Critically Unserious

What if we told you none of it was accidental? This week on the pod, we took a look at the HBO Max documentary, Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes, to make our predictions for the eponymous Track 2 on Taylor Swift’s upcoming album, The Life of a Showgirl, and the parallels are uncanny. These two masterminds have wielded immense fame, outsmarted the Hollywood boys’ club, and endured relentless scrutiny of their love lives. We also dig into Taylor’s Time Person of the Year interview to chat about how both stars learned to use persona as armor to survive the gauntlet of fame. We wrap up with our current obsessions: the musical stylings of Lisa Barlow and the art of touching grass. Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnseriousTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

What do you get when you cross an insatiable thirst for fame, homoerotic frenemies, and dirtbag male executives? Well, the blueprint for The Life of a Showgirl, of course! This week, we’re diving into the films we suspect have inspired Taylor Swift’s upcoming album: Black Swan, The Last Showgirl, and, of course, the camp classic, Showgirls. In all three films, our antiheroines long for the spotlight and show us just how much it takes to get there. Join us as we connect the dots to Taylor’s music and what we know about the album so far. At the top of the episode, we share our thoughts on Sabrina Carpenter’s new album, Man’s Best Friend, Cyn’s fascination with Katseye, and a Fifth Harmony reunion in the year 2025 (haven’t we been through enough?). We wrap up with our obsessions with Lena Dunham's highly anticipated memoir, Famesick, and Netflix’s new doc Unknown Number: The High School Catfish.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unserious YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

Our Life of a Showgirl prep month has begun! Join us this week as we rank all of Taylor Swift’s 12 albums. Using a proprietary mathematical formula (user jessee pinkman’s album sorter on http://Tumblr.com), we get equal parts nostalgic and brutally honest as we take you through our least to most favorite records. Plus, we share our unhinged and controversial thoughts on the proposal heard around the world. Are we living in the Bejeweled music video? There’s so much to say about our close personal friend, Taylor Swift, so strap in for our longest episode yet!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

Calling all Swifties, Gaylors, Lovers, and chronically online friends! The day has finally come for us to reveal our undying adoration for an underground, unknown pop star by the name of Taylor Allison Swift (heard of her?). We share our reaction to her recently announced twelfth studio album, The Life of a Showgirl, and the implications of the showgirl visual era. Then we break down our thoughts on the album tracklist and get critical about that lengthy New Heights podcast interview (?) we were forced to watch. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnseriousTiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week we’re bringing out another roundup of our favorite happenings in culture over the past week. We cover the upcoming Chappell Roan shows, and how Cynthia got scammed while buying a ticket, JLo dealing with crickets at her concerts (not the kind you’d expect), Sabrina Carpenter’s Lollapalooza set with a surprise appearance by Earth, Wind & Fire, and The Jonas Brothers & Demi Lovato fueling Camp Rock 4 rumors. Of course, we could not let this week pass without mentioning our close personal podcasting colleagues, Bowen Yang and Matt Rogers, and the streaming debut of their Las Culturistas Culture Awards on Peacock. We wrap up with a medley of obsessions: Jonathan is in his reading bag with The Martyr by Kaveh Akbar (support your local libraries!!) & Cynthia chats about body image, the woman on TikTok obsessed with her psychiatrist (and somehow AI is at the scene of the crime), and Ben Affleck’s The Accountant 2. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week on the pod, we rave about Chappell Roan’s new sapphic yearning anthem, 'The Subway', and the equally stunning music video. But first, we cover Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle campaign, Justin Timberlake’s questionable moves on tour, and the breakup between Love Island’s JaNa Craig and Kenny Rodriguez. As always, we wrap up with our obsessions: Lindsay Lohan’s return to Hollywood/Jamie Lee Curtis’ diva (derogatory) behavior during the 'Freakier Friday' press run & Netflix’s new republican murder mystery fever dream, 'The Hunting Wives', starring Brittany Snow.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnseriousTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week on the pod, we’re rounding up our favorite headlines over the past few weeks. We talk about everything from Late Night with Stephen Colbert, The Devil Wears Prada 2 sneak peeks, the Taylor Swift song playing during a big And Just Like That moment, and the blooming on-set romance between Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson (we’re predicting soulmates). Speaking of soulmates, we also cover Charli XCX’s marriage to The 1975’s George Daniel as well as Portia and Ellen’s move across the pond. We wrap up with our obsessions: Cyn’s perplexing crush on Gordon Ramsay, and Jonathan shines a light on talk show legend, Rosie O’Donnell.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

