Shows
Really Important Fictional ThingsBabies Have So Much Crap (Three Men and a Baby)This week we're talking about one of Rosey's childhood faves Three Men and a Baby. Spoiler alert, but Avery loved it too. It holds up and we get into why and how. Is it the charming combination of Tom Selleck, Ted Danson, and Michael Guttenberg? Is it the safe fatherly energy? Is it the fact that the woman ask for what they want? All of the above? We also discuss our reactions to Barbie, Avery's enjoyment of the Women's World Cup, and Rosey's new YouTube hole.In two weeks, we'll be back with Sister Act II.2023-08-161h 03
Really Important Fictional ThingsGet This Out Of My Mouth (Lizzie McGuire)This week we’re revisiting the “ground breaking” Lizzie McGuire (the series, we didn’t get as far as the movie…) It brings up lots of memories of our own middle school shenanigans, as well as an extensive meditations on the post office. Fun times. Next week we’re taking a look at an 80s (cult?) classic Three Men and A Baby. This is another Rosey favorite, but new to Avery! We’re excited to get into it. Things we talked aboutGoing PostalWhich Lizzie McGuire character are you? Where are Lizz...2023-08-021h 07
Really Important Fictional ThingsI Can't Take You Seriously In That Hat (The Devil Wears Prada)We're talking about The Devil Wears Prada. And oh, 2006 fashion, why? We dive into workplace politics, clothing we don't understand, and how crazy we'd be if we were as rich as Miranda. Also, Rosey spills some tea from her own crazy assistant days. Meanwhile, Avery watched a bunch of masochistic men and Rosey studied endlessly.What we talked aboutAlexandra AneleWhere to watch Nancy Drew - HBO Max/CWThe Bear - HuluTour de France Unchained - NetflixBarry - HBO Max2023-07-191h 12
Really Important Fictional ThingsInstantly Charmed (Mrs. Doubtfire)This week we’re covering the Robin Williams vehicle Mrs. Doubtfire. We discuss how to give and take in relationships, the legacy of the film regarding gender, how do films age, and transphobia. In what we’re watching, Rosey is fan-girling over Queer Eye and Avery, surprise surprise, is consuming more WWII content. Where to watch Queer Eye—NetflixWorld War II In Color—NetflixMindhunter—NetflixReality—HBOBased On A True Story—PeacockThe Mindy Project—HuluNever Have I Ever—NetflixTed Lasso—Apple TV+2023-07-041h 03
Really Important Fictional ThingsThe Hair is High (Glow)This week we're talking a look at Glow and reveling in all the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling. It's a really interesting look at gender expression, sexual identity, body image, racial stereotypes, and overall sense of self. We get a bit personal and go on an existential journey, but don't worry, it's not too heavy. Aside from Glow, Avery's been watching YouTube and Rosey has been madly studying Anatomy.In three weeks (we're taking a few breaks this summer), we'll be back and talking about the classic Mrs. Doubtfire.Where to watch/read:...2023-06-071h 17
Really Important Fictional ThingsIt's the Wrong Candy (Daisy Jones & The Six)We're finally talking about Daisy Jones & the Six. We try not to yuck anyone's yum too much, but let's just say our opinion is strong. We get into nuanced stories getting simplified, what happens when (most) men write female characters, and all the changes we just don't understand. But on a happier note, Avery watched what she thinks is one of the best shows ever and Rosey is delightfully enjoying a rewatch.Next week we're going to talk about a little-known movie from the 90s, Benny & June.What we talked about:Between...2023-05-1053 min
Really Important Fictional ThingsJust Break Your Thumbs (Speed & The Lake House)This week we start our month of Sandra! We kick it off with Speed (1994) and The Lake House (2006) aka we kick it off with Keanu Reeves. We break them both down, despite enjoying one much more than the other, and get into flying busses, magical mailboxes, and the cringiest kisses we've ever seen. In addition to Sandra, Avery watched Narcos, Rosey watched Ted Lasso, and we both played a lot of Sims.Next week we continue with Sandra and will be talking about While You Were Sleeping and Practical Magic.Things we talked about:2023-04-051h 09
