The Rewatchables

‘Quiz Show’ With Bill Simmons and Brian Koppelman

October 21, 2025

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  • The 1994 film 'Quiz Show' is highly regarded by the hosts, particularly Brian Koppelman, as one of his most re-watched movies outside of the core classics, and its release year was overshadowed by 'Pulp Fiction' and 'Shawshank Redemption'. 
  • The film is praised as a masterclass in screenwriting by Paul Atanasio, effectively capturing the loss of 1950s American innocence, the rise of televised manipulation, and the dynamics of class and intellectual elitism. 
  • The casting of 'Quiz Show' is noted as exceptional, featuring an array of top-tier actors like Ralph Fiennes, John Turturro, Paul Schofield, and cameos from major directors like Martin Scorsese and Barry Levinson, all drawn by Robert Redford's passion for the project. 
  • The film compressed three years of the *Quiz Show* scandal into one year and inaccurately portrayed Charles Van Doren's choice to answer incorrectly as his own decision, rather than one made by NBC. 
  • Rob Morrow's performance in *Quiz Show* was so strong that the hosts believe he should have become a major movie star, attributing his lack of stardom to a glut of talented actors in the mid-1990s. 
  • The massive viewership numbers for 1950s television game shows, like *21* reaching 60 million viewers weekly, are unfathomable compared to modern media consumption habits. 

