Teaser

Television criticism requires a nuanced definition of quality that encompasses both artistic achievement and pure, unadulterated pleasure. Alan Sepinwall and Kathryn Van Arendonk leverage decades of industry expertise to navigate the vast landscape of current and classic programming. Alternating between contemporary releases and historical context reclaims the idea that television is inherently good, even when it leans into the "terrible" or the purely escapist. A recent standalone episode of *The Bear* serves as a primary example of this analytical approach, where the tension between necessary character development and redundant narrative expansion takes center stage. Future episodes will bridge the gap between high-profile new series and foundational classics, challenging viewers to broaden their criteria for what constitutes worthwhile television.