The Plot Thickens

Turner Classic Movies brought their A-game with The Plot Thickens, hosted by the ever-charming Ben Mankiewicz. The format is serialized seasons — six so far — each one zeroing in on a single subject from Hollywood history and giving it the full investigative treatment. The most recent season tells the bonkers story behind the 1963 Cleopatra production: Elizabeth Taylor's medical emergencies, the Taylor-Burton affair that scandalized the world, and budget overruns that nearly bankrupted 20th Century Fox. Mankiewicz brings real hosting chops to every episode. He knows exactly when to let a wild anecdote breathe and when to push the narrative forward, and his genuine affection for these stories comes through clearly. Each episode runs about 45-55 minutes, which is the sweet spot for serialized storytelling. With 71 episodes total, a 4.7-star rating, and over 5,300 reviews on Apple Podcasts, this is TCM at its finest — combining genuine archival research with the warmth of someone who clearly loves these films. Previous seasons have covered other major Hollywood stories with equal depth, so there is a rich back catalog to explore once you finish the latest season. It feels like watching a great documentary, except you can enjoy it on your commute or while doing dishes.