Podcast
Basic!
Hosted by Pantheon Media · EN
Before binging, there was cable. Welcome to Basic!, the official podcast bringing you the unofficial history of cable TV. Go behind the scenes of a glorious time in pop culture, when shows like MTV’s ‘The Real World,’ ESPN’s ‘SportsCenter’ and AMC’s ‘Breaking Bad’ made basic cable a must-have for every American home. With the help of guests like Jimmy Kimmel, Cindy Crawford and Amy Schumer, hosts Doug Herzog (former network executive at MTV, Comedy Central, Fox) and Jen Chaney (TV critic at New York Magazine/Vulture) explore basic cable history through the experimental shows, ground-breaking creators, and Zeitgeist-shifting trends that defined the medium. 2023 Signal Arts & Culture Listener’s Choice Award Winner. Part of Pantheon Podcasts.
11episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
John Mulaney
Apr 26, 202301:10:09Tap to summarizeJohn Mulaney joins us for a "wide-ranging conversation," including his first job answering phones in Doug's office, the reason behind his trademark suit, and his current fascination with the Van Halen brothers. We also talk ‘SNL’ and Stefon, fatherhood, and how former chaos in his life led to his brilliant new Netflix special, ‘John Mulaney: Baby J.’ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Eric André
Apr 19, 202300:51:35Tap to summarizeEric André teaches us the art of pulling the perfect prank, the perils of doing his own stunts, and reveals the weirdest note he ever got from Adult Swim’s Standards and Practices department. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Trevor Noah
Apr 12, 202301:10:52Tap to summarizeWe enjoy a Moment of Zen with Trevor Noah this week when he joins us to discuss his journey from Johannesburg to ‘The Daily Show,’ and his decision to ultimately leave the series. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →'Top Chef''s Padma Lakshmi
Apr 5, 202300:48:05Tap to summarizePadma Lakshmi stops by to see what's cooking on the podcast this week, talking 20 years of 'Top Chef,' her love of indigenous cuisine, and changing the world through food. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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John Slattery from 'Mad Men'
Mar 29, 202300:49:45Tap to summarizePour yourself a martini, because ‘Mad Men’ star John Slattery is joining Jen and Doug to discuss the art of smoking fake cigarettes, how he almost played Don Draper instead of Roger Sterling, and the great chemistry he developed with co-star Jon Hamm. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Pauly Shore
Mar 22, 202300:46:08Tap to summarizeHey buh-dee! Pauly "The Wiez" Shore joins Jen and Doug to talk ‘Totally Pauly,’ the pitfalls of quick success, and why watching his old movies makes him sad. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Pro Wrestling Legend Chris Jericho
Mar 15, 202300:59:40Tap to summarizeJen and Doug climb into the podcast ring with eight-time professional wrestling champion Chris “The Ocho” Jericho, who discusses everything from the infamous Monday Night Wars between the WWF and WCW, to working with legend Vince McMahon, and what horror movie icon influenced his persona. This is one match you won’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Duran Duran's Simon Le Bon
Mar 8, 202300:47:31Tap to summarizeDuran Duran frontman Simon Le Bon stops by to talk about the band's enormous success with music videos and MTV in the 80s. We also talk Live Aid, Dolly Parton, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and even squeeze in a quick Bono impersonation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein of 'Portlandia'
Mar 1, 202300:50:09Tap to summarizeWhen, exactly, did ‘Portlandia’ stars Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein meet? They discuss their lengthy friendship and creative partnership while stopping by the podcast to chat with Jen and Doug, including tidbits about their much-loved sketch comedy show, and, of course, the origins of “put a bird on it.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Transcribe →‘South Park’ co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone
Feb 22, 202301:03:49Tap to summarizeYou will respect their "authoritah!" Join us as ‘South Park’ co-creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone discuss the show's 25th anniversary, how "political correctness" has flipped since the 90s, and that time Doug almost didn't let them kill Kenny. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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