Pilot TV Podcast

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From the creators of The Empire Film Podcast, Pilot TV is your essential guide to every TV show that matters, providing a weekly rundown of all the new must-see TV shows dropping across streaming, terrestrial, satellite, cable, and beyond. Join Empire's James Dyer, Heat's Boyd Hilton, and Kay Ribeiro as they bring you breaking TV news, reviews of the week's major shows, and interviews with some of the biggest names in TV.

Pilot TV is here to make sure every minute you spend in front of the box is a minute worth spending. Served with a heavy helping of insider knowledge, irreverence and humour, Pilot TV won't just keep you informed, amused and entertained, but is guaranteed to save countless hours of your life. Because you can’t watch *everything*.

Enjoying the podcast? Sign up to Pilot+ for a bonus episode every Thursday, in-depth spoiler specials, and early, ad-free access to the regular show — www.empireonline.com/pilottv

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Recent Reviews
  • rogfitz
    Tv review heaven
    Being a Brit living in the US this is a great resource for learning about English TV to hunt out, as well other stuff too. I’ve enjoyed shows I would not normally not watch but have been amazing like ‘this is gonna hurt’ and ‘it’s a sin’ and avoided some clangers too. Superb banter from the pilot crew. Viva la pilot plus, a worthy investment
  • Timelynow
    Timing is everything
    Put the timings in you unhelpful people we don’t have all day
  • TimestampsPlz
    Please
    Put timestamps in your episode descriptions
  • Jami You
    Love the pod!
    I can listen to their banters all day
  • Kchauhan
    Fantastic Podcast!
    Lately I’ve been looking forward to the Pilot TV and Pilot TV + podcasts more than the Empire Podcast.
  • ImVictorCheng
    This show helps me keep my sanity
    The banters between hosts, the long discussions about cooking and Boyd’s massive TV are sometimes more interesting than the actual show.
  • KristenOHara
    The Best!
    It’s the only podcast I listen to all the way to the end every week! ❤️❤️❤️
  • LindseyReecher
    Better late than never review!
    Longtime listener, Pilot+ subscriber, first time reviewer... better late than never? I am a huge TV fan and work in the industry, and this is the best TV podcast I've found, by far. I love learning about shows on the big streamers and so many great UK shows I might not have otherwise heard of, being from the US. (Now I need to petition local streamers to pick more of them up, and release them closer to their UK premiere dates!) The Co-Pilots all come with knowledgeable and differing POVs that compliment and contrast each other well. Like James, I cannot stand 99% of reality shows and run away from cringe humor. Like Kay, I love foreign titles and grew up with some of the best YA shows that have ever aired. And like Boyde, I'm an equal-opportunity trier of new shows, and watch so much that I have trouble retaining names and plot points. Thank you for broadening my TV horizons and making me laugh twice a week!
  • gwyn_f
    Unmissable TV chat
    I'd still listen to James, Kay and Boyd if they were discussing the local weather. As it is their collective insights into must-see TV and related news make this one of the most entertaining and informative podcasts out there. UK based, but more than overlaps with show availability in the US and probably Fiji. Highly rec'd.
  • Enchantmentfel
    Don’t listen for insightful television reviews, as you’ll be getting sound bites only
    I am not a regular listener of this podcast but listened for a review of a particular show called Sanditon. I found it interesting that the three people on the podcast reviewed season 3 of Sanditon without watching season 2 at all, and with one person watching 2 episodes of season 1, skipping season 2 altogether then watching season 3. It is a shame that they gave their opinions on a season that told the second half of story arcs that were begun on season 2 when the show was brought back. To say that you love Austen adaptations but complain that they’re not lavish enough boggles my mind. You would not have liked the Andrew Davies adaptations of Pride and Prejudice or Sense and Sensibility for one thing. You cannot say that there is no chemistry between the lead couple when there is an explanation for their awkwardness with each other, and proves that you haven’t seen season 2 at all. I did not find the banter to be particularly amusing, and now that I know that the hosts are more interested in being clever than being knowledgeable, I will take a pass on this podcast.
  • emcma
    Like Catching Up with Mates
    Listen to both this and Pilot+ every week. Honestly it’s like I’m sitting with friends as they discuss what they’ve watched in the week. Don’t watch a show unless they say it’s good!
  • kat_33
    Always incisive. Always clever.
    Pilot tv plus subscriber from the US. This podcast offers a refreshing perspective on the shows you are probably already watching and many you haven’t heard of if you aren’t living in the UK.
  • pdn190
    My most favorite general waffle podcast!
    Pilot+ subscriber here. I subscribe for the banter between Team Hilt-beiro and Team Expanse. The television stuff is a bonus! No, really, this is an excellent discussion of all things television.
