The Cage, Secret Service, and Amandaland. With guest Jack Thorne

The Cage, Secret Service, and Amandaland. With guest Jack Thorne

Author: Empire Magazine May 4, 2026 Duration: 1:55:34

This week’s show sees us pick up some of last week’s biggies with Tony Schumacher’s heist drama The Cage on BBC1 (1:38:54), Gemma Arterton-starring spy show Secret Service on ITV (1:14:57), and the second series of Amandaland, which also lands on the Beeb (1:26:27). Plus uber-screenwriter Jack Thorne chats through his craft with James (43:21-1:06:26), and we take a look at the evolution of small screen storytelling from the episodic shows of yore all the way up to binge-worthy one-drops.

Note: time stamps are approximate as the ads throw them out, so are only meant as a guide. If you want to avoid this and would like the podcast entirely ad-free (as well as 17 hours early, with a second weekly show and spoiler specials) then sign up to Pilot+!


If you’re trying to keep up with the sheer volume of television arriving each week, it’s easy to feel adrift. That’s where Pilot TV comes in. Brought to you by the team behind The Empire Film Podcast at Empire Magazine, this weekly discussion cuts through the noise to highlight the series truly worth your time. Each episode finds hosts James Dyer, Boyd Hilton, Steph Seelan, and Kay Ribeiro gathered for a lively, informed chat that feels like eavesdropping on the best kind of TV-loving friends. They deliver a smart, comprehensive rundown of new releases across every platform-from streaming services to terrestrial broadcasts-ensuring you never miss a must-see show. Beyond the reviews, the podcast brings you breaking industry news and sits down for conversations with some of television’s most influential creators and stars. It’s the perfect companion for anyone who wants to navigate the modern TV landscape with insight and a critical eye, transforming the weekly deluge into a curated viewing guide. Tune in for a genuinely essential, and thoroughly entertaining, take on the small screen.
Author: Language: en-gb Episodes: 100

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