Screen Watching

This is awkward. Dan Barrett slams an Aussie TV drama which has co-host Simon Foster appearing in it. But what did Dan think of Simon's performance?This week the pair review:The Airport Chaplain (SBS / Netflix)Dalliance (Paramount+)Dog Stars (In cinemas)And more...

Some guy on the internet claimed Lanterns is the new Andor. Maybe that guy is right. Dan dansplains to Simon why he was wrong to be underwhelmed by the new HBO show Lanterns. Simon tells us about the new Jason Statham film Mutiny and takes a Spa Weekend with some funny ladies. Oh, and Dan reports from the hellscape that is Tom & Jerry: Forbidden Compass.

It's a big week for titles we were very excited to check out.Simon and Dan headed to the cinema to see The End of Oak Street, a throwback to the early 80s Spielberg vibe. Dan pressed play on Netflix's new adaptation of the iconic Australian book My Brilliant Career. He also previews upcoming HBO drama Lanterns.Dan and Simon also checked out the directors cut re-edit of The X-Files: Vrach Frankenshteyn. The big mystery with this one is where to find it.

This week on the podcast, Simon makes some crazy box office claims for Teen Sex and Death at Camp Miasma while sunning in North Queensland for a UFO convention. Meanwhile Dan is left behind in Sydney where he is reviewing Sterling Point, a surprisingly great YA drama series on Prime Video.There's also some chatter on season four of Ted Lasso, returning this week on Apple TV.

We did it. We saw Spider-Man: Brand New Day, then walked right out of the cinema to deliver our thoughts. Recorded live on location outside Hoyts at Sydney's Entertainment Quarter, Dan and Simon braved some very chilly weather to talk Spidey!They end the chat with some recommendations to check out Diarra From Detroit on Paramount+ and new film Someone Like Me, playing in cinemas.

The Big Bang Theory has this new spin-off that asks the question: What if The Big Bang Theory, but Sliders? That is to say that new show Stuart Fails To Save The Universe is bizarre. It's a pretty bold swing. So, as Dan and Simon review the show, their attention turns to other weird TV spin-offs over the years.

This week on Screen Watching, Dan and Simon go to sea — Christopher Nolan's long-awaited The Odyssey has finally landed, and we have thoughts. Dan also ventures into considerably less epic waters with Will Ferrell's golf comedy The Hawk on Netflix (verdict: even a sport this dull deserves better). Plus: Simon on Lucky (Apple TV+) and Dan on Ghost in the Machine (Prime Video) in our look at what else we've been watching this week.

Dan and Simon are back—and this week's a mixed bag. Dan takes on trad-wife bait Little House on the Prairie, Simon burns through Evil Dead Burn, and then they tear into Sparks of Tomorrow, The Five Star Weekend, and doc Eyes Like Diamonds.Hot takes. Zero agreement. Watch before you commit to any of these.

The Minions have gone to Hollywood, and Dan and Simon have gone along with them. This week the pair dig into Minions & Monsters, Illumination's Old Hollywood monster movie caper that's stuffed with references to Metropolis, Casablanca, and the golden age of cinema. It's a movie for adults that should probably be for kids, so who exactly is it for? And does it matter when it's this fun?Also this week, Dan reviews Larry David's HBO sketch series Life, Larry, and the Pursuit of Unhappiness, and looks back at Jaws, The Third Man, and Honey, I Shrunk the Kids. Meanwhile, Simon heads into the outback for Stan's cosmic horror murder mystery The Killings at Parrish Station.New episodes of Screen Watching every week.

This week on Screen Watching, Dan Barrett and Simon Foster strap in for the 'Maiden of Might' Supergirl's big-screen debut, and they come away with very different verdicts. Simon's taken with Milly Alcock in the title role, finding a genuinely multifaceted Kara beneath all the grief and grit. Dan's a tougher sell, arguing the film keeps its emotional cards close to its chest .Between them they wrestle with whether a story this rooted in loss and loneliness actually translates to the screen, what the supporting players add (or subtract), and what it all sets up for Supergirl's place in the new DC universe.Strong opinions, mixed feelings, one very good dog. Listen now.

