Nina Metz
@ninametz.bsky.social
TV and film critic for the Chicago Tribune
https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/nina-metz/
Newsletter: Nina Watches Everything
https://buttondown.com/NinaWatchesEverything
https://www.chicagotribune.com/author/nina-metz/
Newsletter: Nina Watches Everything
https://buttondown.com/NinaWatchesEverything
Pinned
Nina Metz
@ninametz.bsky.social
· Oct 10
Why is the reboot of “Law & Order” so bad?
It’s as if everyone forgot how to make the show.
buttondown.com
Why is the reboot of “Law & Order” so bad?
I get into it in this week’s newsletter
Read! Subscribe! It’s free!
I get into it in this week’s newsletter
Read! Subscribe! It’s free!
Reposted by Nina Metz
“Immigration is a fake problem” is a drum I want to beat so loudly that it rings in the heads of politicians everywhere and gives them migraines.
Immigration is a fake problem. We have politicians on the one hand who want to use immigrants as scapegoats for our real ones and politicians on the other who are too cowardly to stand against them and tell the truth. That is the entire situation. Until that changes, people will continue to die.
January 24, 2026 at 4:32 PM
“Immigration is a fake problem” is a drum I want to beat so loudly that it rings in the heads of politicians everywhere and gives them migraines.
Reposted by Nina Metz
Are they doing the most ground breaking reporting?
No. But they're saying what's happening in plain language to a normie audience who maybe doesn't read "serious" publications and that's important, IMHO.
No. But they're saying what's happening in plain language to a normie audience who maybe doesn't read "serious" publications and that's important, IMHO.
January 23, 2026 at 5:16 PM
Are they doing the most ground breaking reporting?
No. But they're saying what's happening in plain language to a normie audience who maybe doesn't read "serious" publications and that's important, IMHO.
No. But they're saying what's happening in plain language to a normie audience who maybe doesn't read "serious" publications and that's important, IMHO.
A typo my phone likes to impose on me is “wurst” instead of “worst” and the more it happens, the more I think I’d prefer it to be spelled “wurst”!!
January 23, 2026 at 8:41 PM
A typo my phone likes to impose on me is “wurst” instead of “worst” and the more it happens, the more I think I’d prefer it to be spelled “wurst”!!
Reposted by Nina Metz
After listening to one too many “let me explain the way the world works” speeches in Taylor Sheridan TV shows and movies, I wrote this piece for the AVC, about the smirky, shruggy cynicism that has become the default posture of a lot of sociopolitically engaged producers, pundits and comedians.
Taylor Sheridan's politics may be hard to pin down, but his weary, know-it-all worldview is depressingly common.
Taylor Sheridan and the curse of certainty
Taylor Sheridan and the curse of certainty
www.avclub.com
January 23, 2026 at 7:37 PM
After listening to one too many “let me explain the way the world works” speeches in Taylor Sheridan TV shows and movies, I wrote this piece for the AVC, about the smirky, shruggy cynicism that has become the default posture of a lot of sociopolitically engaged producers, pundits and comedians.
Reposted by Nina Metz
In the early decades of the 20th century, electric trucks were popular in American cities. Large fleets were operated by businesses like Chicago retailers Carson Pirie Scott and Jewel Tea - the second of which began in 1899 as a tea and coffee delivery service and later evolved into Jewel-Osco.
January 23, 2026 at 5:44 PM
In the early decades of the 20th century, electric trucks were popular in American cities. Large fleets were operated by businesses like Chicago retailers Carson Pirie Scott and Jewel Tea - the second of which began in 1899 as a tea and coffee delivery service and later evolved into Jewel-Osco.
This is genuinely such a bad idea what is wrong with people??
Friday morning was the coldest yet this season but that didn't stop some Chicagoans from heading out.
Tribune photographers captured brave swimmers taking a dip in Lake Michigan and fishermen casting into the water.
See more photos here: trib.al/GcvyvuJ
Tribune photographers captured brave swimmers taking a dip in Lake Michigan and fishermen casting into the water.
See more photos here: trib.al/GcvyvuJ
January 23, 2026 at 8:00 PM
This is genuinely such a bad idea what is wrong with people??
Reposted by Nina Metz
January 23, 2026 at 7:01 PM
Reposted by Nina Metz
Well I felt all that -27 degrees getting these images this morning. Stay warm Chicago!
January 23, 2026 at 2:52 PM
Well I felt all that -27 degrees getting these images this morning. Stay warm Chicago!
I think it's important to boost news of the general strike in Minneapolis today and it's possible to do it without the hyperbole that nobody in the media is covering it
It may not be getting the attention it deserves! Posting links to reported stories is one way to combat that!
It may not be getting the attention it deserves! Posting links to reported stories is one way to combat that!
