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.
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.
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
Submit your January mailbag questions!
It's that time again!
narrative
The vibes aren't shifting
Why the right-wing effort to change the narrative is already flailing.
Heated Rivalry
Heated Rivalry: Episode 1, "Rookies"
Our new recap series debuts with hot hockey boys, an innovative approach to narrative time, and Canada's own Leslie Feist.
No Other Choice
Episodes Monday Rundown, January 5–11 2026
This week: No Other Choice, Resurrection, and some great video essays.
trauma
The only way to fix ICE is to get rid of it
The nation's traumatized response to 9/11 has spiraled utterly out of control.
newsletter updates
Episodes is 10. Check out our new look!
Plus: A HUGE sale. Subscribe today!