Insiders: The TV Podcast

Expectation / Hat Trick

Every Friday, TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville take you behind the scenes of the world of television.

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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer

Peter ran TalkBack where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal.

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21 episodes
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Episodes21

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Today · 34 min
Ash Atallah on Unearthing The Office, His Worst Ever TV Show & Why He Left the BBC
Comedy producer Ash Atalla joins Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham to tell the inside story of The Office, his struggles trying to sell the IT Crowd and what the worst TV show he ever made was… In this episode: •How The Office got off the ground — and why nobody was guaranteed to believe in it •Why Ash left the BBC and founded Roughcut Television •The tough reality of trying to sell shows like The IT Crowd •What the worst TV show Ash ever made was and what he learned from it •Why streamers will buy shows like How to Get to Heaven from Belfast but not Big Boys •What the future holds for the TV industry •PLUS: The BBC, Channel 4, Netflix, new comedy, old-school commissioning, and more Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share the podcast with a friend – it really helps us grow. CHAPTERS 00:00 Coming Up... 01:53 Unearthing The Office, Big Boys and Stath Lets Flats 10:10 Joining Talkback & Starting Rough Cut 19:10 The Worst Show Ash Ever Made 22:45 How to Sell Shows Today 29:54 The Future of TV #TheOffice #AshAtalla #JimmyMulville #PeterFincham #TVPodcast #BritishComedy #BBC #Channel4 #RoughcutTelevision #TheITCrowd #PeopleJustDoNothing #StathLetsFlats #BigBoys #Television #Comedy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 31 · 33 min
The BBC’S Controversial New Ad, Luke Littler’s Netflix Show & Have UK TV's Diversity Pledges Failed?
"What has the BBC ever done for me...?" TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville take on the BBC's much-debated new advert, dig into Hollywood's revolt against the $110 billion Paramount-Warner Bros Discovery merger, and ask whether anyone can ‘Beat Luke Littler’ in his new Netflix show… In this episode: Is the BBC's "What Has The BBC Ever Done For Me?" advert a costly own goal? Hollywood stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Alan Cumming and Benedict Wong speak out against the Paramount-WBD merger A new report revealing UK TV's diversity promises that haven't delivered The latest on Donald Trump's $10 billion lawsuit against the BBC Luke Littler’s new Netflix show with £501,000 prize pot PLUS: Chris Martin's baffling cameo, Count Binface’s election chances and why Peter reckons he's more "Luke Littler" than "Mo Farah" Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify and share it with a friend – it really helps us grow! #BBC #RomeshRanganathan #BBCFundedByAllOfUs #ThisIsOurBBC #BBCAdvert #Advert #LicenceFee #2026 #Paramount #WarnerBrosDiscovery #LukeLittler #Diversity #DonaldTrump #Podcast #Television #Netflix #TVNews #InsidersPodcast Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I'm Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: @insiderstvpodcast Email: podcasts@hattrick.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 24 · 36 min
Should Broadcasters Be Removing British Comedy History? And More Listener Questions!
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville answer listener questions on Channel 4 and Netflix removing classic sitcom episodes, the secret scheduling battle between the BBC and ITV and why some revived formats soar while others flop. Correction: It was actually Matt Berry's character of Douglas who dates April, not Chris O'Dowd's character Roy. You'll forgive us for getting this mistaken – we obviously couldn't watch the episode to check! In this episode: Why Channel 4 removed “The Speech” episode of The IT Crowd Why Netflix removed episodes of Little Britain, Come Fly with Me & The Mighty Boosh The Fawlty Towers, Father Ted and Peep Show scenes that got cut or pulled entirely Whether broadcasters should be editing TV history How the BBC and ITV secretly traded schedules ahead of the Radio Times deadline and why the ITV's Christmas strategy was always to "lose with honour" Forgotten TV creatives, like Brian Clemens, who never get mentioned today Why revivals like Gladiators and Blankety Blank succeeded as revivals when Challenge Anneka and Blind Date didn't The real story behind Have I Got News for You's rotating host, and how QI almost had a very different presenter How actors fake smoking, drinking and eating on screen Have a question or opinion? Leave a comment on Spotify, find us on socials (@InsidersTVPod), or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please give us a 5-star rating on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, it really helps us grow. #BBC #ITV #Channel4 #Netflix #ITCrowd #FawltyTowers #FatherTed #PeepShow #LittleBritain #TVPodcast #BritishTV #Television #InsidersTVPod #HaveIGotNewsForYou #QI #Gladiators #PublicServiceBroadcasting #Streaming #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 17 · 39 min
