Welcome to the TV Gold podcast from Andrew Mercado and James Manning. A podcast for people who love great television.

This week on the TV Gold podcast with Andrew Mercado and James Manning it is Keeley Hawes week with: The Assassin (Stan, 6 episodes)The Assassin follows retired assassin Julie (Keeley Hawes) and her estranged son Edward (Freddie Highmore) as they are forced to flee an idyllic Greek island when Julie’s dangerous past catches up with her. With questions around Edward’s paternity and Julie’s past life as a hitwoman, the pair go on the run across Europe, working together in a fight for survival. Miss Austen (ABC/iview, 4 episodes)Miss Austen is a  story about the bond between two sisters, Jane Austen - one of our England’s most cherished novelists - and her sister Cassandra. Very little is known about Cassandra, who figured hugely in Jane’s life. What Gill Hornby did in her novel about the two is pull together many of the historical facts about Jane and her family set-up, and fashion it into this story about the two sisters and their importance to each other. We also discuss six Keeley Hawes roles we have enjoyed the most. PLUSOutrageous (BritBox, 6 episodes)A British drama about the Mitford sisters in 1930s Britain and the scandal that enveloped two of the sisters flirtation with fascism and a friend ship with Adolph Hitler. Also Andrew has been watching a bunch of new British television episodes plus he updates on his visits to iconic British TV institutions.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Keeley Hawes week with The Assassin, Miss Austen plus her 6 best TV roles

This week on the TV Gold podcast Andrew Mercado is in Manchester on his global tour and James Manning is in the northern NSW TV Gold studio. Listen here: https://pod.link/1106441089 Shows reviewed this week: Untamed (Netflix, 6 episodes)Eric Bana and Sam Neill team up for this mystery set in California’s Yosemite National Park, yet filmed in Canada. Eric Bana reminds us what a talented actor he is as he investigates the death of a woman who seems to have been living in the park. He’s a cranky special agent, but as the series unfolds we learn why. Billy Joel: And So It Goes (HBO, 2 part documentary)This is a lot of Billy Joel – close to five hours if you watch both parts. But you just might come away a much bigger fan of this talented singer/songwriter than you were previously. Bookish (HBO Max, 6 episodes)London 1946 is the setting for series one, with viewers introduced to the appropriately named Gabriel Book (Mark Gatiss) who owns a bookshop in Archangel Lane. Book spends most of his time successfully helping police solve murders. Sold (Foxtel/Binge, documentary)Comedian Mark Humphries goes on a journey to uncover why so many Australians are struggling to secure home ownership. He delves into the complex housing debate, looking at the current house prices, soaring rent, and the "Australian Dream" that feels more out of reach than ever. Guests include Alan Kohler and Ray Martin. Other podcasts mentioned this episode that we recommend: The Rest is Entertainment: https://pod.link/1718287198Club Random with Bill Maher: https://pod.link/1613459129 Follow us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/tvgoldpodcast/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Untamed, Bookish, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, Sold 

Such Brave Girls (Season 2, 6 episodes, Stan)Too Much (Netflix, 10 episodes)Patience (ABC iview, 6 episodes)alsoThe Bear (Season 4, Disney+, 8 episodes) In this episode, James Manning and Andrew Mercado review two new comedies, Season 2 of Such Brave Girls and Len Dunham's Too Much, followed by a discussion on the crime drama Patience and Season 4 of The Bear. They explore the strengths and weaknesses of each show, highlighting themes of relationships, comedy, and the portrayal of neurodivergence in a TV crime drama.Takeaways this episode:• 'Too Much' is based on Lena Dunham's life experiences.• The cast of 'Too Much' includes actors like Rita Wilson, Naomi Watts and Richard E. Grant.• 'Such Brave Girls' is praised for its dark humour and relatable characters.• The family relationship dynamics in 'Such Brave Girls' are central to its comedy.• The portrayal of mental health in 'Such Brave Girls' is both humorous and poignant.• 'Patience' features a neurodivergent protagonist solving crimes.• The show 'Patience' is an adaptation of a French series.• 'The Bear' continues to explore the chaos of restaurant life.• The episode concludes with a preview of Andrew's upcoming trip to the UK. Chapters00:00Introduction to new comedies07:22Exploring Such Brave Girls Season 2 and Too Much18:05Diving into Patience crime drama24:49The Return of 'The Bear and who some people have tuned outSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Too Much, Such Brave Girls, Patience, The Bear

In this episode of TV Gold, hosts James Manning and Andrew Mercado discuss three shows: Families Like Ours (SBS On Demand, 7 episodes)Enigma (HBO Max documentary feature)The Backside of Television (Foxtel/Binge) They delve into the emotional and societal themes presented in 'Families Like Ours', the intriguing lives of Amanda Lear and April Ashley in 'Enigma', and the historical insights provided by 'The Backside of Television'. The conversation highlights the impact of streaming services on viewing habits and the importance of cultural narratives in television. Highlights include:  'Families Like Ours' presents a harrowing yet brilliant concept. The show explores the impact of climate change on families. Character decisions in 'Families Like Ours' lead to deep emotional responses. 'Enigma' reveals the hidden lives of Amanda Lear and April Ashley. The documentary highlights the struggles of trans individuals in the past. 'The Backside of Television' uncovers lesser-known stories of Australian TV history. Mitch McTaggart's research is commendable and insightful. The hosts emphasise the importance of representation in media. Cultural reflections in these shows resonate with current societal issues. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Families Like Ours, Enigma, The Back Side of Television

This bonus episode of TV Gold delves into the revival of the iconic Australian television show Number 96, exploring its historical significance, production challenges, cultural impact, and the future of Australian classics in the streaming era. Andrew Mercado shares insights on the show's groundbreaking themes, its reception, and the efforts to bring it back to audiences through the streaming service Brollie.Takeaways from this special episode:Number 96 was a groundbreaking show in the 70s.The show tackled social issues like LGBT representation and domestic violence.Andrew Mercado worked on a project to make all the episodes available.The original tapes of Number 96 are degrading and need digitisation.The show was a massive ratings hit, airing five nights a week.Number 96 featured a mix of drama and comedy, appealing to diverse audiences.The tabloid press played a significant role in the show's popularity.The introduction of colour TV marked a turning point for the show.Brollie is working with Andrew to revive and stream other classic Australian TV shows.UK fans are using VPNs to access Brollie and watch Number 96.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Number 96: Inside Andrew Mercado's restoration project

This week on the TV Gold podcast. Listen on Spotify, Apple and more…links here.https://pod.link/1106441089 • Smoke (Apple, 9 episodes)Inspired by true events, “Smoke” follows an arson investigator who begrudgingly teams up with a police detective as their race to stop two arsonists ignites a twisted game of secrets and suspicions. Great cast includes Taron Egerton, Jurnee Smollett, Rafe Spall, Ntare Guma Mbaho Mwine and Greg Kinnear. • Hal &amp; Harper (Stan, 8 episodes)Hal &amp; Harper are codependent siblings (played by Cooper Raiff and Lili Reinhart) doing their best to navigate long-term relationships, friendships, and situationships. When their dad (played by Mark Ruffalo) makes a big announcement, the two are forced to consider the current state of their lives and their complicated childhood.  • My Mom Jayne (Max, movie)In her feature film directorial debut—and the first time she has delved into her mother Jayne Mansfield’s story—Mariska Hargitay searches for the mother she never knew almost six decades after the Hollywood legend’s tragic death. A must-see HBO documentary for people interested in Hollywood history and iconic movie stars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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