But Why Tho?

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Seinfeld (well, depending what date you choose) and to celebrate, we're taking a look at how this 90s series came to define television sitcoms and archetypes for years to come. In this episode we get into all the reasons Seinfeld matters. We walk you through the production history of the show, it's financial success, and of course its tenure in syndication. And we do it all with the help of the most-guested guest, Alex!

But, beyond that we talk about how this series changed how we see comedy and opened the door for a whole host of television shows. From notable moments like the Summer of George to phrases and ideas that took hold in culture beyond the series like double dipping, shrinkage, and more we dive into it all. And of course we get into how Elaine was the blueprint for the women of Sex in the City, Dollface, and beyond.

This week we're talking all about the Predator matters. From comics to films and the lore that its steeped in - yes, even AVP - we dig into why this film that began with Jean-Claude Van Damme in a read monster suit jumping over logs became one of the cornerstones of action and science fiction in the 1980s, 90s, and today. Adrian leads us through the history of the franchise, its technical effects wonders, and more.

Friday the 13th turned 40 this year and now, we're going into why one of the founding fathers of slashers matters to horror and beyond. With the help of Mattshotcha, Lead Community Developer for Gun, we take through the history of the franchise, detail the genius of the first movie, and how sparked critic rage only to become a classic and maintain the status as the highest-grossing horror franchise until 2018 when another horror heavyweight Halloween dethroned it. We talk comic crossovers, discuss the best kills in the franchise's history and ultimately break down why Friday the 13th Matters all these years later. Plus, we get the chance to dive into asymmetrical video games, and Friday the 13th's own history in gaming.

Now, like many of the huge franchises we cover, we couldn't fit the 12 film franchise and all of the spin-off material into this episode. But, to make up for it, we go in-depth on the first film in the franchise, how Mama Voorhees subverted expectations in Giallo fashion, and note just when the franchise went off the rails? Was it when Jason went to space? Was it when somehow a boat made it from Camp Crystal Lake to *checks notes* New York City? Find out this week and celebrate the man that made the hockey mask known worldwide.

Follow Matt at @mattshotcha on Twitter and follow Gun at @fearthegun

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Serial Box has been a leader in creating original content that offers subscribers the ability to listen to programs. Last month, the platform finished their first Marvel collaboration, Marvel's Thor: Metal Gods, and now this month they've begun a season of a new one: Marvel’s Black Widow: Bad Blood. This story is 14 episodes long and comes from an all-female writing team led by Lindsay Smith (Serial Box's Orphan Black: The Next Chapter), with writers Mikki Kendall (Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot and Amazons, Abolitionists, and Activists), L.L. McKinney (A Blade So Black), and Taylor Stevens (Vanessa Michael Munroe series), and screenwriter Margaret Dunlap (Netflix’s Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance). Additionally, it's narrated by acclaimed voice actress Sarah Natochenny (Ash Ketchum in Pokémon).

I got the chance to sit down with Natochenny to discuss her work on the project and voice acting in general. In Marvel's Black Widow: Bad Blood, someone has stolen the Black Widow’s blood, and now she must find them before it’s too late.

This week, we're diving into the life, history, and career of Chicano icon: Danny Trejo. In this episode we break down why Danny Trejo matters to film, fans, and why his status as an icon is not only incredible after his journey but life-changing for those he meets. While this isn't one of our longest episodes, we get the chance to dive into an icon, discuss our favorite movies of his and show just why Danny Trejo Matters.

Even if you're unfamiliar with Danny Trejo, you probably know what he looks like. Long hair, thick mustache, brown skin, and a tattoo of a woman in a sombrero on his chest. He began his career consulting on a set to help an actor train as a boxer after he was recognized by Eddie Bunker, who remembered him from his time in San Quentin. This one consultative job led to him starring and consulting Heat, and other films. We walk through parts of his filmography and explain how his role in Rober Rodriguez's Spy Kids opened more doors for him.