The hottest Television Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top U.S. Politics Topics

REPOST: Steve Martin's "Holiday Wish" Monologue is Perfect Comedy Writing

I Might Be Wrong • 9 implied HN points • 25 Dec 25
😂 Humor Television
  1. Great sketches follow three clear steps: establish the funny premise or "game," heighten it with escalating beats, and blow it out with an absurd, decisive finish.
  2. Specificity and escalation matter — pick vivid, increasingly extreme examples in the right order so each beat builds on and tops the last.
  3. Tight, efficient writing can carry a sketch by itself: mine the premise fully, avoid filler, and end strong, while delivery simply amplifies the writing.

The Only Five Things I Liked in 2025

I Might Be Wrong • 10 implied HN points • 18 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Nostalgia and reboots were everywhere in 2025 but mostly underwhelming, showing people often romanticize the past even when it wasn’t actually better.
  2. Small personal joys — like a child’s funny moments and annoying bedtime rituals — mattered more than big cultural events and often became the year’s real highlights.
  3. Online culture shifted toward sharper skepticism and new forms of entertainment: smart shows like Pluribus stood out, viral “how-to” hacks were frequently called out as misleading, and AI-generated animal content rose as a new comedic force.

The Chair Company (2025)

The Author Is Dumb • 3 implied HN points • 03 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Tim Robinson essentially plays a familiar, narrow-range persona and the show drops that character into a 1970s-style conspiracy thriller, making the premise feel original and intentionally strange.
  2. The series mixes anti-comedy and thriller elements in a Lynchian way, so moments can be either hilariously brilliant or gratingly awkward, with occasional real vulnerability that lands powerfully.
  3. The show is polarizing: devoted fans defend it fiercely while many critics find it baffling or unfunny, which highlights the gap between personal taste and professional review.

Scrapbook #1: Venom 3, Podcasting, and the 'demise' of the Sony-Verse

Textual Variations • 165 implied HN points • 12 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The new movie Venom: The Last Dance is better than the last one but still has its flaws. Some parts felt rushed, yet the action scenes at the end are impressive.
  2. The Sony Spider-Man Universe isn't ending, but it's shifting focus. They are pausing some projects while still working on Spider-Man titles and exploring what's successful.
  3. Alan Wake 2 is a unique horror game that's worth playing if you enjoy narrative-driven stories. It's beautifully made but hasn’t sold as well as expected, which is disappointing because we need more creative games like it.
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T.V. Digest #21 Kicks off the Scrapbook line

Textual Variations • 132 implied HN points • 04 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The Scrapbook series allows for quicker and more flexible writing on various topics like movie reviews and recent media news.
  2. Each Scrapbook post can mix different ideas and topics, making it easier to share thoughts that don't fit into standard articles.
  3. Researching for articles can lead to unexpected insights and larger pieces than originally planned, as shown with the piece on the extended X-Men version.

Members-only watch party for Feud

Disaffected Newsletter • 179 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The next watch party for 'Feud: Bette and Joan' will be on April 27 at 5 PM Eastern Time. Make sure to check your local time, so you don’t miss it.
  2. To join the watch party, you need a subscription to the Substack. The Zoom link will be available after signing up.
  3. There’s a free 7-day trial for the Substack, so you can explore more content before committing.

The Narrow Road to the Deep North

Kvetch • 33 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The show 'The Narrow Road to the Deep North' is a powerful representation of Australia, highlighting both its beauty and the brutal realities of war. It dives deep into the emotional impacts of conflict on soldiers and their loved ones.
  2. The main character, Dorrigo Evans, embodies the struggles and complexities of war, love, and loss. His journey reflects the harsh realities faced by many during the war, showcasing both strength and vulnerability.
  3. The series doesn't shy away from the darker aspects of history and human nature. It explores themes of suffering, meaninglessness, and the stark contrast between the glorification of war and the tragic consequences it brings.

Taylor Sheridan's Extreme Productivity

SatPost by Trung Phan • 122 implied HN points • 07 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Television
  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.

A man's gotta have a code, but there's a limit

Situation Normal • 74 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Having a personal code is important, but it can lead you into complicated situations. It's what guides a hero's actions in tough choices.
  2. Choosing your battles wisely is key to maintaining your sanity and focus. If you fight every fight, you risk losing sight of what truly matters.
  3. As you grow older, it's wise to be pickier about which issues you care enough to engage with. Save your energy for the hills that are really worth fighting on.

