AMC’s “The American Family on TV” is a three-part lecture series exploring the evolving portrayal of the American family on television, tracing its journey from postwar idealism to global cultural dominance, societal critique, and speculative futures. Beginning with the comforting rituals of the 1950s TV like Father Knows Best and I Love Lucy, it examines how shows like All in the Family challenged norms during the turbulent 1970s. It then follows American TV’s influence abroad, particularly in post-Soviet Russia with Alf and Santa Barbara. With The Simpsons, the family narrative veers into satire and then takes a step into darker explorations of family dynamics in The Sopranos and Breaking Bad. The series also delves into how families navigate genius, eccentricity, and horror in shows like Stranger Things and Rick & Morty, ultimately questioning what “family” even means in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape.
 

Schedule of Events:

Friday, June 6, 2025, 18:00 MSK: The XX Century 
XX century overview, from I Love Lucy to All in the Family and The Simpsons

Thursday, June 12, 2025, 18:00 MSK: Parents and Children
Twin Peaks, The Sopranos, and Breaking Bad

Friday, June 20, 2025, 18:00 MSK: Geniuses and Outsiders
Stranger Things, Rick and Morty, Young Sheldon, Wednesday, Malcolm in the Middle

About the presenter:

Nikolai Lvov is a Russian-American media critic and scholar with a strong record of facilitating cross-cultural engagement between the United States and Russia. He is currently working for the US Department of State as a content creator for the social media platforms of the US Embassy in Russia, where he highlights cultural and educational initiatives. He is also a video game journalist and writes reviews and essays about video games for various online platforms. With a background in academic research, Nikolai has presented at numerous scientific conferences, focusing on cinema and video games art forms. He has taught secondary and higher education and recently delivered a lecture on the representation of Russian culture in video games at the United Nations International School. His work on the cinematography of Orson Welles was published in the academic journal Art & Cultural Studies, and he is currently working on a Ph.D. thesis expanding on that research.

***

ALL AMERICAN CENTER IN MOSCOW EVENTS ARE FREE OF CHARGE / ALL EVENTS OF THE AMERICAN CENTER IN MOSCOW ARE FREE OF CHARGE

***

To watch this event live, tune in to the American Center in Moscow’s YouTube channel and VK page. You can also watch the recording of this event on the same platforms after the event’s end.

You can register below and leave your valid email address to receive a reminder 30 minutes before the online event begins.

To join other AMC Online programs, please check the American Center’s website and TimePad calendars.