Insiders: The TV Podcast
Film, TV & Pop Culture
About
Old friends Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville are the ultimate TV insiders, and in their new podcast, they'll share their insights and analysis of the goings on in the world of television. In short, they're going to get together once a week to gossip!Jimmy is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His hit shows include Have I Got News For You (series 69 now airing), Father Ted, Derry Girls, Outnumbered, and Episodes. In the US Hat Trick launched Whose Line Is It Anyway in 1997 which ran on ABC for seven years and was the first British series t...
Episodes
- Why Helena Bonham Carter left The White Lotus | Celebrity Traitors, AI & David Attenborough
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast discusses Helena Bonham Carter’s exit from The White Lotus, the Celebrity Traitors lineup, and the use of AI in television. It also celebrates Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday.
- Trump accuses the BBC of using AI on him (And the editing technique changing TV forever)
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers Donald Trump's accusation of the BBC using AI, the ethics of AI editing in television, and the evolving landscape of TV content consumption, including the cancellation of Football Focus and a…
- Who really controls what you watch? (And why TV sackings are always messy...)
Peter and Jimmy discuss who controls creative power in television versus film, how TV shows are recommissioned or cancelled, and the reasons behind messy TV executive sackings. They also reflect on the departure of Ian Katz from Channel 4.
- Do TV Execs Think You’re Stupid? Hollywood A-listers fight back against Paramount and Big BBC Cuts
Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville discuss television executive perceptions of audiences, industry mergers, and BBC job cuts. They also cover the departure of Channel 4's Ian Katz and the role of executive producers.
- HBO Max launch frustrations, how Alan Sugar got the gig on The Apprentice, and the shows you couldn’t make today...
Peter and Jimmy discuss the sustainability of subscription services, the evolution of television content standards, and behind-the-scenes memories from shows like Have I Got News For You. They also touch on the BBC Twat Memo, medical drama…
- Greg Dyke on the BBC’s new DG, how to get your staff on side & the importance of public service broadcasting
Former BBC Director General Greg Dyke joins hosts Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham to discuss his tenure at the broadcaster. The conversation covers his leadership experiences, the Hutton Report, the impact of public service broadcasting,…
- Matt Brittin to be the next DG, SNL UK launches on Sky, and Bob Monkhouse’s famous joke books are back in the news
In this episode, Peter and Jimmy discuss Matt Brittin's new role as DG, the UK launch of SNL, and recent discourse surrounding Bob Monkhouse’s joke books. They also share personal anecdotes and discuss the influence of Cambridge on the tel…
- Amol Rajan on leaving the Today Programme, the BBC's future and leaping into the "Digital Narnia" of the creator economy
Amol Rajan joins Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham to discuss his transition from the BBC, the creator economy, and his future media plans. They explore the shifting media landscape, including the rivalry between platforms and the rise of i…
- New BBC funding ideas, uncertainty over CNN's future and Meghan Markle’s jam making empire consciously uncouples from Netflix
This episode covers new BBC funding strategies, the future of CNN and Paramount, and the end of Meghan Markle's partnership with Netflix. Hosts Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham also discuss industry news and share personal experiences from…
- The Banijay All3 Mega Merger, BBC Bafta Fallout and Paramount emerge victorious in the battle for Warners
Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham discuss the Banijay and All3Media merger, Paramount's position regarding Warner Bros. Discovery, and the BBC's Bafta coverage controversy. The hosts also cover various industry topics including television p…
- Lisa McGee on creating How to Get to Heaven from Belfast & what the future holds for Derry Girls
Writer Lisa McGee joins hosts Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham to discuss her creative process for Derry Girls and the series How to Get to Heaven from Belfast. The conversation covers her transition into mystery writing, the importance of…
- Can TV Copy the Music Industry? Sky’s Ad/Subscription Paradox & Latest BBC Cuts
Jimmy and Peter explore if TV can adopt the music industry's rights model, analyze Sky's advertising on premium channels, and discuss recent BBC cost-cutting measures and takeover negotiations involving ITV and Sky.
