The hottest Television Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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The Visual World of 'Samurai Jack'

Animation Obsessive • 30856 implied HN points • 26 May 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Visual Arts Film Television Storytelling
  1. Samurai Jack told stories through visuals instead of dialogue. The team focused on creating beautiful images that captured emotions and actions without needing words.
  2. The show's unique art style came from mixing different influences, like classic films and mid-century cartoons. This made the backgrounds and characters really stand out.
  3. Tartakovsky believed kids could understand complex stories, so he created a show that treated them with intelligence. This bold approach made Samurai Jack memorable and different from other cartoons at the time.

Tony Soprano and the Jungian Death Mother

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 2462 implied HN points • 08 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Television Psychology Literature Art Media
  1. Tony Soprano is a complex character who shows both deep flaws and a desire for change, but his life as a mafia boss makes real transformation difficult.
  2. The show portrays struggles with familial relationships, particularly the damaging influence of Tony's mother, which shapes his behavior and emotions significantly.
  3. Unlike other antiheroes in TV shows, Tony's actions often reveal a deeper horror, as he inflicts pain on loved ones not just for survival, but from a deep-seated need to manage his feelings of inadequacy.

Watch out for snakes

Internal exile • 24 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Media Entertainment Humor Television Social Commentary
  1. _Mystery Science Theater 3000_ shows how hard it is to make entertainment and how we often work hard to be entertained. It highlights the struggle of connecting with media while feeling isolated.
  2. While _MST3K_ creates a sense of audience community, it does so by presenting the viewer as an elite critic, which can feel misleading and isolating. It’s like enjoying something ironically rather than being part of the actual story.
  3. _Gogglebox_ offers a different vibe by showing regular people watching TV together, making fun of it in a relatable way. It portrays shared experiences and light-hearted skepticism, focusing on connection rather than competition for attention.

Making the Video That Made Gorillaz

Animation Obsessive • 15517 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Animation Music Media Art Television
  1. Pete Candeland, the director behind the iconic Gorillaz video for 'Clint Eastwood,' used innovative animation techniques to blend 2D and CGI, creating a unique look that set the standard for animated music videos at the time.
  2. Candeland's animation style evolved from a limited budget, leading him to focus on the most important movements and actions, resulting in a distinctive, under-animated approach that became a signature for Gorillaz.
  3. The editing process was crucial for Candeland, allowing him to manipulate timing and create a dynamic flow with the music, making animation a more live and engaging experience.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 494 implied HN points • 06 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Film Music Television Art
  1. Reading can help you navigate life stages and relationships, especially when considering family dynamics. It's great to explore different perspectives through essays and stories.
  2. Classic TV shows, like 'Seinfeld', still provide entertainment and humor. Revisiting familiar episodes can be a fun way to relax and reminisce.
  3. Exploring new music albums can be exciting, and sharing experiences with friends can enhance the enjoyment. Don't hesitate to ask for recommendations or thoughts on what you haven't heard yet.
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Composing 'A Charlie Brown Christmas'

Animation Obsessive • 13095 implied HN points • 20 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Music Animation Television Jazz Christmas
  1. The music of 'A Charlie Brown Christmas' by Vince Guaraldi became a key part of what makes the special so beloved. Many people love this Christmas classic mainly because of its wonderful soundtrack.
  2. Guaraldi wasn't widely known when he composed the score, and he thought it was just another gig. Yet, this music changed his career and became defining for the 'Peanuts' series.
  3. The show faced tight deadlines and a small budget, which made the team worried it would flop. Surprisingly, it became a big success and has remained a holiday favorite for years.

The Look of 'Over the Garden Wall'

Animation Obsessive • 15786 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Animation Film Visual Arts Television Storytelling
  1. Over the Garden Wall is a special show that stands out for its unique visual style and storytelling. It mixes comedy, drama, and horror in a way that makes it feel like a timeless classic.
  2. The art team, led by Nick Cross, worked hard to create stunning backgrounds and designs using inspiration from old cartoons and paintings. This attention to detail made the show feel like an independent film on TV.
  3. Despite the challenges of making a short series, the team enjoyed a lot of creative freedom. This allowed them to take risks and try new ideas, which is something that’s rare in the animation industry today.

