Louis C.K.’s comedic sidekick finally gets the spotlight in Better Things

Aaron Yap reviews Pamela Adlon’s Better Things, the semi-autobiographical exploration of Hollywood and parenthood co-written by Louis C.K. There’s a terrific bit in the new Louis C.K. special where he admonishes “the way people talk about their mothers”. He recalls an after-match interview with a football player who scored a bunch of goals. “My mum … Read more

Monitor: How Louis C.K. pulled a Beyoncé with surprise new series Horace and Pete

Aaron Yap watches Louis C.K.’s new online series Horace and Pete, and asks if the off-putting, experimental style is what lies beyond the “peak TV” age. Did Louis C.K. hear us grumbling? Just a few weeks ago when FX chief John Landgraf spoke at the Television Critics Association press tour in California, he addressed the future of … Read more

Television: Monitor – Aaron Yap Picks the 10 Best TV Shows of 2015

Superheroes and socio-political champions, cold-blooded killers and murderous polar bears – the year’s best television had something for everyone, says Aaron Yap. And then there was True Detective… In 2015, there were no shortage of momentous occasions in the world of prestige TV. Mad Men came to a satisfyingly wistful close after seven seasons, granting … Read more

Television: I Want to Go to There – An Eating Tour of Liz Lemon, Seinfeld and Louie’s Favourite NYC Spots

Following in the footsteps of Liz Lemon, Jerry Seinfeld and Louie CK, Catherine McGregor eats at the iconic food vendors of New York television comedy. “I’m going to go talk to some food about this” – Liz Lemon. The Seinfeld Diner Finding out that Seinfeld was shot in Los Angeles sits high in my personal pantheon … Read more

Illustration: Remembering the Famous Sitcom Apartments of New York City

José Barbosa spent three long days trapped in a New York apartment to bring you this stunningly detailed, lovingly rendered tribute to the iconic interiors of New York City situation comedy. When you’re done reading – watch 30 Rock, Seinfeld and Louie on our great mates’ Lightbox.

Monitor: Slippery Subjectivity and Bold Genre-Bending in the Liquid Reality of Louie

Aaron Yap celebrates the reckless abandon of Louis C.K.’s Louie, a surreal comedy-drama that consistently transcends the boundaries of both genre and reality. I’ve long been fascinated by the idea of genres operating beyond their foundations. How far can you stretch the boundaries of a genre before it becomes something else? Is a comedy a comedy if … Read more

News: Ticker Tape Farewells and Triumphant Debuts in Our 2015 Emmy Picks

Duncan Greive and Alex Casey run through the Emmy nominations for 2015, picking their favourites to take home the dangerously spiky golden awards.  Outstanding Lead Actor In A Drama Series: Better Call Saul • AMC • Bob Odenkirk as Jimmy McGill Bloodline • Netflix • Kyle Chandler as John Rayburn House Of Cards • Netflix • … Read more