- ITV’s picture-in-picture ads, day drinking with Claudia Winkleman and the Wild West era of 90s reality TV (with Gill Wilson)
Jimmy and Peter talk to Gill Wilson about ITV ads, a potential BBC-Channel 4 merger, and the evolution of TV production from the 90s to today, discussing the shift from a maverick era to one with increased duty of care.
- Trump’s fury at the Grammys, the BBC’s latest funding conundrum & Channel 4’s Big Gamble
In this episode, hosts Jimmy and Peter examine Donald Trump's reaction to the Grammys and his threats towards Trevor Noah. They also discuss leaked details about the BBC's future funding model after the licence fee and analyze Channel 4's…
- The Cup of Tea That Led to Ludwig, TV’s Algorithmic Future & Cancellation Nightmares w/ Kenton Allen
Kenton Allen discusses the development of the show Ludwig, the use of AI in marketing and archive content, and the challenges of TV production. The episode also touches on recent television headlines and the experiences of hosts Jimmy Mulv…
- Has YouTube changed the BBC’s strategy? Why Amol Rajan went solo & will MediaWan buy North Road?
This episode examines the BBC's strategic pivot to YouTube for bespoke content and discusses MediaWan's potential acquisition of North Road. It also explores Amol Rajan's decision to leave the Today programme and broader career considerati…
- Banijay & All3Media Mega-Merge, Netflix's $83 billion play & The BBC standing firm against Trump
This episode covers the potential Banijay–All3Media merger, Netflix's bid for Warner Bros, and the BBC's legal stance regarding Trump. The discussion also delves into platform economics, the future of broadcast news, and the challenges fac…
- Why The Traitors Changed Format, will Disney buy Taylor Swift and can YouTube rule TV? (with Tim Hincks)
This week on Insiders: The TV Podcast, Tim Hincks discusses The Traitors' format shift, the potential for Disney to acquire Taylor Swift, and whether YouTube will dominate television. The hosts also explore micro-budgets and the challenges…
- Trump sues the BBC for $10bn, the Gordian Knot of Charter renewal, and looking ahead to the world of TV in 2026.
This episode covers Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC and potential responses, alongside a discussion on the UK government's Charter renewal Green Paper and alternative BBC funding models. The future of television in 2026…
- A new Chief Exec at Channel 4, the bidding war for Warner Bros, and the unlikely link between "With Love, Meghan" and The Liz Truss Show
Peter and Jimmy discuss the appointment of Channel 4's new Chief Exec, the bidding war for Warner Bros, and compare "With Love, Meghan" with "The Liz Truss Show". They also touch on parking spaces and podcast length.
- More pressure on BBC Chair Samir Shah, Gary Lineker’s big money Netflix deal, and a Q&A at Content London.
Insiders: The TV Podcast discusses BBC leadership pressure, Gary Lineker's Netflix deal, and answers audience questions on the future of production and legacy TV.
- Andy Wilman on Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and Clarkson’s Farm.
Andy Wilman, producer of Top Gear, The Grand Tour, and Clarkson's Farm, joins Peter and Jimmy to discuss the history of Top Gear, its move to Amazon, and his new book.
- The BBC’s legal stand off with Donald Trump, Sky’s bid for ITV, and Alex Mahon’s take on TV’s AI future.
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers the BBC's challenges, Sky's potential bid for ITV, and Alex Mahon's insights into AI's role in TV's future. Hosts Peter and Jimmy also discuss the significance of live television.
- A turbulent week of resignations at the BBC, the challenges facing the next DG, and the vibrant health of the indie sector in Northern Ireland.
Insiders: The TV Podcast covers recent BBC resignations, the selection process for the next Director-General, and the state of the Northern Ireland television production industry, with insights from Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham.
- Panorama's Trump edit and the BBC's latest own goal, Kim Kardashian’s zero-star Disney drama debut, and the $7bn Micro Drama boom.