  • spatr10
    Finally 5 stars
    Loyal Pilot Plus subscriber but somehow after years of James banging on about ratings I discover I’ve never written one for the Pilot pod proper. Love the show, even though I don’t get to watch half of what you all discuss from here in the US!
  • dcgesx
    City on Fire
    Five stars for covering City on Fire
  • Thank You B E
    Workplace Dramedy?
    This is a fine podcast about peak TV. Host James Dyer read a version of this review, a jest which he shared because he’s a fun host of a fun pod. Come for the peak TV, stay for the banter, disagreements, television knowledge, and the laughs. Good folks that brighten the day.
  • Android Simon
    Simon’s Review via Mel
    This is without doubt my favourite podcast - the highlight of my podcast-based entertainment! All three co-hosts (James Dyer, Kay Ribeiro & TV's Boyd Hilton are very knowledgeable and seem to have known each other for years. The chat really flows and although they don't always agree it's great to get three different takes on what's new on TV each week. I can also recommend spending £1.99 a month (even less if you pay annually!) to sign up for Pilot+. This is an extra pod that drops on Thursdays giving you an extra review and some spoiler-based chat on shows such as Succession, Yellowjackets and others. Overall, a really fun and informative listen - 5 stars from me. (Mel here - couldn’t have said it better myself! And very happy I could bring Android and Apple together for the greater good. This is the way. 💚)
  • laurenSpark
    Cake and Citadel Miniatures
    Here for it all. I see you, James, and you’re doing great.
  • dmbcrush91103
    Besties
    Have been listening to Pilot since the beginning as I am an avid listener of the Empire podcast as well. I’m now a Pilot Plus subscriber to boot. As an American I don’t even get to see some of the shows they discuss but I listen regardless because I like spending time with this crew. Though I miss Terri dearly both Beth and now Kay have been wonderful additions to the show. I love Kay and hope she stays for the long haul. I wish I could catch a match at Emirates with Boydie (let’s go Gunners) and nerd out about Star Trek with James, perhaps over a blueberry muffin. I have to admit I do sometimes worry the other hosts actually dislike James but the ribbing is part of what makes the Pilot team so relatable and enjoyable to listen to. Quite simply the best TV podcast out there.
  • Austin_Rose
    Boyd, thank you!!
    I am both a long-time and avid listener of the Pilot TV Podcast (I pretty much devour the episodes the second they drop while doing whatever it is I’m doing—I don’t work Mondays). I am a born-and-raised American, from the modern-day dystopia of Oklahoma no less, and I can understand everybody and their accents perfectly, for what that’s worth. I love the witty banter and (sometimes) genuinely funny humor, as well as all three’s willingness to “stick to their guns” regarding their opinions. Nobody is afraid to disagree with each other and/or occasionally eviscerate a bad show when most other podcasts tend to be too gentle with their criticism (I particularly love when Boyd goes off on something). I also really appreciate James’ unwavering insistence to relentlessly push every good sci-fi/fantasy show (and plenty that are not good). Somebody has to promote all these brilliant shows such as “See”, “The Expanse”, “Devs”, “The OA”, etc that not enough people are watching! Although I will say that I wish you would talk more about the greatest show ever made, “Dark”, but that’s nitpicking. I haven’t left a review until now, but something inspired me to. A couple weeks ago, Boyd mentioned, more or less just in passing, that his favorite novel of all-time is “The Yiddish Policemen’s Union” by Michael Chabon. Well I’ve started reading it, and I must say, it is absolutely astonishing. Bold, lavish, and extraoooooordinary you might even say. So all that to say, thank you Boydie for using your platform of a TV podcast to introduce this devoted listener to something completely unrelated to TV, but brilliant nonetheless! Also, did you know that the Coen brothers were attached to write and direct a film adaptation after the success of “No Country for Old Men”, to be produced by (the now disgraced) Scott Rudin no less? I feel like we missed out on an all-time masterpiece with that one, extraordinary source material with two of the greatest filmmakers in cinema history. Oh well, “such is life”, as everyone’s favorite father/mentor figure in film right now would say.
  • Tokimo
    Fixing my toxic review! This is a great podcast
    I left a negative review before that was unnecessarily harsh. Having a bad day I guess but that's no excuse. The PILOT TV gang always delivers a great blend of lively discussion news and insightful reviews.
  • ThorinBlade
    An Amazing TV Podcast - Accents, Bellendery, and All!
    I’ve been a US Empire and Pilot listener for a long time and nothing motivated me to write a review until I heard the review/whining about the accents! The individual in question said they were a listener from the very beginning, which seems unlikely given that in the beginning there was Terri (gods love her) who’s accent was FAR more obscure and thick (the FOOK) than anyone since! James is my spirit animal and his love/obsession for sci-fi and fantasy speaks to my soul. Add this pod to your list and come back early and often! -Thorinblade Mesa, AZ, US
  • Tomiohgeez
    For all the Jameses of the world
    This has been my favorite podcast since… whenever it was James finally added the intro music. I’m embarrassed to admit that I am the ‘James’ among my friends and agree with probably 98% of everything he says. As much as I miss Beth, I love Kay (and was grateful for the addition of a person of color). And who doesn’t love some Boydie! I do have to ask—am I the only one picking up on (and loving) the will they/won’t they between James and Kay lately?
