Rachael Sigee
@rachaelsigee.bsky.social
Hella tight freelance arts and culture journalist.
TV critic for The i Paper.
Words for The Guardian, Red Bulletin, BBC Culture, Empire, Glamour.
She/her.
https://rachaelsigee.com/
TV critic for The i Paper.
Words for The Guardian, Red Bulletin, BBC Culture, Empire, Glamour.
She/her.
https://rachaelsigee.com/
“Without the Rowling of it all, a new version of Harry Potter would be a fairly boring and needless proposition…with the political context of Rowling’s transphobia, it becomes morally as well as creatively bankrupt. You might even say cursed.”
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/harr...
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/harr...
Not to sound too Voldemort, but it's time for Harry Potter to die
As hype builds around the new HBO adaption, we ask how much longer can the Harry Potter legacy – now inherently tinged with transphobia – survive?
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk
May 29, 2025 at 7:16 PM
“Without the Rowling of it all, a new version of Harry Potter would be a fairly boring and needless proposition…with the political context of Rowling’s transphobia, it becomes morally as well as creatively bankrupt. You might even say cursed.”
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/harr...
www.glamourmagazine.co.uk/article/harr...
In Reunion, deafness is more than a diversity tick - there's no TV drama like it
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
In Reunion, deafness is more than a diversity tick - there's no TV drama like it
In the BBC's new bilingual revenge drama, being deaf is integral to the plot
inews.co.uk
April 9, 2025 at 9:47 AM
In Reunion, deafness is more than a diversity tick - there's no TV drama like it
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
Reposted by Rachael Sigee
🌍 Athletics claimed in 2009 that Semenya had an unfair advantage agains other F athletes. 16y later & there has not been a single study of the performance of women like Semenya in comparison with XX women to assess the possibility of an unfair advantage.
That was until now.
1-
That was until now.
1-
March 25, 2025 at 6:27 AM
🌍 Athletics claimed in 2009 that Semenya had an unfair advantage agains other F athletes. 16y later & there has not been a single study of the performance of women like Semenya in comparison with XX women to assess the possibility of an unfair advantage.
That was until now.
1-
That was until now.
1-
I always think it's interesting that a far higher proportion of female chefs on shows like Masterchef: The Professionals and Great British Menu are private chefs/one-person-operations rather than working in restaurants. Presumably it's far preferable to work for yourself than in a toxic kitchen.
"For every female-led Michelin-starred establishment, there are 16 run by men," said professional organisation Worldchefs.
Why do so few female chefs have Michelin stars?
Sexism, harassment and work-life balance blamed as only one woman is honoured in UK and Ireland awards this year
theweek.com
February 25, 2025 at 12:33 PM
I always think it's interesting that a far higher proportion of female chefs on shows like Masterchef: The Professionals and Great British Menu are private chefs/one-person-operations rather than working in restaurants. Presumably it's far preferable to work for yourself than in a toxic kitchen.
"Hollywood's strangest couple" is a bold claim. So many contenders
Alec and Hilaria Baldwin invite the world into their chaotic lives — and the aftermath of the actor’s trial for manslaughter — in a bizarre new reality show
What does The Baldwins tell us about Hollywood’s strangest couple?
www.thetimes.com
February 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
"Hollywood's strangest couple" is a bold claim. So many contenders
I make it my business to neither care nor know anything about James Bond so the Amazon news is especially challenging to me personally because now I’m suddenly invested in the franchise’s creative freedom.
February 20, 2025 at 7:51 PM
I make it my business to neither care nor know anything about James Bond so the Amazon news is especially challenging to me personally because now I’m suddenly invested in the franchise’s creative freedom.
I'm so relieved the SNL 50 coverage has died down because I was bored out of my mind*
*with the exception of Emma Stone's dress which treated the whole thing exactly as seriously as was warranted
*with the exception of Emma Stone's dress which treated the whole thing exactly as seriously as was warranted
February 19, 2025 at 4:00 PM
I'm so relieved the SNL 50 coverage has died down because I was bored out of my mind*
*with the exception of Emma Stone's dress which treated the whole thing exactly as seriously as was warranted
*with the exception of Emma Stone's dress which treated the whole thing exactly as seriously as was warranted
Always a pleasure to host at BAFTA but it was a real privilege to meet the brave women at the heart of what’s widely known as the Spycops scandal. Documentary out on ITV in March.
February 19, 2025 at 12:19 PM
Always a pleasure to host at BAFTA but it was a real privilege to meet the brave women at the heart of what’s widely known as the Spycops scandal. Documentary out on ITV in March.
