Historical Dramas are arguably the hardest series to get right, and the most enjoyable to watch even when they're wrong. Listen in while #GBB dissects some of our faves in this genre of lush fabrics, wide angle shots across gorgeous plains, intricate hairstyles, political intrigue, and passive-aggressive power struggles!

Season 9: Historical Dramas

We’re debuting our 9th season with none other than the most successful historical television drama of all time, and one of the most groundbreaking series to ever air on any network, AMC’s Mad Men! Mad Men, short for Madison Men, is a series about a group of advertisers working for the Sterling Cooper advertising agency on Madison Ave in Manhattan. At the series debut, we’re placed in the year 1960 and quickly immersed in the life of protagonist Don Draper, a savvy advertising executive and shameless womanizer. Over the course of a decade, we see how Don and his colleagues, associates, and lovers evolve to be better or worse people. How did Mad Men manage to take such an eventful time in history, and such a seemingly unglamourous line of work, reduce it into individual stories, and turn it into television gold? Stay tuned!

Mad Men, Part I

71: Mad Men, Part I

On today's episode, we'll be discussing seasons 4 & 5 of Mad Men! AMC's critically-acclaimed drama about the inner lives of Manhattan's elite advertising executives was responsible for putting the spotlight on so many previously unrecognized but immensely talented actors and writers, as well as the AMC network itself, and the show's creator! But what was it about this series set in the 1960s that intrigued us in the 21st century? How did Mad Men manage to grab and hold our attention? Stay tuned!

Mad Men, Part II

72: Mad Men, Part II

Today, we’ll be discussing the final seasons of the critically-acclaimed Mad Men! AMC’s period drama about the inner lives of Manhattan’s elite advertising executives successfully captured the personal and political nuances of the white upper-middle class who kept consumerism at an all time high during a time of war. What was it about this series that made these people and this time period seem so interesting? How did Mad Men manage to grab and hold the attention of so many people for so many seasons? Stay tuned!

Mad Men, Part III

73: Mad Men, Part III

Today, we’ll be discussing the heart-pounding antebellum period drama, Underground! This short-lived series about the endeavors of desperate slaves to make a bid for their freedom kept audiences enraptured and turned many new audiences on to its home network, WGN America. While slave narratives aren’t uncommon, Underground took bold risks with its portrayal of slaves, slave owners, plantation life, slave catchers, and the abolitionist movement. So what do we think made this series so unique? What helped set Underground apart from its contemporaries? Stay tuned!

Underground

74: Underground

Today, we’ll be discussing the British Tudor-era historical drama, The Tudors! This period drama follows the lives and loves of King Henry VIII of England and how these women influenced his allegiances, his politics, his religion, and ultimately, the course of history. What is it about this period drama that made it so intriguing? How do the politics of this British monarchy continue to keep us fascinated over 500 years later? Stay tuned!

The Tudors

75: The Tudors

Today, we’ll be discussing the Renaissance-era historical drama, The Borgias! Set in the late 1400s, this period drama follows the Borgia family, led by Cardinal turned Pope, Rodrigo Borgia, as they fight to maintain their grip on the Papacy and by extension, the Roman Catholic Church. This series delves headfirst to all of the details, both fact and rumour, of this time, as well as exposing the hypocrisy, misdeeds, and bureaucracy of the Borgias and everyone around them. So what exactly made The Borgias so titillating? Stay tuned!

The Borgias

76: The Borgias

Hello, world! This Alex and Em! Welcome to our corner of the Internet! The Good. The Bad. The Basic. is a podcast where two Black Millennials wax nostalgic on the TV shows and movies we grew up on as well as intellectualize and throw shade at what we're watching now! Join us for obscure pop culture references and organic, fair trade teas as we analyze what makes all of our faves good, bad, and mildly problematic! Enjoy, and check out our Patreon for more exclusive content!