Remembering Louise Cousineau: Iconic TV Critic and Feminist Advocate

Iconic television critic Louise Cousineau passed away at the age of 86 due to health complications. Her career spanned several decades, working for publications like La Presse, Le Petit Journal, La Patrie, and TV Hebdo. Cousineau’s sharp critiques and love for television made her a prominent figure in the industry.

In interviews, Cousineau expressed her passion for television criticism, stating that she found her niche in a field that was not widely covered by Francophone newspapers. Over the years, she admitted to being overly harsh in her reviews at times, reflecting on her evolution as a critic.

Known for her love of local TV dramas, Cousineau often highlighted shows like Les filles de Caleb and praised performances, such as Mélissa Désormeaux-Poulin’s role in Rupture. She was a mother, grandmother, and a devoted dog lover, known for adopting a pet through Julie Snyder‘s show L’enfer c’est nous autres on Radio-Canada.

Julie Snyder, a close friend of Cousineau, described her as a powerful figure in the media landscape. Former colleagues, including Vincent Marissal and Claire Samson, reminisced about her strong presence and unwavering honesty. Cousineau was applauded for her feminist advocacy and support for women in television.

Tributes poured in on social media following the news of Cousineau’s passing. Figures like Bernard Drainville, Bruno Boutot, and Stéphane Laporte praised her influence and contribution to television criticism. Cousineau’s legacy as a trailblazer in the industry remains unparalleled.