
James Taylor and Marco Sparks of Bros Watch PLL Too breakdown each episode of the FreeForm TV show Cruel Summer.
| Publishes | Weekly | Episodes | 20 | Founded | 5 years ago |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Categories | After ShowsTV & Film | ||||

In s02e10 of Cruel Summer, we’re finally free. The “mystery” was resolved in the most boring and predictable way possible, and the audience is left to ponder who we were supposed to be rooting for this whole time anyway?
In s02e09 of Cruel Summer, we are treated (subjected) to a bunch of extended flashbacks featuring the show’s worst, least interesting character: nepo Luke. Oh boy. Did you know that he had a distant relationship with his controlling father, and that ... more
Answers are spilling out all over on s02e08 of Cruel Summer, where we inch ever closer to this little weasel finally dying. Secrets are made—and then revealed two scenes later, sucking all the tension and drama out of them! The Sheriff finally looked... more
As we know it? In s02e07 of Cruel Summer, we’ve finally made it to the infamous Y2K party. The showrunner is co-writing the episode and Bill Purple is directing, so big things are gonna happen, right? Right?? Well, we get an obvious (but also unearne... more
In s02e06 of Cruel Summer, Isabella has dumped Luke, giving Megan the all clear to go for him, much to the sad chagrin of Jeff, who has to watch it all happening right in front of him at Luke’s birthday part. In Winter ’99, Luke makes a move on Isabe... more
In s02e05 of Cruel Summer, it’s theoretically Christmas in Winter ’99?? Even though we see more evidence of the holiday in Summer ’99. Isabella’s friend from Europe Trevor shows up in town and he suuuuuuuucks. She kisses him, gets caught by Megan, an... more
In s02e04 of Cruel Summer, it’s Festivus! And we’ve got a lot of problems with you people! In Summer 1999, we’re doing baby’s first fake ID bar visit. Megan is suddenly suspicious of Isabella having feelings for Luke in the Winter 1999 timeline becau... more
In s02e03 of Cruel Summer, tensions are heating up. Or something. Isabella continues to be clingy in the past and shady in the present—and she has very poor gun safety discipline. Megan isn’t much better, and Luke remains a drip. Jeff is creepy video... more
I realized I missed your guys PLL podcast and found out you were doing Cruel Summer! I'm going to start the show ASAP so I can listen!
I loved listening to James & Marco's breakdowns of the season 1 episodes and was desperately hoping for a season 2 podcast. So glad they returned because their commentary does not disappoint! This podcast makes the god-awful second season almost worth watching. BTW, "That's what she said" started being popular with Wayne's World, so it would have been said in the 90s. I know you've done PLL but would be very interested to hear your take on more shows -- have you thought about reviewing Severance... more
I loved listening to this show after catching up on Bros Watch PLL Too. I loved season 1 of Cruel Summer but I haven’t heard good things about season 2, so I’ve been following the season 2 story through this podcast. I might just binge the show after the Bros finish it but I haven’t made my mind up yet….. also Marco Sparks’ Debbie digs crack me up
I bonded with these guys with the downfall of the Original Sin series. Now I am bonding with them through a disappointing season of Cruel Summer. I tend to agree with Benjamin Light on everything except his views on punctuation. Season 2 is historically inaccurate and boring. It’s nice to hear someone else talk about it.
Unfortunately for the bros, my favorite episodes are when they’re critiquing a show for sloppy storytelling and bad writing.
I had frustrations over all the hate directed towards Mallory in the first season because I felt that it went past a line and criticized the actor who plays her for her looks, voice, and facial expressions. Because of that, I really appreciated having a guest with a different opinion on the 10th episode, in contrast to a lot of other reviewers who were on the really hatin... more
The vitriol for Mallory was a bit disturbing. They are not clear enough about separating criticism of the character from contempt for the actor who plays her (as they’ve done on their PLL podcast for men like Toby and Ezra), and it comes off as cruel. They repeatedly make fun of the actor's voice and facial expressions while acknowledging that it feels mean. Their whole treatment of her is incredibly hypocritical - while they spend time finding empathy for every other character on the show (incl... more
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I know I’m a little late to the party, but just watched Cruel Summer, and the show and this podcast are amazing! I’m wondering, where is our interim episode before season 2? I want both of your thoughts on starting a new season with brand new characters and a new plot!
The vitriol these two middle-aged men have for a teenage girl character (Mallory) is disturbing.
They are not clear enough about separating criticism of the character from contempt for the actor who plays her (as they’ve done on their PLL podcast for men like Toby and Ezra), and it comes off as cruel. They repeatedly make fun of the actor's voice and facial expressions while acknowledging that it feels mean. Their whole treatment of her is incredibly hypocritical - while they spend time finding... more
I’m almost done listening to bros watch PLL too. Excited to listen!
Love you have you back in my earbuds. My fav line so far: “Mallory talks with her whole face.” LOL!
I loved episodes 1-9, but the finale discussion was ruined by your guest.
You guys usually have a great thing going. The finale episode is basically unlistenable because of Kaitlin. She makes everything about herself and rambles on without actually saying anything. I’m sure she’s nice enough but she’s not cut out for this kind of podcasting.
Love this podcast! I binge listened to it when there were 8 episodes out and have listened to the episodes twice waiting for episode 9 and 10 lol
I’ll miss it.. you guys should do the show Euphoria 😊
Well hope you enjoy the rest of your Summer!
I’ve been a fan since the early PLL days and I was so overjoyed to see y’all were recapping Cruel Summer because I was immediately obsessed with this show too. The recaps have been so great, and the Mallory impression kills me. I cannot wait to hear your thoughts on the finale!
How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.
Apple Podcasts | #25 | |
Apple Podcasts | #124 | |
Apple Podcasts | #150 | |
Apple Podcasts | #229 |







Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.
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The Cruel Summer Podcast launched 5 years ago and published 20 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.
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