…About every 5 minutes, and you can stand the scatting of the theme song, and having Augustus referred to as some other character you’ve never heard of, ..it’s worth the listen. The hosts add a lot to watching the series, which I now have on a US DVD player-compatible set of discs. This series holds up. I watched it in the 70’s as a teen and I read the books. Now watching it again I appreciate it more. The series is like a play. Some nudity; pretty racy for its time, implied gore. The dialogue is superb. It puts the AI- written series of today to shame. The actors are superb, as the hosts aptly point out. They also tell us in which other shows these actors have made an appearance. They refer to relevant history. They do make me laugh. My favorite line was in the first episode when the Romans were complaining about what terrible slaves the Brits were. The Romans were busy slaughtering each other, the Gauls, the Germans and the Brits so they could be an empire. It would be great if this behavior ever ceased among mankind. But alas. This series is as relevant today as it was yesterday and will be in the future. ETA: episode 5. Still going on about cardboard sets. I thought they’d get through it without saying Boss Nas since Augustus is dead. But no. If you fast forward for many digressions, about 1/2 is listenable and useful.

I want to like this so much. But the constant cackling of the co host makes this nearly unlistenable. Hodgman is a gem.

I discovered this podcast after recently watching I, Claudius all the way through for the very first time. I was hoping the podcast would be more than what it is unfortunately. The best parts of it are when they comment on the careers and best performances of the actors, but besides that most of this program is a rote scene-by-scene explanation where they mock the low budget more often than necessary. The most annoying aspect is that one of the hosts actually seems to be knowledgeable about the factual history the story is based on, but his cohost always belittles him for it and rushes them to the next scene. I understand it’s scripted and it’s a character dynamic but it’s frustrating that a podcast about a show that is rooted in fascinating history barely scrapes the surface of it. Skip it and go watch I, Claudius again or the two or three episodes of The History of Rome podcast that cover Augustus’ reign.

I didn’t know I needed this in my life, except now, I’ve listened to it in it’s entirety at least 5 times. As a 6-year-old who was glued to the screen (my parents were not terribly vigilant about adult content), I loved/was terrified by this miniseries, and I am so happy to find others who have the same fascination with it. I read the books in my 20’s, rewatched the series at the same time, now listening to the recaps and I’m still loving it all. John and Elliott make so many incisive and hilarious points, I laughed out loud so many times. Thank you, John and Elliott, and Jordan, for making such a delightful podcast.

These two guys are terrible. They clearly do not care about serious listeners. But for sure their in love with themselves, their voices and their silliness. Why would you do a serious historical story by being silly with verbal nonsense that only makes yourselves laugh?

Wonderful! John and Elliott have great chemistry. Each episode sent me scurrying to Wikipedia to learn more. Why don’t you three take on the 70’s series “The Thorn Birds”?

I love I, Claudius and I love I, Podius. The tale of the Australian student at the end of episode 3 is the stuff of legend.

Love I Claudius. I’ve listened to this podcast eight times. Good use of quarantine. Very clever banter.

I’ve never watched any episode of I, Claudius. But that has been no bar to my enjoyment of I, Podius. John Hodgman and Elliot Kalan give an absolutely hysterical recap of what must be a very absurd show. Between descriptions of various cardboard sets to Patrick Stewart’s ‘neck hair’ wig, I can’t keep a straight face. In fact, during Episode 6, I had two separate genuine spit-takes of my soup at lunch. Not for kid ears though. Very entertaining for us adults.

Uneducated and rude

Being a mom is hard. I really got down on myself until I heard this podcast. Compared to some of these parents, I’m killing it!

Pod F Tompkast singing the theme shall be entrenched in my brain forever.

Came for I, Claudius stayed for Elliot and John. They are great together and I laughed through every episode.

I probably would never have watched I Claudius were it not for this podcast. What a great series and what a delightfully podcast.

Honestly, trying out a new podcast can be a little disappointing. However, to my surprise, this was really fun and informative. I’m one of those people who prefers a podcast over a fancast. I want honest analysis. The hosts provide great insight and humor on a very consistent basis. Even the final podcast was informative and entertaining. By the way, look for the special interview. I never thought they would have gotten such a well known guest. Great job, everyone! I would definitely listen to any other podcast they produced.

I was excited for this. I loved I Claudius. They are so not entertaining and ramble. I was so disappointed

I listened to every episode without having watched I Claudius and I still loved it. Elliot and John are so entertaining and smart and funny. I really loved it.

These guys are too funny and they’re great at pointing out details to better appreciate the show. (Also, Elliott is right about the second Claudius book not being as good, though I did enjoy the alternate account/repudiation of Christ’s resurrection that stipulates all the given details.) Anyway, I love this podcast and I love I, Claudius, even though there’s at least one absolutely terrible directorial decision per episode (let’s shoot an intimate scene of seduction and treachery from the top of the actors’ heads!), it’s part of the charm for me.

Thanks to the two best hosts for being at their peak (wit, charm, and insight) while shedding light one one of the great accomplishments in TV history!

This gets two stars because some conversation about ‘I, Claudius' is better than none. However, constant ham-fisted attempts to associate Roman history with contemporary times and tediously calling the sets ‘cardboard’ a million times isn’t compelling commentary. However, I went into it with very low expectations and so far those have been met.

John Hodgman’s impression of Brian Blessed talking about melon is the stuff that joy is made of:)

People being rude about Elliot’s voice need to chill. This is a good podcast. It’s not going to be a podcast for dorks who want to listen to historians be dry and uninteresting. It’s a classic recap podcast, like other recap podcasts with our classic podcast friends Elliot and John. So it’s still a podcast for dorks. But not boring dorks. Love it!

