Black Mirror, AI boyfriends and The Idol: torture porn or top TV?

<p>Gang, we have waited SO long to debrief about HBO’s new “torture porn” show The Idol, starring Lily-Rose Depp and The Weeknd that is already the most talked about TV show of 2023, and since three episodes have passed we think we’re finally ready to give our verdict. We get stuck into its grotesque flaws and surprisingly more promising moments, debating everything from whether Lily-Rose Depp is any good (and if her character Jocelyn could ever really be a viable pop star), to the allegations of “heavy sleaze” and its inescapably male gaze. </p> <p>Plus, the new Black Mirror anthology has dropped on Netflix after a four year wait, and one episode in particular is highly relevant to us celeb culture nuts: &#39;Mazey Day&#39;, the one in which a vulnerable celebrity is stalked by paparazzi. No spoilers huns, instead we debate the ethics of photographing someone who has consented to becoming a public figure, and whether the paparazzi has evolved since its infamous heyday. Plus, a quick overview of episode one, Joan Is Awful, the most &quot;vintage&quot;, deliciously &quot;Black Mirror&quot; of all of the new series. </p> <p>Finally, Ellie has a new boyfriend, and we get to meet him! </p> <p>Enjoy the episode, please leave us a review on Spotify or Apple, or send us a DM <a href="https://www.instagram.com/straightuppod/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">@straightuppod </a>on Insta.</p> <p>Thanks to our two amazing sponsors for this episode:</p> <p><strong>Art Fund</strong>, which has an amazing art pass that allows you to see paid exhibitions at major galleries from the Tate to the V&amp;A and National Gallery at half the price! Head to <a href="https://www.artfund.org/national-art-pass?">artfund.org/national-art-pass</a> to grab your 3-month trial National Art Pass for just £15, PLUS you can add a free plus one to your trial membership with promocode STRAIGHTUP.</p> <p><strong>Yonder</strong>, the new lifestyle credit card that gives you the most incredible perks, allowing you to convert the money you spend