The Watchers

The Pitt "7:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 13

Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back at PTMC for Season 2, Episode 13 of The Pitt. It’s “7:00 P.M.” and after a full 12 hours of watching the day shift slowly disintegrate, Jodie and Andrea are more than ready to sink into the night crew's warm, competent, extremely chill embrace. We meet the very welcome Dr. Crus Henderson (Crus Control, bay-bee!), spend not enough time with our dearest Dr. Shen (who really just needs some cake), and say goodnight (goodbye?) to Emma and Ogilvie. Meanwhile, our day shift team continues to stress us the hell out. But honestly, right now, while we're here in these show notes together, let's just ignore them for a few minutes and remind ourselves that we've still got two more hours with Abbott and the After Dark team. There now, doesn't that feel nice?

If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "6:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 12

Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Finally, time for handoff! What could possibly go wrong? It's Season 2, Episode 12 of The Pitt, and Andrea and Jodie are making their “6:00 PM” rounds. This hour is a little light on patient stories and a lot heavy on interpersonal mess, as Dana and Robby finally say some of the things we’ve wanted them to say all season, Santos and Whitaker remain in their own little platonic rom-com, and Joy does some teaching of her own. McKay lays the smackdown on a golf asshole, we get a little lesson on the difficulties of rural medicine, and an elderly couple gives Mel and Mohan the chance to just be good doctors together. Plus: we meet Mateo After Dark, Javadi attempts to put her TikTok fame to good use, and we get a visit from a very patriotic lobster.

Here’s the Nurse Dana’s Admin Blood Donuts sticker we mentioned in this episode!

Recommended Reading:

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The Watchers: Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ) and TikTok (@watchers.pod.nj)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "5:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 11

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Time for The Pitt, Season 2, Episode 11: "5:00 P.M." Sorry for the delay on this one. How about we blame these cyber assholes? (Yes, I’m writing these notes while watching Episode 12.) We only need about a million more listeners before Andrea and Jodie can retire, at which point we can spend our dotage talking into microphones about TV shows, and Andrea will never be late again.

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The Watchers: Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ) and TikTok (@watchers.pod.nj)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "4:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 10

Mon, 16 Mar 2026 21:00:00 -0400

It's time to make our rounds on Season 2, Episode 10 of The Pitt. It's "4:00 P.M." and, honestly, Andrea is way behind on her charting and doesn't want to end up like Santos, so we’re keeping these notes short. Inside: Mel and Robby’s VIPs, waterslide patients, including Andrea's least favorite injury of the series so far, Al-Hashimi might actually be cool as hell?, and we make our predictions as we head into the back third of the season.

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "3:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 9

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back at PTMC to recap Season 2, Episode 9 of The Pitt. It’s “3:00 P.M.” and we’re given one of the most PSA-ass PSAs of the series so far (it’s also one of the most gratifying, so we’re fine with it), meet Dana’s Dana, and mark the first two stops on Robby’s Farewell Tour. We check in on our patients, track what’s unfolding across the department, and break down some extremely important Jersey connections.

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "2:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 8

Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back at PTMC for Season 2, Episode 8 of The Pitt, just in time for our “2:00 PM” rounds. And finally, it’s chaos o’clock, baby. Jodie and Andrea celebrate the return of clipboards, patient charts, and the sweet siren song of a fax machine (Abbott is thriving like the office supplies girlie he is). We check in on our current patients, meet some new faces, and watch as the department starts to feel like it’s bracing for something bigger. Ellis and Mel definitely don’t have a conversation, Ogilvie (who is on THIN FRIGGIN ICE) and Javadi team up for some competitive genius nonsense untijavadl cool, calm, and collected Joy steps in, and we see which of our doctors-in-training have the capacity to learn from their mistakes.

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "1:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 7

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back at PTMC for Season 2, Episode 7 of The Pitt, making our “1:00 PM” rounds. This hour takes on a difficult, often sensationalized subject with quiet care, thanks to our queen, Nurse Dana. And while things within Dana’s radius remain steady, the rest of our doctors have honestly kinda gone Muppet mode.

Abbott shows up early and immediately challenges our feminist values. Robby goes from Chief Attending Physician to Chief Attending Gossip. And Santos proves (once again) that we were obviously right to love her from day one: a statement that is technically untrue but spiritually correct.

Also: the computers will be down next week. Prepare accordingly.

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The Watchers: Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ) and TikTok (@watchers.pod.nj)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "12:00 P.M." Season 2, Episode 6

Mon, 16 Feb 2026 11:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center for Season 2, Episode 6 of The Pitt. It’s “12:00 P.M.,” and Jodie and Andrea clock in for our recently-requested Nurses’ Episode. We say goodbye to Pittsburgh’s greatest groundskeeper, watch Dana’s armor crack just enough to let the light back in, and generally celebrate the nurses who keep The Pitt–okay, maybe not totally ON the rails, but at least rails-adjacent. There’s a Liberty Bell pin mystery that may never be solved, annoying A.I. shenanigans, and a move from fucking Ogilvie for which he will never be forgiven. Most distressingly, though, Robbie comes dangerously close to giving us the ick.

Recommended Reading:

Follow:

The Watchers: Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ) and TikTok (@watchers.pod.nj)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "11:00 A.M." Season 2, Episode 5

Mon, 09 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back at PTMC for Season 2, Episode 5 of The Pitt, making our “11:00 AM” rounds. Jodie and Andrea check in on Ogilvie’s Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day, Whitaker’s continued quiet glow-up, and Santos as she gets closer to investing in Dr. Al-Hashimi’s AI startup. Plus: a gridlocked granny, some extremely Pittsburgh sports fan behavior, and why Donnie’s sink hole bet might not be as foolish as Ahmad thinks. We also dig into how this season is less about one big dramatic event and more about the less sensational long-term effects of trauma. And Jodie asks the most important question of all: if you ended up in this emergency department, which doctor would you actually want treating you, and why is it Dr. McKay?

Recommended in this episode:

This season, The Pitt is About What Doesn't Happen in One Day - Linda Holmes

The Pitt | Cinematographer: Johanna Coelho - Darektor's Cut

The Death Thing Is a Bonus - Beautiful Stories from Anonymous People

Briefly Perfectly Human: Making an Authentic Life by Getting Real About the End - Alua Arthur

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The Watchers: Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ) and TikTok (@watchers.pod.nj)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "10:00 A.M." Season 2, Episode 4

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Sorry for the late post on this one, folks, but The Watchers are back on duty! Jodie and Andrea are clocking in for another shift at PTMC to recap Season 2, Episode 4 of The Pitt. We make the rounds on our patients, learn more than anyone should about what Whitaker's getting up to on that farm, and try to determine whether Robby's dad jokes are a coping mechanism or a cry for help. Zoom zoom.

Join us every Monday as The Watchers break down each episode of The Pitt, the HBO medical drama from Noah Wyle and the team behind ER, which, may we remind you, is just a coincidence.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "9:00 A.M." Season 2, Episode 3

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are clocking in for another shift at PTMC to recap Season 2, Episode 3 of The Pitt. We issue a very serious PSA about keeping your emergency contacts updated, unpack why even Dr. Robby is completely powerless in the face of a tough Jewish woman from Pittsburgh, and note how a piece of flair manages to crack (pun intended) the case wide open on the mystery of our dearest Dana’s accent.

Join us every Monday as The Watchers break down each episode of The Pitt, the HBO medical drama from Noah Wyle and the team behind ER, which, again, is just a coincidence.

Recommended Reading:

“Pittsburgh’s Darkest Day and the Mass Casualty Response” - Gavin Jenkins

“How a Russian Samovar Connects Me to the Old Country — and My Black Market Dealing Great-great-grandmother” - Olivia Haynie

My Samovar: A Connection to Soviet Jewry - Beth Dwoskin

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "8:00 A.M." Season 2, Episode 2

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 13:00:00 -0400

We’re back at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center for Season 2, Episode 2, “8:00 AM,” of The Pitt. Jodie and Andrea track the Gut vs AI debate, Santos wins the Funniest Person in the Emergency Department award, and Whitaker stars in a very bleak 50 First Dates reboot. We finally learn one single fact about Dr. Robby’s personal life, Andrea’s birthday wish comes true, and we deliver a very important PSA about personal space.

Join us every Monday as The Watchers break down each episode of Season 2 of The Pitt, the HBO Max medical drama from Noah Wyle and the team behind ER, which, by the way, is just a coincidence.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt "7:00 A.M." Season 2, Episode 1

Mon, 12 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

We’re kicking off Season 2 of The Pitt with our recap of Episode 1, "7:00 AM." Jodie and Andrea break down a premiere that’s as confident, efficient, and compelling as we’d hoped. Last season’s newbies feel more settled, Robby’s glasses make a strong case for themselves, and finally, we get our Jersey connection.

Join us every Monday for the next 15 weeks as The Watchers break down each episode of The Pitt, the HBO Max medical drama from Noah Wyle and the team behind ER, which, by the way, is just a coincidence.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Pitt, Season 1 Recap

Thu, 08 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Everyone's new favorite Pittsburgh-based medical drama, The Pitt, is back for season 2 and yinz KNOW Jodie and Andrea couldn't resist a show about some overworked, highly competent folks who love each other but don't always know how to express it and share a wicked sense of gallows humor. We're recapping season 1, and then we'll be back every week to check in on our second shift at Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center.

Recommended Reading:

Bury Me in The Pitt - Kathryn VanArendonk

Nothing Sounds as Good as The Pitt - Jeremy D. Larson

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Pluribus, Season 1, Episodes 7 - 9

Thu, 01 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie finish up our Pluribus recap with episodes 7, 8, and 9. The hive mind plays hot and cold with the unjoined. Carol tries to make a friend. We get to see a dog! We talk isolation, loneliness, belonging. Communication barriers, trust, investigation. It''s all in here. What a show, huh? What a season.

Next week, we scale our problems down to one single shift, in one emergency department, in one hospital, in one city. Ahead of its season 2 premiere (January 8th), we’re recapping season 1 of the tense and unsentimental, deeply compassionate and totally human, medical drama The Pitt.

The basketball video Andrea mentioned: https://youtu.be/vJG698U2Mvo

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

What We Loved in 2025

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0400

It's that time of year again! We're looking back on 2025 and sharing what we loved the most. This year, Andrea loved too many things to narrow her list down, so she's fully cheating and sharing a bunch of stuff in a variety of categories (Check out her music playlist here). Jodie took the opposite approach and went SO specific. Between the two of them, you should have plenty to fill the liminal space that is December 26th through, let's say, January 5th. Check below for a list of all of our recommendations.

What Jodie Loved in 2025

Taskmaster

Game Changer: “One Year Later”

British crime shows, in general

“Niche crafting shows and their watching culture.”

The Pitt season 1

Honorable Mentions:

Choreography and Merriment

And this friendly reminder

What Andrea Loved in 2025

Comedy specials

Atsuko Okatsuka: Father

Robby Hoffman: Wake Up

An Intimate Evening with Adam Pally

DROPOUT PRESENTS:

Aparna Nancherla: Hopeful Potato

Demi Adejuyigbe: Is Going to Do One (1) Backflip

Cameron Esposito: Four Pills

Documentaries

John Candy: I Like Me

Thank You Very Much

Come See Me in the Good Light

Deaf President Now

Music

Pool Kids: Easier Said Than Done

The Wonder Years: Burst & Decay (Volume III)

Motion City Soundtrack: The Same Old Wasted Wonderful World

Hayley Williams: Ego Death At A Bachelorette Party

The Starting Line: Eternal Youth

Algernon Cadwallader: Trying Not to Have a Thought

PUP: Who Will Look After the Dogs?

Anxious: Bambi

Gully Boys: Gully Boys

The Business Casual Show

The concept: livestreaming live improv

DynastyTypewriter.com and ucbcomedy.com are good places to start

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Pluribus, Season 1, Episodes 4 - 6

Tue, 16 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie break down episodes 4, 5, and 6 of Pluribus. Carol starts testing the hive mind and catches a bad case of FOMO. We get into resistance vs. assimilation, art in a flattened world, whether or not it counts as consent if you have to split hairs, and this show’s careful mix of dread, slapstick, and quiet humanity.

Next week, we’re bringing you our 2025 edition of our yearly “What We Loved” series. And then, we’ll be back to review the last three episodes of season 1 of Pluribus.

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Pluribus, Season 1, Episodes 1 - 3

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 05:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea watched the first three episodes of Pluribus, Vince Gilligan’s eerie, uncanny, offbeat new series about a virus that turns humanity into a hive mind—and the handful of people left out. (Please let me have that em dash. I swear I'm a human being.)

We talk about the show’s inception, some behind-the-scenes stories, and the cast that fills out these early episodes. Also, what Pluribus has revealed about its world so far, how grief and defiance fuel the early story, and why it matters that a cranky lesbian is at the center of this show.

Next week, Pluribus, episodes 4 - 6

The Watchers Watch Somebody Somewhere, Season 3 (with Marlon Morgan)

Tue, 02 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea finish up our Somebody Somewhere journey with Season 3, and we brought backup. Therapist, podcast host, and certified Fred Rococo admirer Marlon Morgan is here to help us process our feelings. We talk growth, grief, and friendship; magnets, Muppets, and chlamydia; and what it looks like to finally believe you might actually be okay.

Next week, episodes 1 through 3 of Pluribus, Vince Gilligan’s new series about a happy human hive mind and one curmudgeonly writer who is straight up not having a good time.

Check out This Helps with Marlon Morgan

Have a question for Marlon? Record your video here for a chance to be featured on This Helps With Marlon Morgan.

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Somebody Somewhere, Season 2

Wed, 19 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea get into Season 2 of Somebody Somewhere, a tender show about tender people behaving tenderly. This season is chock-full of complicated relationships in every direction: parent-child, sibling, friend, lover, teacher, mentor, the whole human mess. We talk about all the messy, beautiful ways the people of Somebody Somewhere keep showing up for one another, even when it’s hard.

Next week, we’re wrapping up Somebody Somewhere with our recap of Season 3.

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Somebody Somewhere, Season 1

Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea cover Season 1 of Somebody Somewhere, the tender, funny, quietly devastating HBO series about grief, belonging, and figuring out who your people are. We get into the characters and casting, why seeing yourself reflected in the stories you watch matters so much, and the many (many) moments that made Andrea cry.

We’ll be back with Season 2 next week.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Fall (2006)

Wed, 05 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie proposes a theory: Tarsem’s The Fall might be the most English-major-ass movie we’ve ever covered. A movie about grief, connection, and the shared act of co-authoring a world together, The Fall spans continents and mythologies while really being about two people in one hospital room and their attempt at meaning-making. We get into Tarsem’s laser-eyed focus on making this film a reality by self-funding, shooting in more than 25 countries, and holding the whole thing together through stubborn will. It’s a movie that became a beloved favorite despite being nearly impossible to find until its 2024 restoration.

Next week: Season 1 of Somebody Somewhere, the tender, joyful, devastating HBO series about friendship, grief, chosen family, and what it really means to come home.

