The hottest TV shows Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
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Top Music Topics

The Bear Goes Full Bing Bong

Freddie deBoer • 6064 implied HN points • 07 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Cynicism in art can come from trying too hard to manipulate emotions instead of allowing authentic feelings to develop. It's better to trust the audience to understand the story without forced sentimentality.
  2. Shows like 'The Bear' can lose their originality by relying too much on fan service and emotional tricks, making the storytelling feel cheap and unearned.
  3. A series can become less believable when it’s filled with too many side characters and plot holes, distracting from the main story and weakening its overall impact.
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The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 2456 implied HN points • 23 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The February book club selection is _Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.
  2. There will be a void in music criticism as Pitchfork moves under GQ.
  3. Buying a house can be a wild ride, with unexpected challenges and surprises.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1886 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The Audacious Bookclub is reading 'Martyr!' by Kaveh Akbar and will have a conversation with the author on February 27th.
  2. Roxane Gay's newsletter features personal professional news, including upcoming events and a new 'Work Friend' column.
  3. The newsletter includes a roundup of reading material ranging from obituaries to Grammy highlights, new shows, and recent journalism news.

A bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch & listen to this weekend

The Shift With Sam Baker • 878 implied HN points • 28 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The post shares a bank holiday bonanza of things to read, watch, and listen to, providing a variety of recommendations for entertainment and information consumption.
  2. It features insights on effort, productivity, and decision-making, emphasizing the importance of giving it your all but also learning to tolerate unknowns and knowing when to give up on certain endeavors.
  3. Recommendations include books read, shows watched, and podcasts listened to, offering a diverse range of content suggestions for different tastes and interests.

Have you hit "peak ENOUGH"?

The Shift With Sam Baker • 958 implied HN points • 08 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The Shift With Sam Baker newsletter and podcast explores moments in TV shows or movies that resonate with audiences due to their truthful impact, sparking strong emotional reactions from viewers.
  2. The post discusses a powerful monologue from the character Rose Aguineau in True Detective, highlighting the theme of self-acceptance and finding peace with one's past and present.
  3. There's a focus on the idea of reaching a point of 'having enough' in life, symbolizing a turning point where individuals may reassess their choices and seek a quieter, more meaningful existence.

Oscar, Actors and the Double Exposure Effect

The Ankler • 923 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Actors can benefit from the Double Exposure Effect when they have multiple great performances out at the same time, boosting their chances in award competitions.
  2. Timing is crucial in the entertainment industry; a well-timed release can elevate an actor's Oscar campaign, while an ill-timed one can damage it.
  3. The overall career and public perception of an actor can also influence their chances in award shows like the Oscars, showcasing the importance of a strong body of work.

The Week In Recommendations 2.7.24

Rich Text • 805 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The newsletter discusses a new Dolly Alderton novel and a TV remake of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith'.
  2. The authors share their thoughts on books, TV shows, and podcasts they've been enjoying.
  3. Claire and Emma recommend products like chair cushions and jeans for short women.

True Detective and the Challenge of Nihilism

The Bigger Picture • 679 implied HN points • 23 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. True Detective's first season remains relevant today, exploring the exhaustion of history and society's cyclical nature.
  2. The show delves into the themes of suicide and nihilism, reflecting on the prevalence of such ideas in contemporary culture.
  3. Christianity, nihilism, and the notion of a 'flat circle' universe are intertwined in the philosophical discourse of the series, challenging viewers to ponder human nature and spiritual ambiguity.

The Week In Recommendations 1.10.24

Rich Text • 923 implied HN points • 10 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Claire and Emma share their recommendations for books, TV shows, and podcasts.
  2. They discuss their efforts to cut back on impulse buying and focus on special, quality purchases.
  3. Emma raves about a specific moisturizer she loves and Claire talks about her resolution to write daily in a five-year memory notebook.

Cup of Coffee: October 12, 2023

Cup of Coffee by Craig Calcaterra • 1454 implied HN points • 12 Oct 23
🎾 Sports TV shows
  1. Three of the four Division Series are completed, with Texas, Houston, and Arizona advancing to the LCS.
  2. Phillies dominated Atlanta with Bryce Harper's standout performance, sparking some controversy.
  3. Marvel TV shows have been facing challenges and changes, with shifts in production process for better quality.

CLEOPATRAAAGHHHH

History, etc • 1454 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Historical TV shows can easily spark controversy through race-based casting.
  2. Acting allows for pretence and make-believe, regardless of historical accuracy.
  3. Casting decisions in historical dramas may upset due to societal biases or political motives.

Ride With The Mob

HIDDEN.RSRCH • 687 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The Sopranos, created by David Chase and HBO, made television history 25 years ago with the iconic character Tony Soprano.
  2. The series by Chase introduced a new breed of anti-heroes and redefined the glorified image of gangsters.
  3. The world-building and character development in The Sopranos set a new standard in television storytelling.

Three Things

Dinner: A Love Story • 1277 implied HN points • 22 Feb 23
🍲 Food & Drink TV shows
  1. Make Mexican Chocolate Icebox Cookies using a simple recipe with common ingredients.
  2. Memorize key cooking techniques like roast chicken for easier kitchen experiences.
  3. Watch 'All Creatures Great and Small' for a soothing, stress-free TV experience.

January 2024 - The story so far...

