Slate's Spoiler Specials

Costa Robin (Oleg) joins June and show runners Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss last night's episode, plus what it's like auditioning for a bilingual role, and which language he prefers to act in. 

Gabe and Katy, who were as surprised as you were that this turned out to be the finale of Serial's second season, reflect on the Bowe Bergdahl story and its implications, before turning their attention to the exciting possibilities for Season 3. Thanks to all of you for tuning in to our second season of the Spoiler Special!

Former FBI counter intelligence agent Richard Kollmar joins June and the J's to talk about what it's really like to try and turn KGB spies. Plus, line producer Mary Rae Thewlis and Sr. VP of Productions for Fox 21 Bob Lemchen stop by to discuss their roles in episode 403.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode.  New episodes air Wednesdays at 10pm on FX. 

Former KGB secret agent Jack Barsky stops by to compare his own experiences as a spy with those of Phillip and Elizabeth, from recruitment and training, to having two different families while living next door to the FBI.

Episode 10 of "Serial" finds the Bowe Bergdahl story zoomed out to its furthest point yet, and Gabe and Katy explain why they think that makes it the strongest part of Season 2 so far. 

Keri Russell and Matthew Rhys stop by for a quick conversation with June about the beginning of the season. Writers and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg share tricks for disguising Russell's baby bump on camera, the themes they hope to hit in season four, and the unique challenges of writing a season premiere.

Gabe and Katy struggle with the ever-shifting frame of season 2’s narrative. What is the real story Koenig and company are driving at? Is there any other way to approach a situation as complicated as Bowe Bergdahl’s?

Gabe and Katy dive into this week's two-part episode of "Serial," in which a clearer - and somewhat depressing - picture of Bowe Bergdahl begins to emerge.

Gabe and Katy discuss the successes and failures of Serial's recent series of mini-episodes updating us on Adnan Syed's hearing in Baltimore. What, if anything, does the series add to our understanding of Season 1, and where does it leave us emotionally?

Gabe and Katy are once again joined by former Army officer Adrian Bonenberger to discuss the realities of life on base in Afghanistan, and whether Bowe’s concerns were realistic or idealistic. Plus: fond memories of Season 1, as awakened by today’s surprise release of a mini-episode updating us on Adnan’s retrial hearings in Baltimore.

Gabe and Katy talk about the many appealing new characters introduced in this week's episode, and try to suss out the major themes of the season thus far. Plus: listener emails!

This is a free preview of Slate's Downton Abbey podcast, a TV Club series that’s just for Slate Plus members. If you are not yet a member and you'd like to listen along as we recap each episode of the show’s final season, learn more at slate.com/downton.In this edition of their members-only TV Club podcast, Outward Editor June Thomas and contributing writer Seth Stevenson discuss the third episode of Season 6 of Downton Abbey.

New York Magazine’s Carl Swanson joins us to share behind-the-scenes insights on the making of Serial’s new season, gleaned from his recent interviews with Sarah Koenig and the production team. Plus: is Serial still appointment listening, or is this season’s narrative somehow less compelling, despite its broadened scope?

Crack open some Veuve Clicquot and enjoy this free preview of Slate's Downton Abbey podcast, a TV club series that's just for Slate Plus members. If you are not yet a member and you'd like to listen along as we recap each episode of the show’s final season, learn more at Slate.com/Downton.In this edition of the podcast, Outward Editor June Thomas and contributing writer Seth Stevenson discuss the Season 6 premiere.

Gabe is joined by Slate’s Jacob Brogan and June Thomas to examine the deepening question of whether or not Bowe Bergdahl is a trustworthy narrator. After an episode that sees him struggle mightily to survive at the hands of the Taliban, it’s becoming harder to doubt him. Plus: listener reactions to episode 2.