Game of Thrones and TV Shows

• 🐉 Mallory Rubin discusses the anticipation for the final season of 'Game of Thrones,' noting the movie-length episodes and potential for incest.
• 📺 She also mentions watching 'Bachelor in Paradise' and 'Insecure,' while Bill Simmons is binging 'Harry Potter' and 'Lord of the Rings.'

College Football and Sports Scandals

• 🏈 The conversation shifts to college football, with disappointment over the Maryland and Urban Meyer stories, highlighting the abuse of power and disgraceful situations.
• ⚾ Mallory expresses frustration with the Orioles trading away star players like Manny Machado and Adam Jones's decision to stay in Baltimore.
• ⚾ Bill discusses the Red Sox's strong season, the performance of Betts and Martinez, and the team's potential to break records.

Jason Bateman's Career and Hollywood

• 🎬 Jason Bateman reflects on his early career as a child actor, starting at age seven and moving to Los Angeles.
• 📺 He discusses his role in 'Family Ties' and the challenges of transitioning from child stardom to adult roles, including the impact of 'Arrested Development.'
• 🎬 Bateman shares his experience with 'Ozark,' the creative process behind it, and his directorial work on the show.
• 🍻 He also opens up about his past struggles with alcohol and his sobriety of 17-18 years.

The Business of Television and Streaming

• 📺 The discussion delves into the model of releasing entire seasons at once on Netflix versus weekly releases, with Bill favoring a more gradual release for discussion and media engagement.
• 🎬 Bateman notes that Netflix is supportive of ambitious projects and creators with a clear vision.
• 🎭 He reflects on the nature of fame and the challenges of maintaining privacy, contrasting his level of recognition with bona fide celebrities.

Sports Movies and Baseball Fandom

• ⚾ Bill Simmons discusses his deep dive into baseball after watching a Ken Burns documentary, leading to exclusive following of the sport.
• 🎬 Bateman mentions his role in the football movie 'Necessary Roughness' and his love for sports movies, despite some not aging well.
• ⚾ He shares a story about attending the Kirk Gibson game in 1988 and his experience as a Dodgers fan.

The State of Football and Quarterbacks

• 🏈 There's excitement about the rookie quarterback class, including Lamar Jackson, Baker Mayfield, and Patrick Mahomes, with speculation about their potential impact.
• 🏈 The conversation touches on the Browns' talent but questions their coaching situation, referencing 'Hard Knocks.'
• 🏈 The potential for the Ravens to be competitive with Lamar Jackson is discussed, contrasting with the previous Joe Flacco era.

The Larry Sanders Show and Comedy

• 🎭 Bill Simmons expresses his admiration for 'The Larry Sanders Show,' calling it his favorite episode and a framework for many modern comedies.
• 🎬 He discusses the unique humor of 'The Office' (UK vs. US versions) and the discomfort-based comedy style.
• 🎬 Bateman reflects on his career path, the transition from sitcoms to single-camera shows, and the impact of 'Arrested Development' in resetting his image.