Too Much TV: Do TV Critics Still Matter? The French Edition

As it turns out, French TV critics face a very familiar set of problems.

Here's everything you need to know about the world of television for Wednesday, July 2nd 2025:

PRODUCTION NOTES
Just a reminder that this will be the last newsletter until next Monday, July 7th. I'll send out something if there is breaking news, but otherwise, all of us need a relaxing weekend. And because there won't be newsletters the remainder of the week, I'm adding the listings through Monday below so no one misses out. I'm also focusing on highlighting upcoming shows, because I don't think anyone wants a deep dive think-piece heading into the weekend.

Also, my apologies for the lateness of this week's newsletters. There's a lot going on and it's led to some really late workdays. Did I mention that I'm ready for a relaxing weekend?

AS IT TURNS OUT, THE FRENCH ARE JUST LIKE US
I've written a bit in the past about some of the frustrations that come with being a TV critic in 2025. And while some of my frustrations just come from the fact I'm an independent journalist not associated with one of the big trades, there are some larger issues at play as well. There is a growing feeling in the industry (primarily driven by streamers such as Netflix), that reviews aren't much of a factor in the success or failure of any specific title. Oh, good reviews are nice and it keeps the talent happy. But there is a growing belief that TV critics are a necessary evil that is mostly tolerated and not encouraged.

My argument has been that while the industry has changed, there has never been a time when consumers needed help with curation more than they do right now. With multiple platforms and ways to watch, relying on the algorithm to surface content can be a dangerous and inefficient gamble.

As it turns out, American TV critics aren't the ones struggling with this issues. The French Association of Series Critics (ACS) is France's equivalent of America's Television Critics Association (TCA) and they just issued an open letter, complaining about a series of problems they argue make their job much more difficult.

Here is the letter, in full. And man, does some of this sound familiar:

Dear press officers, dear platforms,

The French Association of Series Critics (ACS), created in 2015, aims to represent the journalistic branch of this practice and to question its relationship with professionals, whether they participate in the creation of a series, its production, its broadcasting or promotion.

However, for several years, we have observed – and regularly denounced – a deterioration in these relationships, particularly around the availability of screeners. These episodes, sometimes unfinished, are sent to us several weeks or days before their broadcast, so that we can prepare articles and/or interviews to be published on the day. These screeners are not privileges, they are essential for us to properly cover the release of your programs. However…

• Not all journalists are treated equally. A media hierarchy operates behind the scenes, penalizing many colleagues, especially freelancers. It's one thing for contracting parties—primarily American—to believe that a media outlet's "prestige" justifies early access to screeners and to send you instructions to that effect. But making us believe, for days or even weeks, that the screeners aren't available, when we know some colleagues have already received them, is unacceptable.
  

• We also deplore the fact that access to screeners is regularly conditional on conducting interviews: in addition to the fact that many media outlets only publish reviews, this blackmail is intolerable. Another harmful practice: sending screeners to only one (working) journalist per editorial office. It doesn't matter if they are unavailable at that time or if another journalist wants to cover the said series. This method particularly penalizes freelancers, who by definition work for several media outlets and, not having the possibility of accessing the program before its broadcast, cannot propose an article or interview.
  

• A new milestone was reached on June 25th, when a well-known platform finally sent out the new season of a highly anticipated series the day before its release, asking a handful of privileged journalists not to talk about it to their colleagues. We refuse to be complicit in this two-tiered system, which pits journalists against each other and puts the most vulnerable among us in precarious situations. We understand that the decision to send or not send screeners is not always yours, but we demand respect and transparency.
  

• Furthermore, these episodes are increasingly being sent to us at the last minute—sometimes on Saturdays!—and are only valid for 24 or 48 hours. These constraints, in addition to encroaching on our free time, don't allow us to work properly. A season of six, eight, or ten episodes can't be watched in two days, nor can it be watched on the weekend, with one eye glued to a countdown. Moreover, this system, unacceptable for online media, is simply impractical for monthly or weekly press, which closes several weeks in advance.

TV series criticism, like film criticism, is not a hobby; it's our job. Film journalists (whose working conditions are also deteriorating) naturally have access to press screenings of films before their release, and these screenings are not held on weekends.

These harmful practices reflect a blatant lack of respect for our profession and contribute to the deterioration of series criticism in the media, which is already dwindling and very poorly paid, as well as the relationship between press officers and journalists.

It is in everyone's interest—journalists, media outlets, creators, producers, and broadcasters—to allow us to continue practicing our profession under good conditions. Professional relationships based on transparency, honesty, and respect seem to us to be the minimum.

We are willing to discuss this and count on you to forward this letter to your counterparts abroad, as well as to your superiors.

It's worth noting that the letter points to guidance from American studios and platform owners are part of the problem.

