Slate's Spoiler Specials

Each week on Slate's TV Club Insider podcast, the creators, cast, and crew of The Americans reveal behind-the-scenes details about the making of the FX drama's third season.  In this installment about the seventh episode, “Walter Taffet,” Noah Emmerich, who stars as FBI agent Stan Beeman, joins script coordinator Molly Nussbaum and executive producers Joel Fields and Joe Weisberg to discuss the trials and tribulations of a first time director. Plus: Fleetwood Mac and the song that didn’t make it into the episode.  Note: This podcast contains spoilers and is meant to be enjoyed after you watch the episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate's Willa Paskin, J. Bryan Lowder, Katy Waldman, and Miriam Krule discuss the entire third season of House of Cards, including the show's transi​tioning focus from political drama to relationship drama, Frank's sexuality, and whether or not that was the best mid-urination international diplomacy ever seen on TV. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, Slate culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will join frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey.  In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss the Dowager Countess’ romantic past with Prince Kuragin, how Rose’s quick thinking earned Lord Sinderby’s trust, and what lessons Downton Abbey has learned from reality TV.  Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode. Listen to the other episodes here. Feedback about today’s podcast? Let us know! Plus@Slate.com.  For info on how to subscribe to the Slate Plus podcast feed, go here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, Slate culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will join frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey.  In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Lord Grantham’s feelings towards Marigold, poor Anna’s arrest, and what plotlines should be resolved in the Christmas episode.  Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode. Our sponsor this week is HBO, presenting the new documentary series "The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst." More info here.  Spoilers for Episodes 4 to 9 will be made available to Slate Plus members on Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern, at the conclusion of the PBS broadcast—and to non-members on Tuesdays morning. (Want early access? Join Slate Plus! Start your 2-week free trial at slate.com/spoilerplus)   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, Slate’s culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will chat with frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey.  In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Lord Grantham’s tearful farewell to Isis, Lady Edith’s short reign over the publishing house, and whether Atticus and Rose’s new engagement will really last.  This podcast contains major spoilers, so listen after you watch each episode. Listen to the other episodes here. Feedback about today’s podcast? Let us know! Plus@Slate.com. Our sponsors this week are: HBO’s The Jinx. Four decades. Three murders. And one very rich man who refused to speak, until now. “The Jinx” airs Sundays at 8 on HBO. And Casper, an online retailer of premium mattresses for a fraction of the price. Get $50 toward any mattress purchase by visiting www.casper.com/downton and using the promo code “Downton”  For info on how to subscribe to the Slate Plus podcast feed, go here. Learn more ab

Slate's Dana Stevens, Amanda Hess and Dan Kois discuss Fifty Shades of Grey.  WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back! With the return of Season 5, listen to a recap of the midseason premiere, "What Happened and What's Going On.” This is Slate's Walking Dead podcast recap and spoiler special, hosted by Mike Vuolo and Chris Wade. Mike is the host of Lexicon Valley and a senior producer for Slate podcasts. Chris is a producer for the Slate Video team. Be forewarned: We’ll do our best to make this a weekly recap, but we might miss a week or two. For the second half of Season 5, Slate Plus members will have early access to the podcast. Approximately twenty-four hours after the podcast has been published for members, we'll allow non-members to access the latest episode.  Slate Plus members can also leave questions and comments for Mike and Chris on the podcast show page. Complete Slate's podcast listener survey! Tell us about yourself and your favorite podcasts so Slate can serve you better. We'd appreciate two minutes of your time. Go to slate.com/survey Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adch

As a member of Slate Plus, you’ll get access to our Spoiler Special podcasts—including our newly launched series about Season 5 of PBS’s Downton Abbey! This Spoiler podcast will be available for Slate Plus members the moment each Downton episode ends, at 10 p.m. Eastern on Sunday nights.  Each week, Slate’s culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will chat with frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey.  In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Edith’s decision to shrug off the blanket of convention, the “cure” for homosexuality, and Lady Mary’s fetching new haircut. This podcast contains major spoilers, so listen after you watch each episode. Listen to the other episodes here. Feedback about today’s podcast? Let us know! Plus@Slate.com.  Our sponsors this week are:  Audible, a leading provider of spoken audio information and entertainment. Get a free audiobook of your choice at audiblepodcast.com/downton.  HBO’s The

