James Poniewozik, Chief television critic for The New York Times, and Manola Dargis, Chief film critic for The New York Times, dive into the state of entertainment in 2024. They discuss the pervasive 'mid-TV' phenomenon, criticizing the mediocrity of recent shows. Sequels dominate the film landscape, with Dargis highlighting both beloved and divisive films of the year. Throughout, they emphasize innovative storytelling, urging a move away from formulaic content in both television and cinema. Recommendations for standout productions also shine through.

On today’s “A Bit of Relief,” two critics at The Times share the home rituals that they're leaning on for comfort. For the television critic James Poniewozik, it’s binge-watching television with his family (“Experiencing good or even brilliantly dumb art is a form of self-care,” he reassures). And for the restaurant critic Tejal Rao, the act of rewatching cinematic food scenes is surprisingly delightful. Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.