Really Important Fictional ThingsBombarded with Testosterone (She's the Man)This week we dive into She's the Man. We have a hilariously good time going back to 2006 and reveling in the joy that is Amanda Bynes. It brings up way more questions about the gender and sexuality spectrums than we originally noticed, and we're here for... most of it. Rosey binged watched a show in one night yet didn't like it very much and Avery watched You and a random French movie.Next week we have a guest joining us to talk about the incredible Ginny & Georgia.What we discussedChanning Tatum...2023-03-081h 14
Really Important Fictional ThingsInto the Bagel (Everything Everywhere All At Once)This week we're diving into the psychedelic mind-bender Everything Everywhere All At Once. We talk about intergenerational trauma, mother-daughter relationships, and hot dog hands. For what we're watching, Rosey catches us up on The Teen Wolf movie and Avery's actually listening to books! Remember books? Next week join us for a deep dive on the British show Misfits. In the meantime, find us on socials @theriftpod, sign up for our newsletter at theriftpod.com, and consider supporting the show on patreon. Thank you! Sign up for our newsletter at theriftpod.com. Find us o...2023-02-151h 03
Really Important Fictional ThingsKind of A Big Deal (2022 in Review)We're back! This week we're reflecting on what we watched in 2022. Avery and Rosey both made lists of their favorites from the year (lists below). We also recorded our disappointments but had some technical difficulties. That list is also below. We also take a peek at what's coming in 2023 that we're excited about. SPOILER ALERT for the shows on the "best of" lists below.Next week we'll be talking about the 1997 George of the Jungle (Disney+) with the crushable Brendan Fraser and Leslie Mann.Things we discussed2023-01-251h 00
Really Important Fictional ThingsSponsored by Milk (Home Alone)This week we're looking at the holiday hit, Home Alone. Avery's never seen it and Rosey's seen it many times so it's a fun look at the genius of the movie and all the parts that don't make sense. This movie is still pretty good and we also think it's a secret ad for milk.We're taking some time off for the December times and we'll be back in January!Things we discussedAll 85 Potential Injuries In 'Home Alone,' Assessed By A Real Doctor25 Fun Facts About Home Alone2022-12-071h 02
Really Important Fictional ThingsShe's Hot, But I Love You (A History of the Sitcom)This week Rosey is taking us on a whirlwind tour of the history of the sitcom!! Avery's eating it up, and you will too. From Lucy to Rachel, Rosey's got the deets. Next week we're covering the holiday MUST-SEE (which Avery has never seen) Home Alone. Where to watchAthlete A--NetflixHistory of the Sitcom—Amazon PrimeLove is Blind—NetflixYear One—HBO Max(Impossible to put all the shows we talked about on this list-visit your friendly google!) Sign up for our newsletter at theriftpo...2022-11-301h 15
Really Important Fictional ThingsThose Damn Roombas (Hocus Pocus 1 & 2)It's spooky season folks! This week we're diving into Hocus Pocus and it's follow-up Hocus Pocus 2! We analyze the pros and cons of sequels and wokeness, and wax poetic on how crushable and problematic boys were in the 90s. Later, Rosey is devouring Tell Me Lies and Avery is comfort watching Great British Baking Show. Next week we'll cover the final installment of The Afterparty watch-along, "Danner" and "Maggie". Things We Talked AboutGrown Up Lizzie McGuireThe set of Dahmer was a racist atmosphereWhere to Watch...2022-10-191h 04
Really Important Fictional ThingsGhost Boners (Casper)This week we're looking at and talking about 1995's Casper. It's an Avery childhood fave and Rosey is skeptical of almost all of it. Our conversation is as kooky as the movie itself. Before that we chat about what we're watching - Rosey is watching more mystical teens and Avery watched a few things on the more serious side. Next up next week is the next installment of The Afterparty watchalong, covering High School and Zoe. Things we talked aboutFate: The Winx Saga Fashion Reddit Thread Ethan Hawke on Smartless2022-10-051h 06
