Explore every episode of the podcast The House of El: A Superman, Smallville & DCU Podcast

Derek and Graham discuss the latest episode of Lanterns, focusing on trust, gut instinct, and misdirection. They examine the relationship between Hal Jordan and John Stewart, the choices they make, and the ways the episode uses uncertainty to shape the story.

They also discuss Sinestro, the Guardians, Rushville, the episode’s “weenie” references, and the clues connected to the larger mystery. The conversation looks at which characters can be trusted, how their instincts guide them, and how the episode’s reveals change the way earlier events can be understood.

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In this bonus podcast Derek, Graham, and our special guest this week—writer William Goodman—break down why this show is working so well, what episode 3 unlocks about Hal and John’s relationship, and how the series is using flashbacks and misdirection to recontextualize everything you thought you knew. Goodman also shares insight from his GQ interview with Tom King, including how the DCU was shaped behind the scenes, why Lanterns stayed so true to its original pitch, and why Aaron Pierre is the kind of magnetic presence Hollywood should build around.

We also dig into the larger stakes around the DCU slate, the status of season 2, and why it matters that a show like this is landing with people who don’t normally watch superhero TV. When a series this specific starts breaking containment, it usually means the audience has found something worth obsessing over. Perfect for anyone who wants deeper context before the next episode drops, or for listeners who love DC lore, TV breakdowns, and the kind of behind-the-scenes insight that makes rewatching even better.

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William Goodman's Tom King Interview for GQ

Journalist Mike Sowell shares his lifelong story of being a lifelong Green Lantern fan with The House of El's Derek, and how a viral video changed his life this week.

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In the latest Lanterns coverage from The House of El, Derek and Graham dive into hour three's "OutKast," exploring its storytelling, character development, and cultural significance as they analyze the episode's themes, performances, and what makes it a standout in modern television with a deep dive into the human and superhero elements that make the series so compelling week-to-week.

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Links Mentioned:

# Lanterns Premiere: Writer Tom King on Being ‘The Nerd in the Room’ (and That Ending)

Threads post about Ep3 Writers Room

In this bonus episode of "Lanterns" coverage this week, Derek interviews Elias Noel Almeda, the creator of The Ring Foundry. Elias shares how discovering "Green Lantern: Rebirth" later in life inspired major pivots in his personal and creative journey.

The conversation explores the strong performances of Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre in the first two episodes of the DCU HBO Max series, touching on the show's grounded tone, mythic storytelling, and realistic obstacles.

Elias also discusses his meticulous process as a prop maker, detailing how he designs solid, ergonomic metal rings rather than mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, he teases an upcoming fan-made short film that pays tribute to Green Lantern Kyle Rayner with a 1990's aesthetic.

Listeners can find his work on Instagram @theringfoundry and through theringfoundry.com, or follow his personal updates @theeliasnoel.

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Derek and Graham dive into the electrifying second episode of Lanterns, "Trust Fall." From jaw-dropping action sequences to easter eggs that delight hardcore fans, this episode had it all. In this discussion we delve into the latest developments in the series, exploring character theories, visual design, and upcoming plot twists. Join us as we analyze the episode's key moments and speculate on future storylines.

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Graham and Derek walk through the final moments of the "Lanterns" premiere again, while offering speculation and insight into what could be discerned from trailers for the next seven weeks as the mystery box begins to open and unfold on the new Green Lantern series from DC Studios.

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Derek and Graham breakdown the twists and turns of the series premiere of DC Studios' and HBO's LANTERNS - examining the history of the Green Lanterns on Earth, the mystery surrounding Rushville, Nebraska, and the chemistry of stars Kyle Chandler and Aaron Pierre.

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Smallville's Pete "The Boss" Ross - King Sam Jones III stops by The House of El to share his side of the last 25 years, his breakout role as Superman's pal and how the series shaped his life today as he prepares for Cruiseville 2026.

Luke and Derek catch up and dive into the positives of "Supergirl," discuss the new delay for "The Batman Part II" and completely geek out over this summer's "Masters of the Universe" reboot.

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Derek discusses his two viewings of Supergirl, how the film is performing and gives his non-spoiler review in the first of three episodes for the film. Plus, singer/songwriter Kelty Greye, whose cover song "The Middle" is featured in the film, stops by the show.

Sam Witwer - known for his iconic "monster" roles like Smallville's Davis Bloome/Doomsday and Star Wars' Darth Maul - reflects on his time in Smallville, what he regrets about the way things were left for Davis and how Doomsday is the perfect opponent for Superman.