The "MurderBot" Apple TV Adaptation Is a Win...

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 192 implied HN points • 31 May 25
🎭️ Culture Literature Television Media Adaptation Science fiction
  1. The 'MurderBot' adaptation on Apple TV is getting great reviews for capturing the essence of its original character. People are excited to see a relatable robot with real feelings and challenges.
  2. The cast, especially Alexander Skarsgård as the lead, is praised for their performances. They bring depth to the characters, making viewers feel connected to them right away.
  3. The show is noted for its humor and heart, appealing to both fans of the books and new viewers. It's a unique take on science fiction that mixes action with emotional storytelling.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television Film Media Entertainment Arts
  1. Watching shows can be a great way to escape tough emotions like grief. It allows us to get lost in stories that can be comforting.
  2. Having a show that moves quickly, like _The Diplomat_, can make it easy to binge-watch when feeling low. It provides a distraction from daily stress.
  3. Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

Open Mic Day: Tells Us About Your Favorite Movies, Music, Books, Etc. of 2024

The Honest Broker • 5818 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Film Music Literature Television Gaming Arts
  1. Share your favorite movies, music, books, and more from 2024. Everyone loves to hear new recommendations!
  2. It's important to have fun and take a break from serious topics sometimes. Sharing our creative finds can lift our spirits.
  3. When sharing, try not to promote your own projects this time. This is about celebrating what others have created.

Falling Asleep with the TV On

Kneeling Bus • 264 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television Media Entertainment Streaming Comedy
  1. TV often has small moments that stick with us but might never be found again. These moments can shape our memories even if they seem unimportant.
  2. Norm Macdonald showed how viewers might not actually be watching shows, making their success numbers look inflated. This makes it hard to trust viewer ratings.
  3. Platforms like Netflix gain more from having lots of content rather than focusing on individual shows or movies. This means many films just get lost in the shuffle and are easy to forget.

Sick of spelling February

Austin Kleon • 4596 implied HN points • 01 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Literature Music Art Television Writing
  1. March is here, which many people find refreshing after spelling February for so long. It's funny how small things like that can affect our mood.
  2. Keeping a blog can help you track your thoughts and creative journey over time. It’s a great way to share your interests and projects with others.
  3. Owls can be found on every continent except Antarctica. They’re fascinating creatures, and we can help them by creating safe habitats and being mindful of outdoor lighting.

Making Tiny Classics for Public TV

Animation Obsessive • 1793 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎨 Art & Illustration Animation Television Education Culture History
  1. Tissa David and the Hubleys played a vital role in producing animated content for children's educational shows like Sesame Street. Their work helped make learning fun for kids using creative animation.
  2. Sesame Street and similar shows brought innovative teaching methods to children by using entertaining formats similar to TV commercials. This approach helped sell educational concepts to young audiences.
  3. Creating limited animation can still result in high-quality work. Tissa David highlighted that limited animation is a different style and can be done effectively to convey engaging stories.

An archival detective story and other links; a great, stupid action espionage TV show; and more!

Read Max • 711 implied HN points • 25 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Media Literature Film Music Television
  1. There are interesting links including a detective story and articles on sports gambling and hustle culture. They cover both fun and serious topics.
  2. A recommended spy show is described as 'great' and 'stupid', suggesting it's entertaining and light-hearted.
  3. An album of Armenian-influenced electronic music is highlighted, indicating a diverse taste in music.

Broadcast TV: It Only Looks Dead

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Television Media Entertainment Sociology History
  1. Broadcast TV is still relevant, even with the rise of streaming services. People can watch live sports and local news without paying for subscriptions.
  2. Digital broadcasting has increased the number of channels available, including many free options that people may not know about.
  3. Older TV shows often have more depth and quality compared to many new productions. Watching them can remind us of what good storytelling looks like.

Solstice vibes

Austin Kleon • 4556 implied HN points • 22 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Books Music Television Family Art Holidays
  1. Reading is about choosing to read one book over many others. It's okay to not read every book out there.
  2. Music can be a great escape when feeling tired of other interests. Sometimes, music books can reignite that passion for reading.
  3. TV shows can be a fun distraction. It's nice to find joy in watching something simple and entertaining, especially during the holidays.

