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Entertainment Is Broken

Brittlestar

The world of entertainment through a Canadian lens with your hosts Sarah Hanlon and Richard Crouse.

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20 episodes
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June 4 · 41 min
Canada’s Star System, Big Brother Secrets & The Nicest Celebrities
This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon open the mailbag and get into the big questions... and, because this is us, also several deeply specific side quests. Is Canada finally building a real star system? Sarah makes the case that something is shifting, with shows like North of North, Heated Rivalry, and a new wave of Canadian storytelling helping audiences get over the old “good... for a Canadian thing” problem. Richard talks about Canadian film, Last Night, Don McKellar, celebrity interviews, and why the biggest stars are often the ones who arrive with the smallest entourage. And Sarah answers the question everyone secretly wants answered: what was the weirdest thing about Big Brother Canada that didn’t make it to air? The answer involves microphones, production secrecy, two bathrooms, laundry chaos, and men who apparently believed the shower was a suggestion box. It’s a fun, loose mailbag episode about Canadian entertainment, reality TV, celebrity culture, and the strange machinery behind the things we watch.
May 28 · 35 min
Theatres Are Back, Baby
Are movie theatres finally back? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon look at the return of audiences to cinemas, the rise of younger moviegoers, and why Canadian films may be benefiting from a renewed love of the big-screen experience. From indie theatres as community hubs to Canadian success stories like Little Lorraine, Blue Heron, Nirvanna: The Band, The Show, The Movie, and Undertone, Richard and Sarah explore why shared moviegoing still matters in the streaming era. They also talk about Canadian horror, Ginger Snaps, Black Christmas, post-lockdown theatre experiences, and the strange magic that happens when strangers sit together in the dark and watch something weird, funny, scary, or unforgettable. Theatres are back, baby.
May 26 · 20 min
LISTENER QUESTIONS AND ENTERTAINMENT INSIDER SECRETS
Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon open the Entertainment Is Broken mailbag to answer listener questions about the strange machinery behind show business. Richard shares what celebrity junkets are really like, from exhausted movie stars answering the same question 40 times in a day to memorable encounters with Meryl Streep, Madonna, and Bill Murray. Sarah breaks down the reality TV machine from her own experience on Big Brother Canada, explaining what feels real, what gets shaped, and why pressure can create drama without producers needing to fake it. Then they tackle the big one: if they could fix one thing about Hollywood or media, what would it be? The answer involves risk, weird movies, smaller budgets, and letting audiences miss things before the next franchise installment arrives.
May 22 · 35 min
Is Late Night TV Dying? Colbert, Letterman & Canada’s Talk Show Problem
Is late night television dying, or has it just been chopped up into clips, podcasts, TikToks, and celebrity interviews designed for the algorithm? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon look at the past, present, and uncertain future of late night TV. Sparked by conversation around Stephen Colbert, they trace the format from Johnny Carson to David Letterman, Conan, Kimmel, Fallon, Colbert, and Canada’s own attempts to build a proper talk-show tradition. Richard reflects on hosting Pop Life, his bar-set talk show on CTV, and why there is still value in long-form, relaxed, curious conversation on television. Sarah makes the case that Canada needs more talk and variety shows ... not just for entertainment, but as part of a real star-making system. They also discuss Obsessed, Indie Navarette’s standout performance, Keke Palmer, Boots Riley’s I Love Boosters, and why smaller, stranger movies may be finding their way back into theatres.
May 14 · 53 min
When Roasts Stop Being Funny
Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon take on comedy as an art form… and why it so often gets treated like drama’s unserious cousin. They discuss the craft behind great comedy, from timing and rhythm to improv, physical performance, writing, surprise, and the invisible work that makes a joke land. They also dig into the Kevin Hart roast, modern roast culture, the difference between shock and surprise, and whether some comedy has become more about cruelty, grievance, and identity than actual jokes. Along the way: Kinky Boots, Mr. Dressup, Jim Carrey, Gary Shandling, the Comedy Cellar, the Joe Rogan comedy universe, and underrated comedy favourites including After Hours and I Love You to Death. Because if drama makes you cry, it’s art. But if comedy makes you laugh, somehow it still has to prove itself.
May 7 · 32 min
The Beatles or The Rolling Stones Forever
Mick Jagger is 82. Paul McCartney is 83. Ringo Starr is still making music. So are we witnessing a creative renaissance... or rock’s most determined refusal to retire? Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon discuss legacy artists, nostalgia, concert ticket prices, The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Wings, Billy Preston, and why some performers become heritage acts while others keep creating. Plus, squirrels, Paul Rudd, and the strange magic of artists who never quite leave the stage.
May 1 · 49 min
Huge Star Tiny Room
What if the best concert you’ll ever see… only has 50 people in the room? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard and Sarah explore the phenomenon of massive artists going small — from secret shows and fake band names to surprise appearances in tiny venues. Inspired by stories like The Rolling Stones at the El Mocambo and recent pop-up gigs from Olivia Rodrigo, they unpack why these intimate performances often feel more powerful than arena spectacles. Along the way, they share personal experiences, unforgettable moments with artists like Dr. John, and discuss what these small shows reveal about creativity, connection, and the true nature of performance. Because sometimes… stripping it all back is what makes it unforgettable.