Each week, Slate’s culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will chat with frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey.  In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss the tragedy among poor Edith’s shoulders, why Lord Merton and Isobel make a fine match, and whether Rose just might end up as Mrs. Atticus Aldridge.  Spoilers for Episodes 4 to 9 will be made available to Slate Plus members on Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern, at the conclusion of the PBS broadcast—and to non-members on Tuesdays morning. (Want early access? Join Slate Plus!) Help Slate learn more about our podcast listeners! Take a couple of minutes to answer our listener survey. Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Each week, Slate culture critic and Outward editor June Thomas will join frequent contributor Seth Stevenson to dissect the latest developments on the new season of Downton Abbey.  In this installment of the podcast, Thomas and Stevenson discuss Miss Bunting's lack of social grace, Lady Mary's trail of broken hearts, and how the Dowager Countess continues to surprise us this season.  Spoilers for Episodes 4 to 9 will be made available to Slate Plus members on Sundays at 10 p.m. Eastern, at the conclusion of the PBS broadcast—and to non-members on Tuesdays morning. (Want early access? Join Slate Plus!) Our sponsor today is Harry's! Visit harrys.com and use the promo code DOWNTON. Note: As the name implies, this podcast contains spoilers, and is meant to be listened to after you watch each episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this installment of the podcast, Slate's June Thomas and Seth Stevenson discuss the best match for Lady Cora, the developing battle over Marigold, and what Thomas’ mysterious phone call could mean for this season.  Slate Plus members get early access to our Downton Abbey spoiler specials this season, immediately following the broadcast. If you’re not a Slate Plus member, try out this early access for the first three Downtown spoilers. If you like it, sign up for Slate Plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate's culture editor June Thomas and senior writer Seth Stevenson react to Episode 2 of Downton Abbey's fifth season, including the war memorial and the lingering possibility of a Carson-Mrs. Hughes kiss. Slate Plus members get early access to our Downton Abbey spoiler specials this season, immediately following the broadcast. If you’re not a Slate Plus member, try out this early access for the first three Downtown spoilers. If you like it, sign up for Slate Plus! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate's culture editor June Thomas and contributor Seth Stevenson react to Episode 1 of Downton Abbey's fifth season, including vintage burns, whether anyone can truly make Lady Edith happy, and brewing class resentment. Slate Plus members get early access to our Downton Abbey spoiler specials this season, immediately following the broadcast. If you’re not a Slate Plus member, try out this early access for the first three Downtown spoilers. If you like it, sign up for Slate Plus here!   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the wake of Jay Wilds' exclusive interview with The Intercept, Slate reunites the Serial Spoiler gang for one more crazy caper. David Haglund and Katy Waldman discuss how Jay's Q-and-A might affect the case and Serial's first season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Slate's Dana Stevens, Aisha Harris and Chris Wade discuss Inherent Vice.  WARNING: This podcast is meant to be heard AFTER you've seen the movie. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and The Gist's Mike Pesca discuss "What We Know" and whether Serial's first season ended up being "a contemplation on the nature of truth," as Mike once feared. NOTE: Listen to this podcast AFTER you listen to the Serial episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Grantland's Wesley Morris react to "Rumors," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. Plus, they talk with Mark Phillips, the musician and sound designer who composes most of the show's score. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Haglund, Katy Waldman, and Laura Anderson react to "The Best Defense Is a Good Defense," the latest episode of Serial from This American Life. They discuss possible religious bias in Adnan's trial, the defense attorney's behavior, and Jay's deal with prosecutors. NOTE: Listen to this spoiler AFTER you listen to the Serial episode. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For one episode only, co-hosts David Haglund and Katy Waldman discuss Reddit threads, reporting, blogs, and other sources of information about Serial's murder investigation. Our guest, Slate's June Thomas, has avoided outside sources and joins us today to learn more. WARNING: Contains info not yet reported on Serial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With Serial on hiatus this week, Mike Pesca of The Gist reflects on the success of the investigative podcast. Plus: Hear a longer version of Mike's interview with Serial host Sarah Koenig, recorded just before the release of episode 5, "Route Talk." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices