How to Watch Television Book: A Guide to Critical Analysis
This comprehensive guide explores “How to Watch Television,” a book offering critical insights into television’s cultural impact. Delving beyond simple evaluations, the book utilizes in-depth analyses of individual programs to understand their broader social and creative significance.
The second edition of “How to Watch Television” features forty original essays, over half of which are new. Leading scholars in television culture contribute their perspectives on programs that resonate with them intellectually and emotionally. Each essay focuses on a specific show, demonstrating a unique analytical approach. This method provides readers with a model for understanding not just the chosen program but the media landscape itself.
Topics covered range from representations of race in shows like “Empire” and “Orange is the New Black” to the impact of reboots like the new “Gilmore Girls” and the influence of shifting political climates on shows like “Roseanne.” The essays provide accessible and insightful critical analysis, encouraging students and viewers to develop their own critical thinking skills.
The book encompasses a broad spectrum of television programming, spanning various formats, genres, and eras. From classic shows to contemporary online content, both fictional and non-fictional programs are analyzed across broadcast, streaming, and cable platforms. This diversity allows for a comprehensive understanding of television’s evolution and its ongoing transformations.
“How to Watch Television” aims to spark meaningful discussions amongst aspiring television critics of all levels. By providing diverse perspectives and in-depth analyses, the book equips readers with the tools to critically engage with the medium. It encourages readers to move beyond passive viewing and to actively consider the cultural, social, and creative forces shaping television.
The book’s comprehensive approach to television criticism makes it a valuable resource for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the medium. By examining individual programs through a critical lens, “How to Watch Television” illuminates the profound influence of television on our culture and society. For those interested in accessing essays from the first edition, further resources are available on the publisher’s website. The link to previous essays is available under the “links” tab at nyupress.org/9781479898817/how-to-watch-television-second-edition/.
