In the past year, various series have premiered on broadcast television and streaming platforms with LGBTQ characters and diverse casts. While there is still progress going forward, as every single major studio had failing, poor, or insufficient ratings for LGBTQ-inclusive films in 2019, according to the recent Studio Responsibility Index released by GLAAD, there were […]
TV Articles
The Top Ten TV Shows of 2020
2020 is finally on its way out (and not a moment too soon for anyone), which means it’s time for that time honored holiday tradition: Critics’ Top Ten Lists! As we all spent more time on our sofas watching TV this year than any of us thought we would, I suspect many of you will […]
The Hospital We All Need: This Season’s Grey’s Anatomy is the Perfect Prescription
“Yesterday, Seattle reported 345 more cases, 29 deaths. Test positivity rate has increased, so we should prepare for more patients… 53 of the 79 ventilators are currently in use…” That’s not a status report from Seattle’s mayor but part of an opening sequence in last week’s Grey’s Anatomy, as doctors at the fictional Seattle Grey […]
Pop Culture Maniacs Podcast #7: Weaponized Nostalgia
Kieran Freemantle and Jean Henegan discuss the Nostalgia Boom that is currently dominating Hollywood.
14 Candidates to Play the Fourteenth Doctor
The Doctor is one of the most sought-after roles on British TV. Whenever the role becomes available the British media goes into a fever pitch with speculation over who the next Doctor could be. Actors usually play the Doctor for three seasons so it’s likely the role will be available in the near future. The […]
Quarantine Binge: Leah Remini: Scientology and the Aftermath
Were you one of the folks lamenting the end of HBO’s Nxivm documentary The Vow? Are you someone who enjoys watching shows about cults and trying to understand just what motivates someone to get pulled into their vortex? Or are you just weirded out by Tom Cruise and want to understand more about the “religion” […]
Pop Culture Maniacs Podcast #6: His Dark Materials
Kieran Freemantle and Jean Henegan discuss the His Dark Materials franchise in the Pop Culture Maniacs podcast
His Dark Materials Season Two: What to Expect
His Dark Materials is coming back for a second season. The first season was a critical success, especially for its casting, production values and special effects, but the audience reaction was a bit more mixed. As a fan of the novels it seems like a good time to explain what can be expected. Season One […]
The Brooklyn Nine-Nine Halloween Heists: A Ranking
Halloween is upon us. It’s a time for fun, festivities, costumes, partying, and sweets. Since 2014, Brooklyn Nine-Nine has had their traditional Halloween Heist where the squad competes for an item. There were elaborate plots and hijinks, lots of betrayals, and offered some of Brooklyn Nine-Nine’s most memorable moments. It’s a TV Halloween tradition that […]
Pop Culture Maniacs Podcast Episode Five: Arts and Sports during COVID
Kieran Freemantle and Jean Henegan discuss the impact of the COVID pandemic on art and sports.