Episode 31: Emily Nussbaum

Television criticism functions as a vital, evolving dialogue that demands both aesthetic evaluation and an understanding of the industry's economic and artistic pressures. Rather than merely passing judgment, critics engage in a form of "therapeutic false intimacy" during reporting, which can be emotionally draining compared to the more detached process of writing criticism. The rise of digital platforms like Twitter has transformed the critic's role, fostering a "transactive memory" where audience feedback and real-time conversation sharpen critical perspectives. This shift allows for a more inclusive analysis of television, particularly regarding race and gender, while challenging the historical tendency to dismiss the medium as a "junk form." Ultimately, the goal of criticism is to hold television to a higher standard, treating it as a complex, serious art form worthy of rigorous intellectual engagement.