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I’m a TV critic all the time, an outlier some of the time

I was startled to see that two shows I'd recently praised — "The Full Monty" and "The Crowded Room" — had received mixed to negative evaluations by other critics. I had assumed both shows would have broad critical support.

Will full-season release of ‘The Bear’ lead to overconsumption?

It’s now difficult to talk about the show, since many viewers are on different episodes. There are guest stars and revelations along the way, but it’s hard to talk about them openly.

There’s still time to catch up on ‘Dark Winds’ before season 2 arrives

The evocative 1970s-set AMC mystery series is adapted from the fiction of Tony Hillerman.

How Ayo Edebiri, a shy, serious kid from Dorchester, became a breakout star on ‘The Bear’

Widely acclaimed for her performance as a smart but insecure young chef, Edebiri doesn't seem too impressed with her success. The actress credits her upbringing in Boston with giving her perspective.

Writers strike interrupts filming of Netflix show ‘The Perfect Couple’ on Cape Cod
Members of the Writers Guild of America formed picket lines on Tuesday at two production sites.

Robert Downey Jr. weaves introspection and vulnerability into a show about cars
“Downey’s Dream Cars” is Robert Downey Jr.'s latest project, debuting Thursday on Max.

Latest Headlines in Television

TELEVISION REVIEW

With a little seasoning, ‘The Bear’ has gotten even better

The show returns for season two Thursday with a stronger sense of mission and identity, as it digs deeper into its cast of characters and, best of all, into the ecstasies and emotional incentives of being a chef and restaurateur.

TV CRITIC'S CORNER

Finding fun in fame-seekers, ‘The Other Two’ recalls ‘Difficult People’

"The Other Two" sends up the world of entertainment, and the personal hunger for fame, with knowing wit. "Difficult People" followed a pair of super-petty, jaded, and snarky friends in New York who wanted to be famous.

MATTHEW GILBERT | YOUR TV GPS

This week’s TV: ‘The Bear’ is back, Boots Riley has a tall tale, and Showtime won’t be squandering ‘Billions’

Streaming Thursday, the second season of “The Bear” finds the crew opening a new and fancier restaurant. Meanwhile, Showtime is teeing up “Billions” spinoffs after that series concludes its seventh and final season, which will feature the return of Damian Lewis.

TV CRITIC'S CORNER

Sharon Horgan prepping season 2 of ‘Bad Sisters’

She is currently working on the script, which she is able to do without going against the WGA strike since “Bad Sisters” is made in the UK. “Yeah, I feel kind of guilty,” she told Variety.

CRITIC'S NOTEBOOK

The arts pose a provocative question: What is fatherhood?

In popular culture's depictions of fatherhood, there are very good dads (kudos, Jack Pearson!) and very bad ones (fie on you, Logan Roy!). Either way, the consequences are often long-lasting for both child and father.

TELEVISION CRITIC'S CORNER

Late in her career, Glenda Jackson delivered a stunning portrait of a woman with dementia

Playing a grandmother in her 80s who’s convinced a friend has been murdered in "Elizabeth Is Missing," Jackson was remarkable.

TV CRITIC'S CORNER

‘Full Monty’ sequel uncovers a community still under strain

The eight-episode Hulu series, created by Simon Beaufoy, who wrote the film, focuses on the crusty locals and the life challenges they face. It also offers the chance to catch up with characters played by the original cast, including Tom Wilkinson, Mark Addy, Robert Carlyle, Paul Clayton, and Steve Huison.

Pat Sajak announces ‘Wheel of Fortune’ retirement, says upcoming season will be his last as host

He has been the host of “Wheel of Fortune” since 1981, and Pat Sajak said the season that begins in September will his last one.