Critical Darlings
Blank Check ProductionsWelcome to Critical Darlings: a podcast about the movies everyone is talking about, one new release after another. Every week, critics Richard Lawson and Alison Willmore cover the latest film driving the conversation—from big summer blockbusters to festival favorites, buzzy streamers, and major awards contenders. New episodes every Thursday. We’re a Blank Check Production! To catch up on our first... more
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 27 | Founded | 3 months ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Listeners | Categories | TV & FilmSociety & CultureFilm Reviews | |||
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Latest Episodes
It’s Pride Week on Critical Darlings, and we’re joined by the co-host of the Alright Mary podcast (and Best Supporting Actress expert) Colin Drucker to break down two new wide-release gay movies: RuPaul’s spoofy Stop! That! Train! and the Australian ... more
It’s Disclosure Week on Critical Darlings, with writer, podcaster, and E.T. super fan Starlee Kine!
Almost five decades after Steven Spielberg reimagined aliens on screen with E.T. and Close Encounters, he’s delivered another story of extraterrestri... more
By the power of Grayskull, we have cartoonist and co-host of the No Gods No Mayors podcast, Mattie Lubchansky, in studio to discuss Masters of the Universe!
The movie is a test for Mattel, who are going all-in on IP management in the post-Barbie era... more
This week we’re joined by the very liminal Ryan Broderick, proprietor of the great Garbage Day newsletter and host of the podcast Panic World, to discuss A24’s hit, Backrooms! Based on a 4-Chan thread, creepypasta, and web series, the movie has capt... more
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- Incredible podcast but….
I’m writing this with real affection, because I would not go to the trouble otherwise. I have been a Blankie for around a decade, a Patreon supporter since day one, and I am genuinely loving Critical Darlings. Richard Lawson and Alison Willmore are such strong critics, and the show has quickly become something I look forward to.
That said, I wanted to offer one piece of feedback. At times, Richard’s rhythm on the show leans heavily into sharp, snappy, acidic asides, sometimes several in a row. ... more
Apple Podcasts4erick_pessoa
France14 days ago - Backrooms
Backrooms episode sounds like someone who thinks they know more about the film than the filmmaker himself.😂 Gotta be the least charitable review I’ve heard. They basically were saying “what if the backrooms was a whole different movie”.🤷♂️
Apple Podcasts1dame4324
United States20 days ago - My new fave movie podcast
This one has it all: great criticism, some box office stuff, Internet discourse, behind the scenes news, fab guests. Hosts are smart and fun. I love it.
Apple Podcasts5JessicaNE1227United States22 days ago - Like the podcast
Please don’t interrupt Alison Willmore when she’s speaking. It’s very rude and annoying. I want to hear what the one woman has to say.
Apple Podcasts4MFcreepUnited States22 days ago - 👍👍👍👍👍
🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶
Apple Podcasts5JmckinnyUnited Statesa month ago
Listeners Say
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Chart Rankings
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Apple Podcasts | #8 | United States/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #77 | United States/TV & Film |
Apple Podcasts | #7 |  Canada/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #16 |  United Kingdom/TV & Film/Film Reviews |
Apple Podcasts | #57 | Canada/TV & Film |
Apple Podcasts | #95 | United Kingdom/TV & Film |
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Frequently Asked Questions About Critical Darlings
What is Critical Darlings about and what kind of topics does it cover?
Critics and industry observers dissect the latest cinematic conversations, from blockbuster premieres to festival favorites and prestige campaigns. Episodes routinely center on awards-season dynamics, marketing strategies, and the cultural impact of high-profile releases, pairing sharp film analysis with insider perspectives on production, distribution, and campaign tactics. The format often features a rotating roster of guests—critics, filmmakers, and industry insiders—who bring behind-the-scenes context, trade insights, and firsthand experiences with campaigns, premieres, and press rounds. A notable strength is blending passionate cinephilia with practical guidance for navigating publicity, reception, and audience engagement in today's mu... more
Where can I find podcast stats for Critical Darlings?
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How many listeners does Critical Darlings get?
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What are the audience demographics for Critical Darlings?
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How many subscribers and views does Critical Darlings have?
To see how many followers or subscribers Critical Darlings has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.
Which podcasts are similar to Critical Darlings?
These podcasts share a similar audience with Critical Darlings:
1. Blank Check with Griffin & David
2. This Had Oscar Buzz
3. Prestige Junkie
4. Fighting In The War Room: A Movies And Pop Culture Podcast
5. The Big Picture
How many episodes of Critical Darlings are there?
Critical Darlings launched 3 months ago and published 27 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
How do I contact Critical Darlings?
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What guests have appeared on Critical Darlings?
Recent guests on Critical Darlings include:
1. Ryan Broderick
2. Griffin Newman
3. Lindsey Webber
4. Bobby Finger
5. Danielle Hewitt
6. Benjamin Frisch
7. Ben Frisch
8. David Sims
To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.