April 24 · 49 min
Michael Jackson - Fact or Fiction
A new Michael Jackson biopic raises a familiar question… do audiences actually want the truth, or just a great show? This week, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon unpack the new film Michael and the growing trend of biopics that trade accuracy for spectacle. When a story as complex as Michael Jackson’s gets streamlined into a crowd-pleasing concert experience, what gets lost… and does it even matter? They explore the art vs. artist debate, the power of nostalgia, and why some cultural icons remain untouchable—no matter how complicated their legacy becomes. It’s a conversation about storytelling, memory, and the uncomfortable space where fact and entertainment collide.
April 16 · 43 min
SNL Secrets, Paul McCartney & The Death of Live TV
This week, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon explore the thrill—and fragility—of live performance. From Broadway productions like Rocky Horror and Chicago to the high-wire act of Saturday Night Live, they ask: what makes live entertainment feel so different… and why does it matter now more than ever? Richard shares a surreal night inside SNL during its 90s heyday—featuring Paul McCartney, Chris Farley, and an after-party encounter with Allen Ginsberg—while the hosts unpack the legacy of Lorne Michaels, the Canadian roots of SNL, and the challenge of staying relevant across generations. They also debate the rise of SNL UK, the evolution of sketch comedy, and why audiences are often hardest on the shows that take the biggest risks. A conversation about comedy, culture, and the irreplaceable magic of being there when anything can happen.
April 9 · 39 min
Angine de Poitrine - Secrets Revealed
What is Angine de Poitrine… and why is everyone suddenly talking about them? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, we break down the viral Quebec band turning heads by doing the exact opposite of what modern fame demands: staying anonymous. With triangle masks, a made-up language, and music that feels intentionally raw and unpredictable, Angine de Poitrine has become an online obsession—racking up millions of views and sparking debates about the future of music. So what’s really going on here? Is this: A rebellion against AI-generated perfection? A return to messy, human creativity? Or just the smartest branding move in years? We connect Angine de Poitrine to a bigger trend: From David Bowie to KISS to modern masked artists… why audiences are drawn to mystery, imperfection, and identity that isn’t fully revealed. Because in a world where everything is visible… maybe the most powerful move is to hide.
April 2 · 39 min
Why Canada’s Biggest Stars Keep Skipping the Junos
The Junos came and went… but where were Canada’s biggest stars? In this episode of Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon dig into the growing debate around Canadian identity in entertainment… and whether artists like Justin Bieber, Drake, and Tate McRae are still “Canadian” when it counts. Is it about where you’re born… or where your career is built? They break down: Why so many major artists skipped the Juno Awards Whether success in the U.S. changes an artist’s identity The idea of being “Canadian when convenient” Why artists like Joni Mitchell and Rush still feel deeply connected to Canada And whether Canada needs to rethink how it supports its own talent It’s a funny, sharp, and surprisingly real conversation about culture, success, and what we actually mean when we say “Canadian.” If you’ve ever wondered why Canada’s biggest stars don’t always come home… this one’s for you.
March 26 · 40 min
Buffy Got Cancelled… So Why Is Hollywood Obsessed With the 90s?
Buffy is cancelled… again. After years of development, a filmed pilot, and serious creative talent behind it, the Buffy the Vampire Slayer reboot is suddenly dead — and the timing couldn’t be worse. So what happened? This week, we start with Buffy… and zoom out to the bigger question: why does Hollywood keep going back? From The X-Files to a growing list of revivals, reboots and “reimaginings,” the industry seems stuck in a loop — mining the past instead of building something new. Is it nostalgia? Is it fear? Or is it just good business?
March 19 · 38 min
Red Carpet Controversy
Remember when red carpets were about journalism… and not vertical video, viral moments, and whether someone got free cake? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, hosts Richard Crouse and Sarah dive into the growing clash between influencers and traditional entertainment journalism — and ask the uncomfortable question: who actually belongs on the red carpet anymore? From the Oscars red carpet controversy to the backlash surrounding TikTok influencer Jake Shane at the Vanity Fair party, we break down what happens when viral culture meets legacy media… and whether the result is evolution or erosion. Along the way, we explore: How red carpet interviews have changed from journalism to content creation The rise of TikTok influencers in Hollywood spaces Whether viral moments are replacing meaningful conversations Behind-the-scenes stories from TIFF, press junkets, and old-school Hollywood access Why authenticity still matters — whether you have millions of followers or none Plus: BTS Army shows up in a big way, Richard shares wild junket stories (including Rome and the Vatican…), and Sarah defends the idea that maybe disruption isn’t the enemy — maybe it’s the point. Are influencers ruining the red carpet… or just revealing what it’s become?
