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PODCAST

In The Cut Podcast

In the Cut Podcast dissects the best episodes of television with professional writers. Hosted by Rae Benjamin, TV Writer and Founder of In the Cut, a company that provides education and resources for Black writers and other people of color. For more info, visit our website inthecutla.org follow us on IG instagram.com/inthecutla and subscribe on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA

tv & film tv reviews

All Episodes

00:45:07

The Bear at its Best: "Forks"

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/10/20

On this episode of In the Cut, Rae invites writer Aeryn Michelle Williams (HARLEM, UMBRELLA ACADEMY) to break down “Forks” — one of the most beloved episodes of FX’s The Bear (Season 2, Episode 7 - READ SCRIPT HERE). We dive into how this episode turns Richie’s character arc into one of the most powerful transformations on TV. Join us as we unpack: How The Bear uses structure, pacing, and tone to tell a story about purpose and growth What makes “Forks” a masterclass in character development and

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00:33:36

How Netflix’s Mo Balances Comedy and Trauma | TV...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/10/13

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, writer and host Rae Benjamin sits down with actor and writer Darryl Wesley (The Upshaws - Netflix, Clipped - FX, The Game - Paramount+) to break down the powerful pilot episode of Netflix’s "Mo." They explore how creator Mo Amer masterfully balances humor and heartbreak while telling a deeply personal story about identity, immigration, and resilience. From authentic Houston storytelling to finding comedy in dark moments, Rae and Darryl unpack how Mo turns real

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00:31:36

Schitt’s Creek- The Comedic & Emotional Genius of the...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/10/06

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, we paddle up Schitt’s Creek to discuss Season 4, Episode 6, “Open Mic.” Rae and guest Joya McCroy (ABBOTT ELEMENTARY) cover comedy writing structure, David and Patrick’s heartfelt open mic, and Moira’s unforgettable one-liners showcase the show’s perfect balance of comedy and emotion. Plus Joya shares what it's like to attend the Emmy's and her tips for writing a compelling pilot. If you love Schitt’s Creek, or just want to learn more about classic sitcom

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00:50:15

Reservation Dogs: The GENIUS of Authentic Voices

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/09/29

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down the incredible pilot of Reservation Dogs with TV writer Sebastián Rea. We dive deep and explore how the show creator, Sterlin Harjo, utilizes authentic dialogue and a perfect blend of comedy and emotional grief to craft one of the most important series in modern television. We track the journey of Bear, Elora, Willie Jack, and Cheese as they try to scrape together enough money to get to California, analyzing the scenes that make this show so

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00:44:01

Andor is the Best Star Wars Show PERIOD.

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/09/22

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast writer and producer Tian Jun Gu (House of Cards, Y the Last Man) comes on to break down “Make It Stop,” an episode from the second season of Andor (Disney+). From Dedra’s relentless pursuit of Axis, to the shocking fate of Luthen, to we dive into the episode’s bold storytelling choices, cinematic visuals, and moral ambiguity at the heart of rebellion. Plus, Tian Jun shares invaluable insights he gain while participating in the Writers' Guild East Showrunner's

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00:34:59

Why the Barbershop Episode is the Most STRESSFUL...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/09/15

In this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down one of the most chaotic episodes of "Atlanta" with writer and actor Kyra Jones (QUEENS - ABC, WOKE - HULU). From the tense cold open to a truly wild goose chase across Atlanta, we dive into every anxiety-inducing moment of the episode. We also get into the deeper themes of this one-man-against-the-world adventure, and how this episode turns from a wild ride into a true nightmare. Kyra also shares her best tips on breaking into a writer's room and

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00:51:24

"Carrie Was the Real VILLAIN of Sex and the City" TV...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/09/08

Is Carrie Bradshaw the true villain of Sex and the City? On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin (The Witcher) sits down with showrunner, writer, and creator Ilana Peña (Diary of a Future President, Crazy Ex-Girlfriend) to break down the iconic episode "My Motherboard, My Self" (Season 4, Episode 8).Rae and Ilana discuss how this classic SATC episode masters storytelling and character, and why it's a must-watch. Listen to pros as they analyze Carrie's actions toward Aidan, and how

