Join Charisma Carpenter in the studio for the premiere episode of The Bitch is Back! — a first-watch podcast where she recaps each episode with her signature sass, dives into the show's title and why she chose it, and welcomes Julie Benz to dish about episode fashion, blood-soaked FX makeup, Darla’s true soulmate, and who she considers a really good kisser. One of them names names! Your Buffy/Angel comfort content starts now! First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT:   / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG:   / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch Is Back: A First Watch with Charisma Carpenter *Powered by Patreon* is a spin on the traditional rewatch. Known as the formidable queen bee of the Buffyverse, Cordelia Chase-played by Charisma Carpenter-has finally decided to watch her own shows – and she’s taking fans along for the unpredictable ride! First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter

The Bitch is Back! Podcast episode 2 features a soulful interview with Eric Balfour, along with a deep dive into Charisma’s “Hot Takes on the Hellmouth.” In this episode, she shares behind-the-scenes insights from filming library scenes, as well as her reactions, thoughts, and observations about the show—particularly highlighting early red flags related to Xander. She also offers career insights, including her struggles with performance anxiety. Additionally, Charisma weaves in personal stories about being a single mom raising her high school-aged son during the pandemic. She pays overdue tribute to makeup department head Todd McIntosh and shares her opinion that total obsession with your craft is the clearest path to success. Your Buffy/Angel comfort content starts now! First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT:   / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG:   / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This week’s episode, The Witch, explores themes of power and obsession with dangerous consequences. In this episode of TBIB, Charisma breaks it all down, highlighting how the show’s characters repeatedly demonstrate an intolerance for body diversity and exhibit the dark nature of strong competitive edges, the perils of peaking in high school, with a dash of voodoo magic. Welcome to 90s genre television. Your Buffy/Angel comfort content starts now! First episode LIVE & Free. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT:   / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG:   / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

A new, big-bad bug in the form of a seductive new teacher comes to town, preying on feral, lusty Xander and bros. The real Teacher’s Pet, Buffy, saves the day by dismemberment before the she-mantis can wrap her raptorial legs around the sacrificial virginal boys. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back! podcast welcomes Joanna Johnson, an educational influencer on TikTok with over 4 million followers worldwide (mostly from the US and… Texas!). Joanna is also a dedicated teacher, administrator, and the author of the recent book, “That’s Not What This Book Is About.” This episode covers themes of forgiveness and redemption—universal concepts that affect everyone including myself. Tune in and listen as this podcast episode turns very raw and personal. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Demonstrates through compelling storytelling the imperfect balancing act Buffy faces between leading a normal teenage life inclusive of dating Owen while also attempting to honor her duty as the Slayer. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

I’m truly affected by this week's episode called Angel. I am drawn into the palpable attraction between these star crossed lovers with complicated backstories that prove most challenging to overcome. Is their love an epic one of emotional, highs and lows, tragedies and disappointments? Distance and togetherness? Is their connection enough to last a lifetime? Can an emotionally unavailable vampire with a curse survive a slayer intent to kill the very beast that dwells within him? Will she honor her duty or cave to their deep connection and mutual love? Will Buffy’s Darcy and Angel’s Elizabeth Beckett we have happily ever after? … how about will they each survive just this episode? Oh love. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In this candid reunion on The Bitch is Back, Charisma Carpenter sits down with her former Buffy the Vampire Slayer co-star, Seth Green. The two dive deep into the realities of navigating Hollywood, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from the Buffy set, Seth’s balancing act between series regular life on Buffy and his movie career and the contrasting pressures faced by men and women in the industry. From profound discussions on plant medicine and finding inner peace to laugh-out-loud memories. Enjoy! Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Charisma is diving into Season 2, Episode 5: "Reptile Boy," where she watches this frat house nightmare for the very first time and has plenty of notes on Cordelia’s desperate "pick-me" vibes and that fake laugh. She also learns into the cringey reality of the Buffy/Angel age gap conversation. Charisma then reunites with her old friend and Malibu Shores co-star, Greg Vaughan (Richard the frat leader), for a trip down 90s memory lane to discuss, fighting typecasting, raising three boys as a single dad while working insane soap opera schedules, and sharing a truly emotional moment remembering Charisma’s mom on set that you don't want to miss. Please share all your thoughts in the comments, discourse welcome!