And it is an issue here in America. This past week, Hulu didn't release the screeners for the new season The Bear until hours before the review embargo lifted. Forcing TV critics to quickly binge the episodes and frantically write their reviews.

SPEAKING OF CURATION
Here are some shows to put on your watch list for next week. And I'll have reviews of all of them either when the embargo lifts or the show premieres (when I don't have screeners)

Monday:
Such Brave Girls Season Two Premiere (Hulu)
The BAFTA-winning dark comedy returns. Josie (Kat Sadler) is on a never-ending quest for meaning, Billie’s (Lizzie Davidson) chasing a fairytale romance, and Deb (Louise Brealey) is hoping for a financial miracle. Expect bigger disasters, terrible choices, and more harrowing love stories as this family continues their impossible journey for a better life.

Tuesday:
Trainwreck: The Real Project X (Netflix)
In 2012, A teenage girl in the small Dutch town of Haren creates a Facebook event for her sixteenth birthday party, but mistakenly makes it public instead of private. Inspired by a love of the Hollywood movie Project X, Dutch teenagers make the event go viral, and soon tens of thousands of people sign up to come to the party. Despite warnings, police and local authorities don’t think anyone will turn up. No provisions are made to entertain the masses of young people who arrive in Haren, and the party soon explodes into a full-blown riot.

Wednesday:
Ballard Series Premiere (Prime Video)
Maggie Q stars as LAPD detective Renée Ballard in a spinoff from Bosch: Legacy that is similarly based on Michael Connelly's book series. Ballard is tasked with leading the department's new (but underfunded) cold case division, and in this first season her investigation into decades-old killings lead to the uncovering of a conspiracy within the LAPD.

Building The Band Series Premiere (Netflix)
Building the Band brings together talented singers for a truly unique competition show where building the perfect band is all about chemistry. The singers are in complete control as they seek to form their very own bands in individual ‘booths’ without ever seeing each other. All they have to go on is musical compatibility, connection and chemistry. What will happen when the bands finally meet, and looks, choreography, and style come into play? With incredible performances, compelling drama, and one big goal—to find the next great music band—the stage is set for an unforgettable experience.

The Gringo Hunters Series Premiere (Netflix)
Inspired by a real elite Mexican police unit that catches American fugitives on the run to Mexico, the fictional series The Gringo Hunters will delve into the reality of the International Liaison Unit, with mysteries to solve, suspense, twists and turns, and the challenges and intrigue faced by this type of police operation.

Under A Dark Sun Series Premiere (Netflix)
A young mother on the run finds an unexpected opportunity to bounce back by becoming a picker in a prestigious flower farm in Provence. But the mysterious death of the family patriarch of the company casts her under the spotlight as the prime suspect. As she grapples with the mounting accusations, she uncovers a shocking revelation - she’s the unexpected beneficiary of the late patriarch’s estate, unearthing her deeply-rooted connections to this affluent lineage.

Thursday, July 10th:
Back To The Frontier Series Premiere (Magnolia)
In the series, three families hailing from across the country join together in the wilderness surrounded by ten thousand acres of nature, without the modern conveniences of technology, running water, or electricity. The Lopers (Alabama), Hanna-Riggs (Texas), and Halls (Florida) must live on the frontier for eight weeks, reinforcing their own shelters, raising livestock, collecting food, and rationing their supplies. Through this immersive experience, the families will have to reflect on their relationships and navigate the challenges that come with an 1880s lifestyle.

Brick (Netflix)
They want to leave – but their apartment won’t let them. A mysterious thriller about a home that becomes a trap.

7 Bears Series Premiere (Netflix)
Forget the Seven Dwarfs, here come the 7 Bears! So, look out Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Snow White, because this lovable pack of furballs is putting a fuzzy twist on the fairytales we thought we knew.

Suspicious Minds Series Premiere (Hulu)
The 6-part series introduces Amber (Silvia Alonso), one of the most brilliant thieves in the world who, after a failed robbery in Las Vegas, prepares her next heist. This time it will take place in Isla Esperanza, an idyllic place lost in the middle of the Pacific. Her target is the tiara of saint Agatha, a jewel valued at 240 million dollars, that the daughter of Mexican oil tycoon Emilio Villegas (Asier Etxeandia) will wear during her wedding. To prepare the robbery, Amber has been infiltrated in the Villegas family for three years as a school governess. But her meticulous plan goes awry when Rui (Álex González), a cheeky and mysterious thief with whom she had a troubled relationship in Las Vegas during a spectacular heist, shows up on the island.

