Since it launch in 2022, the “Talk Ville” podcast has delighted fans of the WB/CW hit series Smallville. Covering each and every episode of the show’s ten year run, the show’s stars Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor), regale listeners with behind-the-scenes insights and a healthy dose of early-aughts nostalgia. The podcast, which is currently covering the fourth season of Smallville, took to the stage on May 21 and 22nd at Hollywood’s The Bourbon Room to provide fans with an unforgettable night of fun, flashbacks, and fan engagement.
The night kicked off with a VIP-only version of Welling and Rosenbaum’s “Smallville Nights” experience. Already a hit on the convention circuit, the two actors interact with fans and bring a lucky few on stage re-enact scenes from the show. Furthermore, every fan leaves with a keepsake photo of the dynamic duo.
Talk Ville Live Delivers with Trivia, Behind-The-Scenes Anecdotes, and Teasers
However, if one could only attend the “Talk Ville Live” portion of the evening, they certainly didn’t miss out. Welling and Rosenbaum greeted their fans with a round of trivia about the beloved show, which ran from 2001 to 2011 to warm their already adoring audience. The two then pivoted into sharing stories about Smallville that only the two leads of the show could share. One memorable moment included Welling divulging how leading lady Kristin Kreuk helped him secure the part in his final audition for the series. The anecdote was only one of the insights shared about the now-iconic series pilot came to be.
The pair also brought “Talk Ville” engineer turned cohost Ryan Tellez on stage. Though the three men didn’t recap an episode of Smallville as audiences have become accustomed to on the weekly show, the addition of Ryan still recreated the dynamic of the podcast for the fans to experience live.
Despite two sold-out shows, Welling and Rosenbaum managed to create an intimate evening for their guests. Rosenbaum was often in the audience, fielding questions and interacting with fans, never hesitating to hug a fan after their praise. The evening seemed to fly by in a blur of laughter, fond memories, takeaways worth the price of admission. Welling revealed which episode of the fifth season they’re currently recording as fans could call into the “Talk Ville” hotline with questions accordingly, as well as teased new merch. interspersed their hour of conversation with clips from the series, following each one with commentary that could only come from those who were actually there.
Smallville‘s Stars Make Talk Ville Super
The two stars at the center is what sets the podcast “Talk Ville” apart from other rewatch podcasts. As brilliant and valued as fan takes and commentary is, it’s not often that the leads of a show revisit their best known work. Even more rarely, do they parse it with the consideration and care that Welling and Rosenbaum do. Combined with their chemistry and fan-first approach, the two seemed to have cracked the code for a successful night of nostalgia.
Neither actor comes across as “stuck in the past” as they dive into show that’s been off the air for over ten years. Instead, the time away from Smallville seems to have afforded both Welling and Rosenbaum the space required to look back on the series with fondness. During the evening, Welling highlighted how fatherhood has changed his perspective on both the show and his character. Though fans tend to playfully rib Rosenbaum for being hard on the show, it’s his eagerness to engage with them and genuine gratitude for their support that distinguishes “Talk Ville” from other podcasts like it.
If one wasn’t able to make it to Los Angeles for “Talk Ville Live,” they needn’t fret. When the evening wrapped up, Rosenbaum mentioned that he and Welling wanted to do more events like these. Also, there are over ninety episodes of “Talk Ville” available across a variety of platforms for one to enjoy. Even so, given the authenticity of Welling and Rosenbaum’s friendship with each other and connection to their fans, one does hope that they’ll host more live events.
All photos used courtesy of Dennys Ilic.
Learn More About Talk Ville
Join costars Tom Welling (Clark Kent) and Michael Rosenbaum (Lex Luthor) as they take you behind the scenes of one of the greatest shows of all time, Smallville. With this weekly dose of nostalgia you will get an inside look at what it was like to film each episode. And hear fun facts that only those on set could tell you! Tag along to revisit the iconic series that changed the way you look at one of America’s favorite superheroes!
Subscribe to Talk Ville HERE and sign up for Talk Ville’s Patreon HERE.
Check out the Talk Ville WEBSITE and follow the podcast on INSTAGRAM.
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