The Real Crisis of The Pitt
What the hit show’s approach to Dr. Robby reveals
Culture
What I Saw Inside the Kennedy Center
I spent 10 months working at the institution because I thought I could help protect it. What I observed there is far worse than the public knows.
The Quiet Way Authoritarianism Begins to Crumble
Among the many reasons for Viktor Orbán’s defeat was the rural clubs where citizens relearned democratic habits.
Don’t Just Replace Chavez—Rethink Monuments
It’s time for tributes to leave the great-man theory of history behind.
Sabrina Carpenter Knows What She’s Doing
The pop star’s Saturday Night Live appearance played into her reputation as a provocateur.
D’Angelo Conjured More Than Music
The late singer’s work was steeped in Black tradition, and never lost sight of the future.
Traditional Criticism Is in Trouble. Here’s What’s Replacing It.
Demand for cultural commentary is higher than it’s ever been—but now that commentary is coming from unconventional new sources.
A Surprisingly Endearing True-Crime Movie
Roofman stays grounded by highlighting life’s mundane thrills.
65 Essential Children’s Books
Illustrated titles that teach kids to love literature
The Radical Empathy of a Low-Key Chat Show
Marc Maron’s podcast, which just wrapped its 16-year run, showed us what human connection could really look like.
A Warning for the Modern Striver
A new biography of Peter Matthiessen chronicles his many paradoxical attempts to escape who the world expected him to be.
Dear James: My Guy Friends Are Stuck in a Rut
For 10 years, I haven’t seen any of them change for the better.
The Drink That Americans Won’t Give Up Without a Fight
Coffee has almost no nutritional value and lots of substitutes. It’s also, apparently, too important to lose.