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Critics at Large | The New Yorker

The New Yorker
Criticism
Academy Awards
Dubai
Oscar Politics
Princess Latifa
Bradley Cooper
Greta Gerwig
Heidi Blake
Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum
Scammer Archetype
George Santos
Dolly Parton
Joan Acocella
Arts Journalism
In the Dark
Michael Schulman
Barbenheimer
Best Picture
Art Vs. Politics
Oscars Snubs

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 e... more

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes119Founded3 years ago
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Society & Culture

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Artwork for Critics at Large

Latest Episodes

When Emily Brontë published “Wuthering Heights,” in 1847, critics were baffled, alarmed, and mostly unimpressed. James Lorimer, writing in the North British Review, promised that the novel would “never be generally read.” Nearly two centuries later, ... more

Toni Morrison was many things in her lifetime—Nobel laureate, renowned author, Princeton professor, and generous mentor to young writers. Her appeal translated seamlessly to the internet, where old interview clips still bubble up regularly on social ... more

Once the fervor around Charli XCX’s 2024 album “brat” had cooled, the singer was approached to make a documentary about the tour—a practice that’s been embraced by the likes of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé. But Charli, who has built her brand in oppositi... more

“Heated Rivalry,” a low-budget Canadian series that began streaming on HBO Max late last year, quickly made the leap from unexpected word-of-mouth success to full-blown cultural phenomenon. The show, which follows a pair of professional hockey player... more

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Recent Guests

Louisa Thomas
The New Yorker sports critic
The New Yorker
Episode: Why Football Matters
Padma Lakshmi
Emmy-nominated producer, television host, food expert, and New York Times bestselling author
Host of Top Chef and America's Culinary Cup
Episode: Critics at Large Live: Padma Lakshmi’s Expansive Taste
Alex Barasch
Editorial advisor at The New Yorker and horror movie enthusiast
The New Yorker
Episode: Why Horror Still Haunts Us
Morgan Spector
Actor known for his role as Mr. Russell on HBO's The Gilded Age
Episode: I Need a Critic: October, 2025, Edition
Helen Rosner
Food critic at The New Yorker.
The New Yorker
Episode: What's Cooking?
Richard Brody
A cherished colleague and one of the favorite writers and critics
The New Yorker
Episode: How to Watch a Movie
Lauren Collins
Writer for The New Yorker based in Paris
The New Yorker
Episode: Les Américains à Paris
Eric Lach
Writer at The New Yorker and political observer
The New Yorker
Episode: How Zohran Mamdani Became the Main Character of New York City
Michael Schulman
Critic and reporter known for profiles of show business figures.
The New Yorker
Episode: The Diva Is Dead, Long Live the Diva

Hosts

Vinson Cunningham
Co-host known for his critical insights and engagement with cultural commentary, emphasizes the intersection of personal experiences and broader societal themes.
Naomi Fry
Co-host and cultural critic with a distinctive voice in discussing literature and social trends, recognized for her ability to synthesize complex ideas with humor.
Alex Schwartz
Co-host and insightful critic who explores themes across media, noted for his reflective commentary on contemporary culture and arts.

Reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars from 1.9k ratings
  • 5 stars

    I love Critics at Large. No notes.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Green24
    United Statesa month ago
  • Heated Rivalry

    Great Episode! I blanched a bit when Vinson called it good but 'corny,' but to be fair, us 'loons' must be honest with ourselves - it does fall on some corn. But...it's the Corn we NEED right now. It's the balm to our aching hearts from all this madness in the US. It's just hopeful and optomistic. Again...thank you Canada 🇨🇦. You gave us the gift we didn't deserve!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    blinks50
    United Statesa month ago
  • Pure class

    A treat to listen to every time, this is a gold standard for great podcasting, it cuts through the sullen dross of most efforts out there.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Longtime__nosea
    Irelanda month ago
  • Love it but Naomi Fry I’m begging you to stop interrupting people

    I love critic at large, you guys speak to topics with a lot of whimsy and depth, from perspectives I wouldn’t have explored myself. But Naomi’s need to interject a comment constantly, or talk/barrel over the other hosts is making it hard for me to continue listening at times. I get increasingly frustrated trying to hear the others finish their thought without interjection.