Should Under-16s Be Banned From Social Media? Time Team's Patreon Fortune & Snubbing Tom Hanks with Strongwatch Studios
Ben Powell-Jones and Thom Gulseven of Strongwatch Studios join Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville to reveal what it was really like to work at LADbible when it was booming, why they had to turn down Tom Hanks and whether the UK's proposed social media ban for under-16s can actually work. In this episode: •Why they said no to Tom Hanks's agent (and almost turned down Billie Eilish) •How a £500 video made £80k overnight (and why platform ad revenue can vanish just as fast) •Building LADbible's YouTube channel from zero to millions of views •Why Patreon and direct-to-consumer content is the future of monetisation, from Fin vs History to Time Team •Why focus groups lie (and what LADbible's data really showed about who was watching Love Island) •How TV and YouTube are merging, from Rest Is Football's move to Netflix to broadcasters commissioning entire YouTube channels •Their honest take on the UK's proposed social media ban for under-16s Have a question or opinion? Leave a comment, find us on socials (@InsidersTVPod), or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review 5-star review, share it with a friend and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! CHAPTERS 00:00 Meet Strongwatch Studios 04:37 Building LADbible's YouTube Empire 09:44 Snubbing Tom Hanks and (almost) Billie Eilish 12:40 Starting a Company in a Constantly Changing Digital World 15:30 Patreon and the Rise of Direct-to-Consumer Content 22:10 Data in Digital versus TV and why Focus Groups Lie 23:07 TV as ‘Secondary Distribution for YouTube’ 26:05 Broadcasters Now Commissioning YouTube Channels 33:20 The Social Media Ban for Under-16s #YouTube #LADbible #SocialMediaBan #StrongwatchStudios #ContentCreator #Patreon #TVPodcast #BritishTV #DigitalMedia #InsidersTVPod #TomHanks #BillieEilish #CreatorEconomy #Streaming #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 10 · 37 min
Sky buys ITV: How will this change what we see on TV?
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville discuss Count Binface, the BBC's World Cup cost saving efforts, Sky's ITV purchase, and Peppa Pig using A.I. Topics discussed: Farage vs Count Binface BBC not going to the US in the World Cup Quarter Finals The Sky/ITV deal Peppa Pig using A.I. for its younger voice actors Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Farage vs Count Binface 03:20 The BBC's World Cup cost saving efforts 09:27 Sky's ITV deal 29:19 Peppa Pig + A.I. Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend — it really helps us grow. #CountBinface #NigelFarage #BBC #ITV #FifaWorldCup2026 #Sky #ITV #PeppaPig #GeneWilder Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
July 3 · 38 min
Jimmy & Peter Answer Your Questions
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville address your comments and questions regarding the BBC's Sarah Everard drama, axing long-running TV shows, Claude writing quiz show questions, as well as discussing Michael Grade's recent comments about terms of trade. Topics discussed: Michael Grade's comments regarding terms of trade The BBC's Sarah Everard drama Exploitative true crime shows TV quiz show question writing Claude and the use of AI in TV Axing long-running TV shows Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:12 Michael Grade's comments regarding terms of trade 09:59 Question 1) regarding the BBC's Sarah Everard drama 12:11 Question 2) regarding the BBC's Sarah Everard drama 13:26 Statement from Lindsay Salt, BBC Director of Drama 19:16 Question 3) regarding exploitative true crime TV shows 20:49 Question 4) some dramatisations are simply poor taste 23:09 Questions from Kenton Allen 24:16 Question 5) regarding TV quiz show question writing and AI 29:59 Peter's Bob Dylan quiz 35:01 Question 6) regarding the axing of long-running TV shows 37:09 Outro Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend — it really helps us grow. #MichaelGrade #BBC #BBCDrama #SarahEverard #TrueCrime #KentonAllen #Quiz #QuizShows #Mastermind #BobDylan #TheBill #GMTV Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: podcasts@hattrick.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 26 · 35 min
