BroadwayRadio: Some Like It Pop Patreon Exclusive – Best of September 2025
Date: November 4, 2025
Hosts: Matt Tameni (C), Jennifer McHugh (E)
Episode Overview
This Patreon-exclusive episode of “Some Like It Pop” features hosts Matt Tameni and Jennifer McHugh looking back at their favorite pop culture discoveries from September 2025. True to the podcast’s tradition, they each bring three recommendations spanning theater, TV, film, and live music, along with a quick preview of what they’re excited to watch in October. The atmosphere is relaxed, conversational, and peppered with humor as the hosts share personal stories and passionate endorsements.
Main Discussion Highlights
1. Matt's Picks
A. Cats on Oasis of the Seas Cruise Ship
- Timestamp: 01:56–05:02
- Matt shares his unexpected delight at seeing the Broadway musical Cats staged aboard Royal Caribbean’s Oasis of the Seas. Despite initial reservations (and a lackluster experience at another onboard show), he finds this adaptation to be the cruise line’s “best stage production.”
- Praises the cast, choreography, and singing, likening it favorably to other cruise musicals he’s seen (Mamma Mia, Grease, and Back to the Future).
- Describes how he’s now seen Cats in several venues and come to genuinely enjoy its “fever dream” absurdity.
- Quote:
“You have to understand that Cats is a fever dream. It is absurd. It is ridiculous. If you go in knowing that and accepting that, then it’s just fun.”
— Matt (05:25)
B. Peacemaker Season 2 (HBO/Max)
- Timestamp: 09:04–15:33
- Matt is deeply impressed with Season 2’s leap in quality from its first. Describes it as “one of the most impressive elevations between seasons” and draws parallels to The Leftovers.
- Praises the emotionally resonant storytelling, specifically around themes of family, reconciliation, and standing up for one’s beliefs—also appreciating how characters are written and performed, especially John Cena’s nuanced lead.
- A bit underwhelmed by the season finale, feeling it played more like a penultimate episode, but still regards the overall season as a “major upgrade.”
- Quotes:
“Season two was one of the most impressive elevations between seasons of a show that I already loved.”
— Matt (10:08)
“It had a lot to say about what our preconceived notions are about other people ... second chances, trying to convince ourselves of things that may or may not be true.”
— Matt (12:25)
C. Hostage (Netflix Miniseries)
- Timestamp: 17:40–21:33
- Matt recommends this political thriller starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy, drawn in by its smart, tightly plotted story and unique twists.
- Compares it to The Diplomat; lauds its thriller pacing and unexpected character decisions.
- Notes the playwright roots of its creator (Matt Charman)—the show’s dialogue-driven tension and closed-room dynamics are highlighted.
- Quote:
“It takes some turns, and they make some decisions that seem completely understandable but are not what I expected to happen.”
— Matt (20:35)
2. Jen's Picks
A. Running Point (Netflix Series)
- Timestamp: 05:58–09:04
- Comedy drama about a woman who takes over an NBA team, starring Kate Hudson, created by Mindy Kaling and Ike Barinholtz.
- Celebrates sharp writing, the female-led cast, and honest portrayal of the challenges faced by women in male-dominated industries.
- Contrasts it with Ted Lasso: “grittier” and “dirtier”; focuses more on family drama and dark comedy than pure feel-good sports storytelling.
- Quotes:
“It’s really cool to see that it’s based on a real live woman who has to figure out her way through a very, very male-oriented world.”
— Jen (07:09)
“It’s just grittier. ... The only thing they have in common is they’re both sports.”
— Jen (08:57)
B. Naked Gun (2025 Film)
- Timestamp: 15:37–17:37
- Jen admits initial skepticism about rebooting the iconic Leslie Nielsen series but is won over by Liam Neeson’s performance and Akiva Schaffer’s direction.
- Applauds the “stupid, stupid humor” and rapid-fire gags: “90 minutes of pure stupid laughter…good medicine for everything that’s going on in the world.”
- Highlights Pamela Anderson’s comedic chops and the film’s relentless pace.
- Quotes:
“You cannot step into the shoes of Leslie Nielsen, and Liam Neeson did it.”
— Jen (15:41)
“It is 90 minutes of pure stupid laughter. And it is good medicine for everything that’s going on in the world.”
— Jen (16:29)
C. Oasis Reunion Concert at the Rose Bowl
- Timestamp: 21:37–24:49
- Shares an emotional report from a once-in-a-lifetime Oasis reunion concert—her “favorite band in college.”
- Appreciates the band putting aside their famed sibling feud for the tour and the communal joy of fans at the venue.
- Encourages listeners to (re)visit their seminal albums.
- Quotes:
“I told my boyfriend, I don’t think I’ll ever go to a concert again unless Oasis gets back together and tours. And it happened.”
— Jen (21:39)
“They hugged it out at the end and even Liam, as he was leaving the stage, said, ‘We just want to thank you for supporting us through the years. It must have been a fucking nightmare.’”
— Jen (23:20)
3. October Pop Culture Anticipation
Matt: The Diplomat Season 3 (Netflix)
- Timestamp: 25:08–27:12
- Highly anticipated, starring Keri Russell and Rufus Sewell. Matt calls it “Scandal meets The West Wing.”
- Gives a quick history of the show’s premise and returning cast.
- Notes friend and actor John Schwab’s appearances.
Jen:
- Saturday Night Live and Abbott Elementary return. Also looking forward to Loot Season 3 (Apple TV+).
- Eager for the prequel series Welcome to Derry (based on It), especially for Halloween season.
- Interested in the film One Battle After Another, which is garnering significant buzz.
- Plans to spend much of October watching scary movies.
Notable Quotes
-
On Cats:
“You have to understand that Cats is a fever dream. It is absurd. It is ridiculous. If you go in knowing that and accepting that, then it’s just fun.”
— Matt (05:25) -
On Running Point vs. Ted Lasso:
“It’s just grittier. ... The only thing they have in common is they’re both sports.”
— Jen (08:57) -
On Peacemaker S2:
“Season two was one of the most impressive elevations between seasons of a show that I already loved.”
— Matt (10:08) -
On Oasis reunion:
“They hugged it out at the end and even Liam, as he was leaving the stage, said, ‘We just want to thank you for supporting us through the years. It must have been a fucking nightmare.’”
— Jen (23:20) -
On Naked Gun (2025):
“It is 90 minutes of pure stupid laughter. And it is good medicine for everything that’s going on in the world.”
— Jen (16:29)
Segment Timestamps
- 01:56 – Matt: Cats on Oasis of the Seas
- 05:58 – Jen: Running Point
- 09:04 – Matt: Peacemaker Season 2
- 13:17 – Jen reacts to Peacemaker finale
- 15:37 – Jen: Naked Gun (2025) movie
- 17:40 – Matt: Hostage (Netflix)
- 21:37 – Jen: Oasis Reunion Concert at Rose Bowl
- 25:08 – Matt: Anticipates The Diplomat S3
- 27:22 – Jen: October picks — SNL, Abbott Elementary, Loot, Welcome to Derry, One Battle After Another
Tone and Closing
The episode mixes friendly banter with genuine excitement for new pop culture discoveries. Both hosts share personal anecdotes (pet kittens, concert adventures) and dig into what makes a show, movie, or event special to them—never shying away from their nerdy passions. Listeners come away with a range of recommendations and a real sense of the camaraderie and joy that fuels the show.
Closing advice from Jen:
“I learned my lesson after Prince ... I do not take that for granted anymore. And I mean, who needs to pay rent? I’m gonna go see Oasis.” (24:49)
End of Summary