I enjoyed this list (always taking such things with a pinch of salt). But it naturally skews v.American so I've been thinking about the best non-US performances of the 21st Century. Off the top of my head:
The 100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century variety.com/lists/greate...
The 100 Greatest TV Performances of the 21st Century
Variety breaks down the best TV performances of the 21st century, from Jeremy Allen White to Emma Stone and Sydney Sweeney.
variety.com
February 14, 2025 at 11:30 AM
I enjoyed this list (always taking such things with a pinch of salt). But it naturally skews v.American so I've been thinking about the best non-US performances of the 21st Century. Off the top of my head:
Reposted by Rachael Sigee
TOO SOON
On this day, 25 years ago, at Chicago's County General #ER...
Carter and Lucy Get Stabbed | ER
YouTube video by ER - Emergency Room
www.youtube.com
February 10, 2025 at 1:40 PM
TOO SOON
The new series of Unforgotten started last night and ICYMI, I spoke to the completely lovely Sinead Keenan for @inews.co.uk. (although must confess, it's How to Get to Heaven From Belfast that I'm really excited about).
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
Sinead Keenan: 'There are roles for older women - but they go to Sarah Lancashire'
The star of ‘Unforgotten’ talks about stepping into Nicola Walker’s shoes, and how things are looking up for actresses over 30
inews.co.uk
February 10, 2025 at 10:52 AM
The new series of Unforgotten started last night and ICYMI, I spoke to the completely lovely Sinead Keenan for @inews.co.uk. (although must confess, it's How to Get to Heaven From Belfast that I'm really excited about).
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
Reposted by Rachael Sigee
#SaveThePCC
Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease.
For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below;
you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...
Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease.
For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below;
you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...
Save The Prince Charles Cinema
The iconic Prince Charles Cinema in London’s West End future is under serious threat!
We are beyond disappointed that our landlords Zedwell LSQ Ltd and their ultimate parent company Criterion Capital...
you.38degrees.org.uk
January 28, 2025 at 10:14 AM
#SaveThePCC
Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease.
For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below;
you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...
Some of you may have read about the situation regarding our new landlord wishing to add a new redevelopment break clause, with only 6 months notice to our lease.
For now, we're simply asking you all to share & sign the petition below;
you.38degrees.org.uk/p/princechar...
Reposted by Rachael Sigee
SKY HAVE PICKED UP HACKS OUR NIGHTMARE IS OVER www.geektown.co.uk/2025/01/22/s...
Sky Picks Up UK Rights To Season 1-3 Of Utterly Brilliant Comedy ‘Hacks’
Sky has picked up the UK broadcast rights to Seasons 1-3 the utterly brilliant comedy series ‘Hacks’, starring Jean Smart and Hannah Einbinder. Whilst Season 1 & 2 have aired previo…
www.geektown.co.uk
January 22, 2025 at 8:33 PM
SKY HAVE PICKED UP HACKS OUR NIGHTMARE IS OVER www.geektown.co.uk/2025/01/22/s...
If you had even a passing interest in the Olympics boxing "controversy" last summer, I highly recommend listening to the podcast Tested which is empathetic and meticulously researched (i.e. where so much reporting on this issue catastrophically fails).
www.tested-podcast.com
www.tested-podcast.com
TESTED – A surprising history of women’s sports
www.tested-podcast.com
January 20, 2025 at 10:17 AM
If you had even a passing interest in the Olympics boxing "controversy" last summer, I highly recommend listening to the podcast Tested which is empathetic and meticulously researched (i.e. where so much reporting on this issue catastrophically fails).
www.tested-podcast.com
www.tested-podcast.com
I realise it is not exactly at the top of her list of achievements but Joan Plowright as Mrs Wilson in Dennis (1993) was a formative part of my childhood and I loved her in it very much.
Anyway, go watch Nothing Like A Dame.
Anyway, go watch Nothing Like A Dame.
January 17, 2025 at 1:33 PM
I realise it is not exactly at the top of her list of achievements but Joan Plowright as Mrs Wilson in Dennis (1993) was a formative part of my childhood and I loved her in it very much.
Anyway, go watch Nothing Like A Dame.
Anyway, go watch Nothing Like A Dame.
Should I/are people archiving or preserving their tweets before deleting their accounts? I can't imagine a circumstance where I'd need to know what I thought about scarves in 2018 but I don't want to be the only one who can't check.
January 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Should I/are people archiving or preserving their tweets before deleting their accounts? I can't imagine a circumstance where I'd need to know what I thought about scarves in 2018 but I don't want to be the only one who can't check.