Recommended:

Behind the Scenes - The Fall

“Before Your Very Eyes: Tarsem’s The Fall” - Nicholas Russell, Bright Wall / Dark Room

“Liberations of Mind, Spirit and Vision: The Fall by Tarsem Singh” - Daniel Garrett, Offscreen

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Practical Magic (1998)

Mon, 27 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie are watching Practical Magic, the 1998 Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman film that’s part romantic comedy, part gothic melodrama, and part cozy autumn mood board. We talk about its tonal chaos, the domestic-violence subplot that doesn’t quite fit, and whether or not Practical Magic accidentally invented cottagecore. Plus: the haunted production history, the witch consultant who may or may not have cursed the director, a coven of small-town moms, and why, despite (or because of) its messiness, Practical Magic has become such a touchstone for millennial witches everywhere.

Next week, we’re diving into The Fall, Tarsem Singh’s sweeping, surreal fairy tale about grief, imagination, and the stories we tell to survive.

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Lost Boys (1987)

Mon, 20 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Andrea and Jodie sink their teeth into Joel Schumacher’s 1987 teen vampire classic, The Lost Boys. We talk about the decade’s obsession with abandoned hideouts, the movie’s blatant disregard for established vampire lore, and our shared childhood dream of running away to live with a group of wayward teens in one of those aforementioned abandoned hideouts. Plus: The Lost Boy’s Goonies-esque origins, national treasure, Dianne Wiest, and the incredible history of the world’s most important bodybuilding saxophone player.

From California vampires to New England witches, we’re trading leather for linen and watching 1998’s Practical Magic

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Jennifer's Body (2009)

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Andrea and Jodie finally watched Jennifer’s Body, a movie written by Diablo Cody, directed by Karyn Kusama, and practically made for The Watchers. It’s funny, queer, and at least a little more feminist than its original marketing gave it credit for. We talk about Megan Fox’s redemption arc, that cursed emo band Low Shoulder, how a smart, strange movie about friendship and revenge got misbranded as a sexed-up slasher for teen boys, and whether or not it's possible to challenge stereotypes without reinforcing them.

Next week: we’re heading back to 1987 for The Lost Boys. A movie that proves nothing’s cooler than vampires, leather jackets, and boardwalk saxophone solos.

Recommended Reading:

How Jennifer’s Body went from a flop in 2009 to a feminist cult classic today - Constance Grady, Vox

The life, death, and rebirth of Jennifer’s Body, according to screenwriter Diablo Cod - Emily St. James, Vox

The Story of Low Shoulder From ‘Jennifer’s Body,’ The Funniest and Most Disturbing Fictional Indie Rock Band Ever - Andrew Unterberger, Billboard

Why "Through the Trees" Is Actually the Perfect Song for Jennifer's Body - James Grebey, SYFY

A Queer Girl’s Guide to Jennifer’s Body - Ava Burzycki, The Michigan Daily

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)

Mon, 06 Oct 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Andrea and Jodie watched The Talented Mr. Ripley, the 1999 psychological thriller that features Jude Law at the height of his powers. We talk about what makes the casting work in a story that depends on believing Tom and Dickie’s strange connection, the beauty of sun-drenched Italy on film, and Jude Law’s perfect face (and terrible hat). There’s also Cate Blanchett being effortlessly delightful, the realization that we maybe haven't given Matt Damon the credit he deserves, and Patricia Highsmith’s stunning lifelong commitment to horrible opinions.

Next week, we’re talking Jennifer’s Body, the horror-comedy revenge cult classic that deserved better the first time around.

Recommended Reading:

The Most Stylish Scammer: 20 Years of ‘The Talented Mr. Ripley’

‘Visceral, sensual wonders’: why The Talented Mr Ripley is my feelgood movie

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Silence of the Lambs (1991)

Mon, 29 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Andrea and Jodie watched The Silence of the Lambs, a quiet little drama about gender in the workplace, mentorship, art appreciation, canine companions, and the importance of strong female friendships.

Recommended Reading:

“30 years in, The Silence Of The Lambs’ Jame Gumb still deserves better” - By Harmony Colangelo

Next week, we’re welcoming October in with the 1999 psychological thriller, The Talented Mr. Ripley.

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Off-Week Notice, Plugs, and Recs

Mon, 22 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hey Watchers fam, quick note! No new episode today. We foolishly thought we’d somehow find enough hours in September to stay on track, but that was obviously hubris on our part. We’ll be back in your feed next week with Silence of the Lambs, a full episode, and no plans to take any more time off for the rest of the year. In the meantime, give this one a listen for a few recommendations of stuff to check out while you wait for our return, as well as–depending on where you live–some upcoming events you might be interested in. Thanks for sticking with us. Rate/review if you haven’t, share us with a friend, and we’ll see you next week!

To ask Rainn Wilson a question for This Helps With Marlon Morgan’s live podcast recording, head to thishelpspodcast.com/ask

Tickets to Laughing Together’s All-Star Improv Jam on September 29th in San Diego, CA are at wellnesstogether.org/conference

Join Beautiful/Anonymous for our 500th episode, recording live at Smodcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands, New Jersey, on October 17th: punchup.live/chrisgethard

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Mon, 15 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Last week, Andrea and Jodie checked into One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest to talk rebellion, institutions, and what it takes to be a woman in a male-dominated field. This week, we’re shipping up to Cambridge for a rewatch of Girl, Interrupted. It’s another Winona Ryder voiceover project and the film that gave Angelina Jolie the world’s worst bangs. We get into how Susanna Kaysen felt about seeing her memoir on screen, the 90s all-star cast, and what it says about decades of not-so-great mental-health care for women.

Next week, get ready to sink your teeth into Jonathan Demme’s Oscar-winning classic, The Silence of the Lambs.

P.S. Our apologies for the unannounced break last week! Missed you terribly. We'll never leave you again.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest (1975)

Mon, 01 Sep 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie check themselves in for a review of One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest. We trace the long and winding road to bringing this film to the screen, talk about its unconventional on-location set, and reflect on how it launched so many of our favorite actors’ careers. We also unpack the deep misogyny baked into the writing of Nurse Ratched as a monstrous woman.

Next week, we’re staying in the psych ward for the Cuckoo's Nest companion piece Girl, Interrupted.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Misery (1990)

Mon, 25 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie are snowed in with Stephen King’s Misery, Rob Reiner’s chilling two-hander adaptation that won Kathy Bates her Oscar and taught us to fear typewriters, sledgehammers, and devoted fans bearing soup. We talk about King’s real-life inspiration for the story, the long and winding road to casting Paul Sheldon, and why this movie manages to be terrifying, funny, and oddly cozy all at once.

Next week, we’re moving from one devoted nurse with a questionable bedside manner to another, trading Annie Wilkes for Nurse Ratched in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.

Recommended Reading:

"Retrospective: 30 years later, ‘Misery’ still loves company" - Eddie Mouradian

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Stand by Me (1986)

Mon, 18 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie revisit Stand by Me, a beloved film that, nearly four decades later, still lands with kids and adults. We talk about why the nostalgia feels real instead of cheap, the oft-discussed ways the actors’ real lives mirrored the roles they played, and whether or not we can make the case that it counts as a Jersey movie.

Next week, you cockadoodie listeners better not go anywhere because we’re coming back for Reiner’s second entry in the King Cinematic Universe, Misery.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Now and Then (1995)

Mon, 11 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie hop on their bikes and pedal straight into the summer of 1970 with the coming-of-age classic Now and Then. Often called Stand by Me for girls, we talk about where that comparison lands, where it misses, how the film captures girlhood friendships, our draw toward the nostalgic, and which parts still work on rewatch. We also cover how Now and Then handles grief, first crushes, and the awkward limbo between kid and teen.

Next week, we’re heading down the tracks for the only natural follow-up to Now and Then, Rob Reiner’s Stand by Me, a darker, sharper coming-of-age story about friendship, mortality, and that one summer that changes everything.

Recommended Reading:

“What White Girl Coming-of-Age Movies Don’t Do For a Black Girl” - Zoé Samudzi

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Little Women (1994)

Mon, 04 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie bundle up for a double dose of March family goodness with Little Women, starting with the beloved 1994 version and bringing in Greta Gerwig’s more meta 2019 adaptation. We talk about what makes this story so enduring, why every generation gets the Jo it needs, and how both films handle what's really at the heart of Louisa May Alcott’s classic. We also get into 1994’s all-star 90s cast, the importance of women-led movie sets, and what Alcott really thought about the men in her novel. Plus, significant haircuts, compulsory heterosexuality, Freudian analysis, and other Watchers classics.

Next week, we’re sticking with girlhood, nostalgia, and formative trauma but trading bonnets for bikes with 1995’s coming-of-age drama, Now and Then.

Recommended Viewing:

“Why The Costumes of Little Women did NOT deserve an Oscar” - Micarah Tewers

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Mermaids (1990)

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie are heading to 1960s Massachusetts with Mermaids, the coming-of-age dramedy that gave us Big Hair Cher, yet another Winona Ryder voiceover, and Christina Ricci's first major role. We talk about the movie’s unique (somewhat perplexing) tone, how it captures the confusion of girlhood, and the enduring charm of Bob Hoskins.

Next week, we're traveling back a century or so for another movie about a family of girls enduring New England winters, 1994's star-studded and heartbreaking earnest Little Women.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Moonstruck (1987)

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, join Jodie and Andrea under the moon in Brooklyn Heights for our review of Moonstruck, the romantic comedy that won Cher her Oscar, gave us Nicolas Cage at full Nicolas Cage, and explored the power of a good makeover. We dive into the various non-Italian actors tasked with populating Cher's Italian family, the iconic Castorini home, and the film's surprisingly tender treatment of its flawed but lovable cast of characters.

Next week, we’re sticking with Cher, but trading moonlight for mermaid tails. We’re watching Mermaids. Get ready for unconventional parenting in the form of marshmallow kebabs, teenage rebellion in the form of Catholic piety, and 1990's most desirable bachelor in the form of the late, great Bob Hoskins.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Steel Magnolias (1989)

Mon, 14 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Andrea and Jodie are stopping by Truvy's beauty shop to revisit the southern tearjerker Steel Magnolias. We talk about the film’s deeply personal backstory, the stacked cast, and how Steel Magnolias made space for older women in a way that still resonates. We reflect on how this movie landed differently on rewatch, especially for those of us who are starting to feel more like Ouiser than Shelby. Plus: our favorite quotes, behind-the-scenes gossip, and, of course, that scene from Yellowjackets.

Next week we’re headed north to Brooklyn Heights for big hair, big feelings, and that big pizza pie in the sky. We’re watching Moonstruck. Get ready for Cher at her Oscar-winning best, Nicolas Cage in all his unhinged glory, and another standout performance from Montclair theater queen, Olympia Dukakis.

Recommended in this episode:

"An Inside Look at Steel Magnolias from Robert Harling" Gun and Garden, April 2018

The Right Match: A Short Documentary

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Bear, Season 4

Wed, 09 Jul 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea are back in the kitchen for our full Season 4 recap of The Bear. From standout episodes to side character gold, we’re breaking down what worked, what wobbled, and what we’re still thinking about. Plus, we hand out our Season 4 Superlatives, including Best Richie Line, Best Fak Moment, Biggest Cry, and more. And of course, we share our hopes, dreams, and predictions for Season 5.

Don’t forget, we’re covering Steel Magnolias on Monday as part of our Yellowjackets side quest. See you then!

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Harold and Maude

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea are talking about Harold and Maude, Hal Ashby’s unconventional romance that’s become a cult classic, an aesthetic touchstone, and (maybe?) the origin story of the manic pixie dream girl. We get into: why Maude might be the blueprint for the trope, and why she also transcends it. Why Harold is relatable to those of us who might delight in our melancholy, even if Maude is really who we should be putting on our vision board, the movie’s deep influence on today’s filmmakers (looking at you, Wes Anderson), and how Ashby originally had a very different vision for the film's soundtrack, including plans for another musician to both score the film and star in it.

Recommended Reading:

"A Boy of Twenty and a Woman of Eighty" By Leticia Kent

"The Greatest Comedic Tragedy: How Harold and Maude Redefined Holocaust Humor" - Film Cred

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet

Mon, 30 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

A show where two from Jersey’s distant ends

watch goonies, girls, class presidents unglued.

From clueless cliques to matricidal friends,

now 90s Romeo comes neon-hued.

We trace the plot through fish tank, fire, and storm,

sing praises for our queen, Mercutio,

who dances on the screen in perfect form.

No man more grave than Harold Perrineau.

Our tragic teens, Danes and DiCaprio,

a letter meant to save Claire, left unsent,

breaks the heart of blonde and brooding Romeo

and ends the so-called Life of Juliet

Next week? A dour boy who drives a hearse.

Now? Say Harold and Maude to end this verse.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch But I'm a Cheerleader

Mon, 23 Jun 2025 12:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, we’re heading to True Directions and diving deep into the 1999 cult classic But I’m a Cheerleader. We talk about Jamie Babbit’s queer filmmaking roots, RuPaul out of drag, and the Barbie dreamscape of repression and resistance. Plus: what But I'm a Cheerleader can teach us about camp, queer longing, and the limits of satire.

Don’t miss next week’s episode on Baz Luhrmann's William Shakespeare's Romeo + Juliet

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Election

Mon, 16 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea revisit Election, Alexander Payne’s dark, hilarious, and deeply cynical take on high school democracy. We get into the film’s multiple narrators, shifting POVs, and why it still feels so sharp 25 years later. From Tracy Flick’s overachieving rage to Jim McAllister’s petty unraveling, we trace how the film breaks down ambition, morality, and why, in 2025, people are still getting Tracy Flick wrong.

Next week, we’re watching But I’m a Cheerleader, Jamie Babbit’s bold, surreal, and very pink satire about queerness, conformity, and finding love at gay rehab.

Recommended Reading:

The Movie Election 25 Years On - Scott Detrow

What America Gets Wrong About Tracy Flick - A.O. Scott

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Mean Girls

Mon, 09 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea are heading to North Shore High to take on Mean Girls, a defining entry in the canon of girlhood, but one we both struggled with more than expected. We get into what makes the movie mean, what it gets wrong that Clueless gets so right, and how it lands in 2025, when girlhood is messier, more public, and more scrutinized than ever.

Next week, we’re revisiting Election, Alexander Payne’s razor‑sharp satire of ambition, repression, and suburban malaise.

Recommended Reading:

“Mean Girls”: A Time Capsule of Casual Bigotry - Glenda Brown
”Fey Grateful That Film Seems to ‘Stick With People’” - Ashley Spencer
I Adore “Mean Girls,” But Let's Stop Acting Like Teen Girls Are Mean" - Amanda Scherker

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Clueless

Mon, 02 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are covering Amy Heckerling’s 1995 teen rom-com, Clueless. It’s the hyperstylized, deceptively smart, deeply girly ’90s take on Emma that shaped a generation. We get into makeover culture, some casual narratology, teen magazine aesthetics, ska music, why Cher’s makeover actually fails, and how Wallace Shawn is honestly perfect. Plus, Andrea gives a breakdown of the elusive PC game, Jodie goes JSTOR mode, and we consider whether or not it really is a proto-feminist masterpiece.

Next week on The Watchers, we’re covering Mean Girls. Tina Fey’s sharp-tongued, early-2000s take on high school hierarchy, it’s a film with a massive pop culture footprint and a defining entry in the girlhood canon.

