Mary McNamara is a culture columnist and critic for the Los Angeles Times. Previously she was assistant managing editor for arts and entertainment following a 12-year stint as television critic and senior culture editor. A Pulitzer Prize winner in 2015 and finalist for criticism in 2013 and 2014, she has won various awards for criticism and feature writing. She is the author of the Hollywood mysteries “Oscar Season” and “The Starlet.” She lives in La Crescenta with her husband and two dogs.
Latest From This Author
For six weeks, soccer made the U.S. the center of worldwide celebration. Keep the post-World Cup blues at bay by watching these 15 international series.
- Voices
Commentary: The creator of ‘Little House on the Prairie’ isn’t worried about being called ‘woke’
Rebecca Sonnenshine has wanted to make an adaptation of the “Little House” books ever since she was a child. Her Netflix series adheres to them while adding historical context.
I knew Lionel Messi would be the headliner of this World Cup, but I didn’t expect to fall so hopelessly in love with him.
My family did not plan to make the World Cup the centerpiece of our summer, but once it began, we couldn’t stop watching.
If grassroots America could find reason to celebrate in the shadow of political assassinations, a crippling gas shortage and the Vietnam War, we can figure out a way to do it again, 50 years later.
- Voices
Commentary: ‘The Bear’ moved us to tears over its five seasons, ending on a happy, loving note
The Times critics discuss the final season of the lauded FX series, its overall legacy and how its lead character, Carmy, laid the foundation for the Bear, even if he could not stay.
If the end of ‘The Bear’ has left you jonesing for another great show to fill its place, we have a few suggestions.
- Voices
Commentary: What a surprise: Trump’s UFC Freedom 250 birthday bash was MAGA propaganda (plus fights)
UFC Freedom 250, a celebration of Trump’s 80th birthday and the country’s 250th, was not so much a sporting event as it was a piece of naked and nationalistic propaganda.
International soccer fans discovering the wonders of America, from spacious skies to chicken fried steak, is giving the U.S. a much-needed morale (and PR) boost.
In this week’s Screen Gab, “The Vampire Lestat” boss unpacks the show’s Season 3 transformation, plus streaming suggestions for your weekend.