The A.V. Club

The A.V. Club. Founded in 1993 as the entertainment section of the satirical newspaper The Onion, it evolved into a major independent publication focused on critical analysis of popular culture. It was later acquired by the media conglomerate G/O Media, operating alongside sites like Gizmodo and Jalopnik. The publication is renowned for its in-depth reviews, interviews, and cultural commentary spanning film, television, music, books, and video games.

History

The publication originated within the Milwaukee-based The Onion, created by editors Scott Dikkers and Mike Loew. Initially conceived to provide genuine criticism alongside the newspaper's parody news, its early years were defined by a scrappy, alternative weekly ethos. A significant expansion occurred in 1996 with the launch of a website, broadening its reach beyond the Midwestern United States. Following The Onion's relocation to Chicago, the editorial staff grew, and it began establishing its distinct voice separate from its satirical parent. In 2005, the Univision-owned Fusion Media Group purchased The Onion and subsequently sold the digital assets, including the site, to G/O Media in 2019, a transaction that included other notable properties like The Takeout and Deadspin.

Content and features

Core offerings include daily reviews of new releases in cinema, such as major Marvel Cinematic Universe films and independent features showcased at the Sundance Film Festival. Television coverage spans episodic recaps of series like *Succession* and Stranger Things, alongside interviews with showrunners such as Shonda Rhimes. The music section provides analysis of albums from artists ranging from Taylor Swift to Kendrick Lamar, while its book criticism engages with works from authors like Stephen King and Margaret Atwood. Signature recurring features have included the exhaustive inventory series "Inventory," the interview feature "Random Roles," and the cultural dissection series "Gateways to Geekery," alongside popular podcasts like "The A.V. Club Show" and "Push the Envelope."

Staff and contributors

Over its history, the publication has been shaped by numerous notable editors and writers. Early leadership included editors like Keith Phipps and Tasha Robinson, who helped define its critical tone. Longtime film critic Scott Tobias and television critic Erik Adams contributed extensively to its review standards. Other significant contributors have included music writer Steven Hyden, culture reporter Marah Eakin, and features editor Gwen Ihnat. The staff has experienced several transitions, particularly following its acquisition by G/O Media, which led to the departure of key figures like editor-in-chief Laura M. Browning and managing editor Patrick Gomez, with subsequent editorial direction provided by John Teti and others.

Cultural impact and reception

The publication is recognized for elevating the discourse around genre entertainment, offering serious criticism of works within science fiction, horror, and fantasy. It has been praised for its thoughtful interviews, often eliciting candid reflections from figures like George R. R. Martin and Ava DuVernay. The site's "Commenter of the Moment" feature and vibrant forums fostered a notable online community. It has received awards and recognition from institutions like the National Magazine Awards and has been cited in academic analyses of contemporary media criticism. Its influence is evident in the careers of alumni who have moved to prominent roles at outlets such as Vox, The New York Times, and NPR.

Related publications and projects

Its most direct historical relationship is with its founding publication, The Onion, though it operated with full editorial independence. Under the G/O Media umbrella, it is a sister site to numerous other digital brands, including the automotive site Jalopnik, the technology news outlet Gizmodo, and the sports blog Deadspin. Former staff have launched or contributed to independent projects like the film website The Dissolve and the culture newsletter The Reveal. The site's content and staff have also frequently collaborated on projects with the public broadcasting service PBS, particularly for the series *This American Life*.