Thank God for Re-runs

Disaffected Newsletter • 2497 implied HN points • 29 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Television Nostalgia Generational Media Education
  1. Re-runs of old TV shows helped connect generations. They showed a version of life that parents and grandparents recognized but kids see as old-fashioned.
  2. Modern technology has changed quickly, and young people today don't have the same cultural links to the past that older generations had. This leaves them feeling disconnected.
  3. The absence of re-runs and gradual cultural change might contribute to a lack of understanding or appreciation for older ways of life, leading to discomfort with things from the past.

‘Severance’ and the Trauma of the Bullshit Job

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 22 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television Entertainment Workplace Society Media
  1. The show 'Severance' highlights the frustration many people feel about their jobs, especially the long hours spent in a dull office.
  2. In 'Severance', employees have a procedure that separates their work and personal memories, creating two different versions of themselves.
  3. The concept of 'severance' raises an interesting question: Would you want to forget your work life completely if you could?

The Church of Minding One’s Own Business

Austin Kleon • 4256 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Literature Comics Music Television Art
  1. Minding your own business can be a refreshing approach to life. It allows you to focus on your own thoughts and interests instead of getting caught up in others' lives.
  2. Reading good translations can greatly enhance the experience of classic literature. Edith Grossman's work on 'Don Quixote' is a perfect example of how translation can bring a book to life.
  3. Nostalgia is powerful, whether through music or movies. Listening to favorite albums or watching beloved films can bring back fond memories and feelings.

The Evolution of Sony’s TV: Key Innovations and Iconic Models

Obsolete Sony’s Newsletter • 99 implied HN points • 13 Aug 24
🕹 Technology Consumer Electronics Television Innovation
  1. Sony has been a leader in TV technology, starting with their portable TVs in the 1960s and advancing to high-definition and 4K models. They keep changing how we enjoy home entertainment.
  2. The Trinitron technology, introduced in 1968, set a new standard for color TV by offering sharper and more vibrant images. This invention marked a significant moment in TV history.
  3. Recent innovations, like the first OLED TV in 2007 and the introduction of 4K resolution TVs in 2012, show that Sony continues to push boundaries in display technology and enhance viewing experiences.

Jerry Springer Was Trash. But He Was Honest.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 723 implied HN points • 09 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Media Television Entertainment Society Pop culture
  1. Jerry Springer was unapologetic about the shocking content he presented on his show. He focused on giving viewers what they actually wanted, even when it was controversial.
  2. His show was popular, drawing millions of viewers, but also sparked criticism for being immoral and exploitative. Some episodes were so outrageous they were even banned.
  3. Springer was seen as a disruptive figure in American media, compared to more wholesome personalities like Oprah, positioning himself as the 'black sheep' of talk shows.

Mother Russia, Father Time

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 3375 implied HN points • 16 Feb 24
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Government Political Commentary Media Television Comedy
  1. There is ongoing debate about Biden's age and cognitive decline, with various experts weighing in and comparisons to Trump's cognitive test.
  2. Tucker Carlson's recent visit to Moscow sparked controversy, as he praised the city and its affordability, prompting discussions on ideology and living standards.
  3. Jon Stewart's return to hosting _The Daily Show_ was well-received, especially due to his humor targeting both Biden and Trump, showing his enduring comedic prowess.

Taylor Sheridan's Extreme Productivity

SatPost by Trung Phan • 122 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Film Television Hollywood Storytelling Creativity
  1. Taylor Sheridan didn't become a successful writer until he was 40, showing that it's never too late to start a new career. His need to support his family pushed him to work hard and produce a lot of content quickly.
  2. He handles creative control differently than others in Hollywood, often working alone instead of in a writer's room. This unique approach allows him to stay true to his vision and produce shows and movies that resonate with people.
  3. Buying a massive ranch for $350 million increased his pressure to succeed even more. This financial burden motivated him to create new shows and push out his work at an extreme rate.