Smallville's Whitney Fordman - Eric Johnson - stops by The House of El to look back on his freshmen season of the series, how playing the foil to Superman shaped his acting career and what he really took away from the set.

Join Derek from The House of El for another Smallville 25 interview, this time with Supergirl actress Laura Vandervoort as she shares her journey from auditioning for Smallville to becoming an iconic part of the series. Discover behind-the-scenes stories, her growth as an actress and director and the lasting legacy of the show that continues to inspire fans worldwide.

The first in The House of El's SV25 series celebrating 25 years of Smallville, Erica Durance shares her journey from community theatre to becoming the iconic, intrepid Lois Lane on the series. She discusses her audition process, memorable moments on set, the show's lasting legacy and the deep connections formed with cast and fans over 25 years.

Luke Bugg stops by The House of El to discuss our new Patreon exclusive book club that starts April 1, the first Lanterns trailer, excitement for Supergirl in less than 100 days and more!

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Derek and Luke discuss who they would pick to round out a Superman cast in this Patreon preview, showcasing the type of member exclusives you get when joining The House of El's Patreon.

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Derek calls in the troops for the ulimate live Superman podcast as Steve, Frank, Robin, Jason and even Tim join in to discuss their favorite childhood Superman memories, toys and more on your source for all things Superman, DCU and Smallville podcast.

Special Guest: Steve Glosson.

Derek and Professor Michael Bailey of The Bailey Planet delve into the iconic storyline of The Death of Superman, exploring its profound impact on comic book history and fandom. They discuss personal memories, the unboxing of the new Absolute Edition, and the various adaptations of the story across different media. The conversation also touches on the market dynamics surrounding comic books, the legacy of The Death of Superman, and the anticipation for the upcoming Batman: Knightfall animated trilogy. All that and more on your source for Superman podcast!

Special Guest: Michael Bailey.

Justin from Epic Film Guys and The Burton Batcave enters The House of El for some World's Finest talk as he and Derek discuss various amounts of Batman news from The Brave and The Bold to The Batman Part II.

Panic in the Sky! Luke and Derek finally get on mic together for the first time in 2026 to talk all things DCU - the announcement of Brainiac in the Superman/Lex Luthor sequel "Man of Tomorrow," the rumors of Maxima returning to live action in the film, Supergirl, Lanterns and more as these Superman ambassadors do what they love doing the most: talking DC Comics!

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Jenks stops by The House of El to talk all things James Gunn's DCU from Supergirl to Lanterns as he and Derek also discuss the state of movie-going in 2026 and even a little Marvel talk as Doomsday nears.

Kryptonsite's Craig Byrne joins Derek in The House of El to close out the season 3 rewatch of Smallville with the season finale that changed everything for the series, "Covenant." The hosts also discuss their plans for Smallville's 25th anniversary this year, including returning to host the Salute to Smallville convention in Nashville this November!

Special Guest: Craig Byrne.

LEX IS VISITED BY THE GHOST OF CHRISTMAS FUTURE - Lex (Michael Rosenbaum) is given an envelope with damaging information that will destroy Jonathan's (John Schneider) life and must decide whether he will use it as it will also bring harm to Clark (Tom Welling) and Martha (Annette O'Toole). Before he can decide what to do, Lex is shot and falls into a coma. He dreams that his mother (Alisen Down) visits him and shows him the life he could lead if he walks away from his father (John Glover) and LuthorCorp. In this alternate life, Lex is happily married to Lana (Kristin Kreuk) with a baby on the way. Meanwhile, Chloe (Allison Mack) asks Clark to use his powers to deliver Christmas presents to needy kids.

Robin and Derek spend Christmas Eve rewatching Smallville's first Christmas episode, "Lexmas" which aired 20 years ago this month and discuss their own holiday TV/Film traditions.

JOHN SCHNEIDER DIRECTS — When a Kiwatche Indian (guest star Nathaniel Arcand, “The Lone Ranger”) steals a mythic knife from the caves, he is bestowed with superpowers similar to Clark’s, causing the young man to believe he is the legendary Naman, “the man who fell from the stars.” Clark learns the Kiwatche legend foretold of a knife that could kill Naman and sets out to reclaim it before the young Indian can use it on Lionel John Glover.

PETE IS TORTURED BY A CROOKED FBI AGENT - Clark decides to tell Lana his secret so they can finally be together. Meanwhile, an errant FBI agent (guest star Gary Hudson) kidnaps and tortures Pete to try and force him to reveal Clark's secret. Also, Lex panics after the FBI gives him 24 hours to turn over information on his father or face jail time, but help arrives from an unexpected source.

