I think one of the big differences critics and general viewing audiences is the amount of media consumed and how it effects their views. Over time the bar of excellence goes ever higher and the tolerance for the good, mediocre, and bad becomes less.
Most Millenials know the song, "Flagpole Sitta" by Harvey Danger, for instance, but how many people know "Problems and Bigger Ones" off of the same album, or "Jack the Lion"?
"Closing Time" by Semisonic is in the same vein, but on the same album is, "Secret Smile", "Singing in my Sleep" and "Gone to the Movies". Great songs that can totally stand on their own but most people hear the hit, enjoy it, and move on, never realizing how much musical depth they're missing.
Think I have the Semisonic CD around here somewhere... might dust it off. ;-)