Friday, July 11th:
Foundation Season Three Premiere (Apple TV+)
Season three is set 152 years beyond the events of season two. The Foundation has become increasingly established far beyond its humble beginnings, with vast possessions and influence, while the Cleonic Dynasty’s Imperium has dwindled. As both of these galactic powers forge an uneasy alliance, a threat to them both and to the entire galaxy appears in the fearsome form of the Warlord of Kalgan—aka The Mule—whose sights are set on no less than ruling the universe by use of physical and military force, and mind control: setting the stage for Hari Seldon, the creator of Psychohistory, and his one-time protégé Gaal Dornick, as well as the Cleons and Demerzel, Empire’s power behind the throne, to play a potentially deadly game of intergalactic chess, in which it’s anyone’s guess who will win, who will lose, who will live and who will die.

Rage Series Premiere (HBO Max)
Five women face extreme situations like extortion, oppression, and manipulation. Their conflicts intertwine, triggering a butterfly effect, ultimately leading to a shared catharsis.

The Great American Recipe Season Four Premiere (PBS)
This season introduces eight new talented cooks preparing their most beloved recipes. Each week, the judges determine who has the winning dish, and, in the final episode, the top three compete for a chance to win this year’s competition. Joining the fun in the opening episode as a special guest judge is beloved TV personality, bestselling cookbook author, and creator of the upcoming PBS KIDS series Weather Hunters, Al Roker.

ODDS AND SODS
* In what qualifies as a holiday weekend news dump, Netflix has announced it is canceling three shows after just one season: the Lisa Kudrow/Ray Romano drama No Good Deed, the hospital procedural series Pulse and The Residence. I really enjoyed the latter series, which felt like an updated Columbo with an even quirkier lead.

* The Sega Master System is still being made and sold 36 years later in Brazil.

* Season three of Invasion premieres Friday, August 22nd on Apple TV+. Here is the official logline: "Invasion follows an alien invasion through different perspectives around the world. In season three, those perspectives collide for the first time, as the series’ main characters are brought together to work as a team on a critical mission to infiltrate the alien mothership. The ultimate apex aliens have finally emerged, rapidly spreading their deadly tendrils across our planet. It will take all our heroes working together, using all their experience and expertise, to save our species. New relationships are formed, old relationship are challenged and even shattered, as our international cast of characters must become a team before it’s too late." Here is the first look at the trailer.

WHAT'S NEW TONIGHT AND THIS WEEKEND

FRIDAY, JULY 4TH:
* All The Sharks Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Arknights: Rise From Ember Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Betrothed To My Sister's Ex Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular (The CW)
* Call Of The Night (Hidive)
* Macy's 4th Of July Fireworks (NBC)
* QI (Britbox)
* Secrets Of The Silent Witch Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Watari-kun's ****** Is About To Collapse Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)

SATURDAY, JULY 5TH:
* Hoshina's Day Off [Kaiju No. 8] (Crunchyroll)
* Investigation Shark Attack (NatGeo)
* My Dress-Up Darling (Crunchyroll)
* Private Tutor To The Duke's Daughter Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Rascal Does Not Dream Of Santa Claus Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Scooped Up By An S-Ranked Adventurer Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Sharks Up Close With Bertie Gregory (NatGeo)
* Super Shark Highway (NatGeo)
* The Shy Hero And The Assassin Princesses Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* The Summer Hikaru Died Series Premiere (Netflix)
* With You And The Rain Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)

SUNDAY, JULY 6TH:
* Apocalypse Bringer Mynoghra: World Conquest Starts With The Civilization Of Ruin Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Cultural Exchange With A Game Centre Girl Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Gachiakuta Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Going, Going, Gone: The Magic Of The Home Run (The Roku Channel)
* Hotel Inhumans Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Kidnapped In A Small Town (Lifetime)
* 90 Day Fiance: Happily Ever After? Season Premiere (TLC)
* Nyaight Of The Living Cat Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Puniru Is A Kawaii Slime (Crunchyroll)
* Ruri Rocks Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* The Fragrant Flower Blooms With Dignity Series Premiere (Netflix)
* Toilet-bound Hanako-kun (Crunchyroll)
* Uglymug, Epicfighter Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)

MONDAY, JULY 7TH:
* A Rendezvous With Death (Investigation Discovery)
* Art Detectives Season One Finale (Acorn TV)
* Bachelor In Paradise Season Premiere (ABC)
* Christmas At Sea (Hallmark)
* Dekin no Mogura: The Earthbound Mole Series Premiere (Crunchyroll)
* Grand Blue Dreaming (Crunchyroll)
* Jake Makes It Easy (fyi)
* Murdoch Mysteries Season Eighteen Finale (Acorn TV)
* POV: Igualada: Refusing To Know Your Place (PBS)
* See You Tomorrow At The Food Court (Crunchyroll)
* Such Brave Girls Season Two Premiere (Hulu)
* Survival Mode Series Premiere (NBC)
* The Bachelor Season Premiere (ABC)
* The Madame Blanc Mysteries Season Four Premiere (Acorn TV)

SEE YOU ON MONDAY!