Margaret Lyons, a celebrated television critic, began her journey in media at the Maroon, the University of Chicago’s student newspaper. From her early pop culture column, “Stay Tuned,” she has cultivated a prominent voice in TV criticism, now holding the position of associate editor and writing the same column title for New York magazine. We delve into a conversation with Lyons, AB’04, to explore her experiences as a professional TV critic and uncover how her University of Chicago background shaped her career in this dynamic field, offering insights valuable to anyone interested in understanding the TV landscape, even within a specific market like Chicago, IL.
Inside a TV Critic’s Viewing Routine
Lyons describes her typical work environment as relaxed yet focused. “I generally watch things in my apartment, in various states of pajama,” she shares. Her viewing schedule varies, sometimes during work hours, sometimes during prime time, and often late at night. The level of distraction she tolerates depends on the show and her purpose for watching. “Depending on the show, and depending on what I’m watching it for exactly, I can tolerate a lot of distraction. (Not true if I’m writing, in which case I can tolerate no distraction. No music, no nothing.)” For writing, she relies on the simplicity of TextEdit, often having multiple documents open for notes, sentence drafts, and the final article composition. This organized approach underlines the meticulous nature of her work, whether she’s crafting a straightforward review or a more analytical piece. For viewers in Chicago seeking guidance on what to watch, understanding the critic’s process can add a layer of appreciation to their recommendations.
From Religious Studies to TV Expertise: An Unexpected Path
Lyons’ academic background is surprisingly rooted in religious studies at the University of Chicago. “I was always super interested in religion and religiosity,” she explains, reflecting on her upbringing in a mixed Catholic and Jewish household. This fascination with rules and structures initially drew her to religious studies, exploring “how people thought God worked.” She even connected religious themes to literature in high school, analyzing parables in The Great Gatsby. Despite her humanities focus, Lyons admits, “Honestly, I still consider myself more of a math and science person than a humanities person, but life is strange.” She even considered a math minor, showcasing her diverse intellectual interests.
Her initial career aspirations leaned towards law and social justice, envisioning a path of “joint law school/div school program and then battle injustice,” inspired by the film Sliding Doors. However, her passion for pop culture, nurtured by a family who enjoyed “TV and movies and books,” eventually led her to writing. Starting as a copy editor at the Maroon for four years, she only began writing about television in her final year. This unexpected turn highlights how a broad liberal arts education, like that offered by the University of Chicago, can equip individuals for diverse career paths, even in fields as dynamic as television criticism, and provide a unique perspective on media consumption in cities like Chicago.
The Evolution of a Critic’s Voice: From Student Paper to National Magazine
Reflecting on her early writing at the Maroon, Lyons rarely revisits those pieces, admitting, “How often do I actually dig it up? God, very, very rarely. As rarely as possible.” She observes a significant shift in her writing style over time: “I think I’m less cynical now than I was when I first started out, and I probably get to the point a lot faster.” This evolution speaks to the maturation of her critical voice and her growing confidence and clarity as a writer. For aspiring writers or critics in Chicago’s media scene, Lyons’ journey illustrates the importance of continuous development and refining one’s perspective.
UChicago’s Enduring Impact: Shaping a Critic’s Foundation
Lyons emphasizes the profound influence of her time at the University of Chicago on her life and career. Beyond academics, she formed lasting friendships, stating, “I met several of my closest friends at the University of Chicago, so there’s that. I loved U of C.” She valued the university’s rigorous intellectual environment, appreciating “working hard, I like reading, I like math problems, I like underlining things in books, I like writing, and I especially like arguing.” The university provided a sense of community and validation, proving “that I wasn’t alone.” The skills honed at the Maroon, particularly copyediting, were instrumental in her development as a writer and journalist, teaching her to “look for errors, to spot sloppy thinking, to work efficiently.” This comprehensive training from the University of Chicago laid a solid foundation for her successful career in media, providing her with the critical thinking skills necessary to analyze and interpret the complexities of television, relevant to viewers everywhere, including those seeking TV recommendations in Chicago.
Must-Watch TV: Critic’s Current Top Picks
When asked about the shows she eagerly anticipates watching, Lyons lists a diverse range: “Jane the Virgin, Being Mary Jane, Broad City, The Fosters, and Girls.” This selection showcases her broad taste and engagement with various genres and styles of television programming, offering a glimpse into the kind of content she values and recommends. For Chicago residents looking for viewing inspiration, these shows represent a curated list from a discerning critic.
The Hype Factor: Shows That Miss the Mark
Conversely, Lyons reveals a show that doesn’t resonate with her despite popular acclaim: “The Leftovers. I just do not get what people see in that show.” This candid opinion highlights the subjective nature of television criticism and reminds viewers that even widely praised shows may not appeal to everyone. Ultimately, finding the right TV to watch, whether in Chicago or anywhere else, is a matter of personal taste, but informed perspectives from critics like Lyons can certainly guide the way.
Margaret Lyons’ career trajectory from the University of Chicago to a leading voice in television criticism demonstrates the diverse paths a liberal arts education can pave. Her insights into the TV landscape, shaped by her unique background and critical eye, offer valuable guidance for navigating the vast world of television, even for viewers specifically interested in finding quality programming in Chicago, IL.
