buffy the vampire slayer
The many legacies of Buffy the Vampire Slayer's best episode
A strange, austere hour remains unlike anything else in TV history
Emily St. James
Emily St. James is a writer and critic whose work has appeared in Vox, The A.V. Club, and the New York Times. She is the co-creator of the podcast Arden and a writer on the TV series Yellowjackets.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown February 2–8 2026
This week: the Super Bowl, the Olympics, and the epic highs and lows of horror cinema.
muppets
Why the new Muppet Show gets the beloved franchise right
Sometimes, all you need is Sabrina Carpenter singing with a bunch of chickens.
valentine's day
Kissin' on the big screen: 12 great love stories that deserve an adaptation ASAP
Get ready for Valentine's Day with a dozen romantic tales that would make great movies!
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown January 26–February 1 2026
This week: Blue Moon, Song Sung Blue, and some other movies that don't have the word "blue" in their titles.
the simpsons
The first time The Simpsons could have ended
Our new series on great TV episodes of the 21st century begins with a would-be series finale.
Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry: Episode 3, "Hunter"
A big frame shift brings with it big questions about plot structures, the closet, and smoothies.
minnesota
Episodes Monday Rundown January 19–25 2026
This week: The Testament of Ann Lee, Die My Love, and a pair of comfort watches fit for a terrible week.
Mailbag
January mailbag!
This month: Oscars, Oscars, Oscars! Plus, meditative TV, tarot as a storytelling device, and more.
Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry: Episode 2, "Olympians"
As Shane and Ilya go to the Sochi Olympics, Lily and Emily talk point-of-view, the things only queer romance can do, and how much the show actually cares about hockey.
Rundown
Episodes Monday Rundown January 12–18 2026
This week: The Housemaid, The Bone Temple, and two very different fantasy novels.
mailbag announcement
Submit your January mailbag questions!
It's that time again!