Emily Nussbaum

Emily Nussbaum is a Pulitzer Prize-winning television critic who served as the chief television critic for The New Yorker from 2011 to 2019. She previously wrote for New York Magazine and Slate, establishing herself as one of the most influential voices in television criticism. Nussbaum is credited with helping elevate television criticism to a more serious form of cultural analysis, particularly through her advocacy for previously dismissed genres like sitcoms and teen dramas. Her 2019 book "I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution" collects her most significant essays on television and explores how the medium has evolved. Her writing style is known for combining deep cultural analysis with sharp wit, often challenging conventional wisdom about what constitutes "quality television." She won the 2016 Pulitzer Prize for Criticism for her reviews and essays that included examinations of shows like "The Good Wife," "Girls," and "Scandal." Nussbaum's work frequently addresses the changing landscape of television in the streaming era, gender representation in media, and the evolution of narrative forms. She continues to contribute to The New Yorker as a staff writer, focusing on broader cultural criticism beyond television.

Readers praise Nussbaum's ability to analyze television with both intellectual depth and accessibility. Her essay collection "I Like to Watch" receives high marks for challenging assumptions about "prestige TV" and defending often-dismissed shows. Multiple readers note her skill at connecting TV trends to broader cultural shifts. What readers liked: - Clear, conversational writing style that doesn't sacrifice complexity - Defense of female-centered shows and perspectives - Fresh takes on familiar shows - Humor mixed with serious analysis Common criticisms: - Some essays feel dated or tied to specific moments - Occasional repetition of themes across collected pieces - A few readers found her tone too informal for cultural criticism Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (2,100+ ratings) Amazon: 4.4/5 (230+ ratings) Notable reader comment: "She makes you reconsider shows you dismissed and notice things you missed in shows you love" (Goodreads reviewer) The reviews indicate strong appreciation for her analytical skills and perspective, though some debate her informal approach.

I Like to Watch: Arguing My Way Through the TV Revolution (2019) A collection of essays examining television criticism and cultural shifts in TV, drawing from Nussbaum's work at The New Yorker and exploring shows from The Sopranos to Girls.

All That TV Allows: Why Television Made Me Who I Am (2024) A memoir interweaving personal history with analysis of television's impact on American culture from the 1970s through the present day.

James Wolcott writes cultural criticism focused on television, film, and media for Vanity Fair. His essay collections examine pop culture's impact on society with a similar analytical depth to Nussbaum's work.

Ellen Willis pioneered feminist cultural criticism and wrote extensively about television, music, and politics for The New Yorker and The Village Voice. Her work combines close analysis of media with broader social commentary in ways that parallel Nussbaum's approach.

Chuck Klosterman examines contemporary culture through essay collections that analyze television, sports, music, and technology. His writing style combines cultural theory with personal narrative, focusing on how media shapes modern life.

Virginia Heffernan writes about digital culture and television for The New York Times Magazine and other publications. Her work connects media criticism with technological analysis, examining how screens and networks influence human behavior.

Brett Martin chronicles television's evolution through reported features and books about the medium's creative transformation. His writing provides behind-the-scenes context about television production while analyzing shows' cultural significance.