‘White Lotus’ favorites join forces in Hulu comedy-drama ‘Phony’

What if you were in a crash, and after waking up in the hospital, a loved one wasn't who they appeared?

That's the premise of "Phony," a new series on Hulu created by Nick Paley and co-produced with Anthony King. Sonny Cooke, played by Sam Nivola after his breakout role in the most recent season of "The White Lotus," is a teenager who was involved in a car crash. He wakes up, convinced his mother Ellen, portrayed by fellow "The White Lotus" alum and "Friday Night Lights" favorite Connie Britton, is an imposter.

Is this just a case of recovering from trauma, or is Sonny on to something? In this episode, co-host Bruce Miller first speaks with Britton and Nivola, then catches up with Paley and King. He also connects with young actors Colter Lee and Grace Brennan, followed by Maliq Johnson and Mahaela Park.

And while the show is only in its first season, the producers have left the door open for future seasons with different takes on what "phony" might mean.

About the show

Streamed & Screened is a podcast about movies and TV hosted by Bruce Miller, a longtime entertainment reporter who is the retired editor of the Sioux City Journal in Iowa and Terry Lipshetz, managing editor of the National Newsroom for Lee Enterprises based in Madison, Wisconsin. The show was named Best Podcast in the 2025 Iowa Better Newspaper Contest.

Theme music

Thunder City by Lunareh, used under license from Soundstripe. YouTube clearance: FV694ULMCJQDG0IY

A podcast about movies and TV, hosted by Bruce Miller, the retired editor for the Sioux City Journal, who continues to report on Hollywood, movies, television and streaming programs as he has for more than 40 years. Get Bruce's insights and enjoy interviews with directors, stars and experts. Co-hosted by Terry Lipshetz, managing editor of the National Newsroom for Lee Enterprises.