The World Cup Coverage Battle | BBC's 500 Job Cuts | The Government's Social Media Green Paper
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville tackle the World Cup coverage battle, the TV Festival's Manchester move, the BBC's 500 job cuts, and the Government's social media green paper - recorded on the UK's hottest June day on record! Topics discussed: The UK's Prime Minister England cs Ghana The World Cup coverage battle between the BBC & ITV The Edinburgh TV Festival moving to Manchester The BBC's 500 job cuts The Government's social media green paper Chapters: 00:00 Intro 01:30 The UK's next PM 02:06 England vs Ghana 02:32 What's on the show today? 03:13 The World Cup coverage battle 10:00 The Edinburgh TV Festival moves to Manchester 14:30 Hydration Break 14:53 The BBC's 500 job cuts 25:01 The Government's social media green paper 35:25 Outro Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend — it really helps us grow. #PrimeMinister #AndyBurnham #England #FIFAWorldCup2026 #BBC #ITV #HydrationBreak #EdinburghTVFestival #Manchester #UKGovernment #GreenPaper #YouTube Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: podcasts@hattrick.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 19 · 40 min
C4's Charlie Perkins on Comedy
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville are joined by Channel 4's Head of Comedy Charlie Perkins to discuss the importance of comedy for a channel identity, monetising comedy on YouTube, SNL's budget, talent deals and how hit comedies can prove a good investment years after their first release. Topics discussed: Channel 4's sitcom commissions Comedy + YouTube SNL UK New comedy talent Producer's rights Monetising comedy on YouTube Chapters: 00:00 Intro 02:40 Channel 4's sitcom commissions 04:25 The value of comedy 08:10 Comedy on digital platforms 09:27 The trickle down effect in comedy 11:45 SNL UK's on C4? 14:13 TV + Comedy talent 19:45 Will YouTube change how we make TV? 27:26 How to monetise comedy on YouTube 38:07 What's your pitch for more comedy on Channel 4? Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend — it really helps us grow. #Comedy #Channel4 #SNLUK #YouTube #DontHugMeImScared Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: podcasts@hattrick.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 12 · 36 min
2026 World Cup Kick Off
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville debate whether it’s coming home after 60 years of hurt in this 2026 World Cup episode that covers The Rest Is Football’s lucrative Netflix deal, extortionate live sport paywalls, and nostalgic chat about previous world cups. Topics discussed: England winning the World Cup in 1966 The Rest Is Football Netflix series World Cup Coverage tussles between BBC and ITV Are sport paywalls taking the piss? The ongoing issue of viewers illegally streaming live sports events Will the 2026 World Cup make Americans finally love football or, as they continue to call it, soccer What is the future relationship between live sports and free-to-air television? Geopolitics and football The World Cup and Brazil at Goodison Park, 1966 Players who were destined for greatness but sadly never achieved it Chapters: 00.00 - The 1966 World Cup 05.27 - The Rest Is Football World Cup coverage 13.37 - Live sport behind paywalls / Illegal live sport streaming 17.10 - Will America learn to love football? 20.12 - Listed events / World Cup coverage 24.26 - Watching the 2026 World Cup / Geopolitics in football 28.05 - World Cup at Goodison Park Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please like, subscribe, and share the podcast with a friend — it really helps us grow. #2026WorldCup #TVPodcast #TheRestIsFootball #paywalls #soccer #GoodisonPark #DonaldTrump #ColePalmer #BBC #ITV #LiveSports Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: podcasts@hattrick.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
June 5 · 34 min
Should a Man Write the Sarah Everard Drama? 400 Female Screenwriters vs. The BBC
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville debate the BBC's controversial Sarah Everard drama and whether a man should be writing it, explore how the Married at First Sight UK fallout could threaten Love Island, and confirm your suspicions: your favourite TV shows DO keep disappearing for longer and longer… Topics discussed: The 400 female screenwriters who signed an open letter against the BBC commissioning Jeff Pope to write the Sarah Everard drama Should men write dramas about violence against women? Or is it too soon for a factual drama about Sarah Everard at all? Love Island relaunching under the shadow of the Married at First Sight UK/Panorama scandal What next for MAFS UK after all episodes taken down from Channel 4, TUI pulls sponsorship and the "hush email" sent to workers? The Stranger Things Effect: why the gap between TV seasons has more than doubled in a decade – and does it actually matter? After the success of ice hockey romance dramas Heated Rivalry and Off Campus, is sport + sex TV's hottest new genre? Could croquet, bowls or darts be the UK's answer to ice hockey romance? Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review 5-star review, share it with a friend and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! Chapters: 0:00 Intro and Jon Petrie joining Hat Trick Productions 2:51 The Sarah Everard Drama: Should a Man Be Writing It? 14:35 Love Island, Married at First Sight UK & Reality TV's Reckoning? 25:06 The Stranger Things Effect: Why TV Shows Disappear for Years 30:33 Ice Hockey Romance: TV's Hottest New Genre? #BBCDrama #SarahEverard #LoveIsland #MarriedAtFirstSight #StrangerThingsEffect #TVNews #BehindTheScenes #UKTelevision #PeterFincham #JimmyMulville #InsidersPodcast #BBCControversy # #TwinPeaks #HappyValley #StrangerThings #Euphoria #TVPodcast #BritishTV #RealityTV #JeffPope #MAFS #Channel4 #HatTrick #TVIndustry #ScreenwritingDebate #HeatedRivalry #OffCampus #TVDrama Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: podcasts@hattrick.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 29 · 37 min
Why Do Great TV Shows Often End So Badly? How To Tell an Actor They’re Being Killed Off & Why Polymarket has Changed Reality TV Forever
TV Insiders Jimmy Mulville and Peter Fincham discuss whether Euphoria is on its final series, how to end a TV hit properly, why killing off characters can backfire, how prediction markets like Kalshi and Polymarket are spoiling reality TV shows like Survivor, and what the BBC can learn from YouTube. They also talk about: The Bear and Emily in Paris announcing their final series The endings of Derry Girls and The Sopranos compared to Game of Thrones What it was like to cancel shows like the The Bill and Bodies The art of writing shocking character deaths in shows like Emmerdale Who tells the talent that they’ve been written out of a show The ‘Prediction Markets’ could change reality TV forever How outcomes of The Masked Singer, Next Level Chef and The Bachelorette were all correctly predicted months before they even aired Matt Brittin’s comments on the BBC, improving the iPlayer and YouTube Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review 5-star review, share it with a friend and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! #TV #Television #BBC #Euphoria #TheBear #DerryGirls #GameOfThrones #Survivor #Survivor50 #DowntonAbbey #Eastenders #Emmerdale #RealityTV #YouTube #Podcast #Insiders #PeterFincham #JimmyMulville #Kalshi #Polymarket Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 22 · 36 min
Michael Grade on Solving the BBC’s Big Problems, MAFS UK Allegations & Running Channel 4
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville are joined by Michael Grade to talk about the challenges facing new BBC Director General Matt Brittin, questions asked of Channel 4 after allegations made about Married at First Sight UK and Blackadder, Doctor Who, Father Ted and more! In this episode: What the new BBC Director General needs to do first, and why coming in from the outside can be a strength Why Michael Grade thinks the BBC should take more risks and become “a nursery and not a grocery” The BBC’s culture, Oxbridge snobbery, scheduling, and why the middle of television has disappeared Why the BBC needs to justify public money in a streaming world and what its real purpose should be Michael Grade’s take on Channel 4, new voices, and whether it can survive as a smaller, distinctive broadcaster The Married at First Sight UK allegations, duty of care, and whether reality TV has gone too far Telling talent the truth, spotting blind spots, and why great TV still depends on taste Blackadder, Father Ted, Doctor Who and more! Have a question or opinion? Leave a comment, find us on socials (@InsidersTVPod), or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, make sure to give us a 5 star rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify, follow the podcast wherever you're listening to it now and share this episode with a friend — it really helps us grow. Chapters 00:00 Coming up! 01:10 The Challenges for the New BBC Director General 18:19 Running Channel 4 22:35 Almost Cancelling Black Adder 25:07 Married at First Sight UK and reality TV ethics 30:55 The Rest of Michael's Career #BBC #MichaelGrade #MarriedAtFirstSightUK #Channel4 #DoctorWho #Blackadder #FatherTed #RealityTV #TVPodcast #BritishTV #Television #InsidersTVPod #PublicServiceBroadcasting #BAFTA #Streaming #Podcast Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 15 · 33 min
Eurovision Turns Off Anti-Booing Software | The BBC BAFTA Backlash & A Wordle TV Show!?
