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    #107: A Thanksgiving Visit from Alan Sepinwall

    November 20th, 2025 · 59 minutes

    Veteran TV critic Alan Sepinwall joins Jason to discuss the current state of TV criticism, the future of scripted TV, why streamers can't make sitcoms, the difference between recaps and reviews, and the best shows of the year.

    Guest Starring: Alan Sepinwall

    This episode of Downstream is sponsored by:

    • Factor: Healthy, fully-prepared food delivered to your door. Use code downstream50off

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    Download: MP3 (41.21 MB)

    Links and Show Notes

    Good TV shows mentioned: The Pitt, Ludwig, Severance, Adolescence at the top, then: Pluribus, Slow Horses, Andor, The Studio, Hacks, The Diplomat, The Lowdown, It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia

    What's Alan Watching?
    Review: 'Blue Lights' isn't the Belfast equivalent of 'The Wire.' And that's okay.
    Why 'Brockmire' Was This Year's Best, Filthiest Comedy Surprise
    Series finale review: 'How I Met Your Mother' - 'Last Forever': How they conned us all
    Links to Sepinwall's episode-by-episode reviews for every show in his book, The Revolution Was Televised
    19-2 (2014 TV series) - Wikipedia