Who is the worst Jewish representation on TV?

And other important TV questions.

Welcome to Jewish TV club! We have a lot to catch up on — 9 seasons of “Seinfeld”, for instance — but first, we wanted to introduce you to your Jewish TV club hosts (also known as the editors of kveller.com.) And what better way for you to get to know us than by sharing our honest TV opinions (Lior has gotten literal hate mail for one of hers 👀)

We’ve created a very official Jewish TV Club questionnaire (some are saying it’s the next Proust questionnaire) to set the stage for some of what we’ll be diving into in this Substack. And we want to hear from you, too — fill out your own questionnaire in the comments, if you want!

Without further ado, our most vulnerable TV opinions:

What’s your favorite TV show of all time?

I generally hate choosing a favorite anything, but I think the TV show that most changed my life may be “Six Feet Under,” just because it’s the show that keyed me into how powerful TV as a medium can be (also I had a crush on every member of the Fisher family). 

Of the most recent shows I’ve watched, I think it has to be “Chanshi” — an Israeli show I wish all of you could watch. It’s well-written and funny and tackles some really complicated heavy topics, like sexual assualt, in a way I haven’t seen before. And Henry Winkler plays an amazing Jewish dad in it.

What’s the last thing you watched?

I just finished watching watching the fantastic “Kafka”  miniseries but as far as something that’s not for work, “Fallout,” was the last series I binged all of. It was SO. GOOD. Dark and HILARIOUS and post-apocalyptic with an incredible cast — and so nostalgic for anyone who grew up playing the games.  

Who’s your favorite Jewish TV character?

This is like asking me my favorite child!! But I love a complex Jewish mom character. Robin Weigert’s Nechuma and Hadas Yaron’s Mila in “We Were the Lucky ones.” Lizzy Caplan’s Libby in “Fleishman Is In Trouble.” Netta Riskin’s Giti in “Shtisel.” I love them all.

What’s your most unpopular TV opinion?

I hate “Curb Your Enthusiasm.” That one has gotten me quite a lot of hate mail. Also I never finished watching “Buffy,” which is a thing that often surprises people who know me well.

Who/what is the worst Jewish representation on TV?

Ross Geller.

What’s your favorite TV show of all time?

“Veronica Mars” and “Veep.” 

What’s the last thing you watched?

My daughter is doing a school project on octopuses, so we watched the new Disney Plus octopus documentary featuring Paul Rudd. I didn’t realize I needed to hear Paul Rudd narrate a fight between a crab and a coconut octopus, but I really, really did. 

Who’s your favorite Jewish TV character?

This is controversial, but I loved Ben Gross in “Never Have I Ever.” Will he also be my answer for the upcoming question “who is the worst Jewish representation on TV?” Maybe! Do I still love him? Yes. 

What’s your most unpopular TV opinion?

I never finished “Gilmore Girls.” I guess that’s not an opinion but it does horrify people. 

Who/what is the worst Jewish representation on TV?

Ross Geller.

What’s your favorite TV show of all time?

“Frasier” and “Jeopardy!” (NERD ALERT)

What’s the last thing you watched?

I’m currently watching the new season of “Hacks” — I am obsessed with the dynamic between Jean Smart (who guest starred in one episode of “Frasier,” just FYI) and Jewish comedian Hannah Einbinder. And the writing is just phenomenal. 

Who’s your favorite Jewish TV character?

Justice for Shoshanna Shapio from “Girls.” I think she was lowkey the funniest — and most reasonable — of all the Girls and I love hearing her talk about summer camp. I’d also like to shout-out two Jewish quasi-villains that I find just delightful: Paris Geller from “Gilmore Girls” and Lilith from “Cheers” and “Frasier” (how many times can she mention “Frasier” in this short questionnaire, you wonder?).

What’s your most unpopular TV opinion?

Period dramas are boring and make me very sleepy.

Who/what is the worst Jewish representation on TV?

Ross Geller.


Your turn! Share your answers to the TV club questionnaire in the comments and let’s do what we do best: argue.