‘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.

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.