Recommended Reading:

Playthrough - Clueless (CD-ROM, 1997)

“‘Just a Girl’ Should Have Been a Hit From Clueless, and Other Behind-the-Scenes Secrets from the Soundtrack” by Jillian Mapes

“Clueless at 20: Revisiting the Soundtrack With a Classic Track-by-Track Review” by Kenneth Partridge

“Furiously Franchised: Clueless, Convergence Culture, and the Female-Focused Franchise”, Cinema Journal, Kyra Hunting

Both articles listed below can be found in ReFocus: The Films of Amy Heckerling edited by Frances Smith and Timothy Shary

“Can I Please Give You Some Advice?: Clueless and the Teen Makeover” by Alice Leppert
“Cher and Dionne BFFs: Female Friendship, Genre, and Medium Specificity in the Film and Television Versions of Amy Heckerling’s Clueless” by Susan Berridge

The Watchers Watch Dazed and Confused

Mon, 26 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Andrea and Jodie are talking Dazed and Confused, Richard Linklater’s attempt at an anti-nostalgia movie about the last day of school. We get into the vibes, the music, what makes the meandering plot work, and why, as adults, the hazing hits a little harder and the movie feels meaner than we remembered. Still, it’s a hangout classic with killer needle drops and a cast full of future stars.

Next week, we’re watching Clueless. Written and directed by Amy Heckerling. As smart as it is stylish. It’s an endlessly rewatchable Beverly Hills take on Emma, packed with iconic outfits, sharp dialogue, and one of the most lovable casts of the ’90s.

Recommended Reading:

“Dazed and Confused: Not So Long Ago, But Very Far Away” - Chuck Klosterman

Alright, Alright, Alright: The Oral History of Richard Linklater's Dazed and Confused - By Melissa Maerz

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Reality Bites

Mon, 19 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hello, you’ve reached the winter of our discontent. Andrea and Jodie watched Reality Bites. Written by Helen Childress and directed by Ben Stiller, it’s the 1994 Gen X anthem that follows a group of post-college friends trying to figure out life, love, and how to afford rent in Houston. We dig into Gen X authenticity, that killer soundtrack, and the irony (we know it when we see it) of a movie about not selling out being released by a major studio, jam-packed with product placement. We talk about the tension between Childress’ original screenplay and the version that ended up on screen. We’re pretty hard on Stiller. He deserves it.

Next week, we’re watching Dazed and Confused, written and directed by Richard Linklater. It’s the last day of school in 1976, and not much happens. It’s a hangout classic about freedom, boredom, and figuring out what comes next.

The Watchers Watch Party Girl

Mon, 12 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Andrea and Jodie are watching Party Girl. It’s got Parker Posey at her most iconic, inspirational '90s fashion, and a soundtrack that still holds up. We’re talking about the New York City club kid scene, the film’s matter-of-fact diversity, and why it feels so good to see libraries treated with the respect they deserve.

Next week, we’re watching Reality Bites. It’s a little more straight and a lot more white, but as a blueprint for how mainstream media defined Gen X, it offers a perfectly messy portrait of the chain-smoking, disillusioned 90s early adulthood experience.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Goonies

Mon, 05 May 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This week, we’re heading underground with The Goonies, a film that defined childhood adventure for a generation. Andrea and Jodie revisit the 1985 classic to talk about why it still resonates, what it gets right about the danger and chaos of being a kid, and how its genre-hopping captures the wild, rule-breaking energy of childhood itself. We’re also unpacking some of the more complicated stuff, sharing a few behind-the-scenes stories, and asking whether The Goonies still earns its place in the pantheon of beloved kids’ classics.

Next week, it’s Party Girl. Parker Posey. Illegal Raves. The Dewey Decimal System. What more could you want?

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Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Heavenly Creatures

Mon, 28 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are kicking off our new movie series with Heavenly Creatures, not just Melanie Lynskey’s film debut, but a true crime story that’s full of themes that Yellowjackets keeps circling: queerness, violence, fantasy, and the messy emotional world of teenage girls. It’s also directly referenced in the show’s original pitch deck, making it the perfect place to start.

Next week, we’re diving into Richard Donner’s 1985 coming-of-age adventure classic The Goonies. It shows up in Season 3, and while it might seem like a big shift from Heavenly Creatures, at its core, it’s a story about intense young bonds, kids chasing escape, and the ways adults shape the world around them. So if you ignore the brutal real-life murder, it’s really not that far off.

Recommended Reading:

“Let’s Moider Mother: Heavenly Creatures and the Politics of Delusion” by Betty Jay

“Heavenly Creatures Is a Queer Adolescent Nightmare” by Drew Burnett Gregory

If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you followed our little show and, if you like what you hear, left us a review.

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Yellowjackets Season 3: Recap & Round-Up

Mon, 21 Apr 2025 12:00:00 -0400

Well, that’s another season of Yellowjackets under our belts. Now that we’ve had a little time to digest the finale, Andrea and Jodie are back to wrap up Season 3. We’re clarifying some of the more complex moments from “Full Circle,” breaking down cast reactions, sharing some of our listeners’ comments and questions, and finally (finally!) Andrea takes us to Theory Corner for her long-threatened breakdown of how Freud’s concept of the uncanny shows up in the show, like, everywhere.

If you’re new here, we hope you’ll stick around during the off-season! We’re kicking things off with a look at the movies that either inspired or have been referenced in Yellowjackets, starting with Heavenly Creatures, Melanie Lynskey’s big screen debut! You can watch it for free on Internet Archive.

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Yellowjackets Season 3: "Full Circle"

Mon, 14 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Shuffle up and deal! Jodie and Andrea watched “Full Circle,” the Season 3 finale of Yellowjackets, and the hunt, as they say, is officially on.

In the wilderness, it’s a hazy shade of winter, Van’s got a long way to go if she wants to be the next Ricky Jay, and we say goodbye to a real one.

In the present, Tai prioritizes a protein-rich diet. Callie must have been absent the day everyone else learned mitochondria is the powerhouse of the cell. Shauna wants to kill, and you have to believe her–it’s for more than just selfish reasons!

Next week, we’ll take a step back to look at Season 3 as a whole: how it fits into the larger arc of the series, what might be coming in Season 4 (fingers crossed!!), and we’ll do a major theory roundup.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

BONUS: A Very Jersey Conversation With Ashley Lyle

Wed, 09 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0400

The Watchers recently hit the 100-episode milestone. For two years, Jodie’s been covering the North Jersey angle, and Andrea’s been holding it down for South Jersey. So we figured it was finally time to bring in someone to represent Central Jersey.

In this bonus episode, Jodie and Andrea had the absolute honor of sitting down with Yellowjackets co-creator Ashley Lyle (I know, right!?!), a proud Jersey native whose own childhood helped shape the tone and spirit of the show.

We talked with Ashley about growing up in Jersey in the '90s, and how she and Bart have worked to bring Jersey authenticity to Yellowjackets. We also discussed the show’s impeccable needle drops, the balance between the psychological and supernatural elements, and how they approached next week’s season finale. Plus a whole lot more, including some behind-the-scenes stories you’ve probably never heard.

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Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "How the Story Ends"

Mon, 07 Apr 2025 21:00:00 -0400

So long, Astoria. Jodie and Andrea watched “How the Story Ends” episode nine of season three of Yellowjackets. Let's get into it.

In the wilderness, Travis is setting booty traps. Hannah feels like she’s babysitting, except she’s not getting paid. And Kodiak gets his One-Eyed Willy on.

In the present, it’s our time down here (i.e. Virginia). Shauna’s in the clouds and Tai is in a basement. And Walter’s voice is kind of nice when his mouth isn’t screwing it up.

Yellowjackets Season 3 Interview: Liv Hewson - "Van Palmer, You Mean the World to Me"

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "A Normal, Boring Life"

Mon, 31 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

You better chow down, or it’s gonna get cold. Andrea and Jodie watched “A Normal, Boring Life,” episode eight of season three of Yellowjackets, and we’re ready to dig in.

In the wilderness, we won’t have to go back if we never leave. Our soccer team makes some new friends, and Travis proves he’s a true feminist.

In the present, Jeff throws his wife under the bus. Tai unleashes every Jersey girl’s secret power, and Shauna would love to chat longer, but she’s having an old friend for dinner.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "Croak"

Mon, 24 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Hop to it, folks! Jodie and Andrea watched “Croak,” episode seven of season three of Yellowjackets, and there’s a lot to talk about.

In 1996, someone gave Jeff Winger a crossbow, and thank the dirt for that. The girls play “The Most Dangerous Game” (which just so happens to be their favorite game), and Lottie makes a new squishy friend.

In 2021, it’s time for another road trip, and we’ve got all the essentials: the world’s worst mixtape, some communal floss picks, and a well-timed medical emergency. But honestly, the most tragic part of this whole series is making a Jersey girl pump her own gas.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "Thanksgiving (Canada)"

Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

This episode of The Watchers is a meaty one, but we just had so much to sink our teeth into. Check the timestamps down below if you want to know what we talk about when.

Jodie and Andrea watched “Thanksgiving (Canada)” episode six of season three of Yellowjackets, and we really get into it.

In 1996, it must be sweeps week because Ben’s Pen Friends gets a major cast shake-up. There’s a wild new episode of Who’s the Antler Queen? And on Girls Meet World–wait, wait, wait. Girls’ Meat World? Is that anything?

In 2021, Van and Tai have a spa day, the Sadeckis take a family vacay, and Misty spends some time in the city.

Timestamps:

Present: 00:05:15
Wilderness: 01:06:55
Theories: 01:43:46
“Croak” Trailer: 02:22:06

I Saw the TV Glow’s Ending Is Full of Hope, If You Want It to Be - Emily St. James

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "Did Tai Do That?"

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Got any cheeeese? Jodie and Andrea watched “Did Tai Do That?” episode five of season three of Yellowjackets, and we’re here to break it all down.

In 1996, Van helps Tai embrace her wild side. For Akilah, though, it’s just another night, another dream, another vision of Ben, he’s here to . . . be the bridge? Hey, call Weird Al if you want a perfect parody.

In 2021, Mr. Matthews gets a visit from the Geek Squad, and Misty learns that Walter’s calves may have been clouding her judgement.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "12 Angry Girls and 1 Drunk Travis"

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0400

All rise! Jodie and Andrea watched “12 Angry Girls and One Drunk Travis,” episode four of season three of Yellowjackets, and we’re breaking it all down for you.

In 1996, the whole damn soccer team is out of order. Misty makes a lucid, intelligent, well thought-out objection. And Shauna can’t handle the truth.

In 2021, Tai and Van go on a big city adventure, Shauna visits every food service worker’s favorite place to cry, Misty looks for clues, and Lottie makes some big moves.

Mentioned in this episode:

“Yellowjackets Season 3 Interview: Tawny Cypress Has an INCREDIBLE Casting Story”

“‘Yellowjackets’ Star Simone Kessell Unpacks Episode 4’s Shocking Cliffhanger and Why She ‘Felt It Was Premature’”

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "Them's the Brakes"

Mon, 24 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Okay, so one time Andrea promised to never release an episode of The Watchers longer than the episode of Yellowjackets we’re reviewing. But if this show has taught us anything, it’s that women from Jersey simply can’t be trusted. Jodie and Andrea watched “Them's the Brakes,” episode three of season three of Yellowjackets, and we’ve got a lot to say about it.

In 1996, Ben and Mari star in our new favorite buddy comedy. Our soccer team goes spelunking. And we’re reminded that it’s probably about time to test the batteries in our CO detectors.

In 2021, Lottie’s the world’s worst Big Sisters of America volunteer. Shauna and Misty go for a wild ride. And Van and Tai hear the wilderness . . . and the ice-cream man?

mentioned in this episode:

The Watchers Watch:

- The Adventures of Pete and Pete, “What We Did on Our Summer Vacation”

- I Saw the TV Glow

New Jersey Is the World: Scene Report: The Land of Make Believe

Not Eureka's Castle: Weinerville

“‘Yellowjackets’ Boss Jonathan Lisco Explains That Wild Hallucination Sequence” - Jackie Strause

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: "It Girl" & "Dislocation"

Mon, 17 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are kicking off Yellowjackets season 3 with a major deep dive into the first two episodes, “It Girl” and “Dislocation.” In the wilderness, we’re talking about Akilah’s Emotional Support Duck, Lottie’s questionable psilocybin therapy credentials, that age-old game, “capture the bone,” whether the DHARMA Initiative left a hatch out in the Canadian woods, and a lot more (like, a LOT more). Meanwhile, in the present, we’ve got the world’s worst eulogy, a deadly dine n’ dash situation, Misty embracing her wild side, Callie going full Carrie, and—perhaps most importantly—the sexual viability of Jeff’s credenzas.

Plus, we’ll talk about the standout needle drops, new clues about old theories (like who really burned down the cabin), and Jodie takes us through a critical theory exercise featuring Misty’s favorite philosopher.

This episode is super-sized. Here’s what we talk about when:

00:00 - 44:44 - “It Girl” wilderness timeline

44:45 - 1:12:38 -“It Girl” adult timeline

1:12:39 - 1:31:44 - “Dislocation” wilderness timeline -

1:31:45 - 2:10:59 - “Dislocation” adult timeline

2:11:00 - 2:37:55 - season 3 questions, theories, speculations

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: Recap, Reset, Round-Up Pt. 2

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are back for part two of our Yellowjackets season 3 catch-up. Last week, we looked back at what we know so far. This week, we’re looking ahead. We dive into the trailer, round up the wildest theories, and make our predictions for what’s coming next. Plus, as has become customary, we’re manifesting our dream needle drops for the new season—because what’s Yellowjackets without a killer soundtrack?

Next week, it's finally here! We'll be breaking down the first two episodes of Yellowjackets season 3!

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 3: Recap, Reset, Round-Up Pt. 1

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are getting back to our roots as Jersey’s most dedicated Yellowjackets podcast! With Season 3 premiering on February 14th, it’s time to refresh our memories on all the wild ongoings from Seasons 1 and 2. We break down each character’s journey in the teen and adult timelines, recap the biggest reveals, and remind ourselves where things left off in that divisive Season 2 finale.

Next week, we’ll be dissecting the Season 3 trailer, everything we know so far about the new season, and rounding up all your theories. Stay tuned!

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Severance, Season 2: "Hello, Ms. Cobel" & "Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig"

Wed, 29 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Andrea and Jodie are back at Lumon Industries, diving into the first two episodes of Severance season two, "Hello, Ms. Cobel" and "Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig." We unpack the show’s double-sided mystery and speculate wildly about Lumen’s true purpose. Along the way, we explore hidden meanings behind zip codes, corporate psycho-babble, and what your favorite door says about you.

Next week, we officially shift into Yellowjackets mode as we gear up for season 3! Join us to recap, reset, and round-up all of the theories we’ve been exploring while we wait to head back into the wilderness.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Silo, Season 2 Finale: "Into the Fire"

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are heading back underground with Silo season two’s (ahem) explosive finale, “Into the Fire.” Before diving in, we run through a quick recap of seasons one and two to set the stage. Then, we bask in the warm glow of Steve Zahn’s presence, celebrate the episode’s big Ocean’s 11 vibes, and debate whether or not we think they finally got the pacing right. Plus, we work through the more convoluted elements of this episode and share our feelings about those last few minutes. Stick around at the end for Andrea’s latest Evil watch update and Jodie’s thoughts as she treks back through seasons one and two of From.

Next week, we're clocking back in at the office—not The Office, just an office (sorry, is that confusing?)—to review the first two episodes of Severance's long-awaited season two: "Hello, Ms. Cobel" and "Goodbye, Mrs. Selvig."

