The Radio Times Podcast
Join our editors Shem Law and Caroline Frost every Friday, for a lively chat about all the latest hits and misses.
The great TV show hunt – we’ve all been there…
Endless scrolling, channel hopping, and still nothing to watch? Behold The Radio Times Podcast – your weekly dose of TV wisdom, streaming gold and unfiltered opinions – all packed into one bitesize episode and delivered fresh every Friday.
Hosted by entertainment journalist Caroline Frost and Radio Times Editor Shem Law, this is a podcast made by TV enthusiasts, for TV enthusiasts. Think the latest must-see series, wild plot twists, surprise gems and glorious flops – all debated, dissected and served with a side of wit.
Whether you’re craving your next costume drama, investigating the latest true crime documentary or in need of a new nail-biting thriller – we’ve taken the guesswork out of what’s worth watching.
Bite-sized and binge-worthy
New episodes drop every Friday, so you can stay in the know about the latest releases across TV and streaming. Short enough to squeeze into your work commute or lunch time walk, every episode is packed with enough entertainment insight to instantly upgrade your evening viewing.
Where to listen
Listen to the latest episode every Friday or catch up on previous episodes on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Amazon Music and Acast. Make sure to follow our Radio Times Podcast channel so you never miss an episode!
Browse our available episodes here!
Life After Lineker for MoTD - Friday 15 August
Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with the week’s top TV picks to add to your watchlist. Caroline kicks off with a new Netflix political thriller starring Suranne Jones and Julie Delpy, while Shem turns to Match of the Day, returning to BBC One with a fresh lineup of presenters stepping into Gary Lineker’s shoes. Caroline’s next highlight is Confessions of a Brain Surgeon on BBC Two, a fascinating look at the highs and lows of the profession. In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline asks: why Americans can't get enough of us Brits—as long as it’s their version - with the recent release of Lena Dunham’s Too Much and My Oxford Year. Shem closes the episode with his archive pick, Jasper Carrott Night on BBC Four, celebrating the comedian’s life and career highlights.
Led Zeppelin Doc and Ridley - Friday 8 August
Fresh from his holiday, Shem Law rejoins Caroline Frost for another week of standout TV chat. Caroline kicks things off with Ridley on ITV1, starring Adrian Dunbar as a seasoned detective inspector navigating crime in the heart of Lancashire. Shem’s pick is the Antiques Roadshow VJ Day Special on BBC One, uncovering objects that evoke poignant memories of a too-often forgotten chapter of the war. They also spotlight Becoming Led Zeppelin on Now - a brand new documentary tracing the band’s beginnings and their role in creating a whole new genre of music. In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline ponders whether future archives will lose their allure when today’s celebrities share so much - is there any mystery left to uncover? Shem closes the episode with his archive choice, Shooting the Past from 1999 on BBC Four, a drama set in the fascinating world of picture libraries.
Wednesday and Annika - Friday 1 August
Caroline Frost is joined once again by journalist Gareth McClean for another week of sharp TV insight. Caroline kicks things off with Annika, the black comedy crime drama back for a second series filled with twists, turns, set in the Scottish highlands. Gareth’s pick is the Netflix hit Wednesday, with Jenna Ortega, Catherine Zeta-Jones, and Joanna Lumley all returning to Nevermore Academy for season two. Caroline also turns to MasterChef—with both presenters recently caught up in controversy, how will the BBC handle it, and will audiences keep tuning in? In this week’s Frost Bite, Caroline asks: when a show moves from TV to YouTube, what do we gain and what do we lose? Looking at the journey of Spitting Image—from prime-time satire to its new, regulation-free life online. Gareth wraps up with his archive choice, The Newsreader, the 80s-set Australian drama charting the professional and personal lives of news anchors Helen and Dale.
The Gone and Bonnie Blue Documentary - Friday 25 July
While Shem takes a well-earned holiday, Caroline Frost is joined by her esteemed journalist colleague Gareth McClean for a week of sharp and savvy TV chat. Caroline kicks things off with The Gone on BBC Two, the slow-burn crime drama returning for a gripping second series. Gareth’s pick is Inside the Cult of the Jesus Army, a revealing documentary exposing the dark truths behind a corrupt and scandal-ridden religious movement. Caroline also delves into the controversial Bonnie Blue documentary—does it serve genuine public interest, or is Channel 4 simply pandering to male fantasies under the guise of tackling a social issue? In Frost Bite, Caroline asks: from Gregg Wallace to Christian Horner, when the mighty fall, what happens to the show they front? Gareth rounds off the episode with his archive choice—Star Trek: Enterprise, revisiting the early 2000s chapter of the iconic sci-fi saga.
Karen Pirie Series 2 and New Keeley Hawes Thriller - Friday 18 July
Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with another episode of the Radio Times Podcast, serving up the week’s standout TV. Caroline starts with series 2 of the hit crime drama Karen Pirie, starring Lauren Lyle as the short, sharp, detective inspector. Shem’s choice is The Narrow Road to the Deep North, an adaptation of Richard Flanagan’s prize-winning novel, following the harrowing experiences of prisoners of war in Burma, with Jacob Elordi in the lead. Caroline also spotlights The Assassin on Prime Video, pairing Keeley Hawes with Freddie Highmore in a tense new thriller. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks: from Miss Marple to Superman, how do we decide who gets to be “the definitive version”? Shem closes the episode with his archive pick—Helen Mirren Night on BBC Four, celebrating the career of one of Britain’s finest actors.