Derek and Tucker discuss two of the final episodes of season 3 of Smallville.

Special Guest: Tucker Colburn.

Derek and Luke "The Geek of Steel" Bugg discuss the imminent trailer for "Supergirl;" what they hope to see, hear and learn from the preview for the upcoming film based on Tom King and Bilquis Evely's "Supergirl: Woman of Tomorrow" from DC Comics.

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Frank and Derek begin to wind down on the season three rewatch of Smallville and begin prep for season 4 starting in 2026.

Derek and Frank sit down live in front of an audience at Cleveland Public Library with "Action Comics" and "Book of El" writer Phillip Kennedy Johnson to discuss the legacy of the Man of Steel during Cleveland's superhero homecoming celebration in July. Special thanks to Cleveland Public Library for inviting The House of El to moderate the conversation!

Derek and Luke discuss some of their favorite moments from the past summer from the worlds of Superman and Smallville, and look ahead to the future.

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

The season comes to a close as William and Derek wind things down and choose their MVP, while looking to what's next for the 11th Street Kids.

Derek and William discuss the penultimate chapter of Peacemaker's second episode and the consequences of Peacemaker's actions.

As the truth of the alternate dimension is revealed, William and Derek get into the possible outcomes of the 11th Street Kids in the final two episodes.

William and Derek prepare for the final three episodes of Peacemaker's sophomore season.

Alien tech and eagle hunters - William and Derek get into it all on the latest episode of "Peacemaker."

Acclaimed actress Neva Howell sits down with Derek Russell of The House of El to discuss her role as Martha 'Ma' Kent in this summer's "Superman."

Derek and Luke hop on the mic to chat about the announcement of James Gunn's "Man of Tomorrow" - the next film in the Superman DCU saga.

Special Guest: Luke Bugg.

Season two continues as William and Derek pose the question: What is exactly is this new dimension/Earth?

Peacemaker season 2 continues as William and Derek break down the ramifications of chapter two.

William and Derek review the season two premiere of "Peacemaker," discuss what's canon and what's not in the newly formed DCU and make predictions for what's to come in this new universe.

Emmy-Award winner Christopher McDonald (Ron Troupe) joins The House of El to discuss "Superman."

Luke - The Geek of Steel - and Steve sit down with Derek to talk about everything they loved about this summer's "Superman."

Special Guests: Luke Bugg and Steve Glosson.

Derek sits down with William Goodman and Dane Davenport to dive in on James Gunn's "Superman" in a first of a series of episodes based around film as the Summer of Superman specials continue.

The House of El goes live following the premiere of "Superman" in Cleveland, Ohio on July 11, 2025 with a panel of titans from the pages of DC Comics (including Brian Michael Bendis, Phillip Kennedy Johnson, Andrew Aydin, Sina Grace, Grace Ellis and Gene Luen Yang) to discuss the new film.

Following Derek's attendance of the world premiere of "Superman" in Hollywood on Monday, Derek and "Smallville" and Superman writer Bryan Q. Miller sit down for a press screening of the film and share their thoughts immediately walking out of the theater in this non-spoiler review of the movie.

Special Guest: Bryan Q. Miller.

Derek is joined by Alex of @DCFilmNews as the countdown to July 11 nears!

Derek is joined by Molly, Julie and Jenn of the FOLCs (Fans of Lois and Clark) Forever podcast as our march to July 11 continues. The group discusses the best of Lois Lane on television and film and specifically the impact of Teri Hatcher's iteration on bringing women into the fandom over the last 30 years.

Adam Hlavac joins The House of El in the anticipation for this summer's "Superman" to discuss the best format to choose when selecting your screenings next month.

On the 30th anniversary of "Batman Forever," Justin from the Epic Film Guys podcast stops by The House of El with Derek to discuss the marketing ramp up for this summer's "Superman" and the two compare and contrast similarities to the summers of 1989 and 1995 as Batmania swept the globe.

With marketing and merch coming out of the woodwork, Derek discusses the last couple of weeks as a Superman fan preparing for the release of this summer's film in the first of a series of specials leading up to July 11.

Derek, Steve and Luke discuss Christopher Reeve's final appearance on Smallville, the upcoming Superman film trailer releasing this week and reflect on 20 years of The House of El online.

Special Guests: Luke Bugg and Steve Glosson.