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch From, "Long Day's Journey Into Night"

Wed, 15 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

We're creeping up on the premiere of Yellowjackets season three; to hold us over in the meantime, Jodie and Andrea are checking out some of your suggestions. This week, we’re talking about "Long Day's Journey Into Night," the first episode of From. We get into why Harold Perrineau is always the most long-suffering guy in the room, how the show uses familiar tropes to set up some big mysteries, and whether it might fall into the classic LOST trap of too many questions and not enough answers. We also spend like half an hour at the end of this one talking about Evil.

Next week, we're heading to the Down Deep for our review of season 2 of the AppleTV show Silo.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Evil, "Genesis 1"

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

As we get closer to the premiere of Yellowjackets season three, Jodie and Andrea are checking out some shows our listeners have recommended we watch in the off-season. This week, we’re diving into “Genesis 1,” the pilot episode of Evil, a show that’s part supernatural thriller, part procedural drama. Evil follows forensic psychologist Kristen Bouchard, played by Katja Herbers, who teams up with David Acosta, a Catholic Church assessor played by Mike Colter, and tech expert Ben Shakir, played by Aasif Mandvi. Often compared to X-Files and Law & Order, we think it also shares some DNA with House and Angel. It’s fun and a little hokey, and there’s no surprise that Jodie has deemed it an Andrea Show.

Next week, we’ll be watching the first episode of From. Join us for the ride and let us know what else we should add to our list!

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

What We Loved in 2024

Wed, 01 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0400

It’s officially 2025, folks. Happy New Year and all that. Naturally, we’re wrapping up 2024 with a year-in-review episode. Jodie and Andrea are sharing their favorite movies, shows, books, and more from the past year. Plus, we’re so excited to be joined by writer and pop culture enthusiast Tara Giancaspro to talk about her fantastic Substack, xoxo Gossip Giancaspro–especially her essay, ”What You Can Learn From Your Muppet Big 3,” which Jodie and Andrea loved so much this year. Tara also shares her 2024 highlights, and we cap things off with a look at what we’re excited about in 2025!

Next week, per our listeners’ recommendations, we’re watching the first episode of Evil, which follows a skeptic, a priest-in-training, and a tech expert as they investigate the line between science and the supernatural while confronting the true nature of evil. Also Michael Emerson is in it, so we’ve got high hopes for this one.

Follow Tara on: Instagram (@sweatylamarr) Twitter (@sweatylamarr)

Tara Recommends:

Denzel Washington in Gladiator II

Fanatical: The Catfishing of Tegan and Sara

Babygirl

Andrea Recommends:

LaRoy, Texas

Rush of Energy - Bike Routes

There's Always This Year - Hanif Abdurraqib

Jodie Recommends:

Somebody Somewhere

Ripley

Game Changer on Dropout

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We Can Be Heroes with Carina Mia Wong and Judson Packard

Wed, 25 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, we sit down with filmmaker Carina Mia Wong and Wayfinder Experience camp director Judson Packard to talk about the powerful new documentary We Can Be Heroes. The film explores the transformative magic of Wayfinder, a camp where young people build confidence, emotional resilience, and community through immersive role-playing games.

Carina, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and journalist, shares what drew her to tell this story, while Jud gives us a behind-the-scenes look at how the camp creates such a safe and encouraging space for growth. We dive into everything from the challenges of making a film about such a vulnerable and unique environment to the incredible impact the camp has on its campers. (Also we talk about Jersey because of course we do. Make sure you're following us on Instagram for a cameo from our patron saint, the Jersey Devil.)

We Can Be Heroes has already earned incredible (and well-deserved) recognition, winning the Special Jury Award for Bravery and Empathy at SXSW, the Audience Award for Best Feature Doc at the Woodstock Film Festival, and the Best Feature Documentary Award at the Nevada City Film Festival. If you’re into stories about healing, connection, and hitting people with big foam swords, this one’s for you.

Learn more about The Wayfinder Experience: https://wayfinderexperience.com/

Follow:

We Can Be Heroes: @wecanbeheroesdoc

The Wayfinder Experience: @wayfinderexp

Carina Mia Wong: @carina.mia

Judson Packard: @larp_kween

The Watchers: @WatchersPodNJ

Andrea: @AQAndreaQ

Jodie: @jodie_mim

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Flipside with Chris Wilcha

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Andrea and Jodie sit down with filmmaker Chris Wilcha to talk about his beautiful documentary, Flipside. In the film, Chris revisits the New Jersey record store he worked at as a teenager—a quirky, once-thriving music haven that’s now struggling to survive. But Flipside is so much more than just a nostalgic look back. We dive into the making of the film, Chris’s journey with archives, and the challenges of pursuing a creative career. We get into everything from New Jersey nostalgia to the surprising connections between Ira Glass, jazz photographer Herman Leonard, writer David Milch, David Bowie’s tribute to a Jersey cable TV icon (pardon–THE Jersey Cable TV icon), and more along the way. It’s a lovely and thoughtful conversation about legacy, memory, and the inevitable passage of time.

Keep up with Chris Wilcha on Instagram: @chriswilcha

If you haven’t watched Flipside, what are you waiting for?

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Getting LOST

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Jodie and Andrea dive into the new LOST documentary, Getting LOST. We share our thoughts on how well it captures the show’s legacy, LOST’s profound and lasting impact on fandom culture, what makes the show resonate years later, and–most important–why it’s not friggin’ purgatory.

Next week, we’ll be watching the documentary Flipside and chatting with its director, Chris WIlcha. Watch on AppleTV or Amazon Prime.

Check out Cancer Gets LOST at cancergetslost.org

Getting LOST is still available to watch until December 18th. Check it out.

And be sure to catch the digital premiere of Chasing Chasing Amy on December 15th (featuring a special introduction by Kevin Smith and Q&A with Sav and Riley Rodgers). Tickets!

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Dawson's Creek, "All Good Things . . . Must Come to an End"

Wed, 27 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Can you believe it? We’re finally here. The long-ish promised review of the Dawson’s Creek finale. But first! We kick things off with exciting news: Yellowjackets season 3 is premiering on February 14 with a double-episode release! That’s like, nine or ten Watchers episodes away! Then, we dive into the finale of Dawson’s Creek—the two episodes aptly titled “All Good Things” and “Must Come to an End.” Join us as we unpack the return of Kevin Williamson, Dawson’s obsession with remaking his childhood over and over again, Pacey’s inability to sleep with someone who isn’t already married, why whatever Jen’s suffering from seems to have finally fixed her hair, and every other little thing that goes down when (in order of importance) Pacey, Jen, Joey and Dawson return to the creek. Plus, we share some fun theories about Pacey’s new show Doctor Odyssey.

Programming Note: We’re taking next week off as our fearless co-leader Jodie recovers from shoulder surgery (send her all the good vibes!). We’ll be back the week after to review the Getting LOST documentary, which is premiering December 7 with a live Q&A. (Looks like ticket holders will have a week to watch.)

Watch the trailer and get your tickets for Getting Lost

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Will & Harper

Wed, 20 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It’s time to pack your saxophone! The Watchers are hitting the road with Will Ferrell and his longtime friend, writer Harper Steele, for their documentary Will & Harper. The film follows the two friends as they embark on a friendship-defining road trip. Jodie and Andrea discuss the emotional journey of Harper's transition, Will's growing understanding of allyship, and the evolution of their friendship. We also explore how Will & Harper adds to the long tradition of American road trip narratives, its take on big themes like change and connection, and the film's potential entry point for broader discussions of trans experiences.

Next week, we're taking a little detour back to Capeside. Jodie finished Dawson's Creek, so we're sharing a series wrap-up. We'll be back to our regularly scheduled programming the following week with a documentary we can't wait to tell you all about!

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Chasing Chasing Amy with Sav Rodgers

Wed, 13 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Chasing Chasing Amy is a heartfelt, funny, and deeply personal documentary that explores identity, queer representation, cinematic influence, and our evolving relationship with pop culture—everything we love to dive into here at The Watchers. In this episode, Sav Rodgers shares how the film started as a quest to understand Chasing Amy's complicated connection to the LGBTQ+ community but grew into something much more meaningful. We dig into the behind-the-scenes process, from shooting interviews in people’s homes and on windy rooftops to how key editing choices helped shape the narrative, all guided by Sav’s strict “No Bullsh*t” policy. Along the way, we discuss Kevin Smith’s magnetic presence, the impact of queer narratives, and the importance of authentic storytelling. It’s an engaging, thoughtful conversation that celebrates film’s transformative power and the necessity of hope in art.

Keep up with Sav Rodgers and Chasing Chasing Amy on Instagram.

Here’s where you can see Chasing Chasing Amy in theaters: It's really very good

Watch Sav’s TedTalk - Sav Rodgers: The Rom-Com That Saved My Life

Next week, we’re watching Will & Harper, Josh Greenbaum’s 2024 documentary that follows friends Will Ferrell and Harper Steele on a cross country road trip.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Kim's Video

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea dig into the good, the bad, and the baffling of Kim’s Video, a 2023 documentary that explores what happened to one of the world’s greatest VHS collections when it moved from New York City to Sicily. We talk 90s nostalgia, genre conventions, what it means to be a creative person, and how and why stories get told. Plus we reminisce about our own days working in video stores and marvel at the way Jersey always shows up for us.

Next week, we are SO excited to be talking with Sav Rodgers, the filmmaker behind Chasing Chasing Amy. It’s not streaming yet, but it is showing in a bunch of cities. Here they are.

Referenced in this episode:

The Strange Fate of Kim’s Video - Karina Longworth

Chloë Sevigny Visits the Kim's Video Collection - Alamo Drafthouse

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Adventures of Pete & Pete, "Halloweenie"

Wed, 30 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It’s our final Halloween episode of 2024, and you shouldn’t be surprised by our choice. We couldn’t wrap up the season without revisiting Wellsville for one of the greatest Halloween episodes in television history, “Halloweenie” from The Adventures of Pete & Pete. It’s quintessentially Pete & Pete, which means it’s quintessentially 90s and quintessentially Jersey, all while remaining totally weird and wholly unique. We talk Mischief-Devil’s-Cabbage-Goosey Night, neighborhood bullies, breaking records, and that moment of being right on the edge of too old for something you used to love.

Next week, we’re sticking with the 90s theme but moving to a new genre, as we watch Kim’s Video, a 2023 documentary that explores what happened to one of the world’s greatest VHS collections when it moved from New York City to Sicily.

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The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Buffy the Vampire Slayer, "Halloween"

Wed, 23 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, Andrea and Jodie dive into Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s classic "Halloween" episode from season 2 of the series. As the Scoobies’ costumes come to life, we question the inconsistent nature of this bewitchery, delight in learning Giles’ has a sordid past, and question what exactly Willow’s supposed to be. (Hot slut?) Plus, Jodie takes us on a trip to Creek Corner and Andrea reviews the pilot episode of Pacey–er, Joshua Jackson’s new show, Doctor Odyssey.

Next week, we’ve got one more Halloween rewatch. The Adventures of Pete & Pete’s “Halloweenie” (S2E5). You can watch this one on YouTube here.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

BONUS: The House From . . . with Tommy Avallone

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Surprise! We’re here on a Monday with an episode we are so excited to share with you. We’ve got a special guest, fellow Jersey native, Tommy Avallone, who joins Jodie and Andrea this week to chat about his new documentary. Tommy is a producer, director, editor, writer, and filmmaker; he’s behind the documentaries, I am Santa Clause, Waldo on Weed, The Bill Murray Stories, I Love You, You Hate Me, and most recently, The House From . . . which takes a look at houses that have become famous from movies and tv, the people who live in them, and the people who love them. If you like our show, you will love this documentary. It features stories about iconic homes from movies and shows like Full House, Golden Girls, Can’t Hardly Wait, Friday, Pee-Wee’s Big Adventure, Goonies, Breaking Bad, and so many more. It’s sweet, and funny, and nostalgic, and says so much about our own relationships with pop culture. It’s available to stream this week, and you’re going to love it.

Jersey folks, The House From . . . is premiering at Kevin Smith’s Smodcastle Cinemas in Atlantic Highlands as part of Smodcastle Film Festival this Friday, October 25th. Grab your tickets now.

For everyone else, The House From . . . will be available for streaming on October 28th. You can pre-order it from AppleTV right now.

Keep up with Tommy and his work: @tommyavallone3

We’ll see you Wednesday with our review of Buffy the Vampire Slayer’s “Halloween”

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch My So-Called Life, "Halloween"

Wed, 16 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We’re deep into the Halloween season on The Watchers, and Andrea and Jodie are unpacking the supernatural side of My So-Called Life. High school urban legends, teen ghosts, and a haunted cardigan—it's all here. Join us as we discover whether or not Angela can solve the mystery of Nicky Driscoll, and in the process, save Jordan Catalano from himself.

Next week, we’re heading back to Sunnydale to experience what Halloween is like on a Hellmouth, with season 2, episode 6 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer, the appropriately titled, “Halloween.”

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Dawson's Creek, "Escape from Witch Island"

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It's SpOoKy season, and we're heading back to the creek for some bewitching fun! This week, Andrea and Jodie watched Dawson's Creek Blair Witch Project spoof, "Escape from Witch Island." They remark on the lasting influence of The Blair Witch Project, wonder why the show even bothered to include Andie in this episode, and thank the TV Gods that Pacey and Jen came along on this field trip so we didn't just have to watch Joey and Dawson sulk at each other for an entire episode.

Next week, it's Halloween in the rust belt as we watch Season 1, Episode 9 of My So-Called Life, the aptly titled, "Halloween."

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch I Saw the TV Glow

Wed, 02 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We’re wrapping up our trip down 90s Nickelodeon Lane with the movie that inspired us to take this trip in the first place, Jane Schoenbrun’s coming-of-age-psychological-horror-drama-trans-allegory, I Saw the TV Glow. We continue the conversation we’ve been having these last few weeks, diving into the double-edged blade of nostalgia, the malleability of memory, loss of innocence, looking back on childhood through the jaded eyes of adulthood, growing up, moving on, and melancholy men with ice cream cone heads.

Next week, we’re sticking with the spooky vibes and heading once more unto the creek, dear friends, with season 3 episode 7 of Dawson’s Creek, “Escape from Witch Island,”

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Adventures of Pete & Pete

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Summer’s over, and we don’t need a boy and his personal superhero battling the ocean to know it. This week, we’re winding down our Nickelodeon Nostalgia Deep Dive with The Adventures of Pete & Pete, a quintessentially New Jersey show. Jodie and Andrea dive into standout episodes "What We Did on Our Summer Vacation," where nostalgia weighs heavily, and "Hard Day's Pete," which beautifully captures the singular experience of discovering your first favorite song.

Next week, we’re finally watching the movie that sparked this look back at 90s TV greatness, Jane Schoenbrun’s I Saw the TV Glow.

Follow:

The Watchers on Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

New Episode Next Week

Fri, 20 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

Apologies for the late update! As you've certainly noticed, there's no new episode this week. We will be back next week with our Pete & Pete discussion, which we can't wait to share with you. And remember, the week after, we'll be reviewing the movie that inspired these last few weeks of Nickelodeon nostalgia, Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow.

The Watchers Watch Salute Your Shorts, "Zeke the Plumber"

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It’s our last week at camp, and we’re continuing with the local legends. This time, Jodie and Andrea watched “Ghost Story” AKA “Zeke the Plumber” from the Nickelodeon series, Salute Your Shorts. We speculate about whether or not this episode inspired The Blair Witch Project, Jodie weighs in on whether or not this presents an accurate portrayal of summer camp, and we make some truly shocking revelations about the history of the word “jabroni.”