Taylor Swift, AI cults and the pain of the personal brand

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 638 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Technology Music Social media Entertainment Television
  1. Modern living rooms heavily feature large TV screens, but there's a rising trend towards hidden technology, like TVs that blend into backgrounds.
  2. There's a significant shift towards concealing technology in everyday objects, like smart speakers disguised as lamps or laptops made to look like books.
  3. Personal screens have become an integral part of daily life, but there's a growing desire to minimize their visibility, especially accentuated during the pandemic.

T.V. News: Pledges, Hiatus, Wong Kar Wai Revisions

Textual Variations • 231 implied HN points • 04 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Film Television Media Art Entertainment
  1. The author plans to take a break from publication to catch up on other priorities, which might cause gaps in the schedule this Spring. They hope to return to a regular posting schedule by May.
  2. Wong Kar Wai's classic film 'In the Mood for Love' is being reissued in China with new footage, and there are discussions about changes that may come with this release.
  3. The new animated series 'Invincible Fight Girl' is praised for its authentic anime style and storytelling, blending action with comedic elements in a unique way.

Meeting David Lynch on the Dreaming Plane

Gideon's Substack • 26 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Film Television Dreams Art Media
  1. Movies can feel like dreams, and David Lynch's films especially tap into that dreamlike quality. They connect deeply with our subconscious and show us the hidden layers of life.
  2. Lynch's storytelling often blurs the line between dreams and reality, making us question our perceptions. This can be both enchanting and confusing, as seen in films like 'Mulholland Drive.'
  3. Experiencing a film should be a shared connection, not just an analysis. It’s valuable to remember that movies are meant to evoke feelings and experiences, not just be puzzles to solve.

100 things that made my year

Austin Kleon • 2917 implied HN points • 30 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Books Music Film Television Podcasts Art
  1. Reflecting on the year can highlight significant moments and experiences that brought joy or growth. It's important to take time to acknowledge what made the year special.
  2. Books, movies, music, and other forms of entertainment can shape our experiences and provide comfort or inspiration throughout the year. Curating favorites can help in remembering those moments.
  3. Sharing recommendations and engaging with a community can enhance our enjoyment of various media and foster connections with others who have similar interests.

Everything Old Is New Again in 2024

Drezner’s World • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Politics Comedy Television Satire Entertainment
  1. The likelihood of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the 2024 election is high, causing mixed reactions among Americans.
  2. The return of Jon Stewart to 'The Daily Show' as a host and executive producer in 2024 is seen as a major event for Comedy Central and Paramount Global.
  3. Stewart's comeback is anticipated to bring comedic relief and potentially influence the political landscape with his unique perspective.

RIP Richard Lewis

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Television Comedy Media Entertainment Society
  1. Richard Lewis brought a unique, quirky energy to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' standing out with his odd style and humor. His character provided a fun contrast to Larry David's more serious nature.
  2. The show uses clever storytelling, intertwining multiple plotlines that come together in unexpected ways. This structure keeps viewers engaged and makes every episode entertaining.
  3. Despite cultural shifts, 'Curb' remained popular by addressing everyday annoyances and experiences relatable to many. It skillfully balanced humor with observations about life, ensuring it stayed relevant over the years.

Le Bureau des Légendes edition

Why is this interesting? • 361 implied HN points • 27 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television Fiction Drama Intelligence Human experience
  1. Le Bureau des Légendes is a French spy drama that focuses on the emotional side of intelligence work. It shows how the personal lives of agents are affected by their dangerous missions.
  2. The show differs from typical American spy thrillers by being slow-paced and realistic. It emphasizes psychological complexity and real-world geopolitical issues instead of explosions and action.
  3. Fiction can reflect reality in unique ways. Just like the writer Gérard de Villiers, who often wrote about future events based on insights from the intelligence community, 'Le Bureau' offers deep understanding of current world issues through its storytelling.

The 3 pm blackout is a cartel move and you're all being had

Grace on Football • 1022 implied HN points • 11 Mar 23
🎾 Sports Football Television Economics Broadcasting Culture
  1. The 3 pm blackout in English football prevents TV broadcasting to protect attendance, but it may not be justifiable.
  2. Supporters of the blackout rely on the status quo and need to prove its positive impact on attendance and fan support.
  3. The blackout benefits Premier League's financial interests by limiting TV broadcast to maintain higher demand and value.