Critics at Large is a weekly culture podcast from The New Yorker. Every Thursday, the staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss current obsessions, classic texts they’re revisiting with fresh eyes, and trends that are emerging across books, television, film, and more. The show runs the gamut of the arts and pop culture, with lively, surprising conversations about everything from Salman Rushdie to “The Real Housewives.” Through rigorous analysis and behind-the-scenes insights into The New Yorker’s reporting, the magazine’s critics help listeners make sense of our moment—and how we got here.
Masculinity is currently undergoing a volatile cultural recalibration, oscillating between hyper-aggressive, exclusionary archetypes and vulnerable, introspective portrayals. Contemporary media, such as the series Half Man and the recent adaptation of Lord of the Flies, highlight the destructive cycles of male trauma a...
Fashion serves as a lens for examining cultural shifts, power dynamics, and personal identity. The Met Gala’s "Fashion is Art" theme highlights the tension between creative expression and the increasing influence of tech-billionaire wealth on public spectacles. Simultaneously, the release of The Devil Wears Prada 2 und...
Earnestness has re-emerged as a dominant cultural force, signaling a departure from the irony and cynicism that previously defined public discourse. This shift manifests in diverse media, from the genuine vulnerability displayed by astronauts on the Artemis II mission to the raw, sincere connection sought in reality da...
This episode of Critics at Large delves into the work and legacy of Toni Morrison, questioning whether her iconic status overshadows the depth and complexity of her writing. The critics explore Morrison's unique blend of modernism and social realism, highlighting her focus on the interior lives of black characters, par...
This episode of Critics at Large explores the enduring appeal of Jane Austen's novels, questioning why her work continues to resonate with readers centuries after its creation. The hosts delve into favorite Austen tropes, such as the importance of money, the presence of smart women surrounded by idiots, and the role of...
In this episode of Critics At Large, Vinson Cunningham, Alec Schwartz, and Naomi Fry delve into their selection for "Year of the Broken Mirror," reflecting on how 2025's culture and politics mirrored a fractured American reality. They analyze films like "Sinners," "Eddington," and "One Battle After Another," discussing...
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