On Sunday, March 30, 2025, the Claire T. Carney Library Association will welcome former Boston Globe television critic Matthew Gilbert for a talk, followed by a question-and-answer conversation with Gilbert on his insights into the world of television.
Since 1987, Boston Globe readers enjoyed Gilbert’s features on books, television, movies, and pop culture. When his weekly column focused on television in 1997, he reviewed such popular shows as “Deadwood,” “NYPD: Blue,” “The Sopranos,” “Six Feet Under,” and countless others. As television shifted to cable and streaming services, Gilbert explored outstanding shows that were now able to create deeper, more complex characters, calling “Breaking Bad” the second-best TV series ever. His column curated a viewing list for readers and thoughtfully analyzed the plot lines, characters, and cliffhangers that become discussion topics for many fans.
Gilbert holds an M.A. in English literature from the University of New Hampshire where he was the managing editor of the bimonthly arts magazine, Boston Review, from 1981-1986. He also served as managing editor of a national magazine, The New Age Journal, from 1986-1987 and has contributed articles for Slate, Esquire.com, San Francisco Chronicle, Parade and Bark. His book, Off the Leash: A Year at the Dog Park, was published by St. Martin’s Press in 2014. Gilbert has also interviewed actors, writers, authors, and celebrities including Shirley MacLaine, Meryl Streep, John Travolta, David Foster Wallace, Richard Ford, and Barbara Kingsolver. Gilbert’s column ran in the Boston Globe until 2024. He continues to write, working as a freelancer and developing a second book.
A Q&A and light refreshments will follow his talk.
Register for the event through the Alumni & Friends Site.
A $10 donation is suggested and will support the Claire T. Carney Library Associates programming and special projects for the library.
Free parking is available on campus in lot 13.
For more information, please contact Susan Ahearn at sahearn@umassd.edu.