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville tackle Eurovision's biggest controversy yet, the BBC getting called out at the BAFTA TV awards, and why Wordle could actually work as a prime-time TV show. In this episode: Why Eurovision 2026 final has been marred by the row over Israel’s inclusion and why the contest has become more political than ever The BBC’s handling of the Gaza: Doctors Under Attack BAFTA speech and what it says about broadcaster pressure How Wordle could work as a television format, and how Tipping Point was commissioned Stephen Colbert bidding farewell to The Late Show with his fellow hosts Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel, John Oliver and Seth Myers in Strike Force Five reunion James Corden teams up with Rio Ferdinand to make his return to FIFA World Cup coverage Listener reactions, questions and more Have a question or opinion? Leave a comment, find us on socials (@InsidersTVPod), or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com If you enjoyed the episode, please make sure you're following the podcast, leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and share an episode with a friend — it really helps us grow #Eurovision #Eurovision2026 #Wordle #TippingPoint #BBC #BAFTA #StephenColbert #TheLateShow #StrikeForceFive #FIFAWorldCup #WorldCup #TV #Podcast #Television #Channel4 #Streaming #InsidersTVPod Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 8 · 34 min
Why Helena Bonham Carter left The White Lotus | Celebrity Traitors, AI & David Attenborough
TV Insiders Peter Fincham and Jimmy Mulville break down Helena Bonham Carter’s shock exit from The White Lotus Season 4, discuss the huge Celebrity Traitors line-up and celebrate Sir David Attenborough’s 100th birthday. In this episode: •The White Lotus announcement from HBO and what “creative differences” actually means in television •The surprising omission from the Celebrity Traitors cast •Why the BBC still beats Netflix and Amazon at “event TV” •How AI is already changing television editing and ADR •The career decision that made David Attenborough a legend •PLUS: your reactions to our AI in editing debate, Hollywood power struggles, BBC commissioning insights, and more Have a question, opinion or suggestion? Leave a comment on Spotify or YouTube, find us on socials @InsidersTVPod, or email us at podcasts@hattrick.com. If you enjoyed the episode, please leave a review 5-star review, share it with a friend and subscribe so you don’t miss an episode! CHAPTERS 00:00 Intro 01:08 Celebrity Traitors lineup revealed 07:49 Helena Bonham Carter exits The White Lotus 15:33 AI controversy in TV editing 22:13 David Attenborough at 100 30:47 Corrections, cocaine and conclusions #TheWhiteLotus #CelebrityTraitors #DavidAttenborough #HelenaBonhamCarter #MikeWhite #AI #BBC #Netflix #Streaming #Television #Podcast Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
May 1 · 40 min
Trump accuses the BBC of using AI on him (And the editing technique changing TV forever)
Peter and Jimmy catch up on Expectation’s new gameshow pilot, as well as Jimmy’s attendance at a charity event for the Andy Taylor Foundation, before turning to the week’s TV news. They discuss the cancellation of Football Focus after 52 years on our screens, and what it says about how audiences now consume football content. From there, they debate whether an AI editing technique used on a TV show should have been banned by the production — exploring whether ethical boundaries can be maintained, if it enhances or undermines creativity, and whether the industry is resisting inevitable change. This leads them to unpack Donald Trump’s accusation that the BBC used AI in a Panorama documentary to defame him, and why that misunderstanding could weaken his $10 billion lawsuit against the corporation. Finally, they look at how formats like A League of Their Own are evolving beyond television into live events and broader IP monetisation strategies. Plus: Alan Titchmarsh’s unsigned wellies, Paul Simon’s decades-long grudge, and why every drama set in Liverpool seems to benefit from a conveniently placed bag of cocaine… Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: InsidersTVPod@expectationtv.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod The producer is Owen Braben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 24 · 36 min
Who really controls what you watch? (And why TV sackings are always messy...)