This week on Insiders: The TV Podcast, hosts Peter and Jimmy delve into the controversy surrounding Panorama's Trump documentary edit and debate potential repercussions. They also examine the critical reception of Kim Kardashian's new dram…
- Disney departs Doctor Who, Winkleman & Norton to become BBC chat show stablemates, and memories of Prunella Scales.
Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville discuss Claudia Winkleman's potential BBC chat show and the end of Disney's involvement with Doctor Who. They share personal chat show anecdotes and speculate on the future of the series.
- Claudia & Tess's departure from Strictly, Paddington's day in court, and memories of the fallout from Brass Eye's Paedogeddon.
This episode covers the reported departure of Strictly presenters Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, the legal case involving Paddington, and memories of Brass Eye's 'Paedogeddon'. Hosts Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham also touch on the Our…
- Meghan Markle’s impressive efforts to spin her Netflix deal, the demise of the 9pm slot, and an “Oxbridge gang” running television?
This episode discusses Meghan Markle's Netflix deal, questioning its perceived strength. It also covers the challenges of the 9pm TV slot, programme announcement strategies, and broader trends in the television industry.
- A “very upset" Paddington Bear, Euan Blair and last week’s HIGNFY, and the BBC’s renewed call for big family sitcoms
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers the legal dispute involving Paddington Bear, a factual error on Have I Got News For You, and the success of BBC Studios in BBC contract tenders. Hosts also mention the journey of a documentar…
- Guilty viewing, shows we wish we’d made, and what the overnights do (and don’t) tell you about success.
Peter and Jimmy discuss shows they love but didn't create, and explore how the popularity of re-watching old series might affect the commissioning of new content. They also touch upon the margins of drug smuggling, the visual quality of ol…
- Trump vs Kimmel, ITV turns 70, and all the news from RTS Cambridge (without the boring bits)
The podcast covers Jimmy Kimmel's return and the controversy surrounding ABC and the White House, the RTS Cambridge convention's discussion on tax breaks for comedy, and celebrates ITV's 70th birthday. The hosts also briefly touch upon sat…
- Andy Harries on The Crown, the genius of Caroline Aherne, and his much maligned talking dog detective show.
Producer Andy Harries joins hosts Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville to discuss his career, including the pitch for Netflix's The Crown, the early days of The Royle Family, and taking creative risks.
- Piers Morgan heads to 5, life at Fox after Rupert Murdoch, and Tim Davie’s plan for an ever-ready BBC presenter subs bench.
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers Piers Morgan Uncensored
- Crime Special: From the verdant cosiness of Midsomer Murders, to the gritty dramas of Jed Mercurio.
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast delves into the crime and detective genre, examining popular shows and discussing the appeal of cozy crime versus grittier dramas. It features insights from industry professionals on adapting novels…
- Netflix and the row over TV tourism, ITV’s efforts to poach Michael McIntyre, and Peter’s fond (ish) memories of the ill-fated Daybreak.
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers the rivalry between Netflix and Channel 4, ITV's attempts to hire Michael McIntyre, and reflects on past talent moves from the BBC to ITV. Hosts Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham also share pe…
- Trump vs South Park, C5 revive Play for Today, and explaining comedy to the Germans.
Insiders: The TV Podcast covers Trump vs South Park, Edinburgh Fringe highlights, the revival of Play for Today, and discusses Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham's extensive television production backgrounds.
- Harry and Meghan’s new (watered down) Netflix deal, the streamers’ continued push into sports rights, and memories of Biddy Baxter.
Peter and Jimmy discuss the new Netflix deal with Harry and Meghan, noting it is a diminished version of their previous output deal. They also cover the streaming services' increasing interest in sports rights, using Disney+’s acquisition…
- The renaissance of the old fashioned audience sitcom on Netflix, the secret of a good TV title, and is taking a show to the Edinburgh Fringe still worth the cost and bother?
