Pretty Much Pop #4: “Chernobyl” and the Art of Suffering


On the HBO mini-series Chernobyl. Mark, Erica, and Brian first get into the various degrees of looseness in something’s being “based on a true story.” Does it matter if it’s been changed to be more dramatic? We then consider the show as entertainment: Why do people enjoy witnessing suffering? Why might a drama work (or not) for you?

We also touch on Game of ThronesThe KillingGod Is DeadIt’s Always Sunny in PhiladelphiaBig Little LiesSchindler’s List, Vice, Ip Man, and more.

Some of the articles we looked at to prepare:

Get more at prettymuchpop.com. This episode includes bonus content that you can only hear by supporting the podcast at patreon.com/prettymuchpop.

Our Lucy Lawless interview will be out next week! Thanks to Open Culture for curating this podcast.

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