How Netflix’s Mo Balances Comedy and Trauma | TV Writing Breakdown with Darryl Wesley

The Bear at its Best: "Forks"

On this episode of In the Cut, Rae invites writer Aeryn Michelle Williams (HARLEM, UMBRELLA ACADEMY) to break down “Forks” — one of the most beloved episodes of FX’s The Bear (Season 2, Episode 7 - READ SCRIPT HERE [https://assets.debut.disney.com/documents/The%20Bear%20-%20Ep%20207%20_Forks_%20_%20Yellow%20Collated%20032123.pdf]). We dive into how this episode turns Richie’s character arc into one of the most powerful transformations on TV.    Join us as we unpack: How The Bear uses structure, pacing, and tone to tell a story about purpose and growth What makes “Forks” a masterclass in character development and visual storytelling Why this episode resonates with writers, filmmakers, and anyone chasing excellence.   🎬 Filmed at the Young Musicians Foundation in South LA — visit ymf.org to learn more.   #TheBear #TheBearFX #ForksEpisode #Screenwriting #TVWriting #InTheCutPodcast #WritingPodcast #Storytelling #FXTheBear #characterdevelopment  Chapters  00:00 – Intro: In The Cut Podcast  00:29 – The Bear Overview & Episode “Forks” Context 01:24 – Meet Aeryn Michelle Williams (TV Writer)  02:01 – Fade In / Fade Out: The Bear Edition  05:12 – Why Aeryn wanted to Discuss “Forks”  08:24 – Cold Open: Coach K Sets the Stage for Richie's Transformation  15:33 – Garrett Tells Ritchie to Respect Himself  19:42 – Character Transformation: Richie Delivers Deep Dish  23:19 – Act 3: Olivia Colman as Chef Terry --  Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos] Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar  Host & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin  Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes  Audio Engineering: Max Fishman  Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne  For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/ [https://inthecutla.org/]    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla [https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla] Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq [https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq]   --  Season 2 Credits:   Key Set PA Jose Medina Rodriguez Set PAs Cathie Arteaga  Julio Correa  Jordan Patton  Terrence Little  Michael Shann III Post-Production PA Johan Barry Writer’s Assistants Ra Djhuty  Balla-Gabriele Laura Ferdinand  Keith A. Wallace PR/Marketing Assistants Marcy Best  Tiffany D. Pinkney

How Netflix’s Mo Balances Comedy and Trauma | TV Writing Breakdown with Darryl Wesley

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, writer and host Rae Benjamin sits down with actor and writer Darryl Wesley (The Upshaws - Netflix, Clipped - FX, The Game - Paramount+) to break down the powerful pilot episode of Netflix’s "Mo."    They explore how creator Mo Amer masterfully balances humor and heartbreak while telling a deeply personal story about identity, immigration, and resilience. From authentic Houston storytelling to finding comedy in dark moments, Rae and Darryl unpack how Mo turns real struggle into universally relatable television.    🎬 Filmed at the Young Musicians Foundation in South LA — visit ymf.org to learn more.    Chapters:    00:00 Introduction  00:21 Mo — Netflix’s Authentic Comedy  01:17 Welcome Darryl Wesley  01:56 Fade In / Fade Out: Houston Edition  04:18 Why Darryl Chose Mo to Discuss  05:13 Cold Open: Cruisin' Through Houston  08:12 Humor in Serious Topics: Palestinian Statehood & ICE  11:52 Writing Flawed but Lovable Characters  17:06 The Grocery Store Scene  19:46 Finding Comedy in Darkness  23:34 How the Pilot Sets Up Mo’s Journey  26:09 Career Talk with Darryl Wesley  30:30 From Basketball to Writing for TV  33:09 Outro — Stay In The Cut --  Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos] Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar  Host & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin  Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes  Audio Engineering: Max Fishman  Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne  For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/ [https://inthecutla.org/]    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla [https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla] Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq [https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq]   --  Season 2 Credits:   Key Set PA Jose Medina Rodriguez Set PAs Cathie Arteaga  Julio Correa  Jordan Patton  Terrence Little  Michael Shann III Post-Production PA Johan Barry Writer’s Assistants Ra Djhuty  Balla-Gabriele Laura Ferdinand  Keith A. Wallace PR/Marketing Assistants Marcy Best  Tiffany D. Pinkney

