8 shows I'm watching in July
8 shows I'm watching in July
Plus an important note about this newsletter during the strike.
Important note: As a writer and critic I fully support the rights and demands of the members involved in the SAG-AFTRA and WGA strikes. My writing has never been paid by or requested on behalf of a studio/network/company. That said, while I figure out what’s ethical or helpful to cover in this newsletter and perhaps for the duration of the strikes, this newsletter will return to a 2x/month model. I’ll still be in your inbox on every 15th of the month with this round-up of what I’m watching, and a newsletter on the 1st of the month with other topics.
It feels like an ethical grey area to cover new shows on my Instagram (some are already saying I’m crossing the picket line by posting about older TV) and I’m conflicted and unsure if I should keep posting at all. However, I want to be clear about this newsletter: criticism and journalism are not promotion. If that was the case, there’d never be a negative review. And criticism is not relegated to legacy publications (anymore). The unions are also not calling for a boycott.
Unfortunately, without actor interviews and a slower output of new shows, not to mention what the fall will look like, a significant portion of my freelance income has disappeared. For better or worse, I’m seeking a non-media job once again. Frankly, the last few months have been clarifying for me personally about not wanting to put myself through the precarity of working solely as a full-time writer. I explored some of these thoughts last month, too.
I am thankful these unions are putting their foot down, though. My interrupted income feels like a small price to pay for a future of bountiful television in an industry where folks are fairly compensated and protected.
I’ll still be watching a lot of TV as always (it’s a great time to watch old shows on our lists) and covering what I watch here. If you have any questions feel free to DM me on Instagram!
8. Black Mirror S6 (Netflix)
☑ My score: 58/100