Really Important Fictional ThingsIf You Can't Kill Him, Just Bounce (Mythic Quest)This week we're diving into the Apple TV+ original Mythic Quest! From the minds of the Always Sunny crew, this workplace comedy is one of our faves. We get into all the hijinks, narcissism, unlikeable female characters, and more! On what we watched, Avery's not loving The Rings of Power and Rosey has a love-hate relationship with Kevin Can Go F Himself. Next up next week is our second installment of The Afterparty watchalong, covering Chelsea and Yasper. Things we talked aboutName a WomanDon’t Worry Darling Stardew Va...2022-09-2158 min
Really Important Fictional ThingsGet Mad and Throw Crystals (Hacks S2 & Its Creators)This week we’re diving into Hacks… again. Season 2 is out and it was so good, we had to revisit the show. This time we also talk about the phenomenal and groundbreaking creators Lucia Aniello & Paul W. Downs. Before that, we talk about what we’ve been watching. Rosey was sick so her list is embarrassingly long, but you’ll get some good recs out of it and Avery is readying a non-fictional book that’s changing her life.Next episode we’re diving into genre — why we like what we like, why we keep revisiting the same genre, wh...2022-08-041h 17
Really Important Fictional ThingsCaterpillars are Lone Wolves (A Bug's Life)This week we’re diving into Pixar’s 1998 A Bug’s Life. It’s still fun and cute and imaginative but as adults we’re also seeing through the cracks. Down the rabbit hole we go as we talk about colonialism, gender, Roe v Wade, capitalism, and what actually happens when caterpillars become butterflies. Before that Avery updates us on her experience with Hacks season 2 and Rosey reviews Love, Victor season 3. Then we look into a fun new kind of summer-focused list with trailers of what’s to come in 2022.Next week we’re looking at the very fun and...2022-07-061h 40
Really Important Fictional ThingsJust Don't Get Slashed (Scream)This week we’re diving into the 1996 critical hit Scream. We’re screaming about it, but not necessarily in delight. Avery, who loved this movie as a youngin, is particularly shocked by her reaction upon rewatch — Rosey as usual pulls no punches. On what we watched we chat about Fleabag season 2 (minor spoilers), Hacks season 2, Stranger Things (minor spoilers), and surprise! Basketball. Next week we're taking on our first kid's movie A Bug's Life.Some Topics Covered:Murders inspired by ScreamThe government says UFOs existThe Ezra Klein ShowWhere to Stream...2022-06-221h 17
Really Important Fictional ThingsTake a Big Whiff (Bring It On)This week we take a look at Bring it On and for a movie from 2000, we’re pretty impressed. It’s not perfect, but it’s a fun, feminist movie with some badass women feeling no shame. Before diving in, Avery talks about watching Candy and Rosey can’t get enough of Grace & Frankie. Then we finish up with Netflix’s top 10.Next week we’ll cover Rosey’s childhood favorite and Tom Hanks’ directorial debut That Thing You Do.Some Topics Covered:The Vanishing Half by Brit BennettWhether Gabrielle Union is Conservative (she...2022-06-011h 39
Really Important Fictional ThingsSad Little Puppy Man (The Bourne Identity)This week we’re talking about one of Avery’s favorites: the 2002 The Bourne Identity. Matt Damon is capable and hot, spoiler alert. Also, we’re convinced this is actually just a romance masquerading as an action movie. Needless to say, we get into it. But first, Rosey talks about binging Heartstopper and Avery continued with the “week of Matt Damon” and rewatched Good Will Hunting. Then it’s back to Netflix for their Top 10.Next week we’ll cover the problematic (but Rosey loved it at the time) He’s Just Not That Into You. Find it on Netflix.2022-05-111h 33
Really Important Fictional ThingsFeminist Crumbs (10 Things I Hate About You)This week we talk about the 1999 10 Things I Hate About You. As Avery so aptly puts it, “These were the feminist crumbs we subsisted on.” That pretty much sums up how we feel about the plot, but we adore the characters and get into why. We also talk about new and old content from Amy Schumer. Avery talks about the“horrifying” and “visceral” movie Freshand Rosey updates us on the disappointing How I Met Your Father finale. And we wrap it up with Netflix’s top 10. Next week we’ll cover the origin of the teen comedy.Some...2022-03-301h 17
