Tell-Tale TV Celebrates 5 Years!

I’m about to get very sentimental, my friends. Why? Because it’s Tell-Tale TV’s fifth birthday.

Before it was Tell-Tale TV, it was a personal blog of various forms that focused on television. It was more than just something fun to do with my free time — it gave me joy. I found that writing about television was my passion.  

The more I wrote, I began to develop a vision. I wanted to create something bigger. I wanted to create a space for analytical writing that celebrated television in a powerful way. And I wanted to create a community. Because what brings people together more than talking about television? 

The launch of Tell-Tale TV started small on November 8th, 2014. I had no idea how much the site would grow or what it would become. 

So I’m in awe of the fact that five years later, Tell-Tale TV is so much bigger than I could have imagined it would be. I’m immensely proud of the content we’ve been able to produce, and I feel lucky that I get to work with such an incredible team of writers. All of them are not only wonderful people, but they are as passionate about television as I am.

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None of this would be possible without our fabulous editorial team — including Managing Editor Allison Nichols, Associate Editor Caralynn Lippo, Associate Editor Lauren Busser, and Editorial Assistant Alicia Gilstorf — or without our Social Media Specialist, Samantha Coley.

I’d also like to mention some of Tell-Tale’s previous editors as they helped shape the site from the beginning: Amanda Coyne, Lindsay MacDonald, Lissete Lanuza Sáenz, and Christine Laskodi.

This journey has also been just an absolute blast. I love working with these people and traveling to events to cover television. I love discussing my favorite shows in excruciating detail. And I love interacting with the community that I hoped to create from the start.

That includes our readers, who also share that passion and who we obviously would not exist without. So I want to say thank you to all of you for allowing us to share our discussions of television with you on a daily basis. 

After all, talking about television isn’t always just a light conversation. Discussions about TV can, and often do, lead to deeper discussions about representation, relationships, mental health, and so much more.

It’s not just entertainment. It’s necessary. So I’m proud to put out content that analyzes the stories that get us talking about meaningful topics. I’m also proud to put out content that is a little lighter and that lets us all have some fun.

I could go on and on here, but instead, read what some of the other Tell-Tale TV members wanted to say:

I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to properly describe how much Tell-Tale TV has meant to me. It’s introduced me to so many wonderful people and given me a great group of friends. Since joining Tell-Tale, I’ve grown a lot as a writer, editor, and a person. Happy 5th anniversary, Tell-Tale TV; I can’t wait to see where the next 5 years takes us. – Allison Nichols

What makes Tell-Tale TV different from the thousands of other independently owned and operated TV-focused websites out there? It’s the sense of community the team has developed, fostered, and nurtured over the last five years. I’ve written and edited for several other sites, and I can genuinely say that there’s nothing out there quite like Tell-Tale. Everyone is so genuinely passionate about TV, take great care in covering it fairly (and critically, when necessary), and strives to get better at writing about it every single day. So, happy 5th anniversary, Tell-Tale — and here’s to many more! – Caralynn Lippo

I joined Tell-Tale TV in 2016 because I wanted to find my own voice. I found a community of supportive editors who genuinely wanted me to get better at my writing. Over the years, it’s been amazing to see how the site has grown and I am happy to be in the team as we celebrate its fifth birthday! – Lauren Busser

Happy 5th Birthday, Tell-Tale TV! I will forever be celebrating the fact that this publication allows me to talk about TV every week and connect with people who love to do the same. Here’s to many more years of celebrating the good, the bad, and the bizarre of today’s television! – Alicia Gilstorf

Happy Birthday, Tell-Tale TV! I am so happy to have been a part of this team for four of those five years. Getting to write about television and share my thoughts about how fiction can impact our lives here has been a true honor. To many more! – Samantha Coley

Happy Birthday, Tell-Tale TV! I’ve been with the site since 2017 and it has been such a rewarding experience. I’m so proud to be a part of the Tell-Tale team! Here’s to many more! – Erin Allen

Tell-Tale TV has changed my life. Tell-Tale is a community where we agree TV matters and we celebrate how fun it is to be all about the small screen. I’ve also had unforgettable moments connecting with actors, writers, and TV creatives. I love you Tell-Tale TV! – Janelle McCammack

Happy birthday, Tell-Tale TV! Congratulations on 5 years of being home to TV nerds who love to write about all things TV on a weekly basis. I’m glad I’ve been able to join in on the fun with people who share the same love and excitement I do, and that my writing has been able to call Tell-Tale home. – Brianna Martinez

I came to Tell-Tale TV from another site when it closed, and have loved being part of this community ever since. Five years is a long time in the television world– I wish my favorite shows would last so long! It’s been great helping bring reviews and more to all our readers. Thanks for making it so fun! – Caitlin Wyneken

I joined Tell-Tale TV back in November of 2017 to work on bettering my skills as a writer. I thought it would help if I could write about shows I love. What I never expected was the feeling of family and community I have found through this job. I’ve allowed myself to not only grow as a writer — some of my pieces being read by actors and showrunners alike — but also as a person. Happy Birthday to a wonderful website and family. – Mary Misasi

When I started writing for Tell-Tale, I saw it as just a job I could take to expand my TV coverage. I’ve since gained a family that shares my passion, and that’s irreplaceable. I love the unique opportunities we get to interview actors and the fact that there is always room to grow as a writer here. We’re encouraged, not judged. – Esme Mazzeo

Writing for Tell-Tale TV means overcoming personal obstacles and achieving my dreams. Over the years, I have stretched myself out of my comfort zone and lifted myself to newer and better heights. Working with Ashley and the rest of the crew has helped me in unimaginable ways. It has given me the chance to not only put myself out into the real world, but my writing as well. Thanks for always pushing me to be better. – Charles E. Henning

While I’ve been at Tell-Tale TV for a relatively short period of its five years, it has been a wonderful reminder of the passion that television provides, and the joy that it can bring finding a new favorite with those who love the medium just as much. The hard work being done at the site is inspiring to see every day. Here’s to many more years ahead with the talented team of writers and faithful readers! – Kevin Lever

I love writing for Tell-Tale TV because it gives me the opportunity to write about one of things I’m most passionate about: TELEVISION! Whether it’s interviewing a star or creator on a red carpet, or writing a review from my desk, I’m honored to be able to be a member of this team. The best part is getting to do that alongside insightful and incredibly kind people, many of whom I count as some of my best friends! Happy 5th Birthday, Tell-Tale TV! I can’t wait to celebrate many, many more! – Christine Laskodi

Thanks to everyone who has been a part of this journey with us. Here’s to more years of passionate television discussion!

– Ashley Bissette Sumerel, Editor-in-Chief of Tell-Tale TV

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