  • alienman2k
    Taking Television criticism to delicious new heights
    If you're a TV enthusiast who craves insightful and engaging critiques of your favourite shows, look no further than the Pilot TV Podcast (or PILOT + if you're hardcore). This podcast is a must-listen for anyone who wants to stay up-to-date on the latest and greatest in television. What I love most is the hosts (particularly James) aren't afraid to share their opinions, even if they differ from popular consensus. They provide honest and thoughtful critiques of each show. Love the banter/back-and forth - enjoyable and entertaining listening experience. Whether you're looking for recommendations on what to watch next in this era of peak TV, or want to hear great analysis of your favourite shows, the Pilot TV podcast is a fantastic resource. With its engaging hosts, insightful critiques, and lively discussions, this podcast is a must-listen for any true television aficionado.
  • Smeeg___Heed
    We’re gonna keep on trying ‘til we run out of cake
    The Pilot Team provides a broad range of opinions about new TV being broadcast and are not afraid to disagree with each other over what is / is not worth watching. Sometimes they get to see stuff before I can (The Last of Us), but sometimes it’s the other way around (Pokerface). The show is a semi-organised mix of opinion, commentary, news, reviews, guest interviews, and bell-endery. Keep up the good work. And Chocolate cake is always great
  • aidjeicidejsjjfjdjc
    SUCH a fun podcast!
    The James Gang do an excellent job reviewing the weeks TV shows and news. I never miss this show, even when they happen to review a UK show that I’ve never heard of over here in the States.
  • Hallesdad
    The perfect TV podcast to land on!
    Often more entertaining than the shows they cover. Always good company. Listen, laugh and learn!
  • Rgapfrost
    Just one flaw
    I love that this podcast gives a balance of US and UK television shows. James and Beth are great. The one weakness is Boyd. The man cannot speak in sentences. Every four words he changes his mind about what to say and that can continue for minutes of rambling.
  • brandi_kaylie
    Great listen
    Love listening to the pod crew discussing/arguing with each other. I’ve learned about a lot of new things of interest to me!
  • irritica
    jimbo
    James stan!
  • J_A_Robinson
    Dethroned Empire as my favorite podcast
    I don’t even watch that much TV, but I absolutely love this podcast and have watched some great shows because of it (Derry Girls, Severance). James, Boyd, and Beth do an excellent job reviewing with insight and humor, and I like that they each provide a different perspective. Boyd and Beth are superstars but James is my favorite (controversial!), and I just hope that by saying so it will not cause my review to be thrown out. Please accept the 5 stars! I love the Empire podcast and it's how I found Pilot, but it's now my second favorite (sorry Chris and co., keep plugging Pilot on Empire, James!).
  • RenLikesTV
    James
    James is my favorite.
  • SandeHarris
    American Fan
    I am American and this may make my opinion questionable, but I adore this podcast. Fantastic shows of all genres have been brought to my attention AND I have learned wonderful new words like ‘bellend’ to incorporate in daily conversations. Thank you Pod. Keep up the good work.
  • Harrison89
    They weren’t in limbo!
    These morons think the characters on “Lost” were dead the whole time, which is 100% incorrect. Everything else the hosts say is invalidated due to this idiotic misconception.
  • doushite?
    Love from a Beltalowda
    I love this podcast. All the hosts are dynamic, love what they love and not just in a fangirl way (though they all have their moments) but critical way too. Wide variety of shows covered and I’m always sure to find something new to watch if these guys endorse it wholeheartedly. Also James and I have had the same Expanse journey in the past month: I finished the show couldn’t get enough so I read the books. After finishing them, I’m not just binging the Expanse podcast while I rewatch the show. Don’t worry, James, you are not alone!! Keep it up guys!
  • tSionainn
    Thanos Was Right
    I discovered this via the Empire podcast and I enjoy the verbosity of James. Boyd and Beth balance things beautifully and although I listen in the states and showtimes and availability don't always line up, I thoroughly enjoy every episode.
  • Steve in Tunersville NJ
    Because
    James asked us to write a review and he might be my televisual spirit animal.