Salute Your Shorts: Life at Summer Camp by Thomas Hill

Next week, summer’s over, so we’re leaving camp and heading to Wellsville for The Adventures of Pete & Pete. We’ll be watching “What We Did on Our Summer Vacation” and “Hard Day’s Pete”

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Are You Afraid of the Dark?, "The Tale of Watcher's Woods"

Wed, 04 Sep 2024 10:15:00 -0400

Dear Mom and Dad,

Camp sucks. This place is full of bats, and mice, and/or rats (still unclear), and I can’t even smoke because the fire warning is up. Yesterday, three old women tried to cook and eat me, and I got chased by some weird man dressed up like a tree. And then on the way back to my tent, I almost got run over by a ghost car. Worst of all, my tentmate is a total nerd. Also, Jodie and Andrea watched “Tale of Watcher’s Woods” from Are You Afraid of the Dark–if you even care, which I know you don’t, or you would have picked me up by now. Ugh.

Guiding in the Wrong Direction: The problematic, ongoing history of the Adventure Guides - Kendra James

If we aren't totally blipped before next week, we’ll be watching “Ghost Story” from season one of Nickelodeon's Salute Your Shorts. Here’s where you can watch it.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Recap: Kevin Smith's Vulgarthon

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week's episode is a little different; we spent a whole day in the Atlantic Highlands watching as many Kevin Smith movies as our old bones could handle. The annual event, Vulgarthon, was held at Kevin’s movie theater, Smodcastle Cinemas, and featured screenings of every movie in the View Askewniverse, including Clerks, Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back. We break down the experience, with a surprise guest appearance that made Andrea cry, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and an undeniably nostalgic look at 30 years of Kevin Smith's career. It was an endurance test, a deep dive, and above all else, a love fest to New Jersey and the cinematic world Smith created to celebrate it.

In a few weeks, we're going to be watching Jane Schoenbrun's I Saw the TV Glow. To prepare for that, we're going to take a look back at some of the 90s shows that inspired it. Next week, we're starting with Are You Afraid of the Dark, with the appropriately titled season 3 episode, "The Tale of Watcher's Woods." You can watch it on Amazon and Paramount+, but it's also free on Youtube here.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: Buffy the Vampire Slayer

Wed, 21 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week, we’re taking a short drive from the neo-noir world of Neptune to the dark, vampire-infested corners of Sunnydale as we dive into the two-part premiere of Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Join Jodie and Andrea as we meet Buffy Summers, the high school teen who just happens to be a demon-slaying superhero. We’ll explore Buffy’s battle to juggle her slayer duties with typical teenage chaos, unpacking why giving the literal halls of 90210’s Beverly Hills High a coat of supernatural paint is so compelling. We’ll discuss what makes these characters so immediately likable despite the sometimes clunky dialogue, delight in Giles’ overt Britishness, and marvel at Willow Rosenberg’s debatably impressive computer hacking skills.

Watch the original unaired Buffy Pilot

Next week, we say goodbye to Pilot Season, and return to the sacred grounds of the Garden State, as we recap our experience attending Kevin Smith’s Vulgarthon.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: Veronica Mars

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Watchers, we’re leaving behind the sun-dappled Capeside for the moody neon-lit parking lots of Neptune as we dive into the pilot episode of Rob Thomas’s neo-noir teen drama, Veronica Mars. Join Jodie and Andrea as we meet Veronica, the sharp-tongued teenage detective, and her world of high school drama and gritty crime-solving. We’ll unpack the pilot’s introduction to Veronica’s near-unbelievably complex life—juggling her role as a part-time P.I., dealing with “random” locker searches, and navigating her father’s fall from grace, all while remaining the funniest person in Neptune.

Next week, we’ll be sticking around the west coast, but heading to the spooky town of Sunnydale, California for Buffy the Vampire Slayer. We’ll be watching the two-parter, “Welcome to the Hellmouth” and “The Harvest.”

Watch Space, Hope, and Charity

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: Dawson's Creek

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Watchers, we're trading the awkward energy of McKinley High for the quaintly watercolor world of Dawson’s Creek. Join Jodie and Andrea as we explore the lives of Dawson, Joey, Pacey, and Jen, who navigate picturesque Capeside while remaining somehow sex-obsessed and puritanically chaste, simultaneously. We’ll talk about Dawson’s unearned self-confidence, Pacey’s weird little bangs, Jen’s storied past (evidenced by a taste for black coffee and saying the word “penis” in front of her grandmother), Joey’s position as the daughter of a drug lord, and why replacing the theme song should be a crime punishable by death.

Next week, we’re heading west to spend some time in the SoCal town of Neptune as we review the pilot for everyone’s favorite teen noir, Rob Thomas’s Veronica Mars.

Referenced in this episode:

The Day Dawson Cried: An Oral History of the Dawson Crying GIF and Its Outsized Legacy - Constance Grady

Creek Theses - Justin Taylor

Billion-Dollar Kiss: The Kiss That Saved Dawson's Creek and Other Adventures inTV Writing - Jeffrey Stepakoff

Rewatching the Dawson's Creek Pilot 20 Years Later: Sex, Boats, and Spielberg - Darren Franich

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: Freaks and Geeks

Wed, 31 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Watchers, we’re stepping away from the world of Liberty High and into the awkward halls of McKinley High School with Freaks and Geeks. Join Jodie and Andrea as we navigate the landscape of this cult classic. We delve into the show’s attempts to balance the earnest with the awkward, discuss the impact of creators Paul Feig and Judd Apatow (and the one million careers launched by this show), and try to figure out what to do about the Eli of it all. Oof.

Next week, we’re heading to Capeside for the first episode of the WB hit teen drama, Dawson’s Creek. See you Wednesday. (We know you don't wanna wait.)

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: My So-Called Life

Thu, 25 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode of The Watchers, we're leaving behind the glitzy glamour of Beverly Hills High for the rust belt city setting of My So-Called Life! Join Jodie and Andrea as we follow Angela Chase through the halls of Liberty High School, where the drama is real and the emotions run deep. We traverse Angela's moody, tender, earnest as hell inner monologue, dissect the dynamics of her friendships and family relationships, and reflect on the show's enduring impact on the portrayal of teens on TV. So, get ready to trade your scrunchie for some crimson glow hair dye, and join us as we journey through the heartfelt world of My So-Called Life!

Next week, we’re covering another short-lived but beloved teen-focused series, Paul Feig and Judd Apatow's Freaks and Geeks.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: Beverly Hills, 90210

Wed, 17 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In this episode, we're diving into the pilot of Beverly Hills, 90210. We'll be talking about how Brandon and Brenda Walsh tackled the drama at West Beverly High, and how this show basically kickstarted the whole teen drama craze. Created by Darren Star and produced by Aaron Spelling, it was a total game-changer, mixing in drama, romance, and a whole lot of social commentary against the backdrop of ritzy Beverly Hills. Jodie and Andrea can't help but question why this school is so obsessed with its newspaper, break down all the different class dynamics happening, and marvel over how the school radio station had such a huge influence on high school movies and TV back in the day. So, grab your scrunchies and join us as we dive deep into the glitz and drama of Beverly Hills, 90210!

Beverly Hills, 90210 Restored: @bh90210restored

Next week, we’re covering My So-Called Life, a short-lived but pivotal exploration of adolescence starring Claire Danes and created by Winnie Holzman.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Bear, Season 3, Episodes 6-10

Wed, 10 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We’re back in the dream weave, baby! This week on The Watchers, we’re wrapping up our review of The Bear, season 3, episodes 6 through 10. Jodie and Andrea get real about this season’s biggest hits and misses, question whether or not something is necessary just because it’s powerful, and launch the most important campaign in television history: #GiveSydAGirlfriend

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Next week, we’re starting a new mini series within our pilots mini-series, with our review of Teen Dramas. We’re starting with the absolutely foundational Beverly Hills, 90210

The Bear, Season 3, Episodes 1-5

Wed, 03 Jul 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We’re back in Chicago this week for our review of The Bear, season 3, episodes 1 through 5. Jodie and Andrea talk about the declaration of intent that is “Tomorrow,” how the aspects of The Bear we’ve argued make it a standout carry over and intensify in season 3, the (im)balance of character growth versus plot, what we’re hoping to see in the back half of season 3, and why you better stay out of the dream weave, Carmen.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Bear Recap: Seasons 1 & 2

Wed, 26 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It’s a supersized episode of The Watchers this week as we get ready for the return of one of our favorite shows, Christopher Storer’s ode to Chicago, The Bear. Jodie and Andrea recap seasons 1 and 2, focusing on some of our favorite episodes and moments across the two seasons. We’re talking pacing, montage, color, editing, family dynamics, friendships, dream sequences, humor, flashbacks, heart, food, music–look, The Bear has everything, and we cover a lot of it. (Not all of it though, so probably don’t use this as your catch up if you’ve never watched the show and want to jump in with season 3. Or do, we’re not here to tell you how to live.)

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch The Leftovers

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers’ Pilot Season, Jodie and Andrea review The Leftovers, HBO’s 2014 drama based on Tom Perotta’s novel of the same name. We get into how we might respond to losing two percent of the world’s population in an instant, how this show has more in common with our previous shows than we’d expected, whether all dogs are truly good dogs, and if a certain deer has a grudge against Justin Theroux. Plus, we manage to weave in more Jersey talk than you might expect in an episode focused on "upstate" (to us) New York. But then again, if you’ve been tuning in for a while now, that’s probably not so surprising after all.

Pilot season is technically over here at The Watchers. Next week, we’re recapping seasons one and two of The Bear, Christopher Storer’s love letter to Chicago and family dysfunction. We’ll be covering season three after that, so if you’ve never watched The Bear, now’s the time.

"The Leftovers, Life, Death, Einstein and Time Travel" By Maureen Ryan

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch Severance

Wed, 12 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers: Pilot Season, Jodie and Andrea review, “Good News About Hell,” the first episode of Dan Erickson's sci-fi thriller, Severance, which is basically like if The Office and The Backrooms had an inappropriate workplace relationship that resulted in a weirdly symmetrical little baby. We talk aesthetics, getting serious about work-life balance, and why we’d both be really good at data refinement.

For next week’s pilot, we’re watching The Leftovers, HBO’s 2014 drama based on Tom Perrotta’s novel of the same name. In The Leftovers, 2% of the global population disappears, and everyone else is left to deal with it. So, like, a small-scale apocalypse? It’s a Damon Lindelof jawn, so who knows what’s gonna happen? We’ll find out next week!

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch The Last of Us

Wed, 05 Jun 2024 06:00:00 -0400

We’re deep into pilot season here on The Watchers, and this week we’re wrapping up our post-apocalyptic jaunt with 2023’s HBO drama, The Last of Us. We talk adaptation, genre, parallels, and plot as well as Craig Mazin and Neil Druckmann’s relationship, which seems to be at the heart of what makes The Last of Us one of the very few successful video game adaptations out there.

Next week, we’re out of the QZ and back in the office to review Dan Erickson’s sci-fi workplace thriller, Severance. The show is available on AppleTV+

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch Silo

Wed, 29 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It’s Pilot Season here at The Watchers, and this week, for our penultimate installment of our post-apocalyptic dystopian run, Jodie and Andrea watched “Freedom Day,” the first episode of the AppleTV+ series, Silo, based on Hugh Howey’s novel Wool (so far). We discuss Silo’s use of post-apocalyptic dystopia as the setting to tell a mystery story, the small town vibes inside the silo, why dystopian societies are real freaks for the mid-century modern aesthetic, and a whole lot more.

Join us next week as we emerge from the down deep to get up close and personal with the fungus among us, in another post-apocalyptic pilot. This time, it’s The Last of Us, HBO’s adaptation of the hit video game series of the same name.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch Station Eleven

Wed, 22 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We had so much fun in the post-apocalypse with Fallout last week that we decided to stick around a little longer. This week, Jodie and Andrea watched “Wheel of Fire,” the first episode of Station Eleven. This particular dystopian post-apocalyptic drama swaps ghouls for Shakespeare and delves into life after a flu pandemic. We discuss the show's relevance to our own pandemic, its unique–possibly more human–spin on the genre, the Bard's influence, and more.

Join us next week for one more dystopian jaunt as we dive back underground to watch “Freedom Day,” the first episode of Graham Yost’s AppleTV+ drama, Silo.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch Fallout

Wed, 15 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

We've spent the last few weeks looking back on some of the greatest television pilots of the past few decades. Now, we're applying what we've learned to something new: Fallout. Based on the video game series of the same name, the series follows folks in a post-apocalyptic, dystopian, retrofuturistic United States, a few hundred years into our future. It also features our beloved Ella Purnell and a few other familiar faces, including everyone's third favorite FBI agent (after Mulder and Scully, OBVIOUSLY), Kyle MacLachlan, and the perfectly named Walton Goggins. We get into what makes for a successful video game adaptation, how this show manages to avoid the pitfalls of adaptations past, and whether or not the Fallout pilot holds its own for viewers unfamiliar with the series. Plus, of course, Jersey.

Watch the grimly funny "Duck and Cover"

Watch Nicole Byer and Sonic be best friends

Join us next week for another jaunt into a post-apocalyptic dystopian landscape, with 2021's Station Eleven.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch The X-Files

Wed, 08 May 2024 09:00:00 -0400

For this week's installment of The Watchers' Pilot Season, we're talking about what some have called the greatest television pilot of the 90s, the first episode of Chris Carter's The X-Files. Join us as we break down the mysterious world of the two most beautiful agents ever employed by the FBI, Fox Mulder and Dana Scully. We get into the weird encounters, shady government dealings, and spooky phenomena that hooked people in the first place. We also, of course, get into the giant suits, boxy cars, and perfectly 90s special effects. And we dive deep into the biggest conspiracy out there: Is Princeton even really in New Jersey?

Join us next week for our review of the new Amazon Prime original, starring our beloved Ella Purnell, Fallout.

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch Twin Peaks

Wed, 01 May 2024 06:00:00 -0400

Alright folks, for this week's installment of our pilot season here at The Watchers, we watched "Northwest Passage," the first episode of Twin Peaks. Created by the strange and unusual pair of David Lynch and Mark Frost, this '90s gem has been a huge influence on so many of the shows Jodie and Andrea love. Join us as we navigate the quirky charm and eerie mysteries of this small-town-thriller-soap-opera-mystery-whodunit-horror story and break down what makes this show so unique.

Join us next week for our review of Chris Carter's sci-fi drama, The X-files.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch The Sopranos

Wed, 24 Apr 2024 06:00:00 -0400

It's pilot season here at The Watchers, and we're talking about the first episode of The Sopranos. Created by David Chase, this series, running from '99 to '07, is a Jersey landmark, so you know Jodie and Andrea are taking this review seriously. Join us as we dissect the pilot's portrayal of mob life, family dynamics, and moral dilemmas. More importantly though, its portrayal of business parks in Paramus, shfooyadell and gabagool, and Little Steven Van Zandt.

