‘Resistance is futile’: Streaming TV is the future — now

This piece was originally published at CNET on August 7, 2015.

Television can teach us a lot — it taught me how to tell time. No, seriously! As a little kid, when “Sesame Street” was on the morning, I knew it was time to say goodnight to my dad after his graveyard shift; when it was on again in the afternoon, it was time to wake him up; after “Star Trek: The Next Generation,” it was bedtime. It was this beginning that spurned my lifelong love for TV in all its forms.

Nowadays, it’s easier than ever to watch an episode or two (or three, or four…) of a show anywhere, and it’s glorious. Gone are the days of carefully avoiding friends after missing a crucial episode, or getting mad when an acquaintance spoils the big game for you.

OK, you might still get mad, but now it’s your own fault for not streaming the episode/game/concert on your own device.

Today, you can watch anything, at any time, in any place — and it’s changed people’s interactions with each other for the better. TV has made us more informed, and more social. How many defining moments can we as as society credit to a TV show? How out of the loop do you feel when you aren’t caught up on “House of Cards”?

Shows today have become a canvas on which to explore new ideas and expanded ways of storytelling, as binge-watching “Arrested Development” showed us. TV is one of humanity’s most perfect mirrors.

That ‘Series of Unfortunate Events’ trailer is real, and here’s why

The following was originally published at CNET, on July 7, 2015.

Wishful thinking: The new teaser for Lemony Snicket’s “A Series of Unfortunate Events” on Netflix is real, and I’ll prove it to you!

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The way the Internet is talking about this teaser, it’s like a company has never lied to you before. Sure, Netflix has said this is not a legitimate teaser for its “A Series of Unfortunate Events” (ASOUE) series.

But this is bunk, and the biggest reason why is Lemony Snicket is Daniel Handler.

Everything you need to know about the ‘Game of Thrones’ universe

The following was originally published at CNET, on June 20, 2015.

Can’t get enough “Game of Thrones”? Here’s what to devour once you’ve finished every episode of HBO’s show and the books it’s based on.

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Once you’ve watched every “Game of Thrones” episode (at least twice, I suggest) and read all the “A Song of Ice & Fire” books (the five major ones, that is), how will you get your fix?

Turns out there’s a lot more going on in Westeros and Essos than most people realize. The official universe (or “canon,” as it’s called) of “A Song of Ice & Fire” books (commonly referred to as ASOIAF) includes everything written within the five main books, plus quite a few prequels, some excerpts and a couple of history and art books — plus the prerelease Winds of Winter chapters and the graphic novels based on the main book series.

How to watch every Marvel property in the perfect order

This piece was originally published at CNET on April 30, 2015.

Check out more after the break!

Infographic: We’ve laid out every Marvel movie and TV show — and the absolute ideal order for watching them — so you can go into the “Avengers” sequel super prepared.

You’ve probably seen most of Marvel’s films, but what about the TV shows?

If you’re like me, that is to say a continuity junkie, timelines are very important to you — but timelines in the world of comics and movies can be more than a little confusing. So to help you fill in the gaps before you see “Avengers: Age of Ultron,” watch all the shows for fun, or even just try to impress your friends, we’ve created a timeline of Marvel’s Phase 1 and 2 properties in the perfect viewing order.

‘Chewie, we’re home’: New ‘Force Awakens’ trailer lands

This piece was originally published at CNET on April 16, 2015.

The second teaser trailer for “Star Wars: The Force Awakens” has arrived. Plus, we’ve got more information about the mysterious new characters, including the newest member of the droid family.

7 key moments in the ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 5 premiere

This piece was originally published at CNET on April 13, 2015.

“Game of Thrones” is finally back (even though we needed a serious refresher course before we watched), and it was a doozy of an opener Sunday!

At Castle Black, politics are in play as the men look to choose the new Lord Commander; even after being stuck in a box at sea for months, Tyrion still has some of the best one-liners; Dany’s still all about “justice” (almost to her detriment); and Jon is stuck between two kings.

In order of appearance in the Season 5 opening “The Wars to Come,” we break down the most important and intriguing parts of the premiere.

Prepare for ‘Game of Thrones’ Season 5 in 2 minutes

This was originally published at CNET on April 7, 2015.

Netflix Originals: What exactly does that mean?

The piece was originally published at CNET on March 19, 2015.

What does the word Original really mean to Netflix?

Well, it’s a little confusing. You have original-originals — shows created and driven by Netflix, like “House of Cards,” and the upcoming “Daredevil.”

Then, there are also continuation properties, ones Netflix picked up from cable TV and made additional seasons of, like “Trailer Park Boys” or “Arrested Development.” Finally, there are exclusive shows of which Netflix is the sole distributor within the US, like “The Fall.”

Got it?

Basically, if it’s branded as Original, Netflix paid a lot of money so you can’t watch it anywhere else.

Virtual reality was the real winner of Comic-Con 2014

This piece was originally published at CNET, under the title “Off with your head: Comic-Con stars virtual-reality thrills,” on July 28, 2014.

Oculus Rift and virtual-reality entertainment were on display all over Comic-Con this weekend. So when will it be in my living room?

A cosplayer watches a “Sleepy Hollow” VR special on Oculus Rift at Comic-Con 2014.

This year, the star of San Diego Comic-Con wasn’t a new TV show or movie. It was virtual reality (or at least the future entertainment thrills it promises), brought to you by Oculus VR. And Hollywood.

Fun ‘Flash’ lights up Comic-Con

This piece was originally published at CNET on July 24, 2014.

CW’s “The Flash” TV spinoff is as self-aware as it is awkward, and it’s totally fun.