Critics at Large | The New Yorker
The New Yorker
Critics at Large is a weekly culture podcast from The New Yorker. Every Thursday, the staff writers Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss current obsessions, classic texts they’re revisiting with fresh eyes, and trends that are emerging across books, television, film, and more. The show runs the gamut of the arts and pop culture, with lively, surprising conversations about everything from Salman Rushdie to “The Real Housewives.” Through rigorous analysis and behind-the-scenes insights into The New Yorker’s reporting, the magazine’s critics help listeners make sense of our moment—and how we got here.See Critics at Large live at 92NY on February 19: https://www.92ny.org/event/vinson-cunningham-naomi-fry-and-alexandra-schwartz
Episodes
Mentioned books
Jan 29, 2026 • 54min
“Heated Rivalry,” “Pillion,” and the New Drama of the Closet
A spirited conversation about a surprise hockey romance that became a cultural phenomenon and why its earnestness resonates. A look at how hidden lives and secrecy keep queer stories dramatic, from classic forbidden-love tales to new, subtler closets. A discussion of a film about kink, family reactions, and the idea of closets within closets in today’s more accepting culture.
14 snips
Jan 22, 2026 • 45min
I Need a Critic: One-Hundredth-Episode Edition
In a celebratory milestone, the hosts advise listeners on transforming non-readers into book lovers and curating the perfect road-trip playlist. David Remnick joins to discuss cultural dilemmas, including navigating attention in the digital age. Plus, they tackle parenting dilemmas like baby names and maximizing family time for culture. Listeners also receive reassurances regarding their taste in films and share thoughts on sports and enriching media. The tables turn as hosts seek advice from their audience, adding a fun twist!
32 snips
Jan 15, 2026 • 47min
Why Football Matters
Louisa Thomas, a New Yorker sports critic and journalist with a focus on football, joins the hosts to explore why the sport captivates America. They discuss football's evolution from a 'war game' and its cultural roots, along with the community it fosters. The conversation dives into the appeal of watching football, its strategic complexity, and its portrayal in media like "Friday Night Lights." They also address concerns over player safety and the sport's future, all while celebrating its emotional impact and societal rituals.
11 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 50min
Do We Need Saints?
The podcast dives into the fascinating themes of sainthood and religious fervor showcased in Mona Fastvold's film about Ann Lee, the Shaker leader. Hosts discuss how the film's music and dance evoke a spiritual experience that connects with modern viewers. They explore saints' depiction in culture, from Scorsese's docuseries to Rosalía's album, highlighting the allure of saintly figures and their human qualities. The conversation touches on the modern obsession with elevating public figures to saintly status and the enduring relevance of these narratives today.
Dec 25, 2025 • 46min
Our Romance with Jane Austen
Explore the lasting charm of Jane Austen as hosts dive into her six novels and share personal favorites. They discuss the complex character of Emma Woodhouse and the emotional depth of Persuasion, particularly the significance of Wentworth’s letter. The panel debates the balance of satire and sincerity in Austen's work and the mystery surrounding her life that captivates readers. Adaptations and cultural relevance in today's society are also examined, highlighting Austen's enduring appeal in a modern context.
Dec 18, 2025 • 50min
The Year of the Broken Mirror
The discussion dives into how recent films, like Ryan Coogler's "Sinners," reflect America's complexities and anxieties. The hosts explore the themes of history and identity intertwined with horror and music. They also analyze the chilling implications of A.I. as a distorted lens on reality and how political narratives are reshaping historical memory. Amidst these dark reflections, the conversation highlights art’s potential as a catalyst for action and grassroots solidarity, urging a transition from introspection to activism.
8 snips
Dec 11, 2025 • 47min
“Wake Up Dead Man” and the Whodunnit Renaissance
The murky waters of modern whodunnits are explored, revealing a cultural saturation thanks to streaming services. Rian Johnson's latest venture intertwines humor, social critique, and the classic locked-room mystery. The hosts discuss the transformation of detectives into relatable, flawed characters while highlighting the genre’s commentary on societal issues. They also delve into how amateur sleuthing reflects a disturbing trend of civic distrust. Cozy murders become an unexpected form of rebellion against privilege, blurring lines between fiction and contemporary life.
21 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 47min
Does “Hamlet” Need a Backstory?
The discussion dives into the enduring allure of Shakespeare's "Hamlet," with reflections on its various adaptations over centuries. The hosts explore the new film "Hamnet," and whether it adds depth to the original narrative or oversimplifies it. They also unpack Michael Almereyda's modern take that reimagines Hamlet as a troubled film student. Insights on Tom Stoppard's "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead" inject humor into the tragedy. Finally, they ponder how Hamlet's existential questions resonate with today's anxieties around masculinity and purpose.
14 snips
Nov 27, 2025 • 37min
After “Wicked,” What Do We Want from the Musical?
The discussion dives into the evolution of musicals, highlighting the shift from original stories to jukebox hits. The hosts dissect the massive commercial success of "Wicked," exploring its emotional resonance and memorable songs. They examine the chemistry between characters Glinda and Elphaba, considering deeper meanings. Comparisons to classic Disney musicals reveal themes of identity and desire. Finally, they imagine the perfect musical, weighing the merits of maximalism against realism, and ponder the future of Broadway with provocative, R-rated works.
18 snips
Nov 20, 2025 • 50min
In “Pluribus,” Utopia Isn’t All It’s Cracked Up to Be
The discussion dives into Vince Gilligan's new series, where a benevolent alien hive mind offers a seemingly perfect world but clashes with human individuality. The hosts explore classic utopian literature and real-life attempts at such societies, addressing the inherent pitfalls of enforced sameness and repression. They debate the tension between optimism and pessimism, questioning who defines a utopia and how friction and pluralism are essential for vibrant communities. A fascinating exploration of idealism versus the messy reality of human nature ensues.