We all know online dating is a literal nightmare. Evil exists today just as it did in 1997. Shockingly, this episode was written ONLY two years into the online dating phenomenon that has since taken over the world. NGL this ep of Buffy,  where a demon made false promises of love to an impressionable Willow, could have been written today. It also led to serious consequences of self-doubt, feelings of betrayal,  and self abandonment. It’s truly a cautionary tale of both ignoring red flags and the people who love you. If they have doubts, it may be wise to heed their concerns! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Listen up as Charisma UNWRAPS the vibes and a prime Cordelia spotlight - only for FIRM MEMBERS. This episode is sharp, territorial, and weirdly TIMELY, beneath the beloved BTVS sarcasm. While the Scoobies fight through ancient curses, Charisma calls out her top tier scenes and fav moments in true bitch fashion. Left out a scene you love? Sound off in the comments! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

It’s a TBIB EXCLUSIVE : The Buffyverse is not ready! For the 1st time we have James “Spike” Marsters on the pod, delivering the most demanded fan conversation EVER. Listen (and watch) as Charisma & James have a truly honest, in-depth, heart to heart discussing all things BTVS …and yes reboot & revival thoughts are shared. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Charisma Carpenter & ultimate Buffy stan Ira Madison III leave no stake unturned, diving deep into the Buffyverse (Angel S4 & revival Cordelia discourse included) for the most no-topic-off-limits TBIB yet. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