It’s a Lena Dunham renaissance, baby, and we’re alive!! This week on the pod, we review Lena’s newest show, Too Much, on Netflix starring Megan Stalter. But first, we chat about Justin Bieber’s new album, Swag, wrap up our Love Island thoughts post-finale, and the latest news happening in the Vanderpump Rules cinematic universe. As always, we wrap up with our obsessions: Journalist Taylor Lorenz failing to read the room and Anne Hathaway’s upcoming Taylor Swift-inspired lesbian romance film, Mother Mary. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week on the pod, we dive into Lorde’s brand new album, Virgin. Needless to say, we’re so back!!! But first, we catch up on what’s been happening in the Love Island villa, share a collective eye roll over the Bezos wedding, and some major life updates. We wrap up with this week’s obsessions: The New York Times’ Top 100 movies of the 21st century and kids with chutzpah.Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

Buckle up! This week, we give our unfiltered thoughts on the latest music releases from Lorde and Addison Rae. But first, we remain bewildered about HBO’s And Just Like That; what have they done with our girls, and how can we blame the straights? Jonathan shares his thoughts on "The Materialists," starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans. We wrap up with our reality TV obsessions: Love Island US and The Valley. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnseriousTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

We’re kicking off Pride Month with a review of the gay shows currently in our rotation. Benito Skinner’s Overcompensating had us reminiscing on the parts of our queer journeys we’ll never forget and some we might want to. We also chat about the season premiere of And Just Like That— sorry, we just can’t look away. But first, we recap our Critically Unserious IRL weekend extravaganza (trademark pending), Taylor Swift reclaiming her masters, JoJo Siwa’s third hard launch of the year. We wrap up obsessing over Jonathan’s visit to Beyoncé’s Cowboy Carter tour (!!!).Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week on the pod, we talk all things MomTok & the endlessly fascinating lifestyles of the blonde and the Mormon. But first, we catch up about overcoming hangxiety, the Blake Lively-Justin Baldoni cinematic universe, and Hailey Bieber’s recent Vogue cover. We wrap up with our obsessions with Bon Iver’s nearly skipless album, Sable fABLE, and Season 2 of HBO Max’s The Rehearsal.For more Critically Unserious:Instagram: www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYoutube: www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

The time has come for Cynthia and Jonathan to get sworn in as honorary Fashion Police correspondents. Listen to your two favorite unqualified critics review the fashion at this year's Met Gala. We discuss the stars we loved and the looks that were absolutely criminal. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unseriousYoutube: https://www.youtube.com/@CriticallyUnserious?sttick=0 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week, we travel worldwide to keep up with the pop girls on tour. We discuss Beyoncé and Lady Gaga's triumphant return to the stage, plus Katy Perry's lackluster showing. We also get into Lorde's latest single and the highly anticipated Haim album. Then we head to sunny California for a quick check-in on the latest season of Bravo's "The Valley." We chat through Jax's problematic behavior and the political game of reality TV. For more Critically Unserious, follow us!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/criticallyunserious/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@critically_unserious This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

Gaga is risen! This week on the pod, we can’t shut up about Lady Gaga’s legendary Coachella set—the storytelling, the fashion, and how she cemented her legacy as a once-in-a-generation talent. We also share our thoughts about the 11-minute Blue Origin space flight with former pop icon, Katy Perry, and America’s morning show sweetheart, Gayle King. Plus, Jonathan shares his top tip for getting yourself out of a funk, and Cynthia talks about the exciting return of Hacks on Max. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week, we are diving headfirst into the season finale of The White Lotus. We chat through the demise of our favorite character and what we thought fell flat this season. Plus, we chat about what we hope to get from the next season of the show (hint: a potential season change?).Then, Jonathan chats through some of his latest obsessions, which include the new Karen Read docuseries on Max. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