Join us next week for our review of the David Lynch/Mark Frost cult classic, Twin Peaks

‘The Sopranos’ Rewind: Season 1, Episode 1: ‘The Sopranos’ - Alan Sepinwall

The Rascals Hall of Fame Induction Speech by Little Steven Van Zandt

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch Six Feet Under

Wed, 17 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

This week on The Watchers, we’re continuing our journey into pilot season with Six Feet Under, a show that Jodie loves and that, somehow, Andrea has never seen. Created by Alan Ball, the show aired from 2001 to 2005 and is widely regarded as one of the greatest TV dramas of all time. Most importantly, Jodie’s obsessed with it. Join us as we discuss what makes this show so unique. From its darkly funny sense of reality, to its matter-of-fact handling of death, to lots more in between, we're really getting our hands dirty with this one, folks.

We'll see you back here next week for our review of–come on, you knew it was coming–the very first episode of The Sopranos.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Pilot Season: The Watchers Watch LOST

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

It's pilot season here at Watchers HQ. With our Yellowjackets season 1 recap all tied up, Jodie and Andrea are kicking off a new series where we revisit some of the most acclaimed, iconic, and/or controversial TV pilots of all time. We're starting with the shows that have some connection to our beloved Yellowjackets. You'll be shocked to hear our first installment is a rewatch of the groundbreaking ABC show, LOST. We take you through how the show changed the TV landscape and give you a general idea of what it's all about. Then, we dive into the pilot episode itself. As we watch each pilot, we'll be looking for key elements like character introduction and world-building. And while we won't spoil any specific plot points, we'll definitely be discussing some of the major themes and arcs in these shows. So, if you're super spoiler sensitive, you might want to go watch all 120 episodes of LOST real quick, just to be safe.

We'll see you back here next week for Jodie's first pick, Six Feet Under

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Wrap-Up with Chris Gethard

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0400

In what can only be described as an outright act of nepotism, Jodie and Andrea are joined this week by comedian, actor, writer, podcaster, etcetera-er, and–some might say–mother of this very podcast, Chris Gethard, who stops by to help us wrap up our Yellowjackets rewatch. As someone who binged seasons 1 and 2 over the course of just a couple weeks, Gethard has a slightly different perspective on the show than those of us who have spent the last couple of years painstakingly unpacking every little detail, and he's also able to weigh in from an actor and writer's perspective. Geth also helps us put some of our long-running debates to bed. Of course, we get very nerdy about New Jersey, 90s music, and the best places to hide a body in the Garden State. Jodie and Andrea close out the episode by letting you know what we'll be covering for our next season of The Watchers. We think it's gonna be really fun. Hope you stick around. But if not, we'll see you back here for season 3 in the hopefully not too distant future!

Keep up with Gethard at chrisgeth.com

Follow Gethard on Instagram and Twitter

Listen to Beautiful/Anonymous

Listen to Jodie yelling at Geth and Andrea about Bergen County on New Jersey Is the World

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

"Sic Transit Gloria Mundi" Watch-Along, Yellowjackets Season 1 Recap

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

We're finally here! "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi," the season 1 finale of Yellowjackets, marks a real turn toward the dark in a season that was already pretty freakin' dark. In 1996, the team does a collective walk of shame after the events of "Doomcoming." In 2021, the gang struts their collective stuff at their high school reunion. Lots more happens in between, but since we recorded this one as a watch-along, we'll spare you the details here in the notes. Listen to the beginning of the episode for instructions on how to sync our show to the episode. Happy listening! We'll see you next week with our seasons 1 and 2 wrap up and to let you know what we've got planned for next month.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

"Doomcoming" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 06:00:00 -0400

*AIRHORN* Jodie and Andrea are coming at you large and in charge from the very same room, and the energy is . . . well, it's pretty much the same. But if you're a visual listener, you should picture us sitting across from each other in a fancy little studio. Anyway, we're revisiting the events of the ninth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Doomcoming." In 1996, we find the girls eating a dinner that's slimy yet satisfying. It's almost Rush Week at Rutgers and the team wants to celebrate, so Tai gets her arts and crafts on, Misty spikes the punch bowl, and just about everyone leans into their darker urges. In 2021, Tai's on the campaign trail, Nat REALLY needs a snack, Misty's slumber party continues, and Shauna deals a crushing blow to Jeff's book club beliefs.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 10 of Yellowjackets, "Sic Transit Gloria Mundi." (THAT'S THE FINALE!)

"Flight of the Bumblebee" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 17:45:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the eighth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Flight of the Bumblebee." In 1996, Van uses up another one of her nine lives, Jackie helps Shauna share the news about her little secret, and Laura Lee flies the friendly skies. In 2021, Misty and Jessica bond, Nat leans on an old sponsor for support, Tai takes a walk, Shauna goes undercover, and a university admin violates FERPA

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 9 of Yellowjackets, "Doomcoming."

"No Compass" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the seventh episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "No Compass." In 1996, our soccer team begins to worry about the approaching winter, and Tai decides to do something about it. Jackie figures out what Shauna has been keeping from her. Travis continues to be a baby, and Nat continues to let him. In 2021, Shauna's in a farce, Tai's up a tree, Misty's in the basement, and Nat's in bed with a cop.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 8 of Yellowjackets, "Flight of the Bumblebee."

Watchers Off-Week Notice

Fri, 01 Mar 2024 09:00:00 -0400

You're listening to The Watchers, a show where sometimes one of your podcast hosts can't edit the podcast because she got too busy making podcasts for people who pay her money to do so. Very sorry, but we'll be back this Tuesday with our review of "Flight of the Bumblebee." In the meantime, Andrea recommends checking out Mariah Stovall's fantastic new book, "I Love You So Much, It's Killing Us Both."

Thanks for rolling with us. See you in a few days!

"Saints" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 20 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the sixth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Saints." In 1996, Nat gives Travis a lesson in Women and Gender Studies, Tai helps Shauna deal with her pregnancy, Ben puts on his Health Teacher hat, and Laura Lee and Lottie go for a dip. In 2021, Shauna and Jeff celebrate Jackie's birthday, Tai struggles to be the wife and mother Simone expects, Kevyn and Nat run some errands, and Misty puts a pause on Jessica Robert's days as a roving reporting.

Referenced in this episode: We've Been Here For Years: A Yellowjackets Video Essay

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Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 7 of Yellowjackets, "No Compass."

"Blood Hive" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 13 Feb 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the fifth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Blood Hive." In 1996, the girls are surfin' the collective (scientifically unfounded) crimson wave. In 2021, Shauna celebrates Halloween, Nat and Misty meet a Lone Gunmen reject, and Tai's campaign gets messy.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 6 of Yellowjackets, "Saints."

"Bear Down" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 06 Feb 2024 05:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the fourth episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "Bear Down." In 1996, the team makes two big discoveries. Nat and Travis prove themselves, Jackie has a close call, and Shauna does some writing in her gurnal. In 2021, Nat reconnects with an old friend, Misty goes on a stakeout, Shauna stays stunted, and Tai rubs elbows.

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Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 5 of Yellowjackets, "Blood Hive."

"The Dollhouse" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 30 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the third episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "The Dollhouse." In 1996, the team sees its first real divide, as some of the girls want to leave the plane wreckage in favor of a lake a few miles inland. In 2021, Shauna goes undercover, Tai plays dirty, and Nat and Misty hit the road.

Tickets for Laughing Together with Chris Gethard: A show raising money for mental health awareness in schools.

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Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 4 of Yellowjackets, "Bear Down."

Watchers Off-Week Notice

Tue, 23 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

You're listening to The Watchers, a show where two women are trying their best. This week, Jodie's here to let you know that, unfortunately, we won't be delivering a hot and fresh new episode to you. But we will absolutely be back next week with our rewatch-review of episode 3 of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "The Dollhouse." Appreciate you sticking with us. And in the words of our dearest Laura Lee, see you next Tuesday!

"F Sharp" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 16 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea are revisiting the events of the second episode of season 1 of Yellowjackets, "F Sharp." In 1996, we find the team in the immediate aftermath of the crash. We assess injuries, track new and existing relationships, and get an idea of who is and isn't cut out for life in the wilderness. In 2021, Tai's in the dog house, Nat interrupts Misty's date, and Shauna gets in a fender-bender.

Jodie recommends Society of the Snow.

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 3 of Yellowjackets, "The Dollhouse."

"Pilot" Yellowjackets Season 1 Rewatch

Tue, 09 Jan 2024 03:00:00 -0400

This episode comes with a warning/reminder that our rewatch of Yellowjackets season 1 is intended for fans of the show who have watched ALL of seasons 1 and 2. This episode is NOT spoiler-free, and we discuss many events that have happened across the first two seasons of Yellowjackets. That being said, if you haven't watched the first two seasons of Yellowjackets, go do that, like, right now, and then meet us back here for our season 1 rewatch. This week, we're starting with the pilot. We're reflecting on character introductions, revisiting earlier fan theories in light of what we now know, breaking down what makes this pilot so successful (hint: the music), and, of course, unpacking the Jersey of it all.

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Jodie on Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our discussion of Season 1, Episode 2 of Yellowjackets, "F Sharp."

What We Loved in 2023

Tue, 02 Jan 2024 05:00:00 -0400

Well, it’s officially the new year, but this was our last recording of 2023, which means we were contractually obligated as podcast hosts to record a year in review episode, so Jodie and Andrea are sharing some of their favorite movies, shows, books, music, comedy specials, and podcasts of the last year.

Next week we start our Yellowjackets season 1 rewatch. It will be chock full of spoilers for season 1 AND 2, so get your binge on if you haven’t watched Yellowjackets yet and then meet us back here next week when we dive into the first season of the show that convinced us to start this very podcast. Can’t wait to see youse in the woods!

If you're reading this, that means you've probably got your podcatcher of choice open right now. It would be SO helpful if you gave our little new show a follow. If you like what you hear, you could even leave us a review. ☺️

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

Tue, 26 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Closing out our month of giving gifts to ourselves, Jodie and Andrea watched a mutually beloved holiday movie, Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Join us as we unwrap the heartwarming tale that has become a treasured gem within the Muppetverse. We break it down from its origins as an adaptation of Russell and Lillian Hoban's book (love it) to the current stage adaptation (we're skeptical). We dive into the incredible work of the Muppeteers who continue to ruin their fragile human bodies in order to bring our beloved Muppets to life; we wonder at the unbelievable sets that make Frogtown Hollow and Waterville feel like places we've always wanted to visit, and we openly weep over Paul Williams' impeccable score (well, maybe that fat otter song is a tiny bit peccable. Maybe).

Referenced in this episode:

The INCREDIBLE bloopers

An Oral History of Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas

Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas: The Lost Song

Next week, we're wrapping up 2023 with our contribution to the Every Podcast Must Release At Least One Episode Reviewing Their Favorite Things of the Last Year. (The Council of Podcasts demands it. Our hands our tied.)

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Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Chasing Amy

Tue, 19 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Two queer women from Jersey, hosting a podcast where we watch movies and tv that are often–though not always–about New Jersey. It’s a bit surprising it’s taken us this long, but this week, Jodie and Andrea watched Chasing Amy, the third installment of Kevin Smith’s so-called Jersey Trilogy. We spend a lot of time working through some of the elements that didn’t age well (and were, frankly, already problematic in 1997), unpack the issues of bisexual representation (or lack thereof) in the 1990s in general, and in Chasing Amy in particular, and discuss why, despite all of that, we still find value in and have love for this movie.

Next week, we’re going for something a little more family-friendly with our jointly beloved Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas. Here’s where you can watch it.

And here’s a link to watch the INCREDIBLE bloopers, but wait until you’ve finished watching the movie before you do so.

Referenced in this episode:

Revisiting Bisexuality in Chasing Amy

My Rage at “Chasing Amy” Helped Me Find My Bisexuality

Chasing Chasing Amy and The Rom-Com That Saved My Life

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Better Off Dead

Tue, 12 Dec 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are hitting the slopes and running from indefatigable paperboys with this week's movie, Savage Steve Holland's 1985 black comedy, Better Off Dead. We talk about John Cusack's general disdain for the film (and we uncover some recent SHOCKING developments on that front), try to explain some of the truly bizarre ongoings in Lane Meyer's world, and talk about our shared love for the world's coolest French (FRONCH) exchange student, Monique Junet (Diane Franklin 4-->).

We figured we couldn't end our first year as a podcast without covering Jersey's own Kevin Smith, so next week, we're watching Chasing Amy. You can watch it lots of places. Join us as we talk about bisexual representation, the complexity of attraction, and Ben Affleck's goatee.

Referenced in this episode:

Cult Classic Better Off Dead Finally Available To Buy on Digital

Better Off Dead DVD Extras That Never Were

The Long, Strange Journey Of “Better Off Dead” Director “Savage” Steve Holland

Mike Doyle (Lanemeyer)'s This Was the Scene Podcast

NJPP Archives

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Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Real Genius

Tue, 05 Dec 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie and Andrea officially kick off their month of watching movies they have both loved forever. We're starting with the 1985 Val Kilmer comedy Real Genius. We talk female representation, nerd representation, and female nerd representation in movies of the time. We discuss the ways the film's creators worked to get the science as right as possible without encouraging others to engage in war crimes. We dive into the real-life inspiration for one of Real Genius's most beloved characters, and we talk about how likely you would be to die if you got buried in a giant house full of popcorn. (Less likely than if you fell into a grain silo. More likely than a ball pit.)

Next week, we're hitting the slopes and watching the John Cusack-led comedy, Better Off Dead. It's available to rent or stream in a few places.

Referenced in this episode:

The Real Real Genius

Real Genius Turns 35—Celebrating This Cult Classic is a Moral Imperative

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

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Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Paterson

Tue, 28 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie picked Jim Jarmusch's Paterson, a movie about a man, and a city, and a poem that share its name. She and Andrea talk about the man, and the city, and the poem, and how they all inform and are informed by one another. It's a delightful tangle of meaning in a quiet, uncomplicated film that is kind of like a poem, itself.

Referenced in this episode:

"Paterson Review – Adam Driver Beguiling in Miraculous Tale of Everyday Goodness"

Paterson Press Conference at Cannes

Next week, we're kicking off our holiday series. We're watching some of our shared favorite movies, starting with the 1985 Val Kilmer comedy Real Genius. Here's where you can watch it.

The Watchers Watch Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Mon, 20 Nov 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We watched the only best Thanksgiving movie, a John Hughes film that isn't about teenagers, Planes, Trains and Automobiles. We talk about the complicated and nuanced dynamic between Del Griffith and Neal Page. We discuss the ways this movie speaks to our current historical moment and the loneliness epidemic of recent years. Andrea cries about John Candy. Jodie shares a bunch of recipes.

Next week, we're watching Jim Jarmusch's Paterson. It's a movie about New Jersey and poetry. Come on now. Here's where you can watch it.

Referenced in the episode:

"8 Things You Didn't Know About Planes, Trains And Automobiles"

"Planes, Trains and Automobiles at 35: An Oral History of One of the Most Beloved Road Movies Ever Made"

"Roger Ebert's Great Movies - Planes, Trains and Automobiles"

Unspooled's episode about Planes, Trains and Automobiles

Jodie's Recipe Round Up:

Hard Sauce

Vegetarian Chili

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Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Top Secret!

Tue, 14 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

This week, we watched Top Secret!, a favorite movie of both Jodie's dad and the great Weird Al Yankovic. It features Val Kilmer in his debut role as a rock and roll singer who becomes involved in a secret plot to rescue a scientist imprisoned in East Germany, and it makes absolutely zero sense, but that's kind of besides the point because the plot is the least important thing in this movie. We talk about whether or not Top Secret! holds up in 2023, how it compares to the movies that came before and after it, Airplane! and The Naked Gun, and admit that it did make both of us laugh out loud at least a few times.

