Call It What It Is: Episode Summary – "Short & Sweet: The Comfort of Grey's"
Release Date: March 27, 2025
Hosts: Jessica Capshaw & Camilla Luddington
Podcast: Call It What It Is by iHeartPodcasts
Introduction
In this episode of Call It What It Is, hosts Jessica Capshaw and Camilla Luddington delve into the comforting world of favorite movies and TV shows. Titled "Short & Sweet: The Comfort of Grey's," the discussion primarily revolves around identifying and sharing personal "comfort shows"—those beloved series or films that provide solace and joy during challenging times.
Defining Comfort Shows
Camilla Luddington begins the conversation by contemplating what constitutes a comfort show. She reflects on how iconic series like Grey's Anatomy can transcend their original purpose, evolving into personal lifelines for viewers amidst life's dramas.
"I actually don't think I understood what a comfort show was until I heard so many people talk about how Grey's is their comfort show. So I, I love that and I actually it makes me feel comforted to know that people could turn on a show that I had a part of that makes them feel good and comforted."
— Camilla Luddington [12:17]
Hosts' Personal Comfort Selections
Camilla's Choices
Camilla shares her evolving taste in comfort media, balancing classics with contemporary favorites influenced by her daughter's preferences.
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Childhood Favorite: The Wizard of Oz
"It's like a warm hug from my childhood."
— Camilla Luddington [04:00] -
Adult Favorites: Tangled, Moana, Frozen
"I could watch them over and over and still laugh at every joke as though I'd never heard it before."
— Jessica Capshaw [05:29] -
Recent Discoveries with Daughter: Sabrina the Teenage Witch
"Salem the cat. She thinks the romance with Harvey, so cute and funny."
— Camilla Luddington [06:19]
Jessica's Choices
Jessica reflects on her personal comfort shows, blending childhood memories with current preferences influenced by her family.
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Childhood Shows: Little House on the Prairie, Three's Company
"My parents got divorced when I was very, very young. I think that he put it on as sort of like a comforting..."
— Jessica Capshaw [05:08] -
Modern Favorites: Gilmore Girls, Gossip Girl
"If he's having a day, it's Gossip Girl. I know that about Eve hobby would be Gilmore girls."
— Jessica Capshaw [07:24] -
Shared Family Enjoyment: The Parent Trap
"I watched it with Hayden. I'd never even seen it myself."
— Jessica Capshaw [19:25]
The Impact of Comfort Shows
Both hosts emphasize how comfort shows serve as emotional anchors, providing a sense of normalcy and joy.
Camilla highlights the communal aspect of comfort shows, noting the warmth and acceptance found within fan communities.
"There's a lot of like warmth that comes from the fandom that makes me realize like, oh, this is something that they, you know, they, they, it is like a little, you know, warm blanket to him."
— Camilla Luddington [12:38]
Jessica expresses gratitude for being part of a show that offers comfort to others, reinforcing the show's positive impact.
"I love that we've gone through all these comfort shows and I'm so grateful to have been part of one that might have provided some comfort for people."
— Jessica Capshaw [21:08]
Listener Submissions: Community Favorites
The episode features a range of listener-submitted comfort shows and movies, showcasing diverse tastes and preferences.
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Jackie: Friends
"If I'm in a hotel room and Friends comes on, like, I feel like I'm home."
— Jessica Capshaw [13:15] -
Hannah: Modern Family
"It is so good. It is so good. It is so good."
— Jessica Capshaw [13:22] -
Tara: The Princess Diaries
"Shonda Rhimes wrote the Princess Diaries."
— Camilla Luddington [14:11] -
Heather: You've Got Mail
"Nora Ephron is the best."
— Jessica Capshaw [15:00] -
Michaela: One Tree Hill
— Camilla Luddington [15:40] -
Maria: New Girl
— Camilla Luddington [15:49] -
Chrissy: The Greatest Showman
"I have a greatest showman era in my life. I have danced on top of tables in my own home with every single one of my children singing."
— Jessica Capshaw [15:51] -
Lorraine: The Sopranos
— Camilla Luddington [16:53] -
Elise: Gossip Girl
— Jessica Capshaw [19:43] -
Lauren: Sex and the City
— Camilla Luddington [19:45] -
Alex: Bridgerton
— Camilla Luddington [20:49]
Hosts' Interactions and Anecdotes
Throughout the episode, Jessica and Camilla share personal anecdotes and experiences related to their comfort shows, enhancing the conversational and relatable atmosphere.
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Unexpected Encounters:
Jessica recounts running into co-star Lauren Graham in New York City, highlighting the serendipitous moments that come with working in the entertainment industry."I went into the city and I had a, I went to go have a drink with uni. And I was sat there and I looked to my right and there was Lauren Graham."
— Jessica Capshaw [08:28] -
Acting Realities:
They discuss the challenges of acting careers, the rarity of roles, and the emotional investment in projects."I think you have to be, like, maybe a junior senior in high school."
— Jessica Capshaw [20:30]
Conclusion
Jessica and Camilla wrap up the episode by acknowledging the significance of comfort shows in their lives and the lives of their listeners. They express gratitude for being part of a show that brings comfort to others and celebrate the shared human experience of finding solace in beloved media.
"I love that we've gone through all these comfort shows and I'm so grateful to have been part of one that might have provided some comfort for people. So I think we should end it there, right?"
— Jessica Capshaw [21:08]
Key Takeaways
- Comfort shows serve as emotional support and provide a sense of familiarity and joy.
- Personal preferences for comfort media can evolve over time and are often influenced by personal experiences and family.
- Community and fandom play a significant role in enhancing the comforting aspects of favorite shows.
- Engagement with listeners through submissions fosters a sense of connection and shared experiences.
Notable Quotes with Timestamps
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"A warm hug from my childhood."
— Camilla Luddington [04:00] -
"They bring the drama, the comedy, the drunken messiness."
— Camilla Luddington [18:50] -
"Nora Ephron is a genius."
— Jessica Capshaw [15:09] -
"Shonda Rhimes wrote the Princess Diaries."
— Camilla Luddington [14:11]
Final Thoughts
This episode beautifully captures the essence of what makes certain shows and movies so special to individuals. Through heartfelt discussions and shared stories, Jessica and Camilla invite listeners to reflect on their own comfort media, fostering a sense of community and mutual understanding. Whether it's revisiting childhood favorites or discovering new series with family, Call It What It Is underscores the universal need for comfort and connection in our entertainment choices.