FIRM MEMBERS beware: Sunnydale doesn’t do summer break — and neither does The Bitch Is Back. Charisma kicks off her first-watch of the first episode of season two “When She Was Bad”, in true Cordelia form. Expect side-eye and freshly formed theories as she dives headfirst into post Prophecy Girl chaos, unpacking “big feelings”, bigger stakes! and the moment Buffy officially clocks back in as a Slayer…with a side of trauma of course. Lore is questioned and characters are put on notice because THIS is the start of Season 2. One listen and you’ll be fully sat (& slayed). 🩸🔥 Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Basking in the Thanksgiving glow stops now. Sit up & strap in for an over stuffed TBIB! Featuring Ryan B TV, the ultimate Buffy/Angel influencer (and professor of all things Cordelia Chase) dishing his take on not just ep 12, but the entire BUFFYverse. Listen & watch as these two dissect fan discourse, lore & get to the bottom of why “Cordelia is kind, not nice”.  Charisma &  Ryan do not hold back. This is one NOT to miss! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This episode is a cautionary tale about peer isolation and loneliness having dangerous consequences. Making the case that love, empathy and the inclusion of others is the answer to many of our societal problems today. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Using literal manifestations of fears, this episode allows us to explore core themes of responsibility, trauma, and identity. By making personal fears a reality for each character, the episode forces the Scoobies and Giles to confront their inner demons providing more insight to deeper character motivations. We also welcome self described Buffy nerd, book author and songwriter, Amy Foster, for another extra lengthy podcast episode. Enjoy! Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This week’s podcast episode covers one of my favorites from Season 1: Puppet Show. This podcast ep is 1.5 hours long - GULP. Why so long, you ask? Because Armin Shimerman, a.k.a. Principal Snyder, one of the most beloved recurring stars and Buffy villains, joins Charisma to talk shop. Spanning topics from Brian Cox, to winning the replacement role of the new principal from a dear friend, Shakespearean line memorization hacks, and the philanthropic cause closest to his heart: http://pancan.org Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back, and this week, Charisma is sitting down with a true architect of the Buffyverse! Prolific New York Times bestselling author and Buffy comic/novel writer Christopher Golden joins the podcast to talk about his incredible career, co-directing the Slayers Audible series, and his deep, decades-long friendship with Amber Benson. Charisma and Christopher trade behind-the-scenes stories from the Slayers recording booth (including a mic-drop reveal about who was supposed to be in Season 2!), debate the character arcs of Buffy's controversial final seasons, and dive deep into why the classic episode "Lie to Me" feels more relevant today than ever before. Plus, Christopher shares a gory, never-before-heard story from the set of Buffy Season 2 involving James Marsters. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In this week's episode of The Bitch is Back, Charisma Carpenter closes out the podcast's first season, a run that carried her through 24 episodes across Seasons 1 and the first half of Season 2, culminating in a Vacation Edition best-of special where she revisits the Pod’s sharpest hot takes. It's a first watch, so every reaction lands fresh: the dream sequence sucker punch that genuinely shocked her, the Cordelia-and-Xander opposites-attract makeout that simply does not track, and the lox and bagel bad breath warfare she and her scene partner waged behind it. Then there's the swarm of worms that still gives her a full-body shudder, and a fond look back at Queen C's license plate, a prop fans were still recreating for her at a convention in Paris. One year in, and the bitch is still very much back. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back, and this week Charisma Carpenter takes on Buffy Season 2, Episode 12 "Bad Eggs" a Marty Noxon sex-ed cautionary tale featuring two vampire cowboys, parasitic alien hatchlings, and a prehistoric mama demon nesting under Sunnydale High. Charisma unpacks the episode's patriarchal reading of motherhood and connects it directly to being branded the "maternal monster" herself years later for daring to have agency over her own body. She delivers one of her sharpest hot takes yet, calling out the show's persistent fixation on weight and thin bodies across 24+ episodes and why that always sat wrong with her, on screen and off set. Plus: the gut-punch moment Xander knocks Cordelia out cold in a scene the show simply moves past, surprise chemistry between Joyce and Giles, and a personal aside about being grounded so often her friends called her house Alcatraz. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Charisma interviews comedian Iliza Shlesinger and her right hand Emily Higgins, host and producer of Ask Iliza, pull up for "Bad Eggs," the Season 2 episode where the Scoobies babysit sentient parasites and Buffy fights a subterranean Mama Bezoar with baby fever. Emily is the Buffy expert (she came armed with DVDs). Iliza is the first-watch newcomer who immediately clocks Sarah Michelle Gellar's ice-skater fighting style and reframes Mama Bezoar as a tool of the GOP. We get into pet-moms vs. real moms, why the 90s felt safer than they actually were, the canceled reboot, and what TV is actually for when the world outside is on fire. Nobody holds back. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In the conclusion of the "What is My Line" two-parter, Charisma Carpenter breaks down the arrival of Kendra, the strict new Vampire Slayer , and the relentless onslaught of the Order of Taraka assassins. While analyzing Buffy's desire for a normal teenage life and Spike and Drusilla's dark ritual , Charisma shares vivid behind-the-scenes memories of the fiery church showdown that took days to film. She also delivers her signature hot takes, calling out the problematic mocking of Kendra's accent , rejecting the forced "opposites attract" trope of the infamous Xander and Cordelia kiss , and officially declaring Cordelia a full-fledged Scooby after she stomps the gross "Worm Guy" into liquid adhesive. Watch the full episode on Patreon! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back, and this week, Charisma is taking on Episode 11, "Ted," features the late John Ritter as Joyce's too-perfect new boyfriend, and Charisma's first-watch reaction is everything: equal parts horrified, pissed off, and weirdly relevant to 2026. Charisma breaks down Ted's slow slide from charming to menacing, the moment he threatens to slap Buffy at mini golf, and Joyce's gut-wrenching refusal to believe her own daughter. She gives John Ritter his flowers for one of the most dexterous heel turns in the show's history, and connects Ted's "right is right" energy directly to the Tate brothers and the modern manosphere. The message every parent needs to hear: listen to your kid Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

