‘The Last of Us’ Season 2 Premiere
The hosts dive into the intriguing adaptations of 'The Last of Us,' highlighting the eerie new infected known as stalkers. They share their thoughts on Abby’s character and how her introduction diverges from the game, stirring up discussions on viewer expectations. A playful segment merges food and gaming fandom, including mushroom-themed recipes inspired by the show. With a humorous take on survival instincts in a zombie apocalypse, they explore the emotional depths of character dynamics against the backdrop of a chilling sound design.

Apr 11, 2025 • 1h 1min
‘The Pitt’ Episode 15: The Season Finale Recap
The hosts dive into the gripping season finale, analyzing character growth and unresolved cliffhangers. They discuss the chaotic dynamics of hospital life, highlighting themes of trust and redemption. Music festivals make an appearance, featuring nostalgic tunes and critiques of festival lineups. Emotional moments are intertwined with humor, as they reflect on the complexities of caregiving and trauma. Insights tease an exciting second season with character evolution and a potential time jump.

40 snips
Apr 9, 2025 • 1h 4min
'The White Lotus' Season 3 Finale Deep Dive and Theories: A Super Cynical Season
Dive deep into the finale of 'The White Lotus' as the hosts explore character arcs, resolutions, and dark themes. They dissect the dynamics between the Ratliff family and relationships like Rick and Chelsea's, revealing the show's cynical twist. The discussion highlights character growth, resilience, and missed storytelling opportunities. With humor and critical insights, they set the stage for future seasons, teasing the complexities of morality and personal agency that shape this acclaimed series.