Marvin Kitman (1929–2023) was an American author, journalist, and astute media critic. He is celebrated for his wit and insightful commentary on television and popular culture. His body of work reflects a profound understanding of the ever-changing television landscape and its influence on American society.
Born to Russian Jewish immigrants in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Kitman initially attended Baruch College in New York City. He later transferred to the City College of New York, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts (1953.) During his time at City College, he refined his writing skills through contributions to the student newspaper, The Ticker.
From 1969 to 1991, Kitman served as the television critic for Newsday, writing 5,786 columns that showcased his sharp and humorous reviews. His critiques were influential, championing groundbreaking shows like All in the Family, Seinfeld, and Monty Python’s Flying Circus, while fearlessly criticizing others. In 1982, Kitman was recognized as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize for criticism.
Kitman wrote George Washington’s Expense Account (1970,) a nonfiction work featuring a facsimile of President Washington’s ledger detailing personal and military expenses. In The Making of the Prefident 1789 (1989,) Kitman explored the political maneuvers behind Washington’s nonpartisan election, using an unorthodox spelling to satirize the writing style of the era.
In The Man Who Would Not Shut Up: The Rise of Bill O’Reilly (2007,) Kitman critically examined the controversial television personality Bill O’Reilly, providing insights into the media landscape and political commentary. Other notable works include The Number One Best Seller: The True Adventures of Marvin Kitman (1966) and Gullible’s Travels: A Comical History of the Trump Era (2020.)
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by Marvin Kitman
If God wanted us to be brave, why did He give us legs?
—Marvin Kitman
Topics: Courage
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