Simon was a grown adult when the first Toy Story came out. Now, 30+ years later, he's back at the cinema to see the fifth instalment of the hugely popular film series. But... at what point should we have said goodbye to Buzz and Woody? Is it past time to pack up our toys?Dan has been mourning the death of US late night chat. But, how does he feel about the fresh crop of chat shows appearing on YouTube? He looks at the newest, Outside Tonight.There's also a chat about the passing of TV legend James Burrows, a look back at 80s sitcom A Different World, and revisiting The Princess Bride.

It's a huge week for movies. Simon confronts his 80s loving self with Disclosure Day, a Spielberg movie that only had to meet Simon's bar of being one of the best movies he will see in his life. Dan, meanwhile has declared Gail Daughtrey and The Celebrity Sex Pass the funniest film of 2026. And the two then muddle through chatter about UK TV show Alice and Steve, along with Netflix romcom Office Romance.

Reviews for the new Masters of The Universe film are divided. And opinion for the film is heavily split on this podcast. Dan and Simon had very different reactions to the film. Also, the two discuss the new Cape Fear TV show on Apple TV, new TV shows Two Years Later (Paramount+) and Not Suitable For Work (Hulu), and a new hiking film The North.These boots were made for walking. This is Screen Watching.

We are spoiled for choice this weekend with a lot of, frankly, cool sh!t to watch on our screens. Simon takes a look at the creepy(pasta) Backrooms, while Dan checked out Spider Noir - the TV series that finally answers the question: What would Spider-Man be like as a 1930s private detective?There's also some chatter about Power Ballad, The Four Seasons, and the end of The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.

Dan and Simon left the Sydney IMAX where they saw Mandalorian and Grogu. They turned on the phone and recorded their immediate first thoughts. Dan also gives a quick review of new Apple TV show Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed.This is the way!

Does the new Marvel TV special Punisher: One Last Kill finally deliver us the Punisher that we want? Or the one that we deserve? Dan offers his review. Simon took a look at the new Anne Hathaway film Mother Mary, along with new horror film Obsession. And Dan stops by Dutton Ranch to offer his thoughts on the Yellowstone sequel show.

This week Simon celebrates cinema with the new Mortal Kombat II and Billie Eilish: Hot Me Hard & Soft. Meanwhile Dan takes a gander at streaming prequel to The Bear 'Gary'. He also has some thoughts on The Sheep Detectives and the quite excellent Legends.Then the two predict what'll be worth chec king out at the cinema over the coming months.

Dan and Simon are into new Apple TV show Widow's Bay. Like... really into it. Simon, however, isn't all that much into The Devil Wears Prada 2. Other movies and TV shows they review this week include: It's Over Jeff Buckley, Wolfram, and Seven Snipers. Oh, and Dan asks Simon how one should start watching Star Wars now with so many TV shows and movies.

We are back in the 1980s for this week's Screen Watching as Simon checks out new movie Michael as it whitewashes the, uh, "allegations.' Meanwhile Dan checks out 80s throwback Stranger Things: Tales From '85. It's no Saturday morning cartoon, he says.

We have girl troubles on the Screen Watching pod this week. Simon reviews new movie Lee Cronin's The Mummy, while Dan takes a look at new Apple TV show Margo's Got Money Problems. The two look back at 1979 film Meteor for some reason. Simon marvels at the cast of Euphoria season three. And Dan asks what the deal is with casting Mark Ruffalo in Crime 101.

It's almost always the way: the thing you're most looking forward too almost never lives up to what you had wanted. Unfortunately for Dan, three of the shows he was most excited by this year all failed to deliver the goods.Dan reviews new TV dramas The Testaments (Hulu), The Audacity (AMC in the US / SBS On Demand in Australia), and The Miniature Wife (Peacock in the US / Stan in Australia).Simon takes a trip to the cinema and reviews a foreign film he says is among the best of the year: The President's Cake.

This week on the podcast Simon Foster gets cranky about the new Super Mario bros Galaxy Movie, but then raves about The Drama. Dan watched these films as well, but had a very different reaction.Also: Paradise season 2 and Your Friends & Neighbors season 2.