What are you watching?

Men Yell at Me • 121 implied HN points • 21 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The show 'Somebody Somewhere' is very uplifting and emotional. It made the viewer feel a lot of joy and love.
  2. The reviewer finds it to be one of the most affirming shows they've experienced lately.
  3. They plan to share more detailed thoughts about the show once their review is finished.

MLS Finally Released Viewership Data...But It Raises More Questions Than It Answers

Huddle Up • 29 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎾 Sports Television
  1. MLS has reported that it averages 120,000 viewers per game this season, which is a 50% increase from last year. This increase is partly due to new deals that make games more accessible.
  2. The viewership numbers have mostly been kept secret until now, which makes this disclosure significant. It raises questions about how Apple and MLS calculated these figures.
  3. While the growth sounds impressive, it can also be misleading and confusing. More information is needed to fully understand what this means for the league's future.

Bronowski Beat

David’s Substack • 2 HN points • 16 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Jacob Bronowski's series 'The Ascent of Man' aimed to connect science and the arts, showing how they shape our understanding over time. It offers a unique view that blends human culture with scientific progress.
  2. One famous episode, 'Knowledge or Certainty?', features Bronowski at Auschwitz, where he emphasizes the dangers of absolute certainty in knowledge. This moment highlights the importance of humility and diverse viewpoints.
  3. Bronowski faced challenges in his broadcasting career due to MI5 surveillance and political misunderstandings. This interference almost ended his role in significant projects like a TV series on atomic power, making his later success even more remarkable.

Mikhail's TV Digest #19 Sums Up a Slow Period

Textual Variations • 99 implied HN points • 05 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The newsletter shares updates on past posts and new thoughts from the writer. It's a way to keep subscribers informed about recent topics.
  2. There's a focus on analyzing popular shows and movies, including criticism and reflections on changes in narratives. This helps viewers understand the content better.
  3. The writer is aiming for more consistent output in the future, indicating a commitment to regular updates and new articles.

We need a new mythos

PashaNomics • 1 implied HN point • 06 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Fiction and popular myths shape how generations see the future and influence real-world politics and policy.
  2. The steady diet of dystopian stories has been harmful: it desensitizes people, narrows how we think about power, and can spur unrealistic or destructive political behavior.
  3. We need a new, realistic but optimistic mythos that shows competent, good leaders and collective projects—portraying how to responsibly build technology and long-term institutions like space colonization.

Six Theories About Why Comedy Movies Died

I Might Be Wrong • 6 implied HN points • 03 Dec 25
😂 Humor Television
  1. Comedy movies are becoming less common in Hollywood today. The best comedies list includes mostly older films, indicating a sharp decline in new comedic content.
  2. Recently released comedies aren't making it big like they used to. The last decade has seen very few comedies that stand out or resonate with audiences.
  3. People are questioning why comedies aren't working anymore. There's a lot of speculation about what has changed in the entertainment industry that affected comedy films.

The World is Wrong, Volume 4: At Home With Amy Sedaris

I Might Be Wrong • 5 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. At Home with Amy Sedaris is a woman-created, woman-led alt-comedy that prioritizes quirky, sketch-driven humor over actual homemaking tips and leans into a deliberately retro '50s aesthetic.
  2. Despite solid reviews and awards, the show never developed a big cult following or mainstream impact—likely because it aired on low-profile TruTV, was hit by the cable-content collapse, and felt more Gen X/older-millennial than what younger tastemakers preferred.
  3. The series still helped raise the profile of performers like Cole Escola, and it could be rediscovered or revived on streaming now that studio catalogs are being reshuffled.

3 Cool Paramount+ Originals I Saw While Flying Delta 

Textual Variations • 265 implied HN points • 24 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Flight streaming on Delta Airlines offers a unique way to watch limited but interesting TV shows and movies.
  2. Delta Airlines' partnership with Paramount Plus brings exclusive shows like 'Pink Ladies' and 'Star Trek Prodigy' to passengers.
  3. Shows like 'School Spirits' stand out as must-watch options with emotional depth and strong storytelling.

