Veteran TV Movie Critic Jan Wahl Reflects on Her Storied Career

From her start on local TV to lecturing on cruise ships, the Emmy-winning broadcaster shares highlights of her decades-long journey in the entertainment industry.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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In a conversation with her friend Adam Kent, veteran TV movie critic Jan Wahl discusses her transition from the world of film to television, her signature gimmick of rating movies with hats, and the high points of her storied career, including winning two Emmy Awards and sharing the stage with her mother at the ceremony.

Why it matters

As one of the longest-running and most recognizable TV movie critics, Jan Wahl's career provides a unique window into the evolution of entertainment journalism and the changing landscape of the film industry over the past several decades. Her story also highlights the importance of personal connections and embracing one's own quirky style to stand out in a competitive field.

The details

Wahl's love of television started at a young age when she became enamored with the news program 60 Minutes. She got her first taste of broadcasting in high school, appearing as a student on a local TV station. Her big break came in her 20s when a radio DJ liked her movie reviews and kept putting her on the air. This led to a 22-year run as a movie critic on KRON-TV, where she became known for her signature gimmick of rating films with hats. Wahl also had the opportunity to interview many stars and celebrities, including a memorable meeting with Mel Brooks. In addition to her TV work, Wahl has lectured about Hollywood history on cruise ships and currently teaches classes at the University of San Francisco.

  • Wahl appeared as a student on KTLA in high school.
  • Wahl started doing movie reviews on the radio in her 20s.
  • Wahl worked as a movie critic on KRON-TV for 22 years.
  • Wahl met Mel Brooks and interviewed him in his office.
  • Wahl started lecturing on cruise ships about Hollywood history.

The players

Jan Wahl

A veteran TV movie critic and Hollywood historian who has had a long career in entertainment journalism, including winning two Emmy Awards.

Adam Kent

A friend of Jan Wahl who interviewed her about her career transition from film to television.

Mel Brooks

An acclaimed filmmaker and comedian who invited Wahl to interview him in his office.

Troy Donahue

An actor whom Wahl interviewed during her lecture series on cruise ships, and with whom she became good friends.

Sandra Dee

An actress whom Wahl and Marc Huestis put together an unforgettable night with at The Castro Theater.

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What they’re saying

“The song 'You Gotta Have a Gimmick' from the musical Gypsy helped me decide to wear hats. I would rate movies with four hats being the highest. Pretty soon, people were yelling out of their cars, 'Hey, Wahl, how many hats does this movie get?'”

— Jan Wahl, TV Movie Critic

“I knew they were going to call my name, so I turned to her and said, 'I am going to thank you, because you were always there for me.' She grabbed my arm in that 'mother way' and said, 'Don't thank me; thank your boss. I will always be your mother.'”

— Jan Wahl, TV Movie Critic

What’s next

Wahl plans to continue teaching her popular film history classes at the University of San Francisco, as well as giving lectures on cruise ships about the golden age of Hollywood.

The takeaway

Jan Wahl's long and successful career as a TV movie critic and Hollywood historian demonstrates the power of embracing one's unique personality and passions to stand out in a crowded field. Her story also highlights the importance of nurturing personal connections and giving back to the community, which have been key to her enduring success.