Amanda M. Castro is a Network TV writer at Collider and a New York–based journalist whose work has appeared in Newsweek, where she contributes as a Live Blog Editor, and The U.S. Sun, where she previously served as a Senior Consumer Reporter.
She specializes in network television coverage, delivering sharp, thoughtful analysis of long-running procedural hits and ambitious new dramas across broadcast TV. At Collider, Amanda explores character arcs, storytelling trends, and the cultural impact of network series that keep audiences tuning in week after week.
Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Amanda is bilingual and holds a degree in Communication, Film, and Media Studies from the University of New Haven.
Apple TV has had no shortage of critical hits in recent years, but few series have caught on with critics as quickly as Widow’s Bay. Less than two months after making its debut, Katie Dippold’s horror comedy has emerged as one of the biggest success stories of the television season, tying for the most nominations at the 42nd Television Critics Association Awards with five nods. No other show received more, with Heated Rivalry and Industry also finishing atop the field.
The breadth of support may be even more impressive than the total itself. Widow’s Bay landed nominations for Program of the Year, Outstanding Achievement in Comedy, and Outstanding New Program, while stars Kate O’Flynn and Matthew Rhys both earned recognition in the Individual Achievement in Comedy category. For a series that premiered less than two months ago, it’s a remarkable showing and another sign that the Apple TV newcomer has quickly become one of television’s most talked-about series.
This year’s TCA Awards also mark an expansion for the organization, which introduced new categories honoring animation and international series. Winners will be announced later this summer, but the nominations themselves paint a clear picture of what resonated most with critics during the 2025-2026 television season. Alongside Widow’s Bay, returning favorites like Hacks and The Pitt remained major players, while newcomers including Margo’s Got Money Troubles, The Lowdown, and Alien: Earth also found themselves among the nominees.
Below is the list of 2026 Television Critics Association nominees:
Stay tuned to Collider for continuing coverage of the TCA Awards, including the latest news and updates on this year's nominees.
