Podcast Summary
Amy Robach & T.J. Holmes Present
Episode: From “Clueless” To Crime, Elisa Donovan Talks “Killer Thriller”
Date: December 9, 2025
Overview
In this episode, Amy Robach and TJ Holmes chat with actress Elisa Donovan, best known for her roles in Clueless, Beverly Hills 90210, and Sabrina the Teenage Witch, about her latest pivot into true crime storytelling and podcasting. Together, they discuss the complexity of playing “bad” characters, society’s obsession with true crime, and the intricacies of podcasting as a new creative outlet. Additionally, the trio humorously explores infamous female “villains,” both fictional and real, and announces the launch of their collaborative true crime podcast, Killer Thriller.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
The Bond That Forms in LA Traffic
Timestamp: 03:05–03:37
- Amy jokes about how being stuck in LA traffic with someone to the point of getting out and walking is “bonding for life.”
- Elisa Donovan is introduced as their new "true crime partner."
Playing the Villain: Reflections on Acting Past Roles
Timestamp: 04:37–07:04
- TJ and Amy reflect on Donovan’s reputation for playing “spicy” or “not-so-nice” roles, like Ginger from 90210, who’s “done bad things... she’d do what she had to do to survive.”
“I mean, she played some not nice people, but in such a fun way. Like you love to hate your characters, right?” — TJ Holmes (04:50)
- Elisa describes needing to find the humanity and nuance in every character—good or evil:
“To me, you have to find the humanity. You have to find the lightness…We are full people. Right.”
— Elisa Donovan (05:59)
Why Are We Fascinated With True Crime?
Timestamp: 08:02–09:59
- Discussion shifts to the draw of true crime, both for audiences and actors:
“Why do you think we all get such a…charge from watching these true crime stories…?”
— TJ Holmes (08:29) - Elisa suggests it’s about understanding the extremes of human nature:
“I think because we are fascinated by human nature and by how diverse we are as human beings. And how can someone do such a thing? We need to try to understand it because it feels so foreign.”
— Elisa Donovan (08:45) - A candid moment about Donovan’s therapist’s take on the duality of human nature:
“Humanity is not inherently kind.”
— As relayed by Elisa Donovan’s therapist (09:03)
True Crime Consumption as Self-Reassurance
Timestamp: 10:28–11:40
- Amy and Elisa discuss how people watch true crime to reassure themselves about their own lives:
“People watch these things, they go, okay, at least I’m not that bad. At least my life’s not that fucked up.”
— Amy Robach (10:28) - Elisa recounts reading the dark novel The Goldfinch while her mom was in cancer surgery as a way to put her own challenges in perspective:
“At least I’m not living Goldfinch.”
— Elisa Donovan (11:12)
Horror & True Crime as Odd Sources of Comfort
Timestamp: 11:40–13:13
- TJ shares that when going through his own cancer, watching horror movies like The Conjuring with his brother brought relief:
“It was such a relief for me…At least I’m not being…At least I’m not…I don’t have a demon inside me.”
— TJ Holmes (12:09) - They note that horror and crime stories can serve as both escapism and emotional “equalizer,” sometimes even more than comedies or romances.
The Complexity of “Evil” Acting
Timestamp: 13:17–13:53
- The conversation covers the varying approaches actors take to inhabiting dark roles:
“Actors have different process…some people go deep method…that would seem to be dicey if you’re playing someone like Ed Gein or John Wayne Gacy…”
— Elisa Donovan (13:22)
Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments
- On playing villains:
“It’s always more fun to play the bad guy, the bad girl.”
— Elisa Donovan (07:28) - On our need to categorize people:
“No one likes the gray area…It makes us feel in control and then it makes us feel safe.”
— Elisa Donovan (07:49–07:52) - Humor about method acting:
“That would seem to be dicey if you’re playing someone like Ed Gain Guy or whatever…”
— Elisa Donovan (13:37) - On forming new friendships:
“When I meet somebody who also shares my passion for either horror movies or true crime, it’s like, we’re gonna get along.”
— TJ Holmes (22:41)
Killer Roles: Famous Female Criminals and Pop Culture
Timestamp: 18:41–21:31
- Amy and TJ ask Elisa which “evil woman” from history or true crime she’d want to play.
- Immediate answer: Rita Hayworth (not a killer, but a complex Hollywood figure).
- They then discuss the real-life cases of Aileen Wuornos and Lizzie Borden, and the rarity of infamous female killers compared to men.
- TJ and Amy note true crime cases often show women as highly intelligent and methodical.
“Why do women kill?…crimes of passion…Or debt. It seems…money and independence.”
— (Amy, Elisa, TJ, 21:03–21:14) “We don’t have the physical dominance. So, yes, we have to use our brains.”
— Amy Robach (21:31)
Behind the Mic: Why Podcasting, and Why Now?
Timestamp: 22:41–24:41
- TJ asks Elisa about podcasting as a new genre for actors.
- Elisa shares insights:
“You have to actually be interested in having a conversation, like an exchange as opposed to…just question and answer.”
— Elisa Donovan (23:17) “I love it so much because…I am genuinely curious about humanity and people, and I love connecting with people in an authentic way. So we don’t always, as an actor, you don’t always get to do that…”
— Elisa Donovan (23:40) - Amy agrees, noting how the medium offers new opportunities for connection and authenticity.
Announcement: Killer Thriller Podcast
Timestamp: 03:37, 08:02, 24:41–26:45
- Amy, TJ, and Elisa reveal their collaboration on a new true crime series, Killer Thriller, under “Amy and TJ Presents.”
“We now have Alisa Donovan working with us…launching together this new series where Elisa is going to be talking with, among many other subjects, but actors who portray some of the worst of the worst…”
— TJ Holmes (03:37) - Elisa expresses excitement at joining the team and bringing her curiosity and authenticity to a new podcasting format.
- The group closes with light-hearted banter about possible podcast spin-offs and Elisa’s recurring presence on their shows.
Segment Timestamps
- 03:04: Elisa Donovan introduced; discussion about LA traffic and new podcast partnership.
- 04:37–05:59: Past roles, “good vs. evil” in acting, and the appeal of nuanced villains.
- 07:33–09:59: Why audiences and actors are drawn to true crime and evil characters.
- 10:28–13:13: True crime as catharsis, reassurance, and escapism.
- 18:41–21:31: Chat about notable female true crime figures and casting fantasies.
- 22:41–24:41: Elisa discusses podcasting and what draws her to the medium.
- 24:41–26:45: Announcement of Killer Thriller and closing remarks.
Tone & Energy
The episode is relaxed, humorous, and candid, with plenty of banter and mutual admiration. The trio is introspective about darker themes but maintains warmth and wit throughout, making even serious subjects engaging and personable.
Summary for New Listeners
If you’ve ever loved watching “mean girls” on TV, wondered why true crime stories fascinate us, or wanted to hear an actor’s perspective on diving into the dark side, this episode has it all. You’ll get the inside scoop on a brand new true crime podcast, enjoy unguarded, sometimes hilarious insights into acting and human nature, and see why Amy, TJ, and Elisa Donovan clearly have “bonded for life.”
End of Summary