Very funny take on a surprisingly relevant 40+ y/o BBC mini-series about the lives of the super elite in a great republic drifting towards authoritarianism. Hodgman and Kalan are great. There is nothing in the world of I, Claudius that occurs to me that did not occur to them first, and that is an affliction I’ll have to live with. But, I ramble. We’ll talk later.

I started watching based solely on JJHO's endorsement, and now I can't stop. And then I have to listen to the podcast to hear his and Eliot's commentary. I don't want to, but I can't stop. They are both that compelling and entertaining.

Livia made me write this review.

Hands down the best Brian Blessed imitation ever.

The hosts are two moronic clowns clearly in love with the sound of their own voices (and their voices are hardly lyrical!). They make a mockery of one of the most brilliant historical TV productions of all time and dumb it down to nonsensical banter. I just don’t get the purpose of this pathetic podcast. If you want to be mesmerized and learn something at the same time watch the TV program and skip listening to this BS. When the hosts compared I,Claudius to Game of Thrones it was over for me! I thought I was going to hear from some of the original cast or historians and learn more behind the scenes info but half way into Episode 2 it was still more of the same idiocy. Worse than the podcasts are the obvious 5 star reviews. No one is perfect so something isn’t on the up and up.

Two podcasting and televisions icons! This is finally the reason I need to watch I Claudius. I’ve wanted to watch it ever since my parents made my sister and go to bed early so they could watch it in the 70’s!

I’ve been meaning to watch “I, Claudius” since I was a kid, when I first wandered in on my parents watching it on PBS after I’d gone to bed, and since the mid-80s Sesame Street parody “Me Claudius” on “Monsterpiece Theatre”, which I loved as a child without knowing why. Only John Hodgman creating a podcast compelled me to finally watch this insane gem of a series, so many decades later. I knew that John’s inimitable style of commentary would be delightful. Add Elliot Kalan’s excellent research and fresh first-time-watched perspective and you have a podcast that, each week, I don’t want to end. Well done, fellas. Well done.

I love both Elliott and John and their individual projects, so it is great to hear them together on I, Podius. I’ve never seen I, Claudius before and I probably would never have watched it if not for this podcast. I’m really glad I watched the series and that I have I, Podius to look forward to each week.

Two of my favorite podcasters talking about a 70s British TV show about ancient Rome!? Need I say more? Must listen!!!

I love the energy the two hosts, Hodgman and Kalan, create for the show. This is a bit of an obscure topic to podcast about, but why not? It’s kind of an inspired idea!

I listened originally for the hosts but have found the miniseries to be so compelling. Look beyond the cardboard sets and sillyputty old age makeup and watch along as these two intelligent hosts recap I, Claudius. Laugh out loud funny! Also I would like to request a spin-off podcast of Paul F. Tompkins skat-singing television theme song—so charming! I hope they continue with an alternate show when I, Claudius is over.

I am going to be so sad when this short podcast is over. I want Elliot and John to do something together after this!! John is a fabulous wit, and Elliot is an equally clever movie critic. Fan of their other podcasts, so this is tailored for me.

Compelled

Ah, you silly men. Would prefer more impressions, free association of names and long-running bits. Excellent job so far.

I've always loved I Claudius' OTT acting & cheesy elements. I thought I was the only one - until I found this pod. From Paul F Tompkins' hysterical version of the theme to the witty discussion, this is a must-listen!

Love the twist on the recap podcast. More of this please.

Not a subject matter I’d ever have thought would be both relevant and entertaining in 2020, but here I am hoping they find obscure television to talk about every year. A great pair of hosts.

Stop harvesting my brilliant topics for the podcast form John Hodgman and other guy. I’m on to you brain bandits. This is why the gods gave us the form. If you find any history even mildly interesting, watch the TV series then listen to this drop. If you don’t, change.

I can’t think of better hosts for an I, Claudius podcast. Between the knowledge and the nerdy in-jokes, this podcast will win your heart over quicker than boiled asparagus.

As a mega 1970s british drama fan (not to mention Star Trek!), it’s been driving me nuts for years hat I had such a difficult time following the first episode with so many characters! Thanks to these guys, I now can understand and continue on their amazing and hilarious (not to mention educational) journey! PS. PLEASE do more 1970s british television next!!! (Upstairs, downstairs?!?! I looooooove that one and it would really make me appreciate the first couple seasons more if I can rewatch along with you all!). But really I’ll love any future 1970s british television review efforts bc this is just such a fantastic romp!

Loved the show. I was glued to the original broadcast. I watch it every free years. Brilliant, infamous actors. I may keep this podcast forever. Yes, I made my eldest daughter watch it as well. My favorite book in high school. Love it, Luv it!!!’

Elliott and John are two great tastes that taste great together. Why are these two intelligent and hilarious writers and podcast hosts making me watch a disco era BBC production? I’m not sure, but I’m excited to find out. I recommend you subscribe “as quick as boiled asparagus!”

Once they started actually talking about I,Claudius, this was an interesting and entertaining podcast. Unless you are super fans of these people, I recommend skipping to about the 12 minute mark of the first episode. Hopefully future episodes will get to the point faster.

As a kid I was fascinated by this show. Ladies’ boobies on TV? Decapitations? A horse for a senator? Patrick Stewart with hair? But in the intervening years since, I have NEVER met anyone else who has seen it. I can’t wait to hear what you have to say.

Was gonna write something about an unchangeable aspect of one of the hosts voices but I’m just gonna leave the one star.

The C is Roman numeral for 💯! Like other reviewers I feel I’m the target demo which is bonkers. PFT doing the theme? I’m taken back to high school Latin.

I love these two hosts, and their conversation really improves the experience of watching the series!

I love John Hodgman and I watched I, Claudius at about the same age he did, so this is a real treat.