    Apple Podcasts
    4
    Slip404
    United States2 months ago
  • Amazing listen!

    Love this show so much1 Keep up the great work!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Chrissychrissy15
    United States2 months ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Hosts provide a mix of personal anecdotes and scholarly insights, creating a well-rounded listening experience.
Listeners celebrate insightful critiques yet occasionally express concern over perceived pretentiousness.
The chemistry among hosts is often highlighted as a significant appeal of the podcast.
Some listeners appreciate the depth of analysis while others feel a need for broader accessibility in discussions.
Engaging discussions infused with humor and intelligence on a variety of cultural topics.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

I Need a Critic: One-Hundredth-Episode Edition
Q: How should one choose a baby name?
Choose a name that you love and has a nice sound to it, without worrying about family pressure.
I Need a Critic: One-Hundredth-Episode Edition
Q: How do you manage reading in the age of distraction?
Put your phone in another room to avoid distractions while reading.
I Need a Critic: One-Hundredth-Episode Edition
Q: What book would you recommend for someone who doesn't read at all?
Many memoirs work well; I Regret Almost Everything by Keith McNally is a great choice.
I Need a Critic: One-Hundredth-Episode Edition
Q: What would you recommend for a child who has just started her music collection?
Consider taking her to record stores to let her explore and pick out music she finds exciting.
Critics at Large Live: Padma Lakshmi’s Expansive Taste
Q: Do you have advice for people who want to cultivate their sense of taste?
Develop your palate by eating, traveling, and being exposed to what you want to learn.

Audience Metrics

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Listeners per Episode
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Frequently Asked Questions About Critics at Large

What is Critics at Large about and what kind of topics does it cover?

A culture-focused podcast that engages listeners in vibrant and dynamic discussions surrounding a wide array of topics, including literature, film, television, and various facets of contemporary society. The hosts, comprising skilled staff writers, regularly share insights into their current obsessions and revisit classic works, providing audiences with thoughtful commentary on trending cultural phenomena and artistic expressions. Whether tackling the works of notable authors, analyzing popular media, or exploring societal shifts, the conversations are rich with context and nuanced perspective, appealing to anyone with an interest in understanding the cultural currents that shape our lives.

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How many listeners does Critics at Large get?

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What are the audience demographics for Critics at Large?

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How many subscribers and views does Critics at Large have?

To see how many followers or subscribers Critics at Large has on Spotify and other platforms such as Castbox and Podcast Addict, simply upgrade your account. You'll also find viewership figures for their YouTube channel if they have one.

Which podcasts are similar to Critics at Large?

These podcasts share a similar audience with Critics at Large:

1. The New Yorker Radio Hour
2. The New Yorker: The Writer's Voice - New Fiction from The New Yorker
3. The Political Scene | The New Yorker
4. The Book Review
5. The New Yorker: Fiction

How many episodes of Critics at Large are there?

Critics at Large launched 3 years ago and published 119 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

How do I contact Critics at Large?

Our systems regularly scour the web to find email addresses and social media links for this podcast. We scanned the web and collated all of the contact information that we could find in our podcast database. But in the unlikely event that you can't find what you're looking for, our concierge service lets you request our research team to source better contacts for you.

Where can I see ratings and reviews for Critics at Large?

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What guests have appeared on Critics at Large?

Recent guests on Critics at Large include:

1. Louisa Thomas
2. Padma Lakshmi
3. Alex Barasch
4. Morgan Spector
5. Helen Rosner
6. Richard Brody
7. Lauren Collins
8. Eric Lach

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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