HBO's Roman History Obsession

Castalia • 59 implied HN points • 09 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. HBO shows like Succession and Game of Thrones reference Roman history to highlight themes of power and collapse. The characters often make connections to ancient Rome to illustrate the decline of American values.
  2. Succession portrays a very bleak view of power, showing that being nice or having good values isn't enough in a world that favors ruthless ambition. It emphasizes the struggle of characters like Kendall, who are good but can't keep up with the cutthroat nature of their environment.
  3. Unlike Game of Thrones, which hints at hope for a better system, Succession ultimately suggests that societies can become corrupt when they worship power. It critiques how political systems can fail when people prioritize force over integrity.

Introducing Mr X

How To Measure Ghosts • 19 implied HN points • 09 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The appearance of The Beatles and Arthur C Nielsen Jr. on TV on the same night marked a significant moment in television history.
  2. Arthur C Nielsen Jr.'s influence as the President of the Nielsen Service was substantial, impacting television ratings and advertising decisions with a small sample size of 'Nielsen families'.
  3. The emergence of television as a dominant medium led to the critical need for metrics like TV ratings, which shaped programming, advertising, and the business of television in the 20th century.

Catechism

Castalia • 119 implied HN points • 19 Aug 22
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Sometimes, stories that seem fascinating can feel boring in real life. The excitement gets lost during retelling.
  2. The editing process is really important in filmmaking. Editors can completely change how a story is perceived.
  3. People in the industry often have their own struggles and past experiences that influence their work and attitudes.

The Envy Box: Class-Status Obsession in Prestige TV

Holodoxa • 59 implied HN points • 12 Feb 23
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Television shows like The White Lotus and Succession focus on class and status hierarchies rather than masculine megalomania of the past
  2. Prestige TV provides a window into the minds of elites and the anxieties surrounding the relentless pursuit of status
  3. Viewers can interpret these shows as straightforward satire, a critique of elite culture, a form of self-satisfying entertainment, or an exploration of human nature

Eternal High School

Castalia • 79 implied HN points • 27 Dec 22
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. The idea of the high school hero is a myth. Many popular kids often face a decline after school, and high school can be a tough experience for others.
  2. Social media reflects the same competitive social structures found in high school. People's popularity online can feel like a never-ending high school experience, where everyone's reputation is always on the line.
  3. Characters from shows like 'Buffy' and 'Mad Men' explore the idea of identity and reputation. They hint that it’s important to break free from societal pressures and to see ourselves as constantly evolving, rather than fixed identities.

The Real Reason Adam Silver Wants To Shorten NBA Games

Huddle Up • 40 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎾 Sports Television
  1. Adam Silver wants to shorten NBA games to 40 minutes by changing quarters from 12 to 10 minutes. He thinks this would fit better with TV viewing habits today.
  2. He believes that shorter games could help boost the NBA's declining TV viewership. A two-hour game could make it more appealing as a televised sport.
  3. While team owners may support his revenue-focused ideas, fans might not agree with changes that could impact traditional game structure.

Disaffected watch party today

Disaffected Newsletter • 59 implied HN points • 19 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. There will be a watch party today at 3 pm Eastern. It's a chance for subscribers to join and enjoy a show together.
  2. The show being featured is the mini-series 'Feud: Bette and Joan'. It's about two famous actresses clashing during the decline of old Hollywood.
  3. The link to join the watch party is available below the paywall for subscribers only.

There Are More People Interested in Why They're No Longer Interested in the NBA Than Are Interested in the NBA

House of Strauss • 36 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Television
  1. More people are curious about why interest in the NBA is falling than about the games themselves. It's a sign that fans might feel disconnected from the sport.
  2. There’s a lot of talk about NBA ratings dropping, especially after a big TV deal was made. This seems to have made many media figures more comfortable discussing these issues openly.
  3. Many people are more focused on discussing NBA ratings and the league's problems instead of the actual basketball. This shows a shift in what fans care about.

American Upanishad

Covidian Æsthetics • 28 implied HN points • 31 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. David Lynch's work is seen as a deep reflection on life and existence, similar to ancient philosophical texts. His storytelling encourages us to look beyond the surface and embrace ambiguity.
  2. The themes of good and evil in Lynch's projects suggest that they are intertwined and originate from the same reality. Understanding their relationship can change how we perceive our own experiences.
  3. The character dynamics, especially in 'Twin Peaks,' reveal complex emotional and metaphysical struggles, showing how personal trauma can affect broader narratives of family and destiny.

