Inside The New Yorker at 100 Documentary

As The New Yorker marks its 100th anniversary, The New Yorker at 100 offers an intimate portrait of one of America’s most respected and enduring publications. Directed and produced by Academy Award winner Marshall Curry (The Neighbors’ Window, A Night at the Garden), this new documentary grants audiences unprecedented access to the magazine’s editors, writers, illustrators, and vast archives. It captures the creative energy and editorial rigor that have made The New Yorker a cultural touchstone for an entire century.

The film follows editor David Remnick and his talented staff as they prepare one of the most significant issues in the magazine’s history: its centennial edition. Viewers are taken inside the magazine’s bustling downtown headquarters, as well as into the homes and creative spaces of its contributors across New York City. Narrated by Julianne Moore, the documentary explores how The New Yorker has chronicled politics, culture, and society through words and art that have defined generations.

At a time when long-form journalism faces financial and cultural challenges, The New Yorker at 100 shines a light on the magazine’s commitment to accuracy, depth, and storytelling. Featuring rare archival footage and new interviews with celebrated contributors such as Hilton Als, Roz Chast, and Ronan Farrow, as well as devoted readers and admirers including Jesse Eisenberg, Ronny Chieng, and Molly Ringwald, the film celebrates both its rich legacy and its vibrant present.

To me, as someone who still reads magazines, The New Yorker stands as one of the greatest expressions of human intelligence and creativity. Even after a century, the magazine continues to thrive through its books, podcasts, and insightful journalism. Some may question its relevance today, yet The New Yorker remains a vital part of our cultural landscape. Its cartoons have become timeless, and generations of remarkable writers have launched their careers within its pages.

From its golden age to its modern incarnation, The New Yorker has always reflected the rhythm of humanity, capturing both the triumphs and the trials of our times. Reaching one hundred years in print is no small feat; it is a testament to the publication’s enduring voice and unwavering dedication to excellence. What keeps it alive after all this time is its commitment to truth, wit, and the written word.

Throughout its history, The New Yorker has been home to some of the most influential voices in literature and journalism. Its contributors include Hannah Arendt, James Baldwin, Truman Capote, Rachel Carson, J.D. Salinger, Alice Munro, Vladimir Nabokov, Shirley Jackson, Haruki Murakami, and Malcolm Gladwell; writers who helped define modern thought and storytelling. The magazine also featured celebrated artists such as Charles Addams and Constantin Alajalov, whose distinctive styles shaped the visual identity of The New Yorker and left an indelible mark on American culture.

From the meticulous fact-checking department to the spirited story meetings and the distinctive cartoon selection process, The New Yorker at 100 reveals the humor, intellect, and artistic passion that continue to define one of the world’s most influential magazines.

Netflix will bring this legacy to life through a new documentary that opens the doors to this influential institution. In a world where words are too often treated as commodities in social media, The New Yorker reminds us that language still holds power, depth, and meaning. More than ever, we need its thoughtful voice to guide us through an age of noise and distraction, reminding us that curiosity, creativity, and intellect are still worth celebrating.

Produced by Marshall Curry and Xan Parker, with executive producers Judd Apatow, Josh Church, Helen Estabrook, Sarah Amos, and Michael Bonfiglio, The New Yorker at 100 is a collaboration between Marshall Curry Productions and Apatow Productions. The documentary will stream on Netflix, offering viewers an exclusive look at the making of one of America’s most iconic magazines. Stay tuned for more updates leading up to its highly anticipated premiere on December 5.