We recommend: A fantastic list of film and TV podcasts
Editor’s Note: Grab your popcorn and tune in, it's all about the movies! The splainer team recommends their favourite pods and vods on film and TV shows—from discussing first drafts of iconic movies to revering rewatchables.
Khandaan: What better way to start off than a pick from our backyard! A trio of Bollywood buffs—Sujoy, Amrita, and Asim—take you through the deep and diverse catalogue of Shah Rukh, Aamir, and Salman films, warts, and all. But the convos don’t stop there—recent releases and current affairs from across the industry go through the wringer as well. All in all, there are over 250 episodes of kino content to enjoy. For a little primer, check out their latest episode on Aamir’s 1989 film ‘Love, Love, Love’, or go back to where it all started.
The Rewatchables: Hosted by Bill Simmons, founder of ‘The Ringer’, this podcast is all about movies that never get old. In each episode, Bill and a rotating panel of guests dive into classic films, discussing everything from plot and characters to behind-the-scenes trivia and cultural impact. Recent episodes have revisited favorites like ‘Grease’, ‘ET’, ‘Austin Powers’, and ‘A League of Their Own’. We love the mix of nostalgia, humor, and insightful analysis, especially the recurring segments like “What’s Aged the Best?” and “Who Won the Movie.” If you love movies that are worth rewatching, this podcast is a must-listen!
The Bechdel Cast: Comedians Caitlin Durante and Jamie Loftus host this weekly podcast, using the Bechdel Test to explore how women are represented in film. They review movies, discuss whether they pass the test (two named women talking about something other than a man), and dive into larger issues of gender, feminism, and intersectionality. The show blends humor with insightful commentary, making it both entertaining and thought-provoking. Yash loves how the hosts balance comedy with deeper discussions, especially on films like ‘Black Panther’. But fair warning: some episodes can get pretty heavy as the show addresses more serious topics.
Who? Weekly: Hosted by pop culture writers Lindsey Weber and Bobby Finger, this bi-weekly podcast dives into the world of lesser-known celebs, reality stars, and influencers—dubbed “Whos” instead of the more famous “Thems.” Known for their witty banter and sharp takes, the hosts bring a mix of hilarious chats, listener call-ins, and quirky insights into modern celebrity culture. Praised by New York Times and Vulture, it’s a must-listen for anyone who loves smart, funny takes on celebrity gossip. Our fave: The playful debate on John Krasinski's undeniable sexiness.
Pulp Kitchen: Hosted by two friends James Briefel and George Pundek, the weekly series is presented as a fun discussion between two film geeks. They quiz each other and talk about their first impressions of new releases and their recent rewatches. The dialogue between the two makes you feel like the third friend in the room. But but but, fair warning, the episodes are more than an hour long. Aarthi loves the show as she gets to discover many unheard films and TV shows. She suggests their latest episode where the hosts review Hugh Grant’s ‘Heretic’.
How Did This Get Made?: And now for a pick with tongue firmly in cheek. This comedy podcast is hosted by three veterans of the US sitcom space—Jason Mantzoukas, Paul Scheer and June Diane Raphael. From ‘Battlefield Earth’ to ‘Rollerball’ and everything in between, this trio is most interested in lampooning the absolute dregs of Hollywood, while still paying a nod to the glorious cheese of cinematic eras like the 1980s. Their back catalogue goes all the way to 2010 and they release new episodes every other Friday, so there’s more than enough material to get lost in.
Script Apart with Al Horner: We have recommended this podcast series before but it is just simply too good to pass. Since 2020, this fantastic podcast series has been putting out interviews with directors and scriptwriters of iconic movies and TV shows—discussing the first draft to the end product. The best way to get into it is by picking your favourite movie title from the episodes. Our fave: The recent episode with the cinematographer of ‘Woman of the Hour’.