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00:38:22

The Secret to Writing an Emmy-Nominated Show (The...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/09/01

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down The Diplomat's Emmy-nominated episode, "When a Stranger Calls," with co-executive producer of TRACKER (CBS) writer, actor, and director Steve Harper.We dive into how the show masterfully blends genres and uses subtle, brilliant writing to draw you in. Here's what we cover:The Secret to Writing Without Words: How the show conveys emotion through silent acting and a single image, so it never feels "on the nose."Compelling Cliffhangers The rules for

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00:00:50

In the Cut Podcast - Season 2 Trailer

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/08/11

You asked for it, we're bringing it. In the Cut Podcast is coming back with all new episodes for Season 2. Join host Rae Benjamin as she invites a batch of all new guests to breakdown their favorite episodes of TV. This season is all about the Emmy's, as we deep dive into award-winning classics like SEX AND THE CITY, ATLANTA, THE BEAR and more. If you liked the first season of the podcast, you'll absolutely love season 2. We're coming back with more episodes, higher production value, and the same

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00:54:17

Atlanta’s Pilot Changed TV Forever—Here’s Why

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/03/10

When Atlanta premiered, it redefined what a TV show could be. The Emmy-winning series, created by Donald Glover, blends surrealism, comedy, and social commentary like nothing before it. But how did it all start?On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Racquel Callahan (The Chi, Swagger, Good Trouble) to break down the Atlanta pilot. They explore why Donald Glover tricked FX into greenlighting the show, how the pilot follows classic sitcom structure despite its

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01:08:47

Veep’s Pilot Is the Funniest Show About Politics—Period

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/03/03

What makes Veep one of the smartest and sharpest political comedies ever made? From its rapid-fire dialogue to its brutal satire of Washington politics, the Emmy-winning HBO series redefined what a comedy could be. On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Rickey Larke (Mr. Throwback, Grown-ish, Black-ish) to break down the Veep pilot. They dive into the fast-paced writing, how improv shaped the show, and why unlikable characters can still be compelling. Plus,

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00:41:39

Diarra from Detroit Is a Genre-Bending Ride

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/02/24

What happens when you mix crime, comedy, and a missing person mystery—all set in Detroit? Diarra from Detroit does something we’ve never seen before, and we’re breaking down how it works. The show is executive produced by NAACP Award winning writer and producer Kenya Barris (Black-ish, Grown-ish) for BET+. On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Kira Talise (Insecure, A Black Lady Sketch Show, Black and Sexy TV) to dive into what makes Diarra from Detroit so

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01:03:28

Queen Sugar Pilot—A Lesson in Visual Storytelling &...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/02/17

In the Cut Podcast host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Alesia Etinoff (The Game) to break down the Queen Sugar pilot. In this episode, we explore how Ava DuVernay crafted a deeply cinematic and subversive drama—one that defies traditional TV structure in favor of rich character studies and visual storytelling. Queen Sugar is a groundbreaking family drama that follows the estranged Bordelon siblings as they reunite to save their family's struggling sugarcane farm in Louisiana. With stunning

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00:39:31

Abbott Elementary Pilot Nails Character & Heart | In...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/02/10

In the Cut Podcast host Rae Benjamin is joined by TV writer Jonterri Gadson (Everybody Still Hates Chris, The Upshaws, A Black Lady Sketch Show) to break down the Abbott Elementary pilot. On this episode, we explain how Quinta Brunson crafted a pitch-perfect first episode—balancing comedy, heart, and unique characters. Abbott Elementary is a mockumentary-style sitcom that follows a group of dedicated teachers at a public school in Philadelphia. Led by the passionate yet inexperienced Janine Teagues,

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00:56:39

Breaking Bad’s Pilot is a Masterclass in TV...

In The Cut Podcast ·

2025/02/03

Memorable storytelling is built on conflict and change—and no one changed more than Walter White on the iconic AMC drama, Breaking Bad. From his initial introduction as a mild-mannered chemistry teacher to his first foray into dealing drugs, every moment pushes the protagonist Walt toward his inevitable transformation. Listen as professional writers Rae Benjamin and Troy Dangerfield break down the Breaking Bad pilot and explain why the show is truly the GOAT. Watch the Episode on YouTubeProduced by

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15 results

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