Talking Saul

Talking Saul is an American television after-show produced by AMC, which first aired in February 2016. The show serves as a post-episodic discussion forum for the critically acclaimed series "Better Call Saul," another contribution from AMC. Much like its namesake, Talking Saul delves into the many twists and turns of "Better Call Saul," enhancing the viewing experience for fans and newcomers alike.

Hosted by comedian Chris Hardwick, who is also the host of "Talking Dead," the after-show for "The Walking Dead," Talking Saul has the same format. Each episode focuses on deep-diving into the storylines of the prior night's "Better Call Saul" episode. Hardwick, known for his quick wit and fan-embracing enthusiasm, presents a comprehensive analysis of the episode's events and key character developments, as well as speculations about future plotlines.

The hour-long after-show typically kicks off with a recap of the most recent episode of "Better Call Saul," providing viewers with a refresher on the key events or plot twists. Following this, the show usually opens the floor up to a group of featured guests—typically, these guests are from the cast and crew of "Better Call Saul," such as Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould, the show's co-creators, and Bob Odenkirk, who plays the show's protagonist, Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman.

The candid insider perspective provided by these guests is invaluable to fans of the series, as it offers a unique dive into the creative minds behind "Better Call Saul." This more personal exploration of the storyline also gives viewers a fresh perspective on the unfolding narrative, providing extra insight and context that they might not have had previously.

One of the distinguishing features of Talking Saul is the interactive aspect— the show often incorporates live fan questions and reactions, both from the studio audience and via social media. This brings an element of community spirit and participation that is often lacking in mainstream television, allowing for real-time, in-depth discussions of narratives, character arcs, and theories from the fandom.

In addition to the show's discussions, Talking Saul also features exclusive behind-the-scenes footage from the production of "Better Call Saul," including bloopers, alternative takes, and interviews with cast and crew members. This exclusive content provides a new layer of appreciation for the meticulous crafting of "Better Call Saul," as viewers learn about the hard work and careful thought put into each scene of the show.

Contrary to its name, Talking Saul is not reserved to fans of "Better Call Saul" alone. The show dives into its parent series, "Breaking Bad," as well, touching upon the intriguing connections and parallels between both sagas. This provides much-appreciated context for fans of the original show and offers an interesting perspective for those who've hopped on to the "Breaking Bad" storyline through the prequel.

Taking all these aspects into account, Talking Saul goes beyond a mere after-show – it's an interactive, insightful extension of the "Better Call Saul" experience. By emphasizing fan interaction and featuring genuine behind-the-scenes content and exclusive interviews, Talking Saul brings fans closer to the world of Jimmy McGill/Saul Goodman. It provides a deeper understanding of the series, helping viewers appreciate the intricacies of its production, the thought-processes of its creators, and the inspirations behind its unforgettable characters. Despite the serious, often grim world of "Better Call Saul," Talking Saul adds an element of fun and community to the TV-watching experience.

In essence, if "Better Call Saul" is an engrossing novel, then Talking Saul is the book club discussion serving up lively debates and profound insight. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the series, a casual viewer, or just someone getting to know the compellingly flawed world of lawyer-turned-conman Saul Goodman, Talking Saul provides a platform to dive deeper and appreciate the masterful storytelling that has become synonymous with both these series.