Criticism - Fansplaining

A collage of the three covers of Drake's triple-album release

Criticism

Drake and His Fans vs the World

The chart-topping Iceman has broken records—and done little to quell ongoing criticisms of the artist. Where does that leave his fandom?

Production still from The Vampire Lestat featuring Lestat onstage with his band (Larry, TC, Salamander visible behind him), holding a violin and singing into the mic.

Recaps

The Vampire Lestat: Sex, Drugs, and Unstable Narrators

In episode 1, “Detroit,” Sam Reid reintroduces Lestat as a messy, self-destructive rock star—and proves he was born to play this role.

Thai GL stars Orm Kornnaphat and Lingling Sirilak Kwong, aka LingOrm strikpose with foreheads touching and eyes closed in a gauzy promotional poster for the upcoming series In Love Forever.

Criticism

The Limits of Fan Service in Thailand’s Vibrant GL Genre

Thai “Girls Love” thrives on real-life star pairings—for better and for worse.

Image of Carl lying on the floor and Harper standing looking down at him. Orange carpet and conference table behind them. TV screen on the wood-paneled wall reads "Hypergnosis".

Criticism

Too Big To Fail (On Television)

TV’s structure was perfect for tech’s failure narratives—but as Silicon Valley embraces a post-failure mindset, will audiences still tune in?

Production still of Aziraphale and Crowley looking at someone offscreen. Aziraphale holds a newspaper.

Criticism

Good Omens’ Final Love Letter to Fanfiction

The author is dead. Long live the authors.

Image of three sheep, depicted as if you are lying on the ground and they are peering down at you, backdropped by a blue sky and clouds.

Criticism

Three Bags Full’s Faithful Flock

How a German novel about Irish sheep (detectives) inspired a legion of devotees around the world.

Production still from Heated Rivalry featuring Ilya and Shane laying together naked in bed.

Criticism

The Success of Heated Rivalry Should Not Be a Surprise

Romancelandia understands why the show is a hit. Why is it so hard for Hollywood to get the message?

Image from Kpop Demon Hunters featuring three fans (mostly dressed in purple) directly facing the three members of the trio.

Criticism

K-Pop’s Demons, Real and Fictional

KPop Demon Hunters has seen massive mainstream success in the U.S. What does that mean for real K-pop artists and their fans?

Still from the film of Sam Wilson in his Cap uniform, cast in a reddish light.

Criticism

Sam Wilson Deserved Better Than Brave New World

Marvel wants fans to care about lore without thinking too deeply about themes and emotions—the things that brought them to this fandom in the first place.

Illustration of a very dense galaxy of stars—appearing as mostly gold and silver—with a large black hole in the shape of a perfect black circle sitting in the middle.

Criticism

The Endless Appetite for Fanfiction

In 2024, everyone wanted a piece of fic, from AI grifters to traditional publishers to ravenous audiences. Where did that leave the people who write it?

Still from The Acolyte featuring Qimir and Osha sillouetted in the sunset gazing out at the ocean.

Criticism

The Acolyte’s Squandered Potential

The show brought a whole new set of fans to a stagnating franchise. Its cancellation suggests Star Wars is only interested in looking backwards.

Photograph of Kayti standing in front of a camera holding a mic at the Birds of Prey premiere.

Criticism

The Fan-Journalist Tightrope

Low pay, minimal worker protections, and pushback from both publicists and fellow fans. Is covering the thing you love even worth it?