Lauren Rothery's 'Television'
Lauren Rothery talks about her new novel "Television," the current state of Hollywood, and why she thinks television is a good metaphor for romance.
By LARB Radio HourJanuary 23, 2026
:quality(75)/https%3A%2F%2Fassets.lareviewofbooks.org%2Fuploads%2FRH_Rothery.png)
Listen to the episode
Lauren Rothery's 'Television'
00:00/00:00
Did you know LARB is a reader-supported nonprofit?
LARB publishes daily without a paywall as part of our mission to make rigorous, incisive, and engaging writing on every aspect of literature, culture, and the arts freely accessible to the public. Help us continue this work with your tax-deductible donation today!
Medaya Ocher is joined by writer Lauren Rothery to discuss her novel Television, which follows an aging movie star named Verity, his on and off lover Helen, and Phoebe a screenwriter and filmmaker. One day, on a whim, Verity decides to hold a lottery, giving away his earnings from a massive superhero movie to one lucky filmgoer. Rothery discusses the relationship between failure and success, the current state of Hollywood and why she thinks television is a good metaphor for romance.
If you want more of Television, don't miss our book club on January 28, 2026, at 6 p.m. PT on Zoom. Log in to your account before registering for the discussion here.
Subscribe on Podcasts | Spotify | SoundCloud
Do you love listening to the LARB Radio Hour? Support the production of this weekly podcast on books, art, and culture. Donate today.
LARB Contributor
The LARB Radio Hour is hosted by Eric Newman, Medaya Ocher, and Kate Wolf.
Did you know LARB is a reader-supported nonprofit?
LARB publishes daily without a paywall as part of our mission to make rigorous, incisive, and engaging writing on every aspect of literature, culture, and the arts freely accessible to the public. Help us continue this work with your tax-deductible donation today!