This episode discusses the return of classic audience sitcoms on Netflix, using 'Leanne' as an example. It also examines the value of the Edinburgh Fringe for performers aiming for television careers and touches on lighter topics like TV e…
- The rise and rise of YouTube, a mixed bag of results from ITV, and some good (and very bad) advice on how to a pitch a show.
Peter and Jimmy analyze YouTube's growing influence on producers and broadcasters, review ITV's recent results and strategic decisions, and share humorous anecdotes about pitching television shows.
- Cancelling Colbert, the shifting balance of power in the world of the chat show, and (another) week of difficult headlines for the BBC.
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers BBC news like Masterchef and annual reports, and the cancellation of CBS's Late Show, questioning the future of TV chat shows. It also touches on Clive Anderson, a dinner with Jeremy Hunt, an…
- The state of the audience sitcom, the best (and worst) ways to cancel a show, and the difference, such as there is, between selling and lying.
In this Q&A episode, hosts Peter and Jimmy examine the decline of the audience sitcom and broadcasters' willingness to support developing shows. They also delve into the complexities of canceling television series, sharing personal anecdot…
- Spitting Image returns (but this time on YouTube), the F1 movie and the debt it owes to television, and the biggest Apple TV series you’ve never heard of.
Peter and Jimmy discuss the return of Spitting Image as a YouTube series and strategies for profitable YouTube content. They also analyze the F1 movie's relationship with TV, particularly Netflix's Drive to Survive, and highlight an undera…
- The BBC and the controversy at Glastonbury, the return of Blind Date on Disney, and the surprising part Wayne Rooney played in the story of HIGNFY.
This episode covers the BBC's Glastonbury controversy, the revival of Blind Date on Disney, and touches upon Wayne Rooney's unexpected connection to Have I Got News For You. Hosts also discuss Australian adaptations and share personal anec…
- The challenges ahead for Kate Phillips as the BBC’s new content chief, the parlous state of the TV freelance landscape, and Peter Fincham: "Oxbridge-y c**t”.
This episode covers the challenges facing Kate Phillips as the BBC's new Chief Content Officer, the difficulties faced by TV freelancers due to the commissioning downturn, and pays tribute to Joanna Beresford. It also touches on anecdotes…
- Royal Special: TV and the monarchy
Peter and Jimmy explore the complex relationship between television and the monarchy, discussing specific incidents and how the Faustian deal between TV and royals functions.
- Attenborough and the alchemy of on screen talent, Netflix’s push into the world of unscripted, and why we keeping sending comedians to do travelogues?
This episode discusses Sir David Attenborough's on-screen talent, Netflix's unscripted strategy, and the trend of comedians hosting travelogues. Hosts Peter and Jimmy also consider the financial pressures on public service broadcasters and…
- The future of soaps in the era of streaming, the joys of SXSW London, and the murky world of BBC nations and regions commissioning.
This episode of Insiders: The TV Podcast covers the future of soaps amid streaming, controversies in BBC nations and regions commissioning, and experiences with TV conferences like SXSW London. Hosts also touch on other TV-related anecdote…
- Channel 4’s controversial plans for in-house production, word clouds with Ant and Dec, and the comedy of Ken Dodd’s tax affairs.
Insiders: The TV Podcast discusses Channel 4's potential impact on UK indie production, the BBC's comedy report, and the challenges of giving feedback to stars. Hosts Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham share their industry expertise.
- Special Episode: Remembering Alan Yentob
Peter and Jimmy pay tribute to Alan Yentob, celebrating his life and significant impact on British television. The episode reflects on his work and includes a reference to the River Cafe.
- Gary Lineker’s departure from the BBC, the shakeup at ITV Daytime, and Peter does a turn (and gets us a plug) on the Today Programme.
Peter and Jimmy analyze Gary Lineker's BBC departure and potential wider issues with talent management. They also cover changes in ITV's daytime schedule, including Lorraine, This Morning, and Loose Women, and discuss Jimmy Mulville's appe…