Jason Zinoman
jasonzinoman.bsky.social
Jason Zinoman
@jasonzinoman.bsky.social
Critic at large at New York Times. On comedy column. Authored Letterman, Shock Value. Podcast: The Martin Chronicles.
“Beauty is not just a means of escape”
Some inspiring words on cinema in the streaming era from the Pope.

Yes, THAT Pope.
November 15, 2025 at 6:46 PM
THE BURNING CAULDRON OF FIERY FIRE sticks with you. Anne Washburn has the most original apocalyptical visions. Pluribus should hire her.
November 15, 2025 at 6:05 PM
David Cale is one of our great solo artists. Read EV's rave.
October 22, 2025 at 6:23 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
NYT critic @jasonzinoman.bsky.social on the contradictions of the Riyadh Comedy Festival: “It’s hard to see [Dave] Chappelle signing a contract to perform at a university only if he agreed to state his pronouns at the start of the set.” www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/a...
Why Arguments About Free Speech Don’t Apply to the Riyadh Comedy Festival
www.nytimes.com
October 10, 2025 at 2:27 AM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
Terrific, complex piece by @jasonzinoman.bsky.social about the Riyadh Comedy Festival: www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/a...
Why Arguments About Free Speech Don’t Apply to the Riyadh Comedy Festival
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:27 PM
Update to this piece which came out this AM: Human Rights Watch said it will not take a donation from Aziz Ansari, emphasized it did not call for a boycott, but did urge comics to call for release of imprisoned activists.

www.nytimes.com/2025/10/09/a...
Why Arguments About Free Speech Don’t Apply to the Riyadh Comedy Festival
www.nytimes.com
October 9, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I explore why clowns are everywhere. www.nytimes.com/2025/10/07/a...
What Clowns! (That’s a Compliment)
www.nytimes.com
October 7, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
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October 6, 2025 at 4:01 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
10/1/62: Johnny's 1st tonight show
Sure, you can say he was post-rat pack, middle of the road, medium cool - I know I did
But he was a rock, and a master of his craft
Nice take via @jasonzinoman.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/2020/07/26/a...
October 1, 2025 at 2:27 PM
Second night too
Jimmy Kimmel is breaking records on YouTube, Spotify is waging war against "spammy" music, and "60 Minutes" is coming back this Sunday. Details in today's Reliable Sources: cnn.it/3KIqtly
September 26, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Shane Gillis turned down the Saudi comedy festival. www.pajiba.com/news/shane-g...
When Shane Gillis Takes the High Road Over Bill Burr ...
www.pajiba.com
September 25, 2025 at 8:47 PM
Yep. And the way the writer discusses Star Wars is how I feel about Alien (and the TV show)
September 25, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Wow, this is a fiercely eloquent @manohladargis.bsky.social review that will get you to the theater. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/25/m...
‘One Battle After Another’ Review: Paul Thomas Anderson’s Rallying Cry
www.nytimes.com
September 25, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
"Critics who have been incessantly saying that late night no longer matters are going to need to catch up. The government doesn’t go after entertainers because they are irrelevant."

Great piece by @jasonzinoman.bsky.social:
I thought Ross Douthat's recent explanation of how late night became more political was off. So I dug into the history. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/a...
How Did Late-Night Get So Political? It Didn’t Start With Trump
www.nytimes.com
September 25, 2025 at 12:48 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
In Austin TX celebrating the 20th anniversary of MASTERS OF HORROR at the 20th anniversary of Fantastic Fest! With Joe Dante, Don Coscarelli, Ernest Dickerson and Fangoria editor Phil Nobile, Jr.!
September 24, 2025 at 11:45 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
I'm sure this has been mentioned but, back in 2003, ABC's first choice for the late-night job was Jon Stewart.

But ABC felt Stewart was too "topical"/political, especially for the network of Roseanne and Home Improvement. So they went with Kimmel. And here we are. www.nytimes.com/2002/11/03/m...
September 24, 2025 at 5:37 PM
I thought Ross Douthat's recent explanation of how late night became more political was off. So I dug into the history. www.nytimes.com/2025/09/24/a...
How Did Late-Night Get So Political? It Didn’t Start With Trump
www.nytimes.com
September 24, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Reposted by Jason Zinoman
ABC has posted the first 28 minutes of @jimmykimmellive.bsky.social

WATCH:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1tj...
Jimmy Kimmel is Back!
YouTube video by Jimmy Kimmel Live
www.youtube.com
September 24, 2025 at 3:54 AM
If the goal was to "avoid further inflaming a tense situation," well, really nice job.
September 22, 2025 at 8:14 PM
Kimmel is back tomorrow.
Breaking: Jimmy Kimmel to return Tuesday.
September 22, 2025 at 7:48 PM
The numbers in this story stun me. And i have seen a lot of theater is dying moments.
www.nytimes.com/2025/09/22/t...
The Broadway Musical Is in Trouble
www.nytimes.com
September 22, 2025 at 2:50 PM