Peter and Jimmy bid farewell to Ian Katz, the outgoing Chief Content Officer at Channel 4, reflecting on what really happens when a top TV executive steps down before answering listener questions. They unpack who really holds creative power in TV versus film — from auteur directors and “final cut” culture in Hollywood to why, in television, producers and writers often overrule directors in the edit. They also lift the lid on how shows get recommissioned or cancelled, revealing the crucial role of schedulers, the temptation to keep ageing hits on air, and how streamers’ data-driven decisions could be the death of the “slow burn” success story. And finally, they tackle why there’s no ‘right way’ to sack someone in TV when people rarely believe they deserve to go. Plus, Peter’s top fashion tips, Jimmy’s new ‘Guess That Fishy Channel Controller’ gameshow, and why you should never say never on a Saudi Arabian version of Outnumbered… Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: InsidersTVPod@expectationtv.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod The producer is Owen Braben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 17 · 42 min
Do TV Execs Think You’re Stupid? Hollywood A-listers fight back against Paramount and Big BBC Cuts
This week, Peter and Jimmy discuss Christopher Eccleston’s claim that TV executives think audiences are “stupid”, and swap war stories from the front line of tricky commissioning meetings. Later, they chat about the actors and producers in the US rallying together to oppose the Paramount-Warner Brothers merger. They then set about unpicking the BBC’s announcement of 2,000 job cuts, a hiring freeze, and the interim DG’s surprising candour around the current funding model being “unsustainable" and "reaching the end of its sell-by date". Plus, we get live reaction to Content Chief Ian Katz leaving Channel 4, some insight into the world of being an ex-channel controller, and as Peter reports back on his recent visit to Clarkson’s Farm, we ask, what exactly does an executive producer actually do? (clue: mostly get in the way on set) Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: InsidersTVPod@expectationtv.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod The producer is Owen Braben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 10 · 35 min
HBO Max launch frustrations, how Alan Sugar got the gig on The Apprentice, and the shows you couldn’t make today...
This week, Peter and Jimmy ask whether the arrival of HBO Max might be nudging us all dangerously close to peak demand for subscription services. Does the subscription model thrive as much on inertia as it does on the content they offer? And is that really sustainable? We talk revisionism when it comes to the question of what’s acceptable on television, and ask what are the shows that we love today that we’ll one day be embarrassed by? And with a new series in full swing on BBC1, Jimmy shares fond memories of some left-field HIGNFY bookings. Some of whom were memorable for all the right reasons (Play Your Iraqi Cards Right, anyone?). Some of whom were just memorable... Plus, the BBC Twat Memo, Peter’s irrational fear of watching medical dramas, and wishing David Dimbleby well in his retirement. Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: InsidersTVPod@expectationtv.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod The producer is Owen Braben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 3 · 34 min
Greg Dyke on the BBC’s new DG, how to get your staff on side & the importance of public service broadcasting
Jimmy and Peter are joined by former Director General Greg Dyke as he talks the highs and lows of his time running the BBC, and what advice he’d give to Matt Brittin as he prepares to take on the top job. During his 4 years as DG, Dyke oversaw huge changes at every level of the organisation, from the birth of the iPlayer to a concerted effort to make the BBC less London-centric. But it was the row with the government over the Iraq war, and the Hutton Report that followed, that came to define his time in charge. He talks candidly about what that experience was like, and his regrets looking back more than 20 years later. Plus, the bygone era of union dominance of television, unlikely book buying in Kampala, and why, if anyone ever asks you to join the LWT share options scheme, you should always, always say yes. Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: InsidersTVPod@expectationtv.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod The producer is Owen Braben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 27 · 34 min
Matt Brittin to be the next DG, SNL UK launches on Sky, and Bob Monkhouse’s famous joke books are back in the news
This week, Peter and Jimmy discuss the challenges that lie ahead for Matt Brittin as he’s (finally) confirmed as the next DG. While he’s doubtless a vastly able and experienced corporate leader, his in-tray already looks unenviable. We wish him well. The British iteration of SNL launched last weekend. There was a bit of sniping from the critics, but it was fundamentally a really strong start, and a very funny show. Could this be the turning the point that convinces broadcasters to start commissioning sketch shows again? And in this week’s political-correctness-gone-mad news, Peter and Jimmy offer their analysis of the fuss around The Repair Shop and Bob Monkhouse’s joke books. Plus, Peter’s youthful dreams of being a cox (in the rowing sense), Jimmy’s zooms with the obscenely handsome Jamie Dornan, and the unlikely link between Matt Brittin’s Cambridge alma mater and the world of television. Jimmy Mulville is the co-founder and Chief Executive of Hat Trick Productions. His list of hit shows includes Have I Got News For You, 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 to be recreated for American network television by a British producer. Peter Fincham ran TalkBack, where he executive produced many of their biggest shows including I’m Alan Partridge, Never Mind The Buzzcocks, and Da Ali G Show. He went on to be Controller of BBC1, then he was Director of Television at ITV, before returning to the independent sector as the co-CEO of Expectation, the company behind Clarkson's Farm and Alma's Not Normal. New episodes every Friday. YouTube: / @insiderstvpodcast Email: InsidersTVPod@expectationtv.com Instagram: @InsidersTVPod The producer is Owen Braben Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.