Next week is Andrea's pick, and she chose the most fitting movie for this podcast and this time of year, a John Hughes film that isn't about teenagers, but is instead about Steve Martin and John Candy trying to make it home for Thanksgiving. It's Planes, Trains, and Automobiles. You can rent it pretty much everywhere, including free on Pluto with ads.

Referenced in this episode:

“Weird Al” Yankovic answers our 11 Questions

‘Weird Al’ Yankovic Explains Why Top Secret! Is the Funniest Film Ever Made

The Agoraphobic Cowboy episode of Left of the Dial

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch My Blue Heaven

Tue, 07 Nov 2023 03:00:00 -0400

What a day for a podcast, huh? This week, Andrea asked Jodie to watch one of her favorite movies, Nora Ephron's technically-kind-of sequel to Goodfellas, 1990's My Blue Heaven. It stars Steve Martin as mafia-informant Vinnie Antonelli, and Rick Moranis as Barney Coopersmith, the FBI agent tasked with watching over him in witness protection, and it is a capital-R Romp. We talk about the real life informant who inspired both Goodfellas and My Blue Heaven, why the real antagonist in this movie is small town cops, and the subversive masculinity of Steve Martin.

Next week, we're watching a favorite movie of both Jodie's dad and the great Weird Al Yankovic, Top Secret! It features Val Kilmer in his debut role as a rock and roll singer who becomes involved in a secret plot to rescue a scientist imprisoned in East Germany. You can watch it a few different places.

Referenced in this episode:

"The Campy Masculinity of Steve Martin" - plazmaburn

"'My Blue Heaven,' Steve Martin's Comedic, Spiritual Sequel to 'Goodfellas'" - Jake Rossen

Last week, Jodie and I mentioned the found footage movie that preceded The Blair Witch Project and, more importantly, takes place in New Jersey, The Last Broadcast. We covered it this week over on the New Jersey Is the World podcast with Andrea's other co-host, Chris Gethard. You can listen to that on Patreon.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Blair Witch Project

Tue, 31 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

The Watchers are back in the woods this week for the last installment of our Movies That Are Thematically Appropriate to Watch in the Month of October series, and against her horror-averse judgment, Jodie picked what has become a classic in the world of found footage horror, 1999s The Blair Witch Project. She and Andrea talk about how this movie was a direct product of its time, the influence of reality TV and early horror novels on the found footage genre, the lasting effect Blair Witch had on its stars, and so much more. For a movie neither of us found particularly scary, we have a lot to share with you about this one.

For next week, Jodie demanded some levity in Andrea's pick, so she chose a favorite movie from her childhood, My Blue Heaven. If you've never seen it, all you need to know is that Steve Martin plays a mobster named Vinnie Antonelli who goes into witness protection, and Rick Moranis plays the FBI agent assigned to watch over him, and HIS name is Barney Coopersmith. Vinnie Antonelli and Barney Coopersmith. What more do you need to know?

Happy Halloween! And Happy Post-MischiefGooseyCabbage Night to all our Jersey listeners. We hope, if your house was TP'd, it wasn't too bad.

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Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Scare Me

Tue, 24 Oct 2023 03:00:00 -0400

Gather 'round ghosts and ghouls, Jodie and Andrea are back with another bone-chilling edition of The Watchers. This week, Andrea shares one of her favorite movies, Josh Ruben's 2020 horror comedy Scare Me, a movie with two major villains: toxic masculinity and noisy eaters. We talk about how much can be done with thoughtful sound design, the power of collaborative storytelling, and what Ruben has described as one of the most savage combinations there is: a brilliant woman and a fragile man.

Mentioned in the Episode:

Check out the pitch deck for Scare Me.

Watch Werewolves Within

Watch Make Some Noise on Dropout.tv

Follow Ruben on Instagram @joshruben

Jodie is being SO BRAVE and has chosen, of her own volition, to watch the 1999 found footage movie, The Blair Witch Project. Here's where you can watch it.

Follow:

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Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Craft

Tue, 10 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It is better that you should rush upon this blade than enter the podcast with fear in your heart. How do you enter?

This week, Jodie and Andrea kick off a month of Movies That are Thematically Appropriate to Watch in October with 1996’s supernatural teen horror (ish) movie, The Craft. We talk about the enduring legacy of this movie, its aesthetic influence, and the way it probably created a generation of cool-rock collectors. We also spend a lot of time debating whether it would be worse to hold a rat or a roach.

CW: The Craft includes elements of self harm, violence, and sexual assault. We discuss these elements throughout the episode.

Referenced in This Episode:

We’re taking off next week while Jodie travels across the country, but we’ll be back on October 24th to talk about Josh Ruben’s horror movie, Scare Me. You can watch it a few places including Amazon Prime and Shudder (which offers a 7 day free trial).

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Garden State

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

You knew this had to happen eventually. We watched Garden State, a movie we are all contractually obligated to say we hate now because we loved it so much in 2004. For this week’s review, Andrea and Jodie made a promise to themselves that they would come to this movie for the first time in over a decade with an open mind and an open heart. And what they found while exploring the infinite abyss may surprise you. They talk about the dangers of quitting your psychiatric meds cold turkey, Natalie Portman’s baby voice, unprocessed family trauma, why Zach Braff hates dogs, and how the soundtrack to Garden State still kinda slaps. Plus a whole lot more. We had a lot to say about this movie.

And next week, we’re kicking off our "Movies That Are Thematically Appropriate to Watch During the Month of October" mini-series with the 1996 teen supernatural horror movie, The Craft. You can watch it everywhere.

Mentioned in this episode:

- It’s the Ten-Year Anniversary of Realizing Garden State Sucked

- In Defense of Zach Braff’s Garden State

- The Bataan Death March of Whimsy Case File #1: Elizabethtown

- Sally Hayward’s review of Garden State for Disability Studies Quarterly

- Zach Braff on You Made It Weird with Pete Holmes

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Patti Cake$

Tue, 26 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Oooooh, y’all. This week, we got ourselves a Jersey. Ass. Jersey. Movie. Jodie tasked Andrea with watching Geremy Jasper’s 2017 coming-of-age drama, Patti Cake$, starring Danielle McDonald, Bridget Everett, Siddharth Dhananjay, Mamoudou Athie, and Cathy Moriarty. We talk about the complicated nature of race and class in this movie, Jasper’s history as a music video director, the ways in which Patti Cake$ follows all the beats of the archetypal hero’s journey, and–most importantly–we talk about New Jersey. Like a lot about Jersey.

For next week, Andrea’s decided it’s time to revisit another Jersey movie. Zach Braff’s Garden State. We're gonna try to come at this one with an open heart and a clear mind. You can watch it pretty much everywhere.

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Times Square

Tue, 19 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We're closing out our Allan Moyle mini-series with his 1980 coming-of-age drama, Times Square. This is the first movie we've covered that wasn't already one of our favorites, and it was kind of fascinating to see how many of our recurring themes also show up in this movie. We discuss the queer history of the movie's making, its Moyle-esque soundtrack, how the film manages to act as a (certainly romanticized) snapshot of New York City in the 80s, and even manage to tie in our favorite Tomboy-focused dissertation.

Next week, we're shifting away from movies we consider foundational to our identities as two queer women from Jersey. Jodie's picked a much more recent film, Geremy Jasper's Patti Cake$. Released in 2017, it's an extremely Jersey movie about a young North Jersey woman who dreams of making it as a rapper. It stars Danielle Macdonald and one of our favorites, Bridget Everett. Here's where you can rent it.

Mentioned in this episode:

For the fiftieth time, just read it already: Unhappy Medium: Filmic Tomboy Narrative And Queer Feminist Spectatorship by Lynne Stahl

When in doubt, look at a chart.

Vanishing New York: How a Great City Lost Its Soul by Jeremiah Moss

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Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Empire Records

Tue, 12 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It's a big day here at Watchers HQ–not Rex Manning Day big, but still, pretty big. We're watching Andrea's most beloved movie, Empire Records. We discuss the reasons this movie bombed and how it became a cult classic. We talk about what makes it feel like a real Jersey movie, even though it's mostly set in Delaware. Andrea reflects on why this movie takes up such a special place in her heart and Jodie weighs in on what it felt like to watch it for the first time as an adult. And, of course, we talk about its iconic 90s soundtrack.

Next week, we're closing out our trio of Allan Moyle-directed films with his 1980 teen drama, Times Square. You can rent it in a few different places or watch for free at archive.org.

Mentioned in this episode:

"How Empire Records Became The Unlikely Film Of A Generation" by Anne Helen Peterson

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Pump Up the Volume

Tue, 05 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

We've reached a pivotal moment in The Watchers history. Jodie has finally made us watch what might be the most formative movie of her younger years, the 1990 Christian Slater coming-of-age teen drama, Pump Up the Volume. We talk about teenage rebellion, youth empowerment, out-of-touch authority figures, and this movie's incredible soundtrack. Also, Samantha Mathis.

Next week, Andrea is bringing the movie most important to her youth, 1995's Empire Records, which, coincidentally, shares a director with Pump Up the Volume, Allan Moyle.

You can rent Empire Records in lots of places.

Mentioned in this episode:

Pump Up the Volume: can Christian Slater’s teen movie become a musical hit like Heathers?

Death Becomes Her Musical Releases Teaser Trailers

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Hiding Out

Tue, 29 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

It’s time to strap on your skates, trade your five hundred dollar jacket in for an old bum’s trenchcoat, and, for the love of god, please don’t date a highschooler. Andrea made Jodie watch the 1987 generation squeeze flick, Hiding Out, and they are both struggling with that fact. Hiding Out is a mostly pleasant, sometimes funny movie that gives Jon Cryer the chance to be sort of charming, but it also asks you to root 29-year-old Andrew’s relationship with his 17-year-old classmate, Ryan (played by the delightful Annabeth Gish). It’s complicated. We’re conflicted. We also talk a lot about Jersey, a little about roller skating, and Andrea uncovers something deep in her psyche that, honestly, she’s still dealing with right now as she writes these episode notes.

For next week, Jodie picked the movie she has been most wanting to cover since we started covering movies on The Watchers, 1990’s Pump Up the Volume. It’s a coming-of-age high school comedy-drama starring Christian Slater and featuring an incredible soundtrack. You can’t stream this one on any of the regular services (probably because of that incredible soundtrack), BUT you can watch it for free in two different places. Pick whichever suits your preference.

In a seamless, 20 part playlist on Youtube
In full, through the Internet Archive

Here’s the article Jodie recommended: Inside The Rink, the Iconic Roller Skating Hot Spot That Ruled North Jersey in the ’80s and ’90s by Amy Kuperinsky

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Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Some Kind of Wonderful

Tue, 22 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie helped Andrea cross the last remaining movie off her John Hughes list with the 1987 teen highschool romance, Some Kind of Wonderful. The two talk about the ways in which this movie is a gender-swapped Pretty in Pink and why it wasn’t easy to root for Watts and Keith OR Keith and Amanda to end up together. They discuss all of the gender stuff in this movie, and there’s a lot of it. More importantly than all of that though, they talk about the movie’s incredibly lovable punk, Duncan. And they discover that there are two kinds of people in this world, those of us who love the Molly Ringwald half of Hughes’ ouvre and those of us who are really just here for John Candy.

From the episode:

“The Art of Perception: Some Kind of Wonderful”

Gender Spiral’s recent interview with our fav, Liv Hewson

Next week, we’ve got another 1987 movie set in a high school. Strap on your skates, and do your best to outrun the mob because we’re watching Andrea’s pick, Jon Cryer and Keith Coogan’s Hiding Out. You can watch it in a few different places.

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Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Death Becomes Her

Tue, 15 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, Andrea introduced Jodie to one of her favorite black comedies of all time, the 1992 Meryl Streep, Goldie Hawn, Bruce Willis triple-hander, Death Becomes Her. It's as funny as it is macabre and as close to a cartoon as a live action movie can be, unless you count Who Framed Roger Rabbit, which, like this movie, was also directed by Robert Zemeckis. Jodie and Andrea talk about what makes this movie such a blast to watch, but they also talk about how watching it in your 30s and 40s makes some of the jokes land a little differently. You know, more like a shovel to the head that smashes your face down into your neck all weird like you're straight up Bugs Bunny.

Mentioned in this episode:

"The Gloriously Queer Afterlife of Death Becomes Her"

"Isabella Rossellini Answers Every Question We Have About Death Becomes Her"

"Depth Becomes Her"

Next week, we’re watching Jodie's pick, 1987's Some Kind of Wonderful. It's a John Hughes (written, not directed) movie starring Lea Thompson and Mary Stuart Masterson. What more do you want?

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Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Girls Just Wanna Have Fun

Tue, 08 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, Jodie grabbed Andrea by bangs (and pulled us all up from the depths of Radio Flyer despair) to introduce her to the absolute romp that is the 1985 comedy dance romance, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. Starring Sarah Jessica Parker and Helen Hunt, this delightful little movie provided some much-needed relief from our last two movies, which, we'll admit, included a surprising amount of child abuse. We talk about the tropes that populate this genre of movie and Jodie argues Girls Just Wanna Have Fun is a dance movie pioneer. We discuss our love for Helen Hunt and her very cool hats. Jodie talks about her love of dance, and Andrea talks about her love of Bruce Springsteen. This is honestly a pretty silly episode. We had a lot of fun. Hope you have fun listening!

Mentioned in this episode:

"31 Years Later, Girls Just Want To Have Fun is a Ridiculous Dance Party"

"America’s Love for TV Dance Shows Has Long History"

"Dancing in the Dark" music video

Next week, we’re watching Andrea’s pick, the 1992 black comedy, Death Becomes Her. You can rent it in a few different places or watch it free with ads on Amazon Prime.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Radio Flyer

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 00:00:00 -0400

CW: Radio Flyer depicts child and animal abuse. Both of which we discuss throughout this episode.

Just in case you’ve been having too much fun watching movies with us, Andrea has decided to bring everyone down by making us watch her favorite movie about childhood trauma, the 1992 Richard Donner film, Radio Flyer. We talk about memory versus reality, the power of childhood imagination, how this movie fails to handle either successfully and why that might be.

Referenced in this episode:

“The Giant Buffalo of Rick Lazzarini's Character Shop”

“Random Ramblings: The Radio Flyer Conundrum”

“What happened to Bobby?...What happened to Bobby?...”

Next week, we’re watching Jodie’s pick, the 1985 comedy dance romance, Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. You can stream it for free on Tubi or with an Amazon Prime account.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch The Legend of Billie Jean

Mon, 24 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets.

Fair is fair! And this week, it was Jodie's turn to pick a movie that Andrea hasn't seen. She chose the 1985 teen drama, The Legend of Billie Jean, starring Helen and Christian Slater (no relation). Billie Jean and her brother Binx are two siblings who end up on the run after fighting back against a teenage bully and his father. Andrea and Jodie talk about movies with iconic haircuts, teenagers versus adults, rejecting the male gaze, class dynamics, the significance of pop icons like Madonna and Taylor Swift for young women, the commodification of the female body, and a ton more. This admittedly kind of ridiculous movie led to some serious conversations that we did not anticipate. We'd love to hear what you all thought of the movie!