We’re so back, baby! After a short hiatus, we kick back off with an episode all about controversial celebrities. We yap our way from Morgan Wallen’s mysterious exit from SNL to Chappell Roan’s Call Her Daddy appearance to celebs on the MAHA pipeline. We finish up with our most recent obsessions with The Cut's Sex Diaries column and the choreographer going viral on TikTok, Molly Long. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week on the pod, we’re discussing the Hulu docuseries, Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke. We cover how strict religions and gender roles can intersect to cause real harm in families and communities. Plus, we share how astrology helps us feel sane in these crazy times, and how tiktok has us searching “plastic surgeons near me”. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

We just couldn’t wait until next week to share our thoughts on Lady Gaga’s new album, Mayhem, and her performance on SNL. We talk about our Gaga origin stories, what she means to the queer community, and her impact on today’s pop girlies (we’re looking at you Chappell!). Stay tuned for our regularly scheduled episode next week! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into the complex conversation around talented artists with questionable ethics: enter in Karla Sofía Gascón—can you separate the art from the artist? Then, we break down The Traitors finale and reunion celebrating the brilliance of our favorite rising star, Gabby Windey. Plus, we dig into Ruby Franke and Jodi Hildebrandt, their possible relationship, and the toxicity of religious guilt. Finally, in lighter news, Armie Hammer’s Grindr confessions leave us with more questions than answers. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week we're recapping a busy week in television. We breakdown the memorable speeches and surprising wins from the SAG Awards, share our initial thoughts on Season 3 of 'The White Lotus', and react to the shocking banishment of one of our favorite players on 'The Traitors'. Plus, Cynthia shares how 'Love Is Blind' is handling queer storylines and Jonathan explains the why the delusional men of 'Southern Charm' are TV gold. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

In this episode, we dive into the latest from NBC’s The Traitors—who’s left, what’s next, and is Dylan Efron still single? We also round up the latest pop culture news, from Sabrina Carpenter’s stunning Vogue cover and her Dolly Parton collab, to Rosalia serving neck brace realness in Euphoria. Plus, we discuss Armie Hammer’s latest headlines, Pete Davidson’s no-tattoo debut, our growing obsession with the Shen Yun cult, and wonder if Shakira’s new tour might just be a Renaissance tour redux. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

In honor of Valentine’s Day, we’re indulging in our inner romantics and sharing the soundtrack to the highs and lows of our love lives. Listen along as we discuss the songs that transport us to first kisses, last goodbyes, and everything in between. From Beyoncé to Britney, Kendrick to Kacey, Taylor to Tracy Chapman, we’ve got some heavy hitters guaranteed to get you in your feelings.Plus, we share our current obsessions: the cult classic Moonstruck and Netflix's new scammer series 'Apple Cider Vinegar.'Listen to our full Love and Heartbreak Playlist This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

This week on the podcast, we're diving into the 67th Annual Grammy Awards—covering the night’s biggest winners, our favorite performances, and the fashion highlights. Plus, we share our latest obsessions with Lady Gaga’s new single, Abracadabra, and delusions of a Taylor/Beyoncé collab. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

Join us this week as we hold space for 3x SNL host Timothée Chalamet, walk through the highs and lows of the Oscar nominations, and gear up for the anticipated return of Mother Monster. Plus, we introduce a new segment where we gush over our weekly obsessions; this week it’s the ladies of RHOSLC & everyone’s favorite comeback queen, Jennifer Lopez. Subscribe to Critically Unserious on YouTube for full episodes. Follow Critically Unserious on Instagram for exclusive content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com

¡NuevaaaYooool! On this episode, we discuss our thoughts on Bad Bunny’s latest masterpiece, Debí Tirar Más Fotos (translation: I Should Have Taken More Photos) which took us on a journey from crying in the club to needing a cold drink in a sweaty club STAT. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit criticallyunserious.substack.com