The Workplace Nightmares of “Severance” The Workplace Nightmares of “Severance”
The appeal of the Apple TV+ series is how it dramatizes our alienation from labor.
Mar 18, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Jorge Cotte
Backlash or Blacklist? Hollywood’s Pro-Gaza Protesters Feel the Heat Backlash or Blacklist? Hollywood’s Pro-Gaza Protesters Feel the Heat
In whisper campaigns and puzzling career reversals, pro-Palestinian actors say that they're being punished for speaking out.
Feb 26, 2025 / Ben Schwartz
“The Pitt” and the Gritty Return of the Hospital Drama “The Pitt” and the Gritty Return of the Hospital Drama
In the frenzied medical drama, the limits and problems of the healthcare system serve as the basis for the show’s plot.
Feb 12, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Jorge Cotte
Trump’s Phony Trade Wars Are Evidence of American Imperial Decline Trump’s Phony Trade Wars Are Evidence of American Imperial Decline
President’s bullying of allies yields symbolic results—but betrays substantive weakness.
Feb 5, 2025 / Jeet Heer
CNN Surrenders to Trump CNN Surrenders to Trump
The corporate media’s commitment to fighting autocracy proves fickle.
On TikTok, the Supreme Court Did the Right Thing On TikTok, the Supreme Court Did the Right Thing
And while the “I was for it before I was against it” crowd opposing the ban now stretches from Chuck Schumer to Donald Trump, that doesn’t mean they're right.
Jan 20, 2025 / Zephyr Teachout
The Unsettling Genius of David Lynch The Unsettling Genius of David Lynch
In his films, his TV shows, and his paintings, Lynch reminded us that all art gestures toward a world beyond the familiar and comforting.
Jan 17, 2025 / Books & the Arts / Erik Baker
The Empty Thrills of Alfonso Cuarón’s “Disclaimer” The Empty Thrills of Alfonso Cuarón’s “Disclaimer”
Why did the great Mexican filmmaker make a soapy thriller?
Dec 19, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Jorge Cotte
“Industry”’s Gleeful Critique of Capital “Industry”’s Gleeful Critique of Capital
HBO’s investment banking drama makes a soap opera out of the “useless” but lurid nature of finance.
Oct 31, 2024 / Books & the Arts / Vikram Murthi
25 Years of Indecision With Jon Stewart 25 Years of Indecision With Jon Stewart
Before he left his post at The Daily Show, Stewart was America’s voice of reason. Times have changed. Has he?
Oct 29, 2024 / Feature / John Semley