Economic strike in Minnesota to protest against ICE: ‘No work, no school, no shopping’
Organizers demand ICE leave state and agency be investigated for constitutional violations
www.theguardian.com
January 23, 2026 at 2:13 PM
I think it's important to boost news of the general strike in Minneapolis today and it's possible to do it without the hyperbole that nobody in the media is covering it
It may not be getting the attention it deserves! Posting links to reported stories is one way to combat that!
It may not be getting the attention it deserves! Posting links to reported stories is one way to combat that!
Reposted by Nina Metz
It's -20 in Minneapolis and organizers are in the streets before dawn getting ready for actions related to the general strike. They've had locals training out-of-town volunteers on how to prepare for and endure the cold. AND IT IS WORKING. THE STRIKE IS HAPPENING. THE CITY IS DOING THE DAMN THING...
January 23, 2026 at 12:42 PM
It's -20 in Minneapolis and organizers are in the streets before dawn getting ready for actions related to the general strike. They've had locals training out-of-town volunteers on how to prepare for and endure the cold. AND IT IS WORKING. THE STRIKE IS HAPPENING. THE CITY IS DOING THE DAMN THING...
Reposted by Nina Metz
Fascinating thread. Maybe we're going to be okay.
Last term I tried an experiment: I walked into my Tech and Design Ethics class, admitted that I had *no idea* what to do about ChatGPT - so I would let them figure it out.
As in: their first project was to decide and write the ChatGPT policy for the class.
Here's what happened:
As in: their first project was to decide and write the ChatGPT policy for the class.
Here's what happened:
January 23, 2026 at 10:05 AM
Fascinating thread. Maybe we're going to be okay.
This sounds like a good dish for a cold night
Gift link
Gift link
This French beef casserole is the best thing you’ll make all winter
This version, like many today, relies on ground beef simmered with carrots and onions in red wine and beef broth. I like to add a dollop of Dijon mustard; it’s not traditional, but the sharpness ba…
www.chicagotribune.com
January 23, 2026 at 12:24 PM
This sounds like a good dish for a cold night
Gift link
Gift link
Reposted by Nina Metz
this is the only way to appreciate someone playing a bitchin guitar solo
April 19, 2025 at 2:16 AM
this is the only way to appreciate someone playing a bitchin guitar solo
Reposted by Nina Metz
I've talked to people on the ground about the strike here tomorrow, and the single thing everyone brings up is just how shockingly wide the support for the strike is. Businesses that no one would have expected to support it are doing so.
National media should really be covering the fact thay every major school, museum, and arts institution in the Twin Cities, and hundreds of local businesses are closed tomorrow to protest federal occupation.
Nothing like this at this scale has happened anywhere in America anytime in living memory.
Nothing like this at this scale has happened anywhere in America anytime in living memory.
January 23, 2026 at 12:15 AM
I've talked to people on the ground about the strike here tomorrow, and the single thing everyone brings up is just how shockingly wide the support for the strike is. Businesses that no one would have expected to support it are doing so.
“A piece of (the polar vortex) will break off and meander southward into our area,” said Gino Izzi, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Meander elsewhere, polar vortex
Meander elsewhere, polar vortex
A collapsing polar vortex brings Arctic blast to Chicago area. How long will it last?
A collapsing polar vortex brings Arctic blast to Chicago area. How long will it last?
Starting Thursday, dangerously frigid air from Siberia and the North Pole is forecast to plunge the Great Lakes region into subzero territory for multiple days.
trib.al
January 22, 2026 at 10:13 PM
“A piece of (the polar vortex) will break off and meander southward into our area,” said Gino Izzi, a senior meteorologist with the National Weather Service.
Meander elsewhere, polar vortex
Meander elsewhere, polar vortex
Reposted by Nina Metz
In case you missed it: One of the ICE observers was pulled out of her car by CBP, who used facial recognition on her.
Three days later, she learned her TSA-Pre clearance had been revoked.
Three days later, she learned her TSA-Pre clearance had been revoked.
This ICE observer had her TSA-Pre-check revoked.
www.courtlistener.com/docket/72047...
"Three days after the interaction, on January 13th, I received an email notice that my Global Entry/TSA-Pre Check privilege for passing through airport security had been revoked."
www.courtlistener.com/docket/72047...
"Three days after the interaction, on January 13th, I received an email notice that my Global Entry/TSA-Pre Check privilege for passing through airport security had been revoked."
January 22, 2026 at 9:47 PM
In case you missed it: One of the ICE observers was pulled out of her car by CBP, who used facial recognition on her.
Three days later, she learned her TSA-Pre clearance had been revoked.
Three days later, she learned her TSA-Pre clearance had been revoked.
Reposted by Nina Metz
There should be a limit to the disparity in pay between a company’s CEO and its lowest paid employee.
