The actors are officially on strike. Vox senior correspondent and critic Alissa Wilkinson breaks down what SAG-AFTRA is afta, and the New Yorker’s Michael Schulman explains how one of Netflix’s first original shows was an early warning sign.This episode was produced by Amanda Lewellyn, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King.Transcript at vox.com/todayexplainedSupport Today, Explained by making a financial contribution to Vox! bit.ly/givepodcasts Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alissa Wilkinson, a New York Times film critic renowned for her keen insights, discusses her journey into film critique and reveals her top movie picks for 2024. The conversation spans the cultural impact of cinematic storytelling and the challenges of maintaining authenticity in blockbuster filmmaking. They explore faith themes in horror films, examining how they illuminate belief and doubt. Plus, Alissa shares cherished Christmas movie memories, blending nostalgia with a heartfelt reflection on what makes these films resonate.

Alissa Wilkinson, a New York Times film critic, delves into the intriguing world of hate-watching TV shows. She discusses how streaming algorithms can lead us to shows that provoke frustration rather than enjoyment. The conversation explores the emotional ties and community bonding that arise from sharing disdain for a show. Wilkinson distinguishes hate-watching from guilty pleasures and examines how societal anxieties and modern technology fuel this phenomenon. Listeners share their own hilarious hate-watching experiences, revealing its cultural significance.