The ratings for HBO’s new series Euphoria have been stagnant, but that doesn’t mean all hope is lost for the media giant. — HBO’s Euphoria is conscious of the world it is speaking to. One of the pilot’s first images is its newborn protagonist, Rue, peering up at a TV screen that is broadcasting then-President George Bush standing over the ashes of 9/11. It’s meant to be a burdening thought for the parents…

From Hannibal Lecter to Tony Soprano, Karim Noorani dissects whether it makes sense to cheer for the villains in entertainment — Hannibal Lecter is the perfect villain for viewers to despise. In addition to being a ruthless psychopath, he murders and eats people in twisted artistic displays. During The Silence of the Lambs, Hannibal perversely toys with a senator who was trying to gather information on her kidnapped daughter. The scene…

The stir around ‘Game of Thrones’ brought out a fundamental dilemma in the pop culture-verse: should we expect every piece of entertainment to be a jaw-dropping spectacle, or simply an engaging narrative in its own right? — Game of Thrones was everything a television company could have asked for. In the age of niche television, on-demand streaming, and binge-enabled entertainment, Thrones was a remnant of TV’s monoculture era. It was the go-to material for casual interactions in real life and social media. By the time Season Eight…

You may have never heard of Debra Granik’s film, but its story has pertinent significance and highlights the institutional problem that led to Green Book’s 2019 Best Picture win. Karim Noorani dissects what he thinks is one of the best films of last year — Editor’s Note: The writing below contains some spoilers from the film Leave No Trace. Keep up with other great longform by following us on Instagram and checking out our new website here!

Karim Noorani and Andrew Golden talk Lakers, who’s coming out on top of the Eastern Conference, and their pick for Rookie of the Year — Host Karim Noorani talks to Andrew Golden about the new narrative surrounding the Lakers franchise (0:33), Luke Walton’s accountability for their failed season (12:40), how much of LeBron’s career arc should be impacted by this season (17:30), Milwaukee’s chances to make the Finals (28:30), the Celtics’ weird season (39:45), and…

Karim Noorani and Andrew Fenichel talk about the draft lottery, one-and-done rule, MVP and more. — Host Karim Noorani talks hoops with Andrew Fenichel. The original podcast duo takes on the NBA draft lottery (1:42), one-and-done rule (23:25), MVP debate (62:46) and Andrew’s quick takes (72:15). For more of our shows on The Powder Blue Podcast Network, make sure to subscribe to our podcast network on iTunes, Google Play,TuneIn, and Stitcher.

Karim Noorani, Andrew Golden, and Owen Guetschow discuss the Lakers, MVP debate, and Knicks — Host Karim Noorani teams up with Owen Guetschow and Andrew Golden to talk Lakers (0:55), MVP debate (22:55), Knicks (30:35) and much more along the way. For more of our shows on The Powder Blue Podcast Network, make sure to subscribe to our podcast network on iTunes, Google Play,TuneIn, and Stitcher. Also, if you’re a fan of what we’re doing here at UNPLUGG’D, we would love if you’d consider becoming a patron over on Patreon! You can access our page here.

Karim Noorani and Charlie Goldsmith talk the NBA playoffs, free agency, and draft. — Host Karim Noorani talks hoops with Charlie Goldsmith. Karim and Charlie go back and forth about the New Orleans Pelicans in light of Dell Demps’ firing (0:38), the Philadelphia 76ers in light of the “process” culminating (18:45), Zion Williamson and college prospects in light of the upcoming NBA Draft (30:50), and ICYMI topics of the past month (39:28).