Criticism Is Dead

We’re sorry for the wait! The fate of Criticism Is Dead has been decided. We hope you will listen to this update. Thank you. <3 ... Where to find us: Pelin: Twitter / Letterboxd / Instagram Jenny: Twitter / Instagram / Newsletter / Letterboxd If you need to get in touch, still: criticismisdead@gmail.com Music: REEKAH Artwork and design: Sara Macias and Andrew Liu

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 10 “With Open Eyes,” the board decides. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@gmail.com . Music: REEKAH Artw...

We discuss Barry and Yellowjackets, two series about human darkness. 05:17 Barry season 4, streaming on HBO Max, is reaching new, uncanny, glorious heights. 29:51 Yellowjackets season 2, streaming on Showtime, doesn’t quite live up to all its promises, instead faltering and stalling to an unfortunate degree. 45:02 Plus, mini grab bag time! A collection of TV and films we’ve been watching recently,...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 9 “Church and State,” a funeral becomes a battleground. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@gmail.com . Mu...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 8 “America Decides,” THIS IS WHAT AMERICA LOOKS LIKE etc. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@gmail.com ....

We discuss The Diplomat and How to Blow Up a Pipeline, a series and a film about political maneuvering — whether from the backroom or from on the ground. 02:59 Netflix’s The Diplomat, a soapy and snappy political and marital thriller, is tailor-made for fans of The West Wing and Keri Russell. 22:54 How to Blow Up a Pipeline, available in theaters/VOD, could use a touch more texture in its too-neat...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 7 "Tailgate Party," a long-stewing showdown finally brings the naked truth to light. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to c...

Episode Notes This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 6 “Living Plus,” the kids are in LA for Investor Day. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@gm...

Show Notes This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. This week we're joined by Variety's TV critic, Alison Herman. In episode five, "Kill List", the Waystar-Royco squadron meet their GoJo counterparts in Norway to try and finish the deal, but negotiations get inevitably trickier than they anticipated. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram...

We discuss Beef and Showing Up, a series and a film about characters who orbit around each other as frenemies — or straight-up enemies. 02:14 Beef, streaming on Netflix, is a darkly funny, often surprising, genuinely invigorating thrill of a TV show. 28:55 Showing Up, playing in theaters, is a deceptively unassuming portrait of an artist that — much like its protagonist — really grows on you. 47:2...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 4 “Honeymoon States,” the Coronation Demolition Derby kicks off, garbed in black. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to crit...

We discuss Perry Mason and The Big Door Prize, two shows about people reluctantly grappling with their life potential. 03:22 Perry Mason, streaming on HBO Max, returns for a second season that is vibe-ier and better crafted than the first. 18:56 The Big Door Prize, streaming on Apple TV+, is the right blend of lighthearted quirk, existential questions, and plain intrigue. 34:04 Plus, a little chat...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 3 “Connor’s Wedding,” the unthinkable — and the inevitable — happens. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@...

We discuss Return to Seoul and Rye Lane, two films with a strong sense of place. 02:22 At times discomfiting, at times revelatory, the film Return to Seoul — playing in select theaters — is a distinctive spin on the journey of an adoptee. 26:19 The pleasant rom-com Rye Lane, streaming on Hulu, does a better job highlighting the charm of a city than any chemistry between its leads. 39:29 Plus, cult...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our special series following along Succession’s fourth and final season. In episode 2 “Rehearsal,” business and personal issues became entangled (again). ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack . Inquiries, complaints, and recs for what to watch can go to criticismisdead@...

We discuss Top Chef and Next in Fashion, two reality competition shows that demonstrate the importance of skill. 04:06 We have a soft spot for Top Chef because we love to witness CRAFT, and season 20 — streaming on Hulu, Peacock, etc. — is no exception. 23:26 Netflix revived its promising fashion design competition reality show Next in Fashion only to completely butcher season 2. 37:23 Plus, new C...

This is SUCCESSION SENDOFF, our new weekly special following along Succession’s fourth and final season! Featuring a review of what happened in episode 1, our thoughts, and three new recurring segments: Daddy’s Best Boy, The Disgusting Boy, and Death Watch. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For extended show notes — including links that we reference, plus more — subscribe to our Substack ....

We have a very special one for you this week. In honor of our 100th episode — yes, that’s right, this is the big 1-0-0! — we’re doing our own highly personal version of the AFI greatest films list. Presenting: our top seven films, respectively. (Obligatory disclaimers: We haven’t watched everything, these are not really in any particular order, these are just our opinions, etc.) 05:39 After Life (...

We discuss Top Gun: Maverick and The Reluctant Traveler, a film and a series about older men discovering that they have plenty left to live for. 02:41 Don’t overthink Top Gun: Maverick — the film, streaming on Paramount+ and MGM+, is the epitome of “turn your brain off and rock on.” 21:59 The Reluctant Traveler, streaming on Apple TV+, is a sometimes relatable, sometimes frustrating, always gorgeo...

We discuss The Last of Us and Hello Tomorrow!, two vastly different visions of the past, present, and future. 03:00 The Last of Us, streaming on HBO Max, is faithful yet fresh enough to appeal to both pre-existing fans and new viewers. 27:00 Hello Tomorrow!, streaming on Apple TV+, is a gorgeous but underbaked series about a grifter salesman in a retrofuturistic world. 40:58 Plus, culture notes ab...

We discuss Shrinking and Sharper, a series and a film that work best if you’re willing to turn your brain off and enjoy the ride. 02:39 Shrinking, streaming on Apple TV+, is far from graceful at striking the balance between profound and lighthearted, but it boasts a likable cast with chemistry and laughs. 20:54 Sharper, streaming on Apple TV+, doesn’t quite stand up to close scrutiny, but it is bo...

We discuss Lockwood & Co and Somebody I Used to Know, a TV series and a film about owning your agency, whether you’re a teen ghost killer or a documentary filmmaker. 02:54 Lockwood & Co, streaming on Netflix, takes a good idea (teen detective supernatural thriller) and builds out an appealing world with it. 18:50 Somebody I Used to Know, streaming on Amazon Prime Video, is a pleasant and s...

We discuss To Leslie and Paul T. Goldman, a film and a series about people trapped by their own demons. 03:37 To Leslie, available VOD, is a familiar narrative that’s elevated by an Oscar-worthy performance. 19:38 Paul T. Goldman, streaming on Peacock, is as painstakingly and skillfully crafted as it is completely wild. 38:35 Plus, culture notes about Pedro Pascal, an official boyfriend of the pod...

We discuss Aftersun and Poker Face, a film and a series that use perspective to conceal and reveal pieces of the puzzle. 04:44 The father-daughter drama Aftersun, available VOD, is a feat of subtle, naturalistic acting. 20:38 Poker Face, streaming on Peacock, is an utterly fun “howcatchem” procedural. 33:31 Plus, culture notes about Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination and what does (and does not...

We discuss Elvis and The Makanai, a film and a series about the people behind the performer. 03:37 Elvis, streaming on HBO Max, is a gaudy, flawed, stirring love letter to the King of Rock and Roll. 17:43 The Makanai: Cooking for the Maiko House, streaming on Netflix, is a comforting series about friendship, life choices, and following one’s dreams. ... Follow us on Twitter and Instagram . For ext...