  • Juzzle1
    A gem of a podcast but lacks coverage of non-english TV
    This podcast is professional yet witty and bags of fun. I do wish that it would cover more Euro TV moreso than the occassional nugget. There's so much good Nordic, Italian, Spanish and French TV. Why review 2-3 star type TV, when there's 4-5 star TV in the wider Euro zone - examples: Trapped, Caliphate, Dag, Follow-the-Money, The Eddy, Gomorrah, Occupied, Suburra, La Unidad, Fauda, Nobel, Berlin Station, etc. I am sure the general inteligence of listeners can handle subtitles if the pay-off is great TV.
  • DaffyN
    I enthusiastically recommend this podcast!
    I decided to check this out after James Dyer’s unrelenting plugs on the Empire Film podcast. But I was admittedly kinda unenthusiastic going in because a)i was intimidated by not knowing all of the TV shows; and (b) I feel extremely attached to Helen O’Hara and Chris Hewitt and didn’t know if I’d enjoy hearing James without them? Well, those concerns were allayed after about one episode - Terri and Boyd won me over, and the whole group are somehow interesting, funny, and entertaining even while discussing a show I’ve never heard of and have no intention of watching. Terri cracks me up by not paying attention/checking email and then swooping in just in time to put the men in their place. James somehow makes you feel both extremely exasperated and also like you want to protect him at all costs. AndI’m constantly delighted by Boyd’s enthusiasm and passion for television! It’s great overall - give it a listen!
  • Rock Star Me! (:0))
    Best TV podcast around!
    What a great podcast! Even though this is a British TV podcast, almost everything they talk about is available in the States as well. I love listening to them all. They have such different taste – it’s great to get different viewpoints. Ps. Thank you James, for teaching me the word fremdschämen. I am a fellow sufferer.
  • ClebrenLynn
    Making Mondays Manageable
    I don’t know why I waited until podcast 100 to start listening, because James, Boyd, & Terri are sometimes the only thing that gets me through a Monday. Love their banter and they talk TV like I would with friends. If you need a laugh, along with fun tv talk start listening now! Though I may lose some brownie points for merely liking the West Wing & not loving it.
  • Arkenjewel354
    Just one thing
    First of all, THANK YOU for getting Terri out of the goldfish bowl. Didn’t want to say anything, but the previous audio quality was a bit annoying. Second of all, much as I love James, I think it’s past time he watched Terri and Boyd’s fave shows as much as they watch his. I think James should watch a Doctor Who episode of Doctor Who for every episode of West Wing Terri watches. It only seems fair. Maybe even start a separate podcast like the Trekking through Time and Space podcast where a Star Trek fan who has never seen DW and a Doctor Who fan who has never watched ST watch the other’s show.
  • luke1396
    Terri for Editor-in-Chief of America
    Terri is Bartlet, Boyd is CJ, and James is Hoynes. What’s next?
  • Fangnoria
    Are You Guys Related?
    Listening to the podcast weekly is so very similar to Sunday family dinner. Lots of laughs, telling everyone the show they must watch, and some name calling. This trio feel like brothers and sister. Boyd is the eldest, Terri is the middle child and James is the youngest. At least compared to my family. Thank you for this comfort during these crazy times when I can’t see my siblings.
  • Maldy4
    So funny!
    This is a must listen for me. I look forward to it each week! Very funny, great hosts and love the format. I hope it continues for a long time!
  • Pedro Clark
    Love it - every week!
    The banter among James, Boyd and the incredible Terri is the reason I listen, as well to hear about possible TV to watch. This is my go to all the time - makes me smile listening to the back and forth - Terri calling James a bell-end, Boyd liking everything or at least catching crap for at least appearing to like everything, and James: the use of the English language by this man is amazing. Really talented - I mean that sincerely. Makes me laugh. But the consistency of this show since the beginning has been great - interesting every time but in particular through this completely effed up time the show has been comforting. I feel like I am listening to some friends talk about television they are watching and they each know what the hell they are talking about and they each are hilarious in their own right .... wonderful. Very thankful you have continued through the lock-downs. I highly recommend!
  • Zazz the boss
    Yes yes yes!
    Great podcast, I love to listen to them whenever I’m driving long distances or driving in general. They make the drive a lot better. I see negative reviews on here and I think to myself, “oh hell no!” They’re wrong about this show sure they mispronounce names but who the hell doesn’t! Like come on! Get over yourself dude. Once again great podcast to pass the time.
  • fred301765
    5 stars
    I also live in US but almost all shows they review and discuss are available on hulu, netflix, amazon, etc. The three people are great, entertaining and provide lots of fun with great info. I never would have heard of shows like Normal People and other great shows without them...now am going back and listening to old episodes of podcast.
  • Nah…
    Yikes
    That M:FS reviewed reeked with homophobia when y’all discussed that raelle and scylla sex scene. Educate yourselves and do better.
  • happy_lil_cloud
    Highlight of my week
    Even though I live in the US and have no clue about most of the shows they discuss, I never miss an episode. There is nothing more entertaining than listening to three people talk who have different opinions but genuinely like each other.
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