Dan and Simon this week kick the tires on the new Saturday Night Live UK. Simon is far more charitable than Dan was. Also: Simon takes a look at the new film They Will Kill You, talks up new show Ponies, and the two note the passing of Nicholas Brendan, Sam Kieth, and Chuck Norris.

Oh boy! It has this all-star, fantastic cast. But gosh is Imperfect Women kinda awful. Dan takes a look at the new Apple TV drama featuring stars from The Handmaid's Tale, Scandal, and For All Mankind.Then Simon has the hottest of hot takes on Ready or Not 2, playing in cinemas right now.There's also Buffy revival talk. And why were the Oscars ratings so poor?

There's a lot of anticipation surrounding Project Hail Mary, but Dan and Simon left their screenings with some strong thoughts... because it doesn't quite work.Also, Dan says what little he can about The Madison after Paramount asked critics to talk about the show, but without talking about that one thing the show is actually about.

Dan and Simon get burned by The Bride! They embrace old-school TV with Yellowstone spin-off Marshals. And then they settle in for Netflix's great new adult drama-comedy Vladimir. There's also Oscars talk, questions about SNL UK, and the new Lanterns trailer.

Dan and Simon mourn Warner Brothers as they choose what Warner Bros movies and TV properties they would each put on the WB Mount Rushmore. Also, featured reviews for new procedural drama CIA and cinema release The Testament of Ann Lee. There's also talk about Scream 7, The Bluff, Bridgerton, Monarch, Love Story, and more.

On the Screen Watching podcast Dan Barrett and Simon Foster take a look at Like Water For Chocolate, HBO's Spanish drama now in season 2, the Jimmy Carr-written UK film Fackham Hall, and Oscar nominated short film The Singers. They also try and answer what Australia's best cinema is, ask why an Australian sports presenter even apologised, and so much more.

In a very special Valentine's Day episode of Screen Watching, Dan asks Simon whether he felt the new film Wuthering Heights in the pants.Simon, graphically, offers his thoughts. (It's not actually that graphic).Dan also talks up How To Get To heaven From Belfast, a show he is putting up there as among the very best. There's also chatter about The Burbs (Peacock's new TV series) and movies Crime 101 (in cinemas) and The Wrecking Crew (Prime Video).

Disney has done a lot in getting The Muppets wrong these past 20 years or so. But this new Muppet Show... well, it ain't half bad.Dan and Simon talk about the new show, but they also take a look at the new Bradley Cooper film Is This On, the new Jason Statham film Shelter, and older Netflix films Bank of Dave and Bank of Dave 2.

This week on Australia's favourite screen review podcast, Dan and Simon take a look at the new Marvel TV show, which Dan reckons is good but is the wrong show for the wrong time.Also, Simon tells us about Send Help, which is in cinemas now. He also saw the film Worldbreaker, which he has a highly contrarian view on. For some reason he also felt obligated to go and see propaganda film Melania. Dan has continued churning through The X-Files (he's mid season 3) and has also taken a detour in watching 80s mini-series V and V: The Final Battle.

The Oscars nominations nailed it... except for that one movie. Dan and Simon scratch their heads before going on to the reviews of the week:Marty SupremeThe BeautyStealPlus shorter chats on His & Hers and Mercy.Oh, and they discuss their favourite heist movies & shows.

Hosts Dan Barrett and Simon Foster were both very happy with what they saw this week, with big recommendations for 28 Years Later & The Rip... what impressed them so much? You'll have to hit play.But, it isn't all sunshine and thumbs up. The guys have a big disagreement on Star Trek: Starfleet Academy.There's also some chatter on People We Meet on Vacation, Hamnet, and season one of The X-Files.

With new seasons for The Pitt (s2) & Industry (s4), we ask how much change each season is good and how much can piss off the fans? Plus, Simon reviews the new jukebox musical Song Sung Blue.

You may have seen critics delivering their lists of the top 10 TV shows and/or movies of the past year. But your pals Dan Barrett and Simon Foster have for you the OFFICIAL lists. Understand... these are the actual best.Note: Episode republished with a slight edit due to a copyright claim.