Watch out for snakes

Internal exile • 24 implied HN points • 28 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  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.

Meeting David Lynch on the Dreaming Plane

Gideon's Substack • 26 implied HN points • 18 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  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.

The Seat of Loss Holiday Gift Guide

The Seat of Loss • 2 implied HN points • 04 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Instead of just buying subscriptions or products, think about alternatives that provide more enjoyment, like cooking great meals or creating personal music libraries. It's about finding fulfillment beyond consumerism.
  2. For memorable gifts, consider giving books, high-quality instruments, or unique experiences rather than streaming services or typical electronics. These gifts can bring joy in a more meaningful way.
  3. When it comes to video games, building your own PC or using devices like the Steam Deck can offer greater flexibility and enjoyment, helping you avoid the pitfalls of subscription models and endless spending.

Let’s Not Tell the "Death of Late Night TV" Story Without Mentioning Our Weird Obsession With Race and Gender

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Late night TV is struggling, with fewer people watching and many shows ending. This change is partly due to streaming and the internet offering better options.
  2. While technology played a big role in the decline, the quality of late night shows has also dropped. Many shows aren't resonating with audiences like they used to.
  3. The decisions about hiring based on race, gender, and sexual orientation are important to consider in the context of late night TV's struggles. These choices have impacted the shows in ways that deserve reflection.

Prestige Serialized Television is Today's Novel. Case Study: The Leftovers

Holodoxa • 39 implied HN points • 15 Sep 22
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Television is now considered the primary artistic medium for storytelling, surpassing film and literature.
  2. Prestige television shows have the capacity to provide greater emotional depth, complexity, and range compared to novels.
  3. Some narratives, like The Leftovers, experience significant enhancements when transitioning from novels to television, benefiting from the medium's extended length and emotional impact.

Orson Welles as Falstaff on Late Night TV

Castles in the Sky • 15 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. Orson Welles performing Shakespeare on late-night TV was a bold and unique choice. Today, it would be surprising to see such dramatic performances on those shows.
  2. The film 'Chimes at Midnight' creatively combines multiple Shakespeare plays, which is a clever idea that could inspire others to mix classic storytelling with modern interpretations.
  3. There’s a desire to read all of Shakespeare’s plays, and a group reading challenge could make it more enjoyable. Having a community can motivate people to explore Shakespeare together.

Is Stephen A. Smith Worth $100 Million To ESPN?

Huddle Up • 19 implied HN points • 06 Dec 24
🎾 Sports Television
  1. Stephen A. Smith is close to signing a groundbreaking contract with ESPN worth over $100 million. This will make him the highest-paid talent in the network's history.
  2. His deal is significant because it reflects his popularity and influence in sports media, especially with the success of his show 'First Take.'
  3. The structure of Smith’s contract may include details that justify the high cost for ESPN, despite concerns about how much viewers value sports talk shows compared to live sports.

The Preppie in Decline

Unpopular Front • 78 implied HN points • 25 Apr 23
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Television
  1. Tucker Carlson was fired from Fox News and his career faced a decline
  2. Carlson's transformation from a preppie conservative to a fire-breathing populist was fueled by his frustrations and failures
  3. Carlson's cynicism and irresponsibility served as a personal ideology and a way to assert freedom and success for him

The 2024 "X" List of the Best "TV"

Who is Robert Malone • 16 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Television
  1. A lot of people have strong opinions about their favorite TV shows, with 7,000 comments showing diverse recommendations for 2024.
  2. Many great TV series and documentaries in 2024 don't fit the 'woke' label, which people seem to appreciate.
  3. There are so many good shows out there that many fans didn't even know existed, so it's worth checking out these recommendations.

YouTube TV is charging more money for a worse product — but what is the next best alternative?

Huddle Up • 11 implied HN points • 14 Feb 25
🕹 Technology Television
  1. YouTube TV started as a great alternative to cable, offering a slim package of channels for a low price, which many people loved.
  2. Over the years, YouTube TV gained huge popularity, reaching nearly all U.S. households and becoming the biggest streaming TV service.
  3. However, instead of improving the service, they have raised prices while not delivering better features, making customers feel it's a worse deal now.