Entertainment Weekly: The Evolution of a Pop Culture Powerhouse
For over three decades, Entertainment Weekly (often abbreviated as EW) has served as a definitive guide to the world of popular culture. Based in New York City and published by People Inc., the publication provides comprehensive coverage of film, television, music, Broadway theatre, books, and general pop culture. What began as a printed consumer guide has evolved into a digital-first powerhouse, adapting to the rapidly changing landscape of media consumption.
The magazine first debuted on February 16, 1990, with a cover featuring singer k.d. lang. Conceived by Jeff Jarvis and founded by Michael Klingensmith, EW was designed as a sister publication to People, offering readers a curated look at the best and worst of the entertainment industry.
ไม่มีภาพประกอบKey Facts
- Founded: February 16, 1990, by David Morris.
- Current Status: Digital-only publication (ceased print in April 2022).
- Publisher: People Inc.
- Headquarters: New York City, United States.
- Peak Circulation: 1.8 million in 2013.
- Major Awards: Two National Magazine Awards for General Excellence (1996 and 2002).
The Journey from Print to Digital
Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, Entertainment Weekly established itself as a critical voice in entertainment. Under the ownership of Time Inc., the magazine saw significant investment and reached a peak annual profit of $55 million. However, as celebrity coverage expanded across social media and print advertising declined, the publication began to pivot.
In August 2019, EW transitioned from a weekly to a monthly print schedule to prioritize 24/7 digital coverage, podcasts, and experiential events. This shift was led by the Meredith entertainment division, which sought to integrate EW more closely with its high-performing sister brand, People. The transition continued until February 9, 2022, when the company announced the cessation of its print edition. The final print issue was published in April 2022, marking the end of an era and the beginning of EW's life as a digital-only entity.
Global Expansion and Multimedia
While primarily a U.S. publication, EW expanded its reach on August 2, 2021, with the launch of a Greek edition, the first version of the magazine available outside the United States. Additionally, the brand ventured into video with the People/Entertainment Weekly Network in 2016, which was later rebranded as PeopleTV in 2017.
Editorial Structure and Signature Content
EW is well-known for its distinct layout and critical approach. One of its most recognizable features is its academic-style grading system for reviews, where works are assigned letter grades from "A" (highest) to "F" (lowest), often with plus or minus modifiers.
Recurring Columns and Sections
- The Must List: A curated spread of 10 staff-recommended items, including books and movies.
- The Hit List: A comedic commentary on 10 major weekly events.
- The Hollywood Insider: A breaking news section covering TV, movies, and music.
- The Final Cut: An analytical column focusing on serious pop-culture events.
- The Bullseye: A back-page graphic rating the "hits" and "misses" of the week.
Review Categories
The publication provides deep-dive reviews across several categories. While Movies, Television, Music, and Books are staples, the magazine occasionally includes reviews for Theater, Games, and Tech. The movie section notably featured "Critical Mass," a table comparing EW's grades with those of other prominent critics and, later, scores from Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb.
Special Issues and Honors
Entertainment Weekly is famous for its specialty issues, including quarterly previews and the highly anticipated Fall TV Preview. The most prestigious of these is the End-of-the-Year issue, which identifies the Entertainer of the Year.
| Era | Selected Winners |
|---|---|
| Early 90s | Bart Simpson (1990), Jodie Foster (1991), Steven Spielberg (1993) |
| Late 90s/Early 00s | Leonardo DiCaprio (1998), Ricky Martin (1999), Nicole Kidman (2001) |
| Mid 2000s/2010s | J.K. Rowling (2007), Taylor Swift (2010), Jennifer Lawrence (2015) |
| Modern Era (Multi-winner) | Pedro Pascal, The Weeknd, Megan Thee Stallion (2020) |
Starting in 2017, the publication shifted from a single winner to honoring a group of 10 to 16 individuals or casts annually.
The Poppy Awards
To recognize talent overlooked by the Primetime Emmy Awards, EW created the Poppy Awards (formerly the EWwy Awards). These fan-voted awards cover 10 categories across drama and comedy series, ensuring that worthy actors and shows receive recognition regardless of official Emmy nominations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Entertainment Weekly still a print magazine?
No. Entertainment Weekly ceased its print publication in April 2022 and now operates as a digital-only entertainment magazine.
How does EW grade its reviews?
EW uses an academic letter-grade system ranging from A+ to F, rather than the star-rating system common in many other publications.
What is the "Entertainer of the Year" award?
It is an annual honor given to the most impactful figure or group in entertainment. While it originally featured one winner, since 2017, EW has named multiple honorees each year.
What are the Poppy Awards?
The Poppy Awards are fan-voted honors created by EW to recognize actors and series that were not nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award.
Who is the current editor-in-chief?
Patrick Gomez stepped into the role of editor-in-chief and general manager in May 2022.