Entertainment Weekly

Entertainment Weekly. Launched in 1990 by Time Inc., it was conceived as a sophisticated publication bridging the gap between industry trade papers and fan magazines, offering news, reviews, and feature stories on all forms of popular media. Under founding editor Michael J. Klingensmith, it quickly established a distinct voice with its critical analysis, comprehensive coverage, and iconic review grading system. The magazine became a staple for consumers seeking authoritative insight into film, television, music, books, and broader pop culture.

History

The concept was developed within Time Warner as a strategic expansion of its magazine division, aiming to capitalize on the growing cultural influence of entertainment in the late 1980s. Its first issue, dated February 16, 1990, featured a cover story on the new Fox television series In Living Color. Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, it became a market leader, known for its exclusive set visits, actor profiles, and annual forecast issues like the "Summer Movie Preview." Ownership changes within its parent company, including the merger that formed Time Warner and later its spin-off from Time Inc., impacted its operations. In 2018, it was acquired by Meredith Corporation, which later became Dotdash Meredith, leading to significant shifts in frequency and strategy, including a move from weekly to monthly print publication in 2022.

Content and features

The publication's core content revolves around timely reviews, news analysis, and in-depth features. Its most recognizable feature is the review grading system, employing a scale from "A+" to "F," which has been applied to movies, TV shows, albums, and books, offering readers clear critical guidance. Regular sections include "News + Notes" for industry headlines, "The Must List" highlighting ten essential pop culture items each week, and "The Bullseye" charting hits and misses. Signature annual issues include the "Entertainers of the Year" portfolio and post-mortem coverage of major events like the Academy Awards, Emmy Awards, and San Diego Comic-Con. It also gained fame for its often humorous and creative cover concepts and photo shoots with major stars like George Clooney, Julia Roberts, and the cast of Friends.

Impact and reception

It significantly influenced entertainment journalism by legitimizing pop culture as a serious beat for critical analysis, attracting a readership that included both general consumers and industry insiders. Its review grades were frequently quoted in trailers and advertisements, and its "Must List" became a cultural barometer. The magazine received numerous awards, including National Magazine Awards for its design and general excellence. However, it also faced criticism over the years, with some detractors arguing its tone could be overly promotional or that its critical opinions were sometimes inconsistent, especially as the media landscape became dominated by instantaneous online reaction and aggregator sites like Rotten Tomatoes.

Notable contributors

Over its history, it has been home to a roster of influential critics and writers. Owen Gleiberman and Lisa Schwarzbaum were among its most prominent and long-serving film critics, shaping its cinematic voice for decades. Television criticism was notably led by Ken Tucker and later Darren Franich. Music coverage featured writers like Chris Willman and Kyle Anderson. Other significant staff and contributors have included book critic Tina Jordan, columnist Mark Harris, and editor Henry Goldblatt. Many of its alumni have moved on to prominent roles at other major outlets like The New York Times, The Hollywood Reporter, and Vulture.

Digital presence and evolution

Its digital transition began early with the launch of EW.com, which expanded into producing original online content, video series, and podcasts like The Awardist. The brand aggressively cultivated a social media presence on platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram, often breaking news and engaging directly with fans. Facing industry-wide print declines, the parent company pivoted resources toward digital, leading to the 2022 reduction in print frequency. Today, its digital operations, including a robust website, app, and newsletter offerings, represent the core of the brand, focusing on daily updates, deep-dive analyses, and interactive fan content to maintain relevance in a competitive landscape dominated by Deadline Hollywood, Variety, and Polygon.

Category:American entertainment magazines Category:1990 establishments in the United States Category:Publications established in 1990