Next week, Andrea's back in the pilot's seat, and we're watching Radio Flyer, another movie about young people fighting back against adults, starring Watchers favorite Elijah Wood in one of his earliest roles. This one is darker and definitely more intense than The Legend of Billie Jean, but it's also beautiful and moving, and it will probably make you cry. Content warning for child abuse and alcoholism.

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Scream (1996)

Tue, 11 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

CW: Beyond all of the warnings that apply to Scream, we also talk about real world violence against women and violence in schools.

This week, Andrea tasked Jodie and our listeners with watching the 1996 horror movie, Scream. Directed by horror icon Wes Craven and written by Kevin Williamson, Scream is a movie we're sure most of you have already seen, but it's also one that is part of Andrea's DNA. We talk about what the movie did for the horror genre, what it says about the high school experience, the inherent (confirmed) queerness of two of the characters in the movie, Rose McGowan's tiny eyebrows and Matthew Lillard's giant shirts.

Referenced in the episode:

Recommended in this episode:

Josh Ruben, in general. His movies Scare Me and Werewolves Within, in particular
Somebody, Somewhere

Next week, we’re watching Jodie’s second pick, the 1985 teen action movie The Legend of Billie Jean. Here’s where you can watch it.

Follow:

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Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

The Watchers Watch Heathers

Tue, 04 Jul 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Content warning: Discussions of suicide and sexual assault throughout this episode.

Yellowjackets might be taking a break, but The Watchers doesn't quit. Jodie and Andrea are using the off-season break to share the movies that made them the kind of people who were destined to be obsessed with a show like Yellowjackets. Jodie kicks it off with her first pick, the 1989 black comedy, Heathers, written by Daniel Waters, directed by Michael Lehmann, and starring 80s icons Winona Ryder, Christian Slater, and plenty of other familiar faces. We don’t treat this like a typical recap podcast. We do break the movie down, but we’re much more interested in what it has to say about its cultural context, how it informed the teen movie genre moving forward, and what reflecting on it in 2023 tells us about our current cultural moment. Of course, we talk about the fashion and language of the movie because it’s Heathers. How can you not?

Mentioned in the episode:

Heathers: An oral history - Adam Markovitz

Next week, we’re watching Andrea’s first pick, the 1996 horror movie classic, Scream (Written by Kevin Williamson, Directed by Wes Craven). Here’s where you can watch it: Paramount Plus, Amazon, Apple TV.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

What We're Watching

Tue, 27 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

We’re back, baby! This season of Yellowjackets might be over, but The Watchers isn’t quitting! we’re going to keep sharing our favorite shows and movies with each other and with you. After watching a bunch of TV and thinking about all of the movies that matter to us, Andrea and Jodie have decided what we’re talking about next week. In this episode, we do a little Yellowjackets check-in, we give a light review of a few shows we’ve been watching, and we let you know what movie we’re going to watch next week, so you can watch it and come back on Tuesday for our conversation about a movie that feels like a spiritual influence on Yellowjackets. It’s one we’ve spent a lot of time referencing in our episodes, so far, even though one of us has never seen before. Check below if you want to know what we’re watching before you listen to this episode.

Thanks so much for sticking with us in the off-season! We’re really excited to keep chatting with you all.

Mentioned in this episode:

- This conversation between Melanie Lynskey and Natasha Lyonne for Variety.

- Silo

- From

- The Bear

- Alone

- You can watch next week’s movie in a few places. Here are all of them.

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Yellowjackets Season 2 Recap

Thu, 08 Jun 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Now that season two of Yellowjackets has been over for a week, and Andrea and Jodie have had some time to digest it, we're back to unpack all the nitty-gritty details of season 2. We return to that controversial Nat scene–what we still don't love about it, what's started to make some sense with a little more time to think about it, and what it might mean for season 3. We trace our main characters' arcs from "Friends, Romans, Countrymen" to "Storytelling." We also talk about the tricky work of portraying mental illness ethically and responsibility on screen.

And of course we dig into all the fun stuff: needle drops, class superlatives, and, of course, the Jersey of it all.

We've gotten so many great suggestions from our listeners for what we should cover in the off-season. We're going to take a couple of weeks to comb through them and see what we think will be the most fun for us to watch and chat about. As soon as we decide, we'll drop a quick little episode in the feed to let you know what's coming up. And obviously no matter what we decide, whenever we get that good bonus Cabin Daddy content (Jodie didn't gloat TOO hard in this episode), our very next episode will be covering that.

Jodie's recommended reading: "The Giant Wistaria" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

Thank you all so much for joining us for this first official season of The Watchers podcast. It has been such a joy to watch these wonderfully complicated, cannibalistic Jersey girls with youse. See you in a couple weeks!

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter and Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

S2E9 "Storytelling" (Yellowjackets Season 2 Finale)

Tue, 30 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are back and recapping the gripping Yellowjackets season 2 finale, "Storytelling." From 1996, where our survivors wrestle with the aftermath of their first official hunt, to 2021 where the gang learns that old habits die hard, we're breaking it all down. We know the fan reception to this one has been all over the map, so we also do our best to navigate through the maze of opinions and offer our own analysis of what the final moments of this episode might mean for season 3 of Yellowjackets.

And while this season of Yellowjackets might be over (well, we're still holding out for that Cabin Daddy content), we've got plenty coming your way. We'll be back next week to wrap up season 2 more broadly and let you know what we've got planned for the podcast while we wait for season 3.

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

S2E8 "It Chooses"

Tue, 23 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are back and recapping "It Chooses," the penultimate episode of season two of the Showtime series, Yellowjackets. We know this is a long one, but they gave us SO MUCH to talk about this week.

In 1996, we see the soccer team dealing with the aftermath of Shauna beating Lottie to near-death; we learn more about Javi's drawings, and we finally see the origin of the hunt. In a lot of ways, this is the episode we've all been waiting for–especially Andrea who can't wait to never talk about Chuck Taylors ever again.

In 2021, our Yellowjackets stop being polite and start getting real in the Sharing Shack™; Jeff goes all Winona Ryder for Shauna Kitchenknifehands, and we all fall more deeply in love with Misty's boyfriend, Walter Tattersall.

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Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 9 of Yellowjackets, "Storytelling."

S2E7 "Burial"

Tue, 16 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Jodie and Andrea are back to recap "Burial," the seventh episode of season two of the Showtime series, Yellowjackets. In 2021, Lottie gets the band back together, and they spend some time getting in touch with themselves. Self Care. Guidance. Forage. Renew. In 1996, Misty organizes a search party, Ben cleans up nice, and Shauna . . . well, that's the first rule of Fight Club isn't it? We also bring you another installment of Tawny's Jersey Accent Appreciation AND we take a trip to Andrea's Lost Corner.

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The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 8 of Yellowjackets, "It Chooses."

S2E6 "Qui"

Tue, 09 May 2023 08:00:00 -0400

CW: We discuss the events of Shauna's pregnancy and birth directly in this episode. If you want to avoid that conversation, we saved it for the second half of the episode, so you can stop listening once we finish our recap of 2021.

"Qui," the episode of Yelllowjackets that we've all been waiting or is finally here. The birth of Shauna's Wilderness Baby. Jodie and Andrea break down all the lead up to the resolution, including Misty's lacking midwife skills, Akilah's tiny assistant, and the Rosemary's Baby of it all.

In 2021, it appears that all roads lead to Lottie, as we see the rest of our survivors making their way to her intentional community/cult, where Nat and Misty are already local celebrities.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 7 of Yellowjackets, "Burial."

The Watchers Watch Rosemary's Baby

Tue, 02 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Today's episode comes with a few disclaimers and content warnings.

Rosemary's Baby is a film directed by Roman Polanski, who was convicted of statutory rape in 1977.
The film depicts scenes of rape, gaslighting, and medical trauma, all of which we discuss in this episode.
We do talk about the upcoming episode of Yellowjackets directly, separate from Rosemary's Baby, at the end of this episode. If you want to skip the movie discussion, our Yellowjackets chat picks up at 1:10:35.

Since Yellowjackets is off this week, Jodie and Andrea decided to watch a movie that has been referenced (at least visually) in Yellowjackets and which we thought might share some themes with what we assume is coming in episode 6. Neither of us had seen the movie before this week, nor did we know very much about it before we picked it, and we were somehow both totally right and totally wrong.

You don't need to have watched Rosemary's Baby to listen to this episode, but we do discuss the plot in depth, so if you've never seen it, but want to, now might be a good time!

Jodie and I talk about The Watcher a lot in this episode. Pretty much every single time we call it The Watchers. Sorry.

Recommended in this episode:

Charlotte Perkins Gilman's "The Yellow Wallpaper"

The Waves Podcast - "The Inherent Fear in Being a Woman"

Yellowjackets will be back this week with a new episode, and so will we! Join us on Tuesday May, 9th for our discussion of "Qui."

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

S2E5: "Two Truths and a Lie"

Tue, 25 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, The Watchers are recapping and reviewing season 2, episode 5 of the Showtime series Yellowjackets, "Two Truths and a Lie."

This is a meaty one, folks! In 1996, we cover everything from Lottie's morning mindfulness group to Misty and Crystal's little spat, to Shauna's impending arrival. In 2021, we're playing road trip games with Walter and Misty, going on a stakeout with the finest law enforcement New Jersey has to offer, and hanging with our favorite video store owner. We also cover a couple of our individual pet theories about what Shauna might be delivering into the world.

The short story we reference and highly recommend in this episode is "It Worked for Jonah," by the thoughtful and hilarious Sara Benincasa.

As discussed in the episode, Yellowjackets is off next week, but The Watchers will be here. We're going to be talking about Rosemary's Baby. You can stream it from a few different places.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

S2E4: "Old Wounds" with Josh Gondelman

Tue, 18 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This week, The Watchers are recapping and reviewing season 2, episode 4 of the Showtime series Yellowjackets, "Old Wounds."

Andrea and Jodie welcome their first guest, the lovely and hilarious Josh Gondelman! Josh is a writer and comedian who has worked on shows like The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel and Last Week Tonight with John Oliver. He also served as the head writer and executive producer on Desus and Mero. He’s the author of Nice Try: Stories of Best Intentions and Mixed Results, and last year, his debut comedy special, People Pleaser was produced by Comedy Dynamics, which means you can watch it just about anywhere. (You should, because it’s wonderful and so, so funny.) He’s also, most importantly for our purposes, a Yellowjackets fan.

We talk with Josh about Yellowjackets' balancing of comedy and drama, sitting with show's ambiguity, why the horror and gore isn't so bad even if you're a squeamish person, and of course, everything that went down this week in 1996 and 2021.

Watch Josh's debut comedy special People Pleaser.

You can catch Josh on the road. He's hitting just about everywhere in the United States this year.

Pick up Nice Try: Stories of Best Intentions and Mixed Results. You can read the essay we referenced at the beginning of the episode here.

Follow Josh on Twitter and Instagram, and sign up for his fantastic newsletter.

Get tickets for the Screaming Females livestream Andrea mentioned at the end of the episode here. They're New Jersey's greatest band.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 5 of Yellowjackets, "Two Truths and a Lie."

S2E3: "Digestif"

Tue, 11 Apr 2023 06:00:00 -0400

This week The Watchers are recapping and reviewing season 2, episode 3 of the Showtime series Yellowjackets–the aptly named, "Digestif."

Back in '96, Jodie and Andrea are dealing with the Jackie hangover, the world's most awkward baby shower, and Coach Ben's heartbreaking trip down memory lane. In 2021, we're taking part in Lottie's group therapy, playing Roxanne with Misty and her new friend Walter, and staying far away from Tai and her friend in the mirror.

We also learn quite a bit about birds this week. Shoutout to this article for all the info: https://www.discovery.com/nature/Why-Do-Birds-Have-Hollow-Bones

Wild West City commercial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Iu4--K0V0gU

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 4 of Yellowjackets, "Old Wounds."

S2E2: "Edible Complex"

Tue, 04 Apr 2023 08:00:00 -0400

Come and get it! The Watchers are back, and we're recapping and reviewing season 2, episode 2 of Yellowjackets–the horrifically named, "Edible Complex."

Jodie and Andrea are talking about Shauna's Weekend at Jackie's, Misty's new penpal, Tai's Black Swan moment, and a lot more. Like, so much more. They really stuffed this episode full, huh?

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 3 "Digestif".

S2E1: "Friends, Romans, Countrymen"

Tue, 28 Mar 2023 06:00:00 -0400

Yellowjackets is back in a big way, and Jodie and Andrea are breaking down all the gory details of the season 2 premiere, "Friends, Romans, Countrymen." We follow Shauna and Jeff as they try to cover their tracks. We meet Tai's new little buddy (uh-oh). Misty puts her Citizen Detective skills to the test, and we learn more about where Nat got carried off to last season. Can you tell we're trying to keep these notes spoiler free? This episode definitely isn't, so make sure you're caught up before you listen!

We also celebrate the expert use of Tori Amos, speculate about alliterative New Jersey serial killers, and reminisce over the chokehold The Craft had on teenage girls in the 90s.

NOTE: The first hour or so of this episode is a regular recap/review. Then we get DEEP into a very specific, very detailed, very convincing theory Jodie is currently obsessed with. We'll let you know before we dive in, so you'll know when move on to Smartless or wherever you're headed to from here.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

Meet us back here next week for our review of Season 2, Episode 2 "Edible Complex"

Yellowjackets Season 1 Recap

Tue, 21 Mar 2023 09:00:00 -0400

Hi Hello! Welcome to the first official episode of our New Jersey TV-focused podcast, The Watchers. To kick things off, we'll be watching Showtime's hit series, Yellowjackets. Season 2 premiers in just a few days, so we figured now might be a good time to recap season 1 and start thinking about what's coming up for season 2. This episode isn't intended to be a replacement for season 1, so if you haven't watched, go do that, and then meet us back here.

In this episode you'll get to know your hosts, Jodie and Andrea. We break down the biggest questions and concerns of season 1. We give a rundown of the star players on the soccer team, and all their various entanglements. We talk a lot about 90s nostalgia, queer womanhood, impeccable needledrops, and what it is about this show that screams Jersey to us.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram (@WatchersPodNJ)

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram (@AQAndreaQ)

Jodie on Twitter (@jodiemim) and Instagram (@jodie_mim)

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter (@njistheworld) and Instagram (@newjerseyistheworld)

Thanks to Kitzy (@heykitzy) for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."

We'll see you next Tuesday for Season 2, Episode 1 of Yellowjackets. (Can you believe it's almost here???)

Yellowjackets Season 2 Trailer

Thu, 16 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0400

Welcome to The Watchers! We're Jodie and Andrea, two women from opposite ends of New Jersey, and we're here to watch TV about New Jersey. We're kicking things off with season 2 of the Showtime series Yellowjackets, a show about what happened to a New Jersey high school girl’s soccer team who spent 19 months in the Canadian wilderness when their plane crashed there in 1996. If you haven't watched season 1, you'll definitely want to do that before you join us over here.

Our first official episode will be our season 1 recap next week, but today we're introducing ourselves by reviewing the most recent season 2 trailer and the incredible cover that accompanies it, Florence + The Machine's take on No Doubt's "Just a Girl."

Watch the Trailer.

Listen to the cover.

Follow:

The Watchers on Twitter and Instagram.

Andrea on Twitter an Instagram.

Jodie on Twitter and Instagram.

Our sister show, New Jersey Is the World, on Twitter and Instagram.

Thanks to Kitzy for the use of our theme song, "No Book Club."