
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein to Launch 'Portlandia' Rewatch Podcast

By Shonda Rhimes


By Shonda Rhimes
Fred Armisen and Carrie Brownstein, the creative minds behind the beloved sketch comedy series 'Portlandia,' are embarking on a fresh endeavor, taking audiences back to the eccentric world of Portland through their new rewatch podcast. Titled 'Podlandia: A-O Rewatch,' this audio series promises an intimate and humorous exploration of the show that captivated a generation.
Launching on July 16, 'Podlandia: A-O Rewatch' is a collaborative effort produced by Will Ferrell's Big Money Players (BMP) network, in partnership with iHeartMedia. Fans eager to immerse themselves in the 'Portlandia' nostalgia can find new episodes weekly on all major podcast platforms, with a special recommendation to tune in via the iHeartRadio app for an optimized listening experience.
The podcast will feature Armisen and Brownstein as they revisit the memorable moments and quirky characters from their cult-classic television series. 'Portlandia' famously satirized the unique subcultures and trends of Oregon's capital, from its distinctive fashion to its intense commitment to local aesthetics. The hosts will guide listeners through the show's rich tapestry, inviting special guests such as Kyle MacLachlan, who played the Mayor, and other notable figures like Aimee Mann and co-creator Jonathan Krisel, to share their insights and anecdotes.
Carrie Brownstein expressed her enthusiasm for the podcast, stating her desire to reignite discussions about community, the influence of place on identity, the performative aspects of life, and the power of absurdity to make sense of the world. She also highlighted the joy of reconnecting with Fred's singular humor and celebrating the talent of the cast, crew, and the city of Portland itself, viewing the podcast as a novel way to engage with their audience.
Fred Armisen echoed Brownstein's sentiments, sharing his delight in rewatching the 'Portlandia' episodes. He noted the rare experience of genuinely laughing at his own work, attributing much of that joy to Carrie's comedic brilliance. The rewatch process illuminated countless memories of filming in the scenic city of Portland, and the opportunity to discuss these experiences with Carrie has been an additional layer of enjoyment and connection for him.
Will Pearson, President of iHeartPodcasts, emphasized the significance of bringing Fred and Carrie, an iconic duo, back together for 'Podlandia: A-O Rewatch.' He believes the podcast will provide fans with an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes perspective on the show, enriched by the participation of various guest stars who contributed to the distinctive world of 'Portlandia.' This initiative aligns with BMP's broader mission to deliver engaging audio content.
The 'Podlandia' podcast joins a growing roster of successful audio productions under the Big Money Players banner. This includes popular shows like Will Ferrell's 'The Ron Burgundy Podcast,' Matt Rogers and Bowen Yang's 'Las Culturistas,' and Ego Nwodim's 'Thanks Dad.' All podcasts produced by Big Money Players are executive produced by Ferrell and iHeartMedia, with distribution handled by iHeartPodcasts, showcasing a commitment to high-quality and entertaining audio content.
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Prolific television creator ("Grey's Anatomy," "Scandal") and author on creativity and empowerment.

by Roger Ebert
by Shonda Rhimes