Segments

Rewatchability and Redford Month
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(00:00:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Brian Koppelman persistently advocated for ‘Quiz Show’ to be featured on The Rewatchables, citing it as his most re-watched film after the core classics.
  • Summary: The hosts noted a shift from rewatching films older than 30 years to including newer classics like ‘Quiz Show.’ Koppelman’s repeated requests for this film were finally fulfilled during a ‘Redford Month’ programming block. This episode was also timed following Robert Redford’s passing.
Themes of TV Manipulation
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(00:02:36)
  • Key Takeaway: The central theme of ‘Quiz Show’—that rigged reality shows can change the world and shape societal perception—has proven profoundly true in the decades since its 1994 release.
  • Summary: The film accurately predicted the lasting impact of television manipulation on society. This theme resonates strongly today, contrasting with the perceived innocence of the post-World War II era. The movie captured a cultural turning point where trust in institutions began to erode.
1994 Film Release Context
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(00:03:23)
  • Key Takeaway: September 1994 featured an unprecedented cluster of critically acclaimed films, with ‘Pulp Fiction,’ ‘Quiz Show,’ and ‘Shawshank Redemption’ all releasing within a two-week span.
  • Summary: ‘Quiz Show’ was somewhat lost in the awards conversation dominated by ‘Forrest Gump,’ ‘Shawshank Redemption,’ and ‘Pulp Fiction.’ The hosts recalled the distinct theater experiences of seeing these three major films so close together. Rob Morrow’s Boston accent in ‘Quiz Show’ was a notable initial reaction for one host.
Screenplay Brilliance and Character Study
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(00:07:51)
  • Key Takeaway: Paul Atanasio’s screenplay for ‘Quiz Show’ is considered one of the greatest since 1990, functioning as a clinic on structure, pacing, and character development, especially regarding Dick Goodwin’s outsider perspective.
  • Summary: The screenplay masterfully captures the feeling of lost innocence while remaining emotionally engaging rather than purely depressing. Goodwin’s journey reflects the relatable struggle of an ambitious outsider trying to prove himself in an established, condescending elite world. The film excels at showing Goodwin’s seduction by the privileged lifestyle.
Class Dynamics and Outsider Status
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(00:11:35)
  • Key Takeaway: The film expertly portrays the closed, literate society of the 1950s elite, exemplified by Charles Van Doren’s inherited prestige and the subtle markers of class, like silverware presentation.
  • Summary: The Van Doren family represents a closed society that resists outsiders, similar to early CIA dynamics excluding Catholics. A small detail, like lifting a silverware holder instead of opening a drawer, signifies inherited wealth and tradition. The scene where Goodwin is unsure how to handle a sailboat mask highlights his outsider status.
Robert Redford’s Passion Project
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(00:15:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Robert Redford directed ‘Quiz Show’ because he felt the televised scandal was the first in a series that left audiences numb and unable to trust what they see, making it a major passion project.
  • Summary: Redford, who watched the original show as a young actor, felt compelled to direct a film about the erosion of authenticity in media. His commitment attracted an incredible cast, with many actors accepting roles due to favors owed to him, including Griffin Dunne and Charles Busfield.
Lead Actor Performances
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(00:17:32)
  • Key Takeaway: Rob Morrow delivered a believable performance as the smart but rough-around-the-edges Dick Goodwin, holding his own against the genius portrayal of Charles Van Doren by Ray Fiennes.
  • Summary: Ray Fiennes, coming off ‘Schindler’s List,’ was on a major career trajectory, displaying immense depth in his eyes. Morrow’s performance is considered strong enough to make him believable as Goodwin in the intellectual chess match against Fiennes. Morrow’s subsequent movie career did not match the potential suggested by this role.
Supporting Cast Excellence
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(00:19:28)
  • Key Takeaway: The supporting cast is universally world-class, though John Turturro’s portrayal of the annoying Herb Stemple slightly impacts rewatchability for some viewers.
  • Summary: The film features an abundance of elite actors, including David Paymer and David Morse as a comedic duo, and Scorsese and Barry Levinson in acting roles. Turturro’s commitment to the self-destructive Stemple is noted, though his character is difficult to watch repeatedly. Casting director Bonnie Timmerman is credited for assembling such a strong ensemble.
Oscar Race and Critical Reception
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(00:31:51)
  • Key Takeaway: ‘Quiz Show’ was nominated for Best Picture against ‘Forrest Gump’ (the winner), ‘Pulp Fiction,’ ‘Shawshank Redemption,’ and ‘Four Weddings and a Funeral,’ with Paul Schofield receiving a Best Supporting Actor nomination.
  • Summary: Roger Ebert gave the film a highly insightful review, focusing on the theological belief that tempting others is a greater sin than being tempted. Ebert praised the screenplay as smart, subtle, and ruthless in placing blame. The film grossed $52 million on a $31 million budget.
Most Rewatchable Scenes
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(00:35:32)
  • Key Takeaway: The opening sequence featuring Rob Morrow buying a Chrysler, which perfectly sets up the era and his character, is a top contender for the most rewatchable scene.
  • Summary: Other highly rewatchable moments include Stemple’s first appearance on the game show, the cat-and-mouse interview with Van Doren, and the sequence where Van Doren beats Stemple, leading to the montage of his success. The chocolate cake scene between Charles and his father is also cited as a perfect moment of character contrast.
What Aged Best and Worst
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(00:46:27)
  • Key Takeaway: The film’s depiction of rigged reality shows and the language used to describe social outsiders (Gentiles, beatniks) have aged remarkably well or poorly, respectively.
  • Summary: The theme of rigged reality shows is highly relevant today, as audiences now expect media manipulation. Conversely, terms like ‘Gentiles’ and the use of ‘beatnik’ to imply homosexuality feel dated to the 1950s setting. The commercial for Geritol, a product whose claims were later scrutinized, also dates the era.
