Escape into Period Pieces

Escape into the pond on Landry farm in today's episode as Stephanie discusses the Hallmark tv series THE WAY HOME (2023-2026), which just concluded its final season last week. THE WAY HOME follows three generations of women in the Landry family who are coming back together after Kat gets divorced and moves her daughter back to her childhood town and home. Her daughter, Alice discovers a magica...

In today's episode, Stephanie and returning guest Emily Heyden discuss a nostalgic 1995 favorite, Mr. Holland's Opus (available on Disney Plus). Listen to two teachers review the film and get critical over why they felt nostalgic about it and how those feelings have changed during this recent rewatch as well as reminisce about playing an instrument in school. References: Mr. Holland's...

Season 1 of Debbie Horsfield's re-imagining of John Glasworthy's Forsyte Saga, The Forsytes, aired on PBS Masterpiece this Spring. Join Stephanie in today's episode as she breaks down her thoughts on this new show, discover the source material for the first time and recap some of the 2002 BBC series. To avoid spoilers watch now on PBS Passport or with the Masterpiece subscription on Pr...

Escape back to the Yorkshire Dales with Stephanie and returning guest Drea Mayer as they discuss SEASON 6 of All Creatures Great and Small (available on PBS Passport, Masterpiece on Prime Video and Blu-ray/DVD). Hear them talk about their favorite moments from this past season, react to the time jump, as well as little Jimmy, Tristan, and the status of Siegfried and Mrs. Hall... For their past rea...

It's time for another Author Spotlight episode! This time on Frances Hodgson Burnett (1849-1924) best known for her children's novels: The Secret Garden, A Little Princess and Little Fauntleroy. In today's episode dive into her life and see the legacy her work has left behind. Hopefully this will get you to pick up one of her novels or watch one of the films based on her work! Stay tun...

It's finally time... The podcast is discussing another 2026 release with the highly controversial "Wuthering Heights" directed by Emerald Fennell and starring Margot Robbie and Jacobi Elordi that came out on Valentine's Day. Sound bite from the episode: "So that was a thing we watched..." In this episode the podcast welcomes back returning guest, Dr. Brian Hicks who spe...

Join Stephanie today as she discusses recent shows she's watched so far in 2026 from season 2 of The Artful Dodger and The Buccaneers as well as PBS shows like Bookish and Call the Midwife. But that's not all! She also chats about more current watches and future things to check out! Today's episode does get spoilery for a few different things, so be sure to check out the time stamps be...

Venture into Jane Austen's coming of age, and satire on all things gothic with today's episode on the 2007 adaptation of Northanger Abbey starring Felicity Jones, JJ Field, and Carey Mulligan. Stephanie welcomes podcast host Carly from Swoon-Worthy and perioddramastyle on Instagram to chat about one of her favorite comfort films. Get ready to discuss all things Northanger Abbey, Jane Auste...

Rejoin Mayfair and the ton in today's episode on Bridgerton season 4 as Stephanie does a deep dive review into the latest season surrounding "second brother" Benedict Bridgerton and maid Sophie Baek as well as the rest of the subplots of the season. If you love a Cinderella story, and the tropes of love at first sight and forbidden love then this season will be perfect for you! Watch...

Escape into the gothic world of Guillermo del Toro's adaptation of Frankenstein that came out on Netflix in the fall of 2025 with Stephanie and returning guest Pileigh Shahinian who requested to discuss this film on the podcast! Del Toro takes a new approach to Mary Shelley's novel that creates an ongoing conversation with the original source text. Check out the film before the Oscars as i...

Escape into 1964 and watch the success of the fictional band The Wonders (or is it the Oneders) as Stephanie discusses the 1996 film That Thing You Do! This film is one of Stephanie's all-time favorites, so get ready to hear her nerd out in this solo episode as she discusses how many times the iconic song gets played as well as a review of the film and deep dive into behind the scenes stories!...

Return to the upside down in today's episode as Stephanie and returning guest Drea Mayer break down everything Stranger Things from their overall love of the show to the various plot holes of season 5 and their thoughts on the series finale. Is this show a "period piece?" You will just have to tune in to find out. Also in this episode, a PSA to go to your local movie theater and Step...

Happy New Year and welcome to SEASON 3! Would you like to turn back the clock because you don't feel ready for a new year? Then how about you time travel with Stephanie in this episode? In today's episode, Stephanie expands what we think about when we think about "period pieces" by including some time travel TV shows and films (and a few books). They could also be some good recom...