Development Hell • 631 implied HN points • 20 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration TV shows
  1. The life of a screenwriter is filled with surprises, challenges, disasters, and triumphs, constantly learning new aspects of the business and ways to work and cope.
  2. The television industry is currently facing turmoil due to various factors like Covid, WGA strike, and Wall Street, making it difficult for new projects to materialize, but classics like The West Wing, A Series of Unfortunate Events, and Battlestar Galactica remain timeless.
  3. New tools like Plottr for novelists and screenwriters or strategies like time-blocking mornings for writing and afternoons for other tasks can enhance productivity and creativity.

The Week In Recommendations 3.8.23

Rich Text • 1022 implied HN points • 08 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The newsletter discusses fun spring basics, a Netflix show scandal, and a trendy fashion item.
  2. The hosts share their current reads and podcast recommendations, including controversial topics.
  3. They also talk about their recent purchases, like denim skirts and children's clothing.

I'm Never One to Yuck Somebody Else's Yum, But True Detective Has Always Been Horseshit

Freddie deBoer • 3558 implied HN points • 20 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The author believes that every season of True Detective has been disappointing, including the first season, which many consider a classic.
  2. There is a criticism that True Detective relies heavily on high budgets, stunning visuals, and star-studded cast, but lacks in plot coherence, thematic depth, and meaningful character development.
  3. The post points out the concept of 'Prestige Disease,' where a show's credentials and production values overshadow its actual artistic merit, leading to widely accepted but flawed acclaim.

The Week In Recommendations 1.24.24

Rich Text • 471 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Naomi Klein's "Doppelganger" on Hulu is a classic whodunnit worth checking out
  2. Stay informed by reading sources like Jessica Valenti's Abortion, Every Day newsletter
  3. Explore new shows like "Death and Other Details" on Hulu for a mystery fix

The Week in Recommendations 5.3.2023

Rich Text • 845 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The newsletter features a book of essays uncovering the dark histories behind beautiful objects.
  2. The creators discuss their latest cultural recommendations, from TV shows to music.
  3. Recommendations include Youswim one-pieces for maternity wear and luxurious body wash.

This Week In Recommendations 4.5.23

Rich Text • 786 implied HN points • 05 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Debut novel 'The One' offers a peek into reality dating shows.
  2. Rax King's book 'Tacky' explores lowbrow culture with humor and depth.
  3. Recommended TV shows like 'Queen's Court' and 'Yellowjackets' offer unique perspectives and engaging storylines.

The Week In Recommendations 10.11.23

Rich Text • 746 implied HN points • 11 Oct 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The post features recommendations on new novels, docu-series, podcasts, fashion items, and more.
  2. Guest tastemakers like Aja Frost and Aliza Sir share their reading, watching, listening, and buying recommendations.
  3. The newsletter also delves into personal experiences, cultural observations, and media consumption habits.

The Week In Recommendations 5.10.23

Rich Text • 727 implied HN points • 10 May 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Profile of a fraudster, buzzy TV shows, and Mother's Day sales featured this week
  2. Discussion on the New York Times profile of Elizabeth Holmes and differing perspectives on it
  3. Reviews on TV shows like 'Ted Lasso' and 'Dead Ringers', along with a Bridgerton prequel

The Week In Recommendations 6.28.23

Rich Text • 707 implied HN points • 28 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The newsletter discusses essays critiquing overrated things like travel and exercise machines.
  2. The team recommends a novel about a young woman grifter, a podcast, a midi summer dress, and a baseball cap.
  3. They review TV shows like 'Based On A True Story' and 'The Bear', and a podcast called 'Scamanda'.

The Ghost in "Dylan's Ghost Story"

Letters from Fiddler's Greene • 609 implied HN points • 05 Nov 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Telling stories with no clear resolution can keep an audience engaged, even if it lacks a traditional ending.
  2. Modern media often presents entertaining narratives that ultimately unravel, leading to self-referential gibberish and a lack of satisfying conclusions.
  3. Nostalgia for a past era, like the 1990s, is often rooted in a desire for the hope, community, and optimism that characterized that time.

Nobel Prize for Gilligan and Simon?

Bastiat's Window • 373 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🎨 Art & Illustration TV shows
  1. The Swedish Academy could award the Nobel Prize in Literature to TV writers/producers Vince Gilligan and David Simon for their exceptional storytelling.
  2. Television has evolved from a 'vast wasteland' to a medium producing significant literary works, raising questions about the enduring legacy of modern TV series.
  3. Gilligan and Simon's works like 'Breaking Bad' and 'The Wire' have profound impact, deep ethical questions, and memorable characters that rival classic literature.

I Lost on Jeopardy!

Sucks to Suck • 550 implied HN points • 12 May 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The author lost on Jeopardy! but was okay with it.
  2. Being on Jeopardy! was a unique experience, with behind-the-scenes moments of interest.
  3. Losing on Jeopardy! meant missing out on potential prize money, but the author found camaraderie and closure in the experience.

The Righteous Gemstones Meet Tony Soprano

The Melt by Jason Diamond • 530 implied HN points • 03 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. The Righteous Gemstones is a dark comedy series that offers a unique perspective on American crime families.
  2. The show features brilliant actors who excel in both comedy and drama roles.
  3. The creator of The Righteous Gemstones, Danny McBride, uses humor to explore complex and messed up characters in a darkly comedic way.

Succession, Narcissists and Vampires

rebelwisdom • 569 implied HN points • 03 May 23
🎭️ Culture TV shows
  1. Delving into the tension between human emotion and game theory through 'Succession'.
  2. Exploring the impact of narcissism and sociopathy on building sustainable systems.
  3. Comparing narcissists to vampires as they both thrive on others' energy and can be charming but manipulative.