Geritol Ad and Game Show Slump
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(00:56:18)
  • Key Takeaway: The Geritol ad featuring the line “My wife, I think I’ll keep her” ran for nearly 25 years until 1979, selling a product described as ‘snake oil’.
  • Summary: The Geritol ad was controversial but effective, running for about 25 years until 1979. The product itself was essentially a sham, selling a ‘shaman product’ or ‘snake oil.’ The scandal caused game shows to enter a major slump before they returned during the hosts’ childhood in the 1970s.
Historical Accuracy Nitpicks
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(00:57:21)
  • Key Takeaway: The film compressed three years of the scandal into one and incorrectly depicted Charles Van Doren’s decision to answer incorrectly as his own choice.
  • Summary: The movie condensed three years of the scandal into a single year for narrative purposes. It was inaccurate that Van Doren chose to answer incorrectly; that decision was actually made by NBC. Dick Goodwin’s role in the investigation was also portrayed as more central than it was historically, as many others conducted the groundwork.
Van Doren’s Post-Scandal Life
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(00:58:36)
  • Key Takeaway: Charles Van Doren continued teaching after the scandal, a fact he contested in a 2008 New Yorker article.
  • Summary: Van Doren continued teaching after the scandal, which he noted as an issue with the film’s credits. His 2008 New Yorker article suggested he still possessed a large ego and desire for fame and money. The hosts inferred that Van Doren would likely repeat his actions if given the chance.
Hottest Take Awards
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(00:59:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Rob Morrow should have become one of the world’s biggest movie stars after Quiz Show, but was lost in the glut of talented actors in the 1990s.
  • Summary: The hosts argued that Morrow’s performance warranted massive stardom, suggesting he could have led films like Jurassic Park if the timing were different. They attributed his lack of breakout success to competition from actors like Matt Damon, Ben Affleck, and George Clooney emerging in the same era. Russell Crowe was suggested as a potential recasting for Morrow’s role.
Film’s Bad Award Luck
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(01:01:38)
  • Key Takeaway: If Quiz Show had been released one year later, it would have likely won Best Picture and Best Director over Braveheart and possibly The English Patient.
  • Summary: The film’s 1994 release date was considered bad luck due to the strength of the competition that year. It is believed it would have beaten Braveheart in 1995 and had a strong case against The English Patient in 1996. Robert Redford may have also suffered from slight ‘Redford fatigue’ at the time, following several recent films.
Casting What-Ifs and Director Attachments
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(01:02:25)
  • Key Takeaway: Paul Newman turned down the role of Charles Van Doren’s father, and Steven Soderbergh was allegedly attached to direct early in the project’s development.
  • Summary: Robert Redford initially considered William Baldwin before settling on Ralph Fiennes for Van Doren. Paul Newman reportedly turned down the role of the father, which ultimately went to Paul Scofield. Steven Soderbergh was rumored to direct with Tim Robbins as Charles Van Doren, which the hosts felt would have been incredible.
Best That Guy Award Discussion
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(01:04:44)
  • Key Takeaway: Hank Azaria earned the ‘Best That Guy Award’ for delivering a great performance while being largely unknown to audiences at the time.
  • Summary: Hank Azaria was recognized for being excellent in the movie before he became famous, particularly for his work as a voice on The Simpsons. David Paymer was also praised for his scene where his character, Dan Enright, refuses to rat out NBC, understanding the code of American business. Barry Levinson was also nominated for appearing as a director who the general public might confuse with an actor.
Half-Fast Research Facts
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(01:13:55)
  • Key Takeaway: Charles Van Doren drove a seven-figure Mercedes-Benz 300 SL Roadster, and the revived 21 game show in 2000 was hosted by Maury Povich.
  • Summary: The original 21 ran for three seasons, peaking at number 21 in ratings before being canceled in 1959. Producers Jack Barry and Dan Enright went into exile but returned with Joker’s Wild in the early 1970s. The hosts noted that Ordinary People is Robert Redford’s best-directed film, despite Quiz Show’s nomination.
Apex Mountain and Casting Alternatives
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(01:16:01)
  • Key Takeaway: Rob Morrow’s Apex Mountain was hosting Saturday Night Live with Nirvana as the musical guest while Northern Exposure was exploding in popularity.
  • Summary: Ralph Fiennes’ Apex Mountain is likely around Schindler’s List or The English Patient. Tom Cruise was suggested as a potential Charles Van Doren, but the hosts felt he would have ‘over-Cruised’ the role and lacked the necessary bookish appeal. Tom Hanks was ultimately chosen by the group as the best hypothetical Van Doren.
Nitpicks and Final Thoughts
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(01:22:18)
  • Key Takeaway: The hosts’ main nitpick concerned the unclear mechanics of the prize money structure on 21, where side deals made the advertised winnings fictional.
  • Summary: The hosts noted that the film failed to explain how the money worked, as contestants had side deals and appearance fees, making the prize money structure a fiction. Another nitpick was the lack of period-accurate cigarette smoking, which Robert Redford likely omitted due to personal preference. The segment concluded that Paul Atanasio, who co-created House, is an underappreciated titan of screenwriting.
Craig’s Final Take and Wrap Up
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(01:29:06)
  • Key Takeaway: Craig enjoyed Quiz Show because its themes of media deception, classism, and reality manipulation remain highly resonant in the modern era, especially concerning AI.
  • Summary: Craig appreciated that the film’s themes grew stronger, moving beyond just a cheating game show to broader societal commentary. He felt the ending, which avoided a simple montage of arrests, resonated harder. The concept of being tricked by mass media and the changing definition of reality are still relevant today.