In one corner we have one guy who just isn't into Avatar at all. In the other, a guy who genuinely loves these movies. Both saw the new one, Avatar: Fire and Ash, but had very different viewing experiences.On the show this week, we are also talking about the HBO Max animated show Common Side Effects. It just debuted in Australia (after almost a year's wait). We have thoughts!

The third of Knives Out film brings back Daniel Craig’s master detective Benoit Blanc and director Rian Johnson for WAKE UP DEAD MAN, and Dan and Simon take a magnifying glass to Netflix’s blockbuster whodunnit. There’s not much happening TV-wise, so Dan reignites his not-at-all-hidden love for Jon Hamm and talks MAD MEN. Meanwhile Simon emerges blood-splattered after watching the slasher remake SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT, and caked in Japanese theatrical make-up after experiencing the Kabuki epic, KOKUHO. Enjoy! 

The year might be set to end, but the flow of new movies and TV shows isn't letting up. This week:Nuremberg - in cinemasJay Kelly - NetflixThe Family McMullen - HBO MaxTwiggy - Prime VideoFuture Boy - SpotifyThere's also an impromptu chat about the Netflix acquisition of Warner Bros.It's a lot of show.

This week on the pod, Dan and Simon talk about the aged and informed Stranger Things cast with season 5 debuting through the week. Simon takes a gander at Zootopia 2, while Dan goes against common consensus on new Netflix film Train Dreams.

This week on the podcast Dan has a blast with Netflix's new samurai show, while Simon struggles with the second part of the smash hit witch musical series.This week:Wicked For Good - In cinemasLast Samurai Standing - NetflixJohn Candy: I Like Me - Prime VideoPut Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk - In cinemasHe Had It Coming - StanThe Death of Bunny Munro - BINGE

Maybe we're more in love with the idea of Edgar Wright than his actual movies? Dan Barrett and Simon Foster explore that idea as they churn through reviews of:The Running Man (2025) - In cinemasPluribus - Apple TVFrankenstein (2025) - NetflixThe Iris Affair - Sky Atlantic | StanPredator Badlands - In cinemasMitchell & Webb Are Not Helping

What a massive week for television. Dan chats about:Death By Lightning - NetflixAll's Fair - HuluAll Her Fault - Peacock (US) | BINGE (Aus)Ghosts Australia - Paramount+Robin Hood 2025 - MGM+ (US) | Stan (Aus)

On the podcast this week Dan takes a ;look at the new Apple TV show Down Cemetery Road. It's based on a book series from the author behind Slow Horses.He then turns back the clock for a look at The TV movie version of The Taking of Pelham 123 and forgotten sitcom Hearts Afire.

The new Kathryn Bigelow film A House of Dynamite is streaming now on Netflix and your boy Dan Barrett was very into it. He also offers a quick take on Nobody Wants This and the 2019 Mad About You reboot.

It's another week without a co-host, which doesn't stop Dan talking about:The Diploman returns for season 3 (Netflix)The Lowdown is getting even better (Hulu)The Chair Company frustrates in the best ways (HBO Max)

Dan takes the reins of the podcast with co-host Simon Foster off in Europe or something.With Dan in charge, it's nothing but TV (with some shorter movie talk up front)The Last Frontier (Apple TV+)The Woman in Cabin 10 (Netflix)Peacemaker's season 2 series finale (HBO Max)

This week on the podcast we talk about Ethan Hawke being a very good boy in The Lowdown, a fantastic new show on Disney+. Then we talk about a really good boy in the movie Good Boy.

This week Dan and Simon gush over the new Paul Thomas Anderson film One Battle After Another.But is it as good as Gabby's Dollhouse: The Movie?And how about the Brett Goldstein film All of You?

Dan and Simon wish they were more passionate about all of the movies and TV shows they're discussing this week. But instead, they're here to talk about:A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (In cinemas)Black Rabbit (Netflix)And some briefer chatter about Kangaroo (In cinemas), Swiped (Hulu/Disney+), and The Morning Show season 4 (Apple TV+)

This week Simon walks into the cinema for The Long Walk, but then it is couch time as Dan pressed play on the latest Spike Lee joint Highest 2 Lowest. Then there's some shouty Task (HBO Max) and aka Charlie Sheen (Netflix) talk.