Welcome to the last episode of the year and the last episode of season 2! Can you believe it? Join Stephanie as she gets retrospective and reflects on everything that was accomplished in season 2, discuss some TV shows and movies Stephanie watched, but didn't get a chance to talk about this season, and a look ahead to season 3 goals as well as 2026 releases! Lastly, the episode ends with some awar...

Happy Holidays and welcome to the last guest episode of season 2! (Where has the time gone?) In today's episode, Stephanie discusses the 2023 film THE HOLDOVERS starring Paul Giamatti, Da'Vine Joy Randolph and introducing Dominic Sessa. Her conversation with returning guest Emily Heyden is bound to become one of your favorites. (Emily even gives some tips if you are traveling for the holid...

Welcome back to the podcast and welcome new guest, Emma Hirt as they discuss the 2017 Broadway Musical Bandstand with Stephanie. Bandstand was performed at the Bernard B. Jacobs theater on Broadway from April-September 2017. It tells the story of a group of veterans returning home to the United States after World War 2. Struggling to fit into their old lives while dealing with lingering effects of...

What better way to end Halloween weekend and continue to celebrate Jane Austen's 250th than discussing the "classic" film Pride and Prejudice and Zombies . This 2016 film is based on the 2009 novel by Seth Grahame Smith, which is inspired by Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. (Did you follow all of that?) If you still want the spookiness and are a fan of Austen then you should de...

Should you watch Emily (2022) starring Emma Mackey and written/directed by Frances O'Connor? Listen to Stephanie and returning guest Brian Hicks's thoughts in today's episode and find out! This "biopic" takes creative liberties with Emily Bronte's story as it fuses her life with her only novel Wuthering Heights. O'Connor tries to solve how Emily came up with the novel...

Do you know about the authors behind the works Jane Eyre, Wuthering Heights, or Agnes Grey? In today's episode you'll learn all about the three Brontes: Charlotte, Emily and Anne as well as the rest of their family. In the similar style to Stephanie's past author episodes, get ready to learn about their personal lives and the legacy they leave behind today. Perfect for those who are pr...

The conclusion to the Downton Abbey franchise is officially out now with Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale in theaters. Join Stephanie in today's episode as she discusses her thoughts on the new film as well as a look back on the show and fandom in a very chatty episode. Have you seen the film yet? If not, be prepared for SPOILERS! References: Downton Abbey (the series) available on Peacock, Pri...

Welcome back to the podcast, Drea Mayer, as we discuss season 10 of the Masterpiece Mystery show GRANTCHESTER, which concluded this summer. If you're looking for a cozy mystery show that's filled with found family, humor, and solving murders then look no further! This season had so many layers and reminded us of things that happened not that long ago. Grantchester is available on PBS Passp...

Are you still reeling from that season finale of HBO's The Gilded Age? Then this episode is for you! Stephanie has been talking about the show nonstop, all summer and it is FINALLY the time to discuss it on the podcast. Spoiler alert as an overview of all the seasons will be discussed with a major focus on season 3. Thank you to everyone who submitted their thoughts as they were very fun to re...

This past April was the 100th anniversary of F. Scott Fitzgerald's "The Great Gatsby" which makes it the perfect time to review and discuss Baz Luhrmann's 2013 film adaptation of the book, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey Maguire, Carey Mulligan, Joel Edgerton, and Elizabeth Debicki. Welcome back to the podcast, Jordyn Cummings, who is an expert on all things Gatsby, so make sure you read the boo...

In today's episode listen to Stephanie discuss the Apple tv show THE BUCCANEERS, specifically focusing on season 1. It's set in the Gilded Age, but as it focuses so much on romance and modern sensibilities it almost feels like you're not watching a period piece. Beware of spoilers, so it's a good idea to watch season 1 ahead of time. It's available on Apple tv or Prime Video (f...

In today's episode uncover the fact, fiction, and folklore of the Culper Spy Ring in the AMC TV show Turn: Washington's Spies that ran for four seasons from 2014-2017. Stephanie is joined by Revolutionary War Historian Kimberly Phyfe from the Three Village Historical Society (located in Setauket, NY). This episode was so much fun to record in person. Buckle up for a longer episode that is filled w...