Buffy wasn't just training. She was escaping. And if you watched closely, you already knew something was wrong at home before she ever said a word. Charisma breaks down what this episode gets right about kids, chaos at home, and finding your way through it. Full episode on Patreon, link in bio. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In this dynamic continuation of the "Dark Age" discussion, Charisma welcomes TikTok educator and author Joanna Johnson to unpack the rebellious "Ripper" phase of Rupert Giles and the heavy burdens of destiny. The two explore the episode’s themes through the lens of education and parenting, emphasizing the critical need for "rupture and repair" and why adults must show their flaws to the next generation rather than just lecturing them. The conversation seamlessly weaves between lighthearted convention memories—like James Marsters effortlessly slipping into his Spike persona to delight fans—and a deep dive into the metaphorical weight of Eyghon's tattoo as unaddressed shame. Complete with personal reflections on feminism and mother-daughter relationships, this episode proves that Buffy remains a powerful mirror for both our hidden pasts and our ongoing real-world struggles. Listen now! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This week on the Hellmouth, Charisma Carpenter explores“The Dark Age" of Season 2, witnessing the shocking transformation of "Tweed Daddy" Giles into his rebellious, occult-dabbling alter ego, Ripper. While breaking down the episode’s intense confrontation with the Eyghon, demon and the trauma it leaves in its wake, Charisma reflects on the profound moment a "father figure" is revealed to be a flawed human, drawing poignant parallels to real-world parenting and the necessity of "rupture and repair" in relationships. From 90s fashion critiques and "Anywhere But Here" fantasies to making the definitive case for Cordelia Chase as a core Scooby, this episode blends sassy nostalgia with deep emotional insights into why Buffy remains the ultimate comfort content for navigating life's darker moments. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

This week on the Hellmouth, Charisma tackles one of Buffy’s most emotionally devastating episodes, "Lie to Me," in a deeply personal first-watch reaction that unpacks the heavy themes of betrayal, codependency, and the painful realities of growing up. From Angel’s manipulative “Do you love me?” curveball to Ford trading innocent lives for immortality, Charisma gets incredibly candid about how the Scooby Gang learns that the worst monsters are often the well-meaning lies we tell each other. The episode hits her hard, prompting her to draw striking parallels between Sunnydale's willful ignorance and today’s chaotic real world, while also sharing a vulnerable childhood memory and a passionate hot take on societal double standards for young women. From unpacking the trauma of outgrowing your innocence to breaking down the sheer perfection of that final, iconic graveyard scene with Giles, this is a heavy, beautiful discussion you won't want to miss, so hit play, drop your hot takes in the comments, and support the show on Patreon! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

In this week's episode, Charisma Carpenter dives right into Season 2, Episode 6: "Halloween." Grab your candy (and maybe a stake) as Charisma breaks down the chaos of the Scooby Gang actually turning into their costumes, highlighting everything from Cordelia's legendary "Slayer of dating" zinger and that unforgettable skin-tight cat suit to Giles revealing his dark "Ripper" side. Along the way, she shares hilarious hot takes on 18th-century Buffy facing down a car, behind-the-scenes memories of her locker scene with Seth Green (Oz), and a heartfelt reflection on why Willow embracing her body was such a powerful, boundary-breaking message for young women in the 90s. This one is a can’t miss! Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter

The Bitch is Back, and we're opening the vault. A few of our favorite interviews are leaving Patreon for YouTube for the first time, and this is the one we wanted to lead with. Charisma Carpenter interviews Eric Balfour, who played Jesse McNally, Xander's best friend and the first Scooby to get turned, more than two decades after they last spoke. Eric gets into auditioning for Xander and landing Jesse instead, knowing from day one that his character was built to die, and the misery of those early vampire contacts and fangs that left him basically blind on set. He looks back on thirty years in the business, his recent run on Hacks, and why he tells young actors to stop waiting for permission and make their own thing. Plus an honest, funny turn on fatherhood and the parts of Hollywood that quietly break people. Old friends, real talk, and a new chapter for the channel. The B*tch is Back. Full future episodes on Patreon: www.patreon.com/CharismaCarpenter TT: / www.tiktok.com/@charisma_carpenter IG: / www.instagram.com/charismacarpenter