Schitt’s Creek- The Comedic & Emotional Genius of the Open Mic Episode

On this episode of In the Cut Podcast, we paddle up Schitt’s Creek to discuss Season 4, Episode 6, “Open Mic.” Rae and guest Joya McCroy (ABBOTT ELEMENTARY) cover comedy writing structure, David and Patrick’s heartfelt open mic, and Moira’s unforgettable one-liners showcase the show’s perfect balance of comedy and emotion. Plus Joya shares what it's like to attend the Emmy's and her tips for writing a compelling pilot. If you love Schitt’s Creek, or just want to learn more about classic sitcom writing, this is the deep dive for you.  Subscribe for more deep dives into your favorite TV shows and episodes! Chapters: 00:00 Intro - In the Cut Podcast  00:17 Schitt’s Creek Episode Summary & Context  01:07 Meet Joya McCroy (Abbott Elementary Writer)  01:58 Fade In/Fade Out: Schitt’s Creek Edition  03:21 Why Joya Chose Schitt’s Creek “Open Mic”  06:22 Cold Open Breakdown – A Baby on the Way  11:10 Where Did All the Episodic TV Comedies Go?  15:29 David & Patrick’s Open Mic – A Perfect TV Moment  20:07 Joya McCroy on Her Writing Journey in Hollywood   --  Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos] Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar  Host & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin  Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes  Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne  For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/ [https://inthecutla.org/]    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla [https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla] Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq [https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq] Mamatoosa Podcast: https://linktr.ee/mamatoosapod    --  Season 2 Credits:   Key Set PA Jose Medina Rodriguez Set PAs Cathie Arteaga  Julio Correa  Jordan Patton  Terrence Little  Michael Shann III Post-Production PA Johan Barry Writer’s Assistants Ra Djhuty  Balla-Gabriele Laura Ferdinand  Keith A. Wallace PR/Marketing Assistants Marcy Best  Tiffany D. Pinkney

Reservation Dogs: The GENIUS of Authentic Voices

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast, we break down the incredible pilot of Reservation Dogs with TV writer Sebastián Rea. We dive deep and explore how the show creator, Sterlin Harjo, utilizes authentic dialogue and a perfect blend of comedy and emotional grief to craft one of the most important series in modern television.    We track the journey of Bear, Elora, Willie Jack, and Cheese as they try to scrape together enough money to get to California, analyzing the scenes that make this show so powerful. Sebastián also shares his career journey, from humble beginning as an assistant to Jennifer Lopez, to being accepted into the NBCU Launch writers program.    Chapters:  0:00 - Welcome to In The Cut Podcast & Introduction  0:19 - Reservation Dogs Summary: The Pilot Episode 1:09 - Guest Introduction: Sebastian Rea, Writer & Producer  2:11 - Fade In / Fade Out: Reservation Dogs Edition  5:31 - The Cold Open: The Chip Heist  8:16 - Bear's Homework: Exposition in a Unique Way  13:02 - The NDN Shootout: Masterful Use of Comedy and Action  17:10 - The Truck Driver's Misfortunes  23:23 - The Memorial Scene: The Emotional Core of the Pilot  32:38 - Career Talk: Sebastian Rea on Finding Your Voice and Getting Into NBC's Fellowship  --  Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos [https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos] Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar  Host & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin  Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes  Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne  For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/ [https://inthecutla.org/]    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla [https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla] Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1 [https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1] Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317 [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317] Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq [https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq] --  Season 2 Credits:   Key Set PA Jose Medina Rodriguez Set PAs Cathie Arteaga  Julio Correa  Jordan Patton  Terrence Little  Michael Shann III Post-Production PA Johan Barry Writer’s Assistants Ra Djhuty  Balla-Gabriele Laura Ferdinand  Keith A. Wallace PR/Marketing Assistants Marcy Best  Tiffany D. Pinkney

Andor is the Best Star Wars Show PERIOD.

On this episode of In The Cut Podcast writer and producer Tian Jun Gu (House of Cards, Y the Last Man) comes on to break down “Make It Stop,” an episode from the second season of Andor (Disney+).  From Dedra’s relentless pursuit of Axis, to the shocking fate of Luthen, to we dive into the episode’s bold storytelling choices, cinematic visuals, and moral ambiguity at the heart of rebellion. Plus, Tian Jun shares invaluable insights he gain while participating in the Writers' Guild East Showrunner's training program. Whether you’re a Star Wars fan, an aspiring writer, or just love great TV, this episode is packed with storytelling gems.    Chapters:  0:00 – Welcome to In The Cut Podcast  0:19 – Andor Series Overview & Make it Stop Summery  1:42 – Fade In / Fade Out: Star Wars Edition (Rapid Fire Game)  8:22 – Opening Scene of Make It Stop (Lonnie’s Betrayal & Death Star Reveal)  14:39 – Dedra Meets Axis (Luthen’s Tense Confrontation)  18:29 – Kleya & Luthen's Relationship vs Cassian & Maarva  25:09 – Final Scene & The End of Luthen (A Fitting Farewell)  34:17 – TV Writing Tips & Showrunner Lessons with Tian Jun Gu  --  Watch full episodes on YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@InTheCutLA/videos    Produced by: Raenbo Media & Video Del Mar    Host & Executive Producer: Rae Benjamin    Director & Executive Producer: Joseph Fuentes    Original Music by: Michael Shann aka MadOne    For more resources, live events, and virtual workshops, visit https://inthecutla.org/    Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/inthecutla  Follow us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@inthecutla1    Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/in-the-cut-podcast/id1786880317    Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1QpovDQ7d2yiLV5K0fxhyq  -- Season 2 Credits:  Key Set PA  Jose Medina Rodriguez  Set PAs  Cathie Arteaga  Julio Correa  Jordan Patton  Terrence Little  Michael Shann III  Post-Production PA  Johan Barry  Writer’s Assistants  Ra Djhuty Balla-Gabriele  Laura Ferdinand  Keith A. Wallace  PR/Marketing Assistants  Marcy Best  Tiffany D. Pinkney