Lovett or Leave It: For Good
Hosted by Crooked Media
Release Date: December 21, 2024
Overview
In the festive episode titled "For Good", Jon Lovett and his eclectic lineup of guests revisit the standout moments of the 2024 season of Lovett or Leave It. This "Best Of" compilation encapsulates the show's signature blend of humor, political satire, and candid conversations with notable figures from various industries. From engaging dialogues with comedy legends to insightful discussions with actors and writers, the episode offers a nostalgic yet fresh take on the year's most memorable segments.
Highlighted Conversations
T.S. Madison: Breaking Down LGBTQIA Narratives
Timestamp: 01:57 – 10:42
Jon kicks off the episode with the legendary T.S. Madison, delving into LGBTQIA themes during their Pride Month stop in Asheville. The conversation humorously explores fictional trans superheroes and villains, with Madison reminiscing about her past roles and the nuanced portrayal of characters like Ursula from Disney’s The Little Mermaid.
Notable Quote:
T.S. Madison (02:11): "I think Ursula is, like, the greatest Disney villain, and I'm hoping that they create a backstory on her like they did Maleficent's backstory."
The duo playfully discusses the appeal of Disney villains, touching upon themes of self-identity and acceptance, while also engaging in light-hearted banter about personal preferences and quirky topics like foot fetishes.
Busy Phillips and Rachel Bloom: Exploring Gender Identity and Pop Culture
Timestamp: 10:45 – 20:33
In a dynamic segment, Busy Phillips and Rachel Bloom tackle the provocative question, "What is a woman?" Through a candid and often humorous dialogue, they navigate the complexities of gender identity, societal expectations, and the impact of pop culture on personal narratives.
Notable Quote:
Rachel Bloom (12:00): "I bleed on a full moon. I ovulate on a new moon every fucking month since I was 12. I had to think. I had to think. I couldn't remember. But that's it."
Their conversation seamlessly blends humor with serious discourse, offering listeners both entertainment and thought-provoking insights into contemporary gender debates.
Rob Reiner and Kathleen Turner: Behind the Scenes of Hollywood Classics
Timestamp: 24:34 – 34:37
Rob Reiner shares anecdotes from his illustrious career, including his collaboration with Kathleen Turner and the creation of iconic projects like The West Wing. Turner recounts her experiences in the film industry, highlighting the challenges and creative processes behind beloved movies such as When Harry Met Sally.
Notable Quote:
Kathleen Turner (23:29): "I made a connection with my father having been a tremendous success and the son coming on the heels. It was not a sex thing."
Their dialogue offers listeners a rare glimpse into the minds of Hollywood veterans, emphasizing the blend of personal experience and professional artistry that shapes timeless cinema.
Thomas Lennon: Comedy and Creative Writing Insights
Timestamp: 35:33 – 44:10
Comedian and writer Thomas Lennon joins to discuss his work on various projects, including his time writing for Strangers With Candy and his ventures into film scripting. Lennon humorously reflects on the challenges of creative collaboration and the often unpredictable nature of the entertainment industry.
Notable Quote:
Thomas Lennon (37:14): "How? We were perfectly happy to write a Herbie Fully Loaded movie, but gonna be dicks about that. The car couldn't smile, which was such an awesome idea."
Lennon's insights highlight the delicate balance between creative integrity and commercial demands, offering an entertaining narrative on the behind-the-scenes aspects of showbiz.
Simon Rex: Ghosts and Paranormal Musings
Timestamp: 50:19 – 55:59
Actress Simon Rex engages in a lighthearted yet intriguing discussion about ghosts and the paranormal. The conversation explores the nature of ghostly entities, their representation in media, and personal beliefs about the supernatural.
Notable Quote:
John Lovett (51:06): "Do you believe in ghosts?"
T.S. Madison (51:08): "I do."
Their playful exchange delves into speculative topics, balancing skepticism with open-mindedness, and adds a supernatural twist to the episode's diverse content.
Memorable Games and Segments
"Did I Write This?" with Thomas Lennon
Timestamp: 35:33 – 43:03
Thomas Lennon participates in the recurring game segment "Did I Write This?", where he humorously assesses his contributions to various film and television projects. The segment showcases Lennon's self-deprecating humor and sharp wit, providing listeners with entertaining anecdotes from his writing career.
Notable Quote:
John Lovett (36:08): "And then they wrote me a letter, you know, afterwards. You know, like the 12 step thing where they say, I'm sorry that I up your life."
"Would You Fuck This House?" with Simon Rex
Timestamp: 52:02 – 55:59
In the irreverent game "Would You Fuck This House?", Simon Rex and Kathleen Turner evaluate various fictional houses based on their aesthetic appeal and emotional resonance. The segment combines humor with candid assessments, reflecting the hosts' unique perspectives on personal taste and architectural design.
Notable Quote:
Kathleen Turner (52:28): "I've been there."
Concluding Remarks
Jon Lovett wraps up the "For Good" episode by reflecting on the year's journey, expressing gratitude to guests like Kathleen Turner and Rob Reiner, and teasing upcoming live shows for 2025. He emphasizes the importance of taking breaks from the relentless pace of politics and news, encouraging listeners to enjoy the holiday season with a touch of humor and camaraderie.
Final Thoughts:
Jon Lovett (78:43): "Take a break, take some time from politics and the news and we will see you sluts in 2025."
The episode concludes with a heartfelt dedication to influential figures and a reminder of the collaborative efforts that make Lovett or Leave It a standout in political and cultural commentary.
Production Credits
- Hosts: John Lovett and Lee Eisenberg
- Executive Producer: Kendra James
- Producer: Chris Lord
- Associate Producer: Kennedy Hill
- Head Writer: Hallie Kiefer
- Writers: Sarah Lazarus, Jocelyn Kaufman, Peter Miller, Alan Pierre, Will Miles, Mohana Del Shiki
- Editor: Evan Sutton
- Audio Support: Kyle Seglin, Charlotte Landis
- Audio Engineer: Stephen Colon
- Videographer: Milo Kim
- Theme Song: Written and performed by Shure Shure
- Designer: Bernardo Serna
Supporting Sponsors
Throughout the episode, various sponsors are seamlessly integrated, offering listeners valuable products and services. Notable mentions include Simply Safe for home security, SelectQuote for life insurance, Prolon for nutrition programs, ExpressVPN for online security, Hydro for fitness equipment, and Tommy John for premium underwear.
Upcoming Events
Jon Lovett teases the launch of a new season in 2025 featuring high-profile guests such as Rachel Bloom and Joel McHale. Fans are encouraged to attend live shows for an immersive experience of Lovett or Leave It's unique blend of humor and insightful discourse.
Final Dedication
Jon Lovett dedicates the episode to Maggie Smith, Peanut the Squirrel, and possibly Jimmy Carter, expressing heartfelt thanks to listeners for a flawless year and wishing everyone happy holidays. The episode ends on a high note, blending humor with genuine appreciation for the show's community.
Closing Quote:
Jon Lovett (81:38): "May their memories be a blessing from all of us here at Love it or Leave It. Thank you for spending this 10 out of 10 absolutely flawless year with us and have a very happy holidays."
"Lovett or Leave It: For Good" serves as a comprehensive recap of a year filled with laughter, poignant discussions, and memorable moments. Whether you're a long-time listener or new to the show, this episode offers a delightful journey through the highlights that define Lovett or Leave It's distinctive voice in political and cultural commentary.