Really Important Fictional ThingsYou Can Be Both (Miss Congeniality)This week we talk about the 2000 Sandra Bullock classic Miss Congeniality. We're very confused and conflicted and go on quite a journey. Before that, Avery and Rosey can barely remember what they've been doing but still give updates on soccer and The Bachelor. And we top it off with more Sandra by looking at Oprah Daily's list: 32 Sandra Bullock Movies, Ranked from Worst to Best. Next week we’ll cover the 1999 10 Things I Hate About YouSome topics covered:Chelsea League SanctionsLanguishing during the PandemicBachelor FinaleJared Freid’s Bachelor RecapsParlor Sports (aka “The Ba...2022-03-231h 11
Really Important Fictional ThingsFROTH feat. a Lovable Rake (Bridgerton)This week our friend and Bridgerton expert Laura joins us to chat about the shows froth, costumes, takes on race and sex, and possibilities for next season. For what we watched, Rosey gives an update on Abbott Elementary and Avery was busy skiing but still managed to watch Harry Potter again. Anna Delvey and roommate horror stories feature on the Netflix Top 10.Next week we’ll cover the Sandra Bullock absolute classic Miss Congeniality.Some topics covered:Bridgerton star Jonathan Bailey talks sexuality and acting with Ian MckellenBridgerton’s intimacy coor...2022-03-161h 20
Really Important Fictional ThingsConsumed by Ego (Birdman)This week we’re diving into the 2015 Oscar winner Birdman. It’s a look at male ego and we dive into why and if that matters. We also get to flex our film school muscles and talk about the camera work, the score, and the acting. Spoiler alert, Rosey didn’t enjoy it and isn’t good at pretending she did.(This is a shorter episode as Avery was both sick and virtual.)Next week we’ll be talking about the Netflix’s Bridgerton (season 1).Some topics covered:Roger Ebert’s Review of Bi...2022-03-0937 min
Really Important Fictional ThingsIrish Dolphins (Titanic)This week we’re taking on the truly giant Titanic, a creation of the giant personality (and ego) of James Cameron. (1:38) Rosey is watching Love is Blind. (2:50) Mild Spoilers: Why is everyone into Euphoria? (8:54) Avery's watch updates. (16:45) Rosey has more intel on In From The Cold. (22:20) Diving deep into JC's Titanic. (1:22:40) A History of "Shut Up". (1:25:10) The real people of the Titanic. Next week we’ll analyze the Oscar-winner mind-bending (but is it?) Birdman. Some topics covered:Doom Watching EuphoriaWhich people in Titanic were real?Who is to blame? ControversyThe Hope...2022-03-031h 34
Really Important Fictional ThingsEveryone is So Teen (Lady Bird)Avery talks about her newest obsession (hint: not what you’d expect) and Rosey talks about the hidden gem Dollface. Then we dive into Greta Gerwig's Oscar nominated Lady Bird. We look at the ever complicated mother/daughter relationship, the balance between empathy for others and yourself, and the impact adolescent relationships have on you. We wrap up with The 100 Best Romances of All Time according to Entertainment Weekly.Next week we’ll analyze the epic 1998 Oscar winner Titanic.Some topics covered:Premiere League Soccer on PeacockFresh TrailerPamela Anderson will ‘never, never watch’ P...2022-02-231h 35
Really Important Fictional ThingsEveryone's Pissed About Riff (Jumping the Shark)This episode contains minor spoilers for Parks and Recreation, One Tree Hill, Friday Night Lights, The Mindy Project, and major spoilers for Archive 81 and Sweet Magnolias (timecode links below)Spoiler alert, Rosey and Avery do a mini deep dive on Archive 81 because there's just so much to SAY. We gotta talk about doubles luge. Rosey watched the absurd Sweet Magnolias. Deep dive into jumping the shark covering shows that fail at it, some shows that pull it off and why. Netflix Top 10 for this week featuring THE TINDAH SWINDLAH. Finally, we make some Bl...2022-02-161h 39
Really Important Fictional ThingsThe Patriarchy is Very Withholding (Female Friendship on Screen)This week we dive into female friendships on screen. But first we update you on what we watched, Avery has a random one for ya and Rosey is still apathetically watching How I Met Your Father. Then Rosey brings us through the history (spoiler alert: the patriarchy sucks) and then she and Avery share their friendship picks for a few categories: Odd Couple, Unexpected, BFFLs, Ride or Die, and Frenemies. Next week we’ll be looking at shows that aged gracefully compared to those that jump the shark.Some topics covered:Band of...2022-02-091h 25
