Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network Launch Primetime

Primetime is a new seasonal podcast about the history of television and its impact on American culture from Vox and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Hosted by Vox’s Critic-at-Large, Todd VanDerWerff (@tvoti), the first six-episode season focuses on the storied relationship between our nation’s highest office and its favorite news and entertainment medium.

From the famed Nixon-Kennedy debates to today’s “Reality TV Presidency,” Primetime explores how TV has played a critical role in how presidents communicate with the public as well as the way we remember their legacies – from their milestone accomplishments to their representations across television.

“Since its inception, television has played a critical role in shaping American culture – influencing conversations in living rooms and at office water coolers, even decisions made inside the Oval Office,” VanDerWerff said. “Primetime shows us how the power of TV has both reflected and changed our collective culture for the better and worse.”

Throughout the season, VanDerWerff will speak with TV showrunners and writers including Mike Schur, Diane English, David Litt, Evan Katz, Barbara Hall, and Eli Attie, as well as journalists, critics, and historians like Joy Press, Willa Paskin, and Nicole Hemmer.

Available Episodes include:

1. Why Washington can’t escape The West Wing
2. 24’s twisted relationship with the war on terror
3. The fictional presidencies of Hillary Clinton
4. When the vice president took on a sitcom character

Coming Soon:

1. The Communicators: Ronald Reagan and Barack Obama
2. The First & Last TV Presidents: Richard Nixon and Donald Trump

Listen to the first three episodes of Primetime today and subscribe for free on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or in your favorite podcast app to automatically receive new episodes. Learn more about new shows from the Vox Media Podcast Network on our newsroom.

About the Vox Media Podcast Network

The Vox Media Podcast Network is one of the largest, fastest-growing, and most topically diverse collections of high-quality podcasts. With more than 100 active shows from Vox Media’s editorial networks and partners, our network is home to a show to feed every passion — from daily news and policy, to tech and business, to culture and sports.