ICYMI, I wrote about TV cancellations for The Guardian this week. After so many shows this year have been canned (RIP My Lady Jane, KAOS, The Acolyte), I wanted to know what it’s like for show creators when the plug is pulled.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
‘She took it as a personal affront that people didn’t like her!’ What it’s like when your TV show gets canned
From feelings of grim acceptance to those who felt they’d totally lost their compass, writers open up on what it’s like to have your television series cancelled
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2025 at 11:18 AM
ICYMI, I wrote about TV cancellations for The Guardian this week. After so many shows this year have been canned (RIP My Lady Jane, KAOS, The Acolyte), I wanted to know what it’s like for show creators when the plug is pulled.
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
A delight to speak to the wonderful Rosalind Eleazar about Slow Horses and starring in the new Harlan Coben adaptation.
‘Are you kidding me?’ How Slow Horses’ Rosalind Eleazar took on a sensational thriller
‘Are you kidding me?’ How Slow Horses’ Rosalind Eleazar took on a sensational thriller
The actor stars in the much-celebrated sleeper hit. Now, she’s changing gears to tackle the compulsively twisty Harlan Coben adaptation Missing You
When Rosalind Eleazar got married last year on a Greek island, she asked her agents not to contact her…
www.theguardian.com
January 1, 2025 at 10:32 AM
A delight to speak to the wonderful Rosalind Eleazar about Slow Horses and starring in the new Harlan Coben adaptation.
Finishing off the year with one of my favourite pieces - speaking to TV creators about what it’s like when your show is cancelled for The Guardian. Very cathartic!
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
‘She took it as a personal affront that people didn’t like her!’ What it’s like when your TV show gets canned
From feelings of grim acceptance to those who felt they’d totally lost their compass, writers open up on what it’s like to have your television series cancelled
www.theguardian.com
December 31, 2024 at 6:22 PM
Finishing off the year with one of my favourite pieces - speaking to TV creators about what it’s like when your show is cancelled for The Guardian. Very cathartic!
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio...
Thrilled that my final interview of the year is with Abi Morgan ahead of The Split’s return. She’s just bloody great.
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
The Split's Abi Morgan: 'Even with my husband I fear being naked'
The screenwriter talks about women's body hang-ups, facing serious illness with her husband - and why her hit series about divorce was ripe for a reprise
inews.co.uk
December 24, 2024 at 4:35 PM
Thrilled that my final interview of the year is with Abi Morgan ahead of The Split’s return. She’s just bloody great.
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
Always good to be on deadline and waste some time looking up when Walkers Max crisps launched because "it was a very formative time for me". Namely, our school got a vending machine.
(It was a 1999 launch but it's the 2001 relaunch that I was thinking of)
(It was a 1999 launch but it's the 2001 relaunch that I was thinking of)
November 29, 2024 at 1:44 PM
Always good to be on deadline and waste some time looking up when Walkers Max crisps launched because "it was a very formative time for me". Namely, our school got a vending machine.
(It was a 1999 launch but it's the 2001 relaunch that I was thinking of)
(It was a 1999 launch but it's the 2001 relaunch that I was thinking of)
Reposted by Rachael Sigee
UK freelance writers for magazines and journals in the last three years: remember to submit your eligible articles at ALCS by 30 November to qualify for a royalty reimbursement in March!
www.alcs.co.uk/how-it-works...
www.alcs.co.uk/how-it-works...
ALCS
www.alcs.co.uk
November 26, 2024 at 1:31 PM
UK freelance writers for magazines and journals in the last three years: remember to submit your eligible articles at ALCS by 30 November to qualify for a royalty reimbursement in March!
www.alcs.co.uk/how-it-works...
www.alcs.co.uk/how-it-works...
Absolute gem of a TV show alert: After the Party is extraordinary. Brave and provocative storytelling and an absolute masterclass from Robyn Malcolm in the lead. Thrilled it's finally made its way over to us from New Zealand.
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
After the Party is the best Kiwi drama since Top of the Lake
When Penny finds her husband in a suspicious position, the assumptions she makes tears her whole life falls apart. But is she right?
inews.co.uk
November 21, 2024 at 10:15 AM
Absolute gem of a TV show alert: After the Party is extraordinary. Brave and provocative storytelling and an absolute masterclass from Robyn Malcolm in the lead. Thrilled it's finally made its way over to us from New Zealand.
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
inews.co.uk/culture/tele...
Reposted by Rachael Sigee
Started a list of arts and culture journalists/writers/critics in the UK - let me know who I’ve missed go.bsky.app/6ZgG2DK
November 17, 2024 at 11:03 AM
Started a list of arts and culture journalists/writers/critics in the UK - let me know who I’ve missed go.bsky.app/6ZgG2DK