Emily Nussbaum

Emily Nussbaum is an American television critic known for her work at The New Yorker, where she won the Pulitzer Prize for Criticism in 2016. She is recognized for her insightful and engaging analysis of television shows and their cultural impact.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. Cue The Sun!

    Cover of 'Cue The Sun!' by Emily Nussbaum

    "Cue The Sun!" by Emily Nussbaum delves into the captivating world of reality TV, tracing its unexpected origins and evolution. The book explores how various formats like game shows, prank shows, and soap operas converged to create the reality TV phenomenon we know today. Through engaging narratives, Nussbaum introduces readers to key figures and creators who shaped the genre, revealing the blend of authenticity and artifice that defines it. The book also examines the cultural impact and ethical dilemmas posed by reality TV, offering a comprehensive look at a genre that has significantly influenced modern pop culture.

    The 10368th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. I Like To Watch

    Cover of 'I Like To Watch' by Emily Nussbaum

    A lively collection of television criticism that argues for TV’s artistic and cultural importance, blending close readings of popular and prestige shows with personal anecdote and wit. It traces how the medium’s shift to serialized, character-driven storytelling reshaped politics, gender, and fandom, while defending TV against dismissive cultural hierarchies. The essays illuminate the emotional and social stakes of modern television, explaining why small-screen stories matter as much as — and sometimes more than — traditional “high” art.

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