As we discussed in our second podcast episode of this year’s summer series which was dedicated to the Western genre, Westerns are, among many other things, a way of the USA talking about themselves. But not all Westerns take the same, serious approach to doing so, and the tropes of the genre – sheriffs, gunslingers, corrupt railroad barons, and many more – lend themselves to a different, more meta kind of genre: the parody. In this month’s espresso episode, Sam and Julie talk about Mel Brooks’ affectionate stab at the Western, Blazing Saddles. How does it fit in their viewing of Westerns? How does it hold up more than 50 years after its original release? And what is the state of film spoofs in 2026?

For some connected reading, check out Sam’s Six Damn Fine Degrees instalment on frequent Mel Brooks collaborator Madeline Kahn and her finest moments (including “I’m Tired” from Blazing Saddles). And make sure to keep following our series, the Summer of Genre, for more discussion of cinematic genres that we love!