Bookish and Shark Reality Show - Friday 11 July
RT editor Shem joins Caroline Frost for another week of top-tier TV talk. Caroline kicks things off with Bookish, a cosy crime drama starring Mark Gatiss—but does it pack enough punch to stand out? Shem dives into Shark! Celebrity Infested Waters, ITV’s new star-studded adventure that sees famous faces head to a tropical island to confront their fear of sharks. The pair also get into the return of Channel 4’s most-watched scripted drama ever, The Couple Next Door, back with another racy storyline packed with twists and turns. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks whether new BBC drama Mix Tape can capture the charm of a good old-fashioned playlist for a new generation. Shem wraps things up with his archive pick - heading back to 1985 once again with Miss Marple.
Oasis and Live Aid at 40 - Friday 4 July
Caroline Frost is joined this week by Preview Editor Frances Taylor and David Brown for another round of smart, snappy TV talk. First up, Caroline dives into Live Aid at 40: When Rock ’n’ Roll Took On the World, a three-part documentary looking back at the generation-defining music event and its global impact. Frances brings us Too Much, Lena Dunham’s new anti-romcom inspired by her own life - bold, marmite, and already stirring debate. Is it worth the fuss? David’s pick is Supersonic, a deep dive into the chaotic rise of Oasis, as Noel and Liam gear up for their reunion tour. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks why we don’t show enough love to the right female players at Wimbledon. With Serena Williams in focus, has public attitude towards women’s sport finally shifted? David rounds things off with his archive pick: Agatha Christie’s Miss Marple from the 1980s.
Glastonbury and Wimbledon - Friday 27th June
Caroline Frost and Shem Law have been busy watching the good, the bad and everything in between - so you don't have to. This week, Caroline teases her upcoming magazine interview with comedy great Steve Coogan. She then dives into one of the TV events of the summer: Glastonbury on the BBC, packed with headline acts including Radio Times cover star Rod Stewart in that coveted legends slot. Shem serves up another quintessentially British TV highlight with Wimbledon—who’s set to shine on Centre Court this year? Also in the mix: Hill on Sky Documentaries, a moving deep-dive into the life and career of Formula 1 champ Damon Hill. In Frost Bite, Caroline asks the big question—can you really call yourself part of the TV nation if you’re just not that into sport? Shem wraps up with a nostalgic kick: The Big Match Revisited, reliving football’s golden years.
The Bear and Squid Game - Friday 20 June
Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with another round of smart TV talk. This week: Caroline heads to Tasmania with her pick Survivors, a moody Aussie mystery now streaming on Netflix, while Shem dives into the opulent world of The Gilded Age—but does this Upper East Side period drama earn its place in your watchlist? Caroline also spotlights two big returns: the final, much-anticipated chapter of Squid Game on Netflix, and Disney+’s kitchen heatwave The Bear, with Jeremy Allen White back in the apron. In Frost Bite, Caroline questions the burden of beauty - do handsome men have it harder on screen? Finally Shem winds the clock back to the 60s and 70s with gritty archive drama Z-Cars.
Outrageous and Noel Edmonds in New Zealand - Friday 13 June
Caroline Frost and Shem Law serve up another week of sharp TV and culture chat. This episode: the latest from the French Open, breaking down Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner’s performances on the clay courts. Caroline’s top pick is the provocative Outrageous, delving into the scandalous lives of the Mitford Sisters, while Shem praises Amol Rajan’s interviewing skills in his sit-down with tennis legend Martina Navratilova. They also spotlight America’s Veterans: The War Within, a powerful exploration of the hidden struggles faced by those serving in the US forces. In Frost Bite, Caroline and Shem debate the baffling news of Noel Edmonds embarking on a Kiwi adventure—what’s that all about? Shem rounds things off with a nostalgic trip to the archives, revisiting Charlie Drake’s classic comedy, Drake’s Progress.
The Gold Season 2 and Jamie Oliver Dyslexia Doc - Friday 6 June
Podcast hosts Caroline Frost and Shem Law return with another lively mix of TV, culture, and conversation. This week: Ncuti Gatwa’s Tardis exit and the new Doctor regeneration—what’s next for the iconic sci-fi saga? Caroline’s buzzing about the return of Gold’s gripping Brinks-Mat robbery drama in series 2, while Shem champions Jamie Oliver’s campaign for better dyslexia support in schools. They also pay tribute to presenter Alan Yentob with a look back at his influential music and arts shows, alongside Shem’s personal memories. In Frost Bite, Caroline and Shem debate whether ITV’s cut to its daytime schedule is a misstep, and Shem takes us back to 1974 with Alison Steadman’s powerful performance in Second City Firsts: Girl.
Springsteen and Succession’s Successor – Friday 30 May
Podcast hosts Caroline Frost and Shem Law are back with another round of sharp TV talk. This week: Timothy Spall shines in Death Valley, Bruce Springsteen’s UK legacy takes centre stage in the documentary When Bruce Springsteen Came to Britain, and Succession creator Jesse Amstrong drops a new one-off feature film, Mountainhead – but does it measure up? In Frost Bite, Caroline dives into the psychedelic haze of Nine Perfect Strangers, while Shem rewinds to the timeless 1995 classic, Pride and Prejudice.
Write to the Radio Times Podcast and let us know your thoughts at: podcast@radiotimes.com
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