Skylar Baker-Jordan
The US-UK Divide: Understanding Reactions to Harry & Meghan
The Harry & Meghan Netflix series has opened a new rift between Americans and their British friends (and foes). To understand why, US & UK journalist Sklyar Baker-Jordan sheds light on the history, class, and cultural divides that explain both sides.
History Lessons: What to Watch for Context on the Monarchy
Procession for Queen Elizabeth’s coffin to lie in state at Westminster With the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the ascension of His Majesty King Charles III, The British Monarchy has been dominating the headlines more than at any time since the death of Diana, Princess of Wales a quarter-century ago. As we
Fire Island
Fire Island is one of the best gay films released in recent memory. It’s funny, it’s romantic, and it is beautifully written, acted, and directed. It may not win Oscars–comedies rarely do; gay films more rarely still–but it is an instant classic that critics and audiences will be citing for years.
Welcome to Plathville
Welcome to Plathville is a riveting microcosm of the cultural divisions in this country, within the structure of one dysfunctional family.
Why We’re Still Obsessed with The Golden Girls 30 Years Later
It is impossible to overstate the lasting success of The Golden Girls, which enjoys a level of popularity and staying power few shows have ever reached.
Heartstopper
Heartstopper is, without a doubt, the best film or TV show about gay teenagers I have ever seen. Innocent, romantic, and tenderly wrought, it is the story and the representation that the LGBTQ community has been craving for decades.
Two Men at War
This documentary special helps put the Ukraine war in context through an analysis of the history and psychology of the two very different men at the center of it.
The Wonder Years (2021)
Fans of the original show will love the familiar premise, while new viewers will enjoy the chemistry of the cast and the hilarity of the writing.
How SNL’s Bowen Yang Earned His Historic Emmy Nomination and Why He Should Win
Bowen Yang has proven his chops on Saturday Night Live, so his Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor came as no surprise. What should be equally obvious to viewers and members of the Television Academy alike is that he deserves to win.
Skylar Baker-Jordan
A Watercooler Watch: Barbara Walters: Tell Me Everything
Before social media and podcasts, there was one undeniable truth about news-making interviews: if a story mattered, Barbara Walters would be the one to tell it. Landing a one-on-one with her didn’t just mean publicity, it meant you had become part of a national conversation. But while the interview signified that you had made it,
A Need-to-Know Guide to The Buccaneers
Was life in the Gilded Age all that gilded? In the HBO Max series, penned by Downton Abbey’s creator Julian Fellowes, the focus is on the class divide between America’s old money aristocrats and new money industrialists, and the often exhausting rules of “society.” Apple TV’s The Buccaneers, which just returned for its second season,
A Watercooler Guide to The Phoenician Scheme: Wes Anderson’s Oil-Baron Fever Dream
Wes Anderson films are easy to spot, but not always easy to describe. Watching them feels like stepping inside a handcrafted diorama of history: symmetrical, stylized, and slightly sentimental. From the wry narration and sharp color palettes to his signature whip pans and deadpan dialogue, Anderson crafts cinematic worlds where emotions are bottled then uncorked
A Need-to-Know Guide to And Just Like That…
It’s been a two year wait, but Carrie Bradshaw and her tribe of fabulous fifty-somethings are finally back with their third season. You’d be forgiven if you lost track of the Sex and the City sequel and its storylines. But with summer’s planes, trains, and automobiles and rained-in weekends, And Just Like That might be
Bring Her Back
A psychological horror film with standout performances, Bring Her Back isn’t just about summoning the dead, it’s about confronting the parts of ourselves we lose in the process. The Philippou brothers have crafted a film that dares to ask whether the true horror lies in what we’re willing to do in the name of love.
The Something for Everyone Show: Poker Face is Back
Can’t agree on what to watch together? Consider putting on your Poker Face. Peacock’s acclaimed mystery-of-the-week series created by Rian Johnson (best known for Star Wars: The Last Jedi and, most relevant here, the Glass Onion films) and starring Natasha Lyonne, is finally back for another season after two long years. That’s great news for
It’s not HBO, it’s The Pitt: How streamers are embracing old TV network models
“It’s not TV, it’s HBO.” Remember that old tagline? For nearly all of its history, broadcast television has been fighting against the perception that it’s subordinate to film as a storytelling medium. Television was just media for the masses, as opposed to the more erudite aficionados of cinema (who, by the way, poured into theaters
Boyhood
Boyhood captures the importance of moments in time as people grow up and contests the idea that any singular moment is defining to your childhood. It’s a film filled with the full breadth of the emotions of childhood, conveying each one delicately to leave you reflecting on its many pensive conversations.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power
The transporting new story of the history and politics of Middle-earth after the brutal war with Morgoth, and the quests of dwarves, elves and men to rebuild and thrive in the aftermath as they prepare to confront the reemergence of an evil force.
The Watercooler Guide to Lord of the Rings: Rings of Power
The Watercooler Guide to “Power of the Rings” gives a quick refresher to the Rings franchise and the 2-minute need-to-know about the themes, central questions, characters, and world-building behind the much-anticipated series.
House of the Dragon: The Qs that need As
If you spent the first episode of House of the Dragon combing wikis for family trees, character guides, and Game of Thrones refreshers, you were surely left with some gaps and several questions. To prep you for Episode 2, we’ve sifted out six questions that need answers before you dive any deeper: Who was the
How to Jump Into House of the Dragon
“Madness and greatness are two sides of the same coin. Every time a new Targaryen is born … the gods toss the coin in the air and the world holds its breath to see how it will land.” It is that time again. The return of the labyrinthine world of Westeros, this time in Game
Hidden Gems: TV Shows for Families to Watch Together
Last chance to bond with the kids before back to school? We’ve gathered picks for the best hidden gem TV series you can watch with every member of your family — as well as those tricky tweens and teens. They’re sure to get you talking.
Street Food: USA
If you’re looking for a vicarious vacation that will leave your mouth watering and your cultural curiosity enriched, Street Food: USA is worth the watch. The short series makes the case that cheap street eats are just as worthy as restaurant meals while bringing a new appreciation for a city and its communities.
A League of Their Own (2022)
A fun, heartfelt, and inclusive take on America’s favorite pastime, the new A League of Their Own series is also a history lesson that makes for a great cross-generational watch.
Prey
An action-packed gory callback to its original film, Predator, Prey brings a fresh point of view and historical setting to the story. It builds slowly to develop character backstories but crescendos in an epic battle that will keep you glued to the screen — and rooting for the unlikely protagonist.
Nope
Nope is a uniquely crafted horror film that brings together a creative premise, striking visuals, and terrific performances.