March 12 · 38 min
The End of Touring (Unless You’re BTS)
BTS is back from military service — and their comeback show in Seoul is expected to draw 260,000 fans. Yes. A quarter of a million. Meanwhile, most bands can’t afford gas for the tour van. In this episode of Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon dive into the bizarre economics of live music: Why mega-concerts are getting bigger than ever Why the middle of the music industry is disappearing Why touring now costs so much artists sometimes lose money on the road And whether the future of music is stadium spectacles… or livestreams from someone’s living room The music industry isn’t dead. But it might be… broken.
March 5 · 37 min
Jim Carrey or a Clone - Whose Body Is It?
Did Jim Carrey really appear at the César Awards… or did the internet just decide he didn’t look like himself anymore? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon dig into the bizarre online conspiracy about Jim Carrey’s face — and why fans feel personally betrayed when celebrities age, change their look, or get a little work done. From Jennifer Grey’s infamous nose job to Hollywood’s impossible beauty standards, they explore why the public thinks it owns celebrity appearances… and why people would rather believe in clones and prosthetic masks than accept that famous people are just human. Plus: Richard shares stories from his early encounters with Jim Carrey and why the new indie film Sweetness is worth seeing. Because in the age of the internet, apparently even your own face isn’t yours anymore.
February 26 · 41 min
I’m Coming to the Cottage - You Can Finally Sleep in Your Favourite Show
Why do we travel just to stand where a movie scene was filmed? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon explore the booming world of film and TV tourism — from Twin Peaks and Ghostbusters to Hollywood landmarks and Ontario’s suddenly famous Heated Rivalry cottage. They unpack the nostalgia, escapism, and surprising economics behind visiting fictional worlds in real life… and ask whether renting a famous filming location is pure fan magic or brilliant marketing. Because sometimes the real destination isn’t the place — it’s the story.
February 19 · 37 min
Elbows Up… But Not at the Movies?
Canadians are proudly buying local, waving the maple leaf, and rallying behind homegrown culture — so why are Canadian movie theaters suddenly empty? This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard and Sarah unpack the surprising 40% drop in Canadian film attendance and ask a big question: if we love Canadian creators, why aren’t we showing up for Canadian movies? From Mike Myers’ cultural rallying cry to the legacy of comedy icons like John Candy, plus a heartfelt tribute to the late Robert Duvall, the conversation dives into movie-going habits, streaming culture, national identity, and whether Canadian storytelling needs a reinvention… or just a bigger audience. Are Canadian films overlooked, misunderstood, or simply waiting for their moment? Grab your popcorn — this one gets personal.
February 12 · 54 min
From Picasso to Bad Bunny: Art as Resistance
This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard Crouse and Sarah Hanlon hold up the “art is a mirror” cliché…then immediately use it to start a small, tasteful blaze. We’re talking art as resistance...from Picasso’s Guernica energy to pop culture moments that make the internet reveal its whole personality in public. We also take a beat to acknowledge the death of Dawson’s Creek star James Van Der Beek at 48, and why his openness about colorectal cancer matters...plus Richard’s blunt reminder that early screening can save your life (yes, even if you have “literally anything else” you’d rather do). Then it’s into the beautiful chaos: Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show as storytelling, culture, and a giant empathy machine...complete with NYC water data that proves half of New York held it together out of respect for the performance (and then absolutely did not). From there, we connect dots between protest music and icon moments...Sinead O’Connor, Billie Holiday’s “Strange Fruit,” Public Enemy, punk rock, Spike Lee, and what happens when resistance goes mainstream without getting sanded down into “brand-safe inspiration.” We also detour through Toronto’s disappearing music landmarks, including the news that Steve’s Music on Queen West is closing...and what that says about culture, community, and the slow gentrified vanishing of the places where scenes are born.
February 5 · 39 min
Melania and the Death of the Documentary
This week on Entertainment Is Broken, Richard and Sarah try to make sense of a glossy new Melania Trump “documentary” that feels less like filmmaking and more like the soft launch of a lifestyle brand. From its eye-watering budget to its suspicious lack of actual substance, the conversation quickly turns to what this project really is…and where it’s likely headed next (hint: streaming platform, branded candles, possibly an apron).
January 29 · 49 min
Traitors, Canada Shore & the Truth About Reality TV
Is reality TV trash…or is it secretly one of the most powerful storytelling tools we have? In this episode of Entertainment Is Broken, film critic Richard Crouse and reality-TV scholar and Big Brother Canada winner Sarah Hanlon dive deep into the past, present, and future of reality television — just as Canada Shore lands in Kelowna, BC and The Traitors Canada proves the genre is having a full-blown renaissance. We unpack where reality TV really began (hint: it wasn’t Jersey Shore), why shows like Survivor, Big Brother, The Traitors, Canada’s Drag Race, Love Island, and The Great British Bake Off keep pulling us in, and whether reality television is cultural junk food…or a machine for empathy.

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