"my least woke opinion is---"
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
That's enough. We've had enough people indulging in the "thrill of a little conservatism", as a treat. Of considering reactionary thought to be a salacious and taboo in a world descending into reactionary mania.
Give me your MOST woke opinions. We're bringing it back.
January 22, 2026 at 7:37 PM
There should be a limit to the disparity in pay between a company’s CEO and its lowest paid employee.
Reposted by Nina Metz
The majority of Illinois residents are controlling the state, yay democracy! … excuse me I’m being told because those people live too close together they no longer count, apologies for the error
January 22, 2026 at 5:20 PM
The majority of Illinois residents are controlling the state, yay democracy! … excuse me I’m being told because those people live too close together they no longer count, apologies for the error
“this isn’t a political newsletter. And given that this is my primary source of income, I don’t want to lose any of my paid subscribers. But if that’s the price for speaking up for what’s right, then I’ll pay it”
much respect to Rick
much respect to Rick
This is one of those days where my reporting beat is very wide - from Substack to the Oscars to ICE raids
open.substack.com/pub/toomucht...
open.substack.com/pub/toomucht...
Too Much TV: Substack Launches A TV App And Where You Can Stream The Oscar-Nominated Films
I can't decide if this idea is genius or a creative dead-end.
open.substack.com
January 22, 2026 at 7:02 PM
“this isn’t a political newsletter. And given that this is my primary source of income, I don’t want to lose any of my paid subscribers. But if that’s the price for speaking up for what’s right, then I’ll pay it”
much respect to Rick
much respect to Rick
Reposted by Nina Metz
History is complicated, but we're not trapped in it, like flies in amber. We are both acted upon and actors, and all of us have complex legacies, and we can be thoughtful about how we move in the world, and what we pass on.
(Let met go prep for teaching.)
(Let met go prep for teaching.)
January 22, 2026 at 5:36 PM
History is complicated, but we're not trapped in it, like flies in amber. We are both acted upon and actors, and all of us have complex legacies, and we can be thoughtful about how we move in the world, and what we pass on.
(Let met go prep for teaching.)
(Let met go prep for teaching.)
Just randomly thinking about this bit of trivia from Ethel Merman’s Wikipedia page
(It’s a shame that show business and pop culture have no interest in cultivating and celebrating larger-than-life, semi-ridiculous talents like Merman anymore)
(It’s a shame that show business and pop culture have no interest in cultivating and celebrating larger-than-life, semi-ridiculous talents like Merman anymore)
January 22, 2026 at 6:50 PM
Just randomly thinking about this bit of trivia from Ethel Merman’s Wikipedia page
(It’s a shame that show business and pop culture have no interest in cultivating and celebrating larger-than-life, semi-ridiculous talents like Merman anymore)
(It’s a shame that show business and pop culture have no interest in cultivating and celebrating larger-than-life, semi-ridiculous talents like Merman anymore)
Reposted by Nina Metz
Interesting note about Sinners’ 16 nominations—it was nominated in every single category it could’ve been.
There are 24 Oscar categories, and the eight it missed are the three Shorts, Animated Feature, Doc Feature, International Film, Adapted Screenplay, and Lead Actress.
There are 24 Oscar categories, and the eight it missed are the three Shorts, Animated Feature, Doc Feature, International Film, Adapted Screenplay, and Lead Actress.
January 22, 2026 at 5:15 PM
Interesting note about Sinners’ 16 nominations—it was nominated in every single category it could’ve been.
There are 24 Oscar categories, and the eight it missed are the three Shorts, Animated Feature, Doc Feature, International Film, Adapted Screenplay, and Lead Actress.
There are 24 Oscar categories, and the eight it missed are the three Shorts, Animated Feature, Doc Feature, International Film, Adapted Screenplay, and Lead Actress.
Reposted by Nina Metz
This is a really good piece and here in MN, we are lucky to have Racket
Hi, this is what I've been working on this week.
Voices of the MN Occupation - Racket
A real-time oral history of the ICE assault on Minnesota
racketmn.com
January 22, 2026 at 6:00 PM
This is a really good piece and here in MN, we are lucky to have Racket
Reposted by Nina Metz
i spoke to Dry Cleaning, Colleen Green, and 5 more industry sources. they all said that it's gotten harder than ever for developing and mid-size acts to make ends meet on the road.
the affordability crisis is here for indie artists.
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
the affordability crisis is here for indie artists.
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
Is the Touring Business Broken for Indie Acts?
Artists, agents, and managers say that touring is more expensive than ever, and it's becoming harder for indie artists to make money on the road
www.rollingstone.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:56 PM
i spoke to Dry Cleaning, Colleen Green, and 5 more industry sources. they all said that it's gotten harder than ever for developing and mid-size acts to make ends meet on the road.
the affordability crisis is here for indie artists.
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...
the affordability crisis is here for indie artists.
www.rollingstone.com/music/music-...