Really Important Fictional ThingsWe Want a Warm Embrace (Finales)Our deep dive brings us down a winding road of which TV show finales make us feel warm and fuzzy and which ones send us into a rage. We talk about everything from How I Met Your Mother to Supernatural to New Girlto Mad Men. But first, we kick it off with Rosey’s experience crying through Queer Eye Season 6, then we share all our thoughts about the Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts special (we have a lot of thoughts), and Avery tells us about her experience watching Philly DA. Listen to the episode he...2022-01-121h 25
Really Important Fictional ThingsI Cancel Toxic (Feel Good)For our last episode of 2021, we dive deep into Feel Good but somehow barely scratch the surface. It’s a joyous emotional rollercoaster that we never want to get off. But before we get there, Avery gives an update on The Power of the Dog and School of Chocolate (she was impressed) and Rosey talks about Single All the Way (she was not impressed).Some topics covered:The Power of the DogSchool of ChocolatePlease Like MeComedians of the World — Mae Martin’s episodeAmazing Esquire article about Feel Good (this is not something we mentioned but ha...2021-12-221h 19
Really Important Fictional ThingsTake the Baby to Ikea (Dave)Welcome back to another episode! First, Rosey discusses her thoughts on the silly Netflix movie A Castle for Christmas, then Avery talks about the very intellectual, nonfictional book Four Lost Cities. But the real focus is Hulu’s Dave! It’s fun, it’s rowdy, and it’s making us think about cultural appropriation, mental health, and weird dick stuff.Some topics covered:Brooke Shields on Armchair ExpertDave (season 3 deets)Zoey’s Extraordinary ChristmasFour Lost CitiesSix Feet UnderTick Tick, BoomTheyWhere to stream:A Castle for Christmas — NetflixZoey’s Extraordinary Playlist — Hul...2021-12-151h 21
Really Important Fictional ThingsILU Bro (I Love You, Man)It’s a long one, folks, but we’re on fire. Rosey can’t get enough of The Sex Lives of College Girls and Avery has some thoughts on the second season of The Great. Then we wind our way to deep diving into the aughts classic I Love You, Man. Along the way we somehow find ourselves talking about six-packs, dog poop, and the sexiest men alive.Some topics covered:Jared and Jensen “feud”The Sex Lives of College GirlsThe GreatAmanda BynesRIFT Tweet about millennial icons coming backHarry Potter Fanfiction Slate articleFangirl by Rainbow Ro...2021-12-081h 54
Really Important Fictional ThingsA Crazy Lady and a Great Beard (After School Shows)Welcome back! Join us for a fun and rambling episode where we share some personal anecdotes, dive into all the shows we’d watch after school in the 00’s, and share our own TV and movie recommendations (instead of looking at the internet’s suggestions).Some topics covered:Love Life (Season 1 / Season 2)The Good PlaceJoan of Arcadia8 Simple RulesNathan Fillion scenes in Two Guys, a Girl, and a Pizza PlaceSebastian Stan interviewsBrie Larson’s YouTube ChannelMy Date with the President’s DaughteriCarly RebootParis Hilton DocumentaryYou’re Wrong About podcast — Jessica Simpson episodeChristy Carlson Romano on YouTubePeanu...2021-11-101h 22
Really Important Fictional ThingsTrauma Breadcrumbs (Ted Lasso)Avery and Rosey share how they feel about last week's Top 10 on Netflix, talk about some amusing celeb encounters they had while in LA, and then dive into what mental health looks like in Ted Lasso. Some topics covered:Pirates of the CaribbeanBinge Mode Harry PotterFun stories about Rosey and Avery encountering celebs in LA.Jason Sudeikis and Olivia Wilde’s relationshipThe Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der KolkOctober 25 Netflix Top 10 trailers that we cared to watch:Locke & KeyMaya and the ThreeNight TeethWh...2021-10-271h 32
Really Important Fictional ThingsSquid Game Really Took It Out of Me (Squid Game)We can't say "spoiler alert" enough. Avery dives deep into Squid Game after Rosey recaps No One Gets Out Alive. There's some personal updates from us and another look at Netflix's Top 10. Some topics covered:Josef Stalin — “The death of one man is a tragedy. The death of millions is a statistic.”If Jack would have fit on the board in Titanic. Hear from science.The Barney charactersOctober 8 Netflix Top 10 trailers that we cared to watch:MaidThere’s Someone Inside Your HouseThe GuiltyWhere to stream:2021-10-191h 31