The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics
The Honest Broker 32315 implied HN points 24 Jun 25
  1. People are now gravitating towards longform content, like movies and videos, instead of shorter clips. This shows that audiences want deeper, more engaging experiences.
  2. Experts have miscalculated trends, thinking that shorter content is the future. However, the audience's preference for longer, immersive storytelling is proving them wrong.
  3. The rise of longform content represents a cultural shift, with audiences rejecting quick, addictive media in favor of richer experiences that build lasting connections.
The Honest Broker 25799 implied HN points 20 Jun 25
  1. The entertainment industry is increasingly relying on old ideas instead of creating new ones. Nowadays, a large portion of movies and music comes from remakes or older content.
  2. This trend isn't just in movies; music streaming shows a similar pattern where most songs played are older hits, reflecting a shift from new to past favorites.
  3. People are getting tired of the same old stuff, and this won't last forever. The entertainment industry needs to focus on fresh, original content to keep audiences engaged.
The Honest Broker 8810 implied HN points 18 Jun 25
  1. Silicon Valley companies like TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook are making a lot of money from videos, often using content that isn't theirs. This raises questions about the legality of these practices.
  2. While a parent faced copyright issues putting a video of their child online, these platforms allow users to share stolen content without trouble. It seems unfair that big companies overlook larger violations but enforce rules strictly on individuals.
  3. The endless scrolling of videos on these platforms relies on old clips and copyrighted material, creating a cycle of content that profits Silicon Valley, even if it comes from illegal sources. They benefit without directly paying the original creators.
The Honest Broker 10273 implied HN points 15 Jun 25
  1. The Washington Post is considering working with Substack to feature some of its writers. This shows a change in how traditional media views newer platforms.
  2. There is a trend where gamblers are now betting on music hits, similar to how sports betting works. People analyze song trends mathematically to make predictions.
  3. Beauty in art is a controversial topic, and the author challenges common views. There’s a suggestion that we should appreciate beauty beyond just its monetary value.
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SatPost by Trung Phan 69 implied HN points 28 Feb 25
  1. Magnus Carlsen, a top chess player, emphasizes that enjoying the game is key to his success. He believes that treating chess as a fun hobby rather than a job helps him perform better.
  2. David Deutsch's 'fun criterion' suggests that feeling enjoyment during an activity can be a powerful guide for decision-making and problem-solving. It's about aligning your conscious and unconscious ideas to find what truly matters.
  3. Choosing paths based on fun can lead to greater fulfillment and creativity. Many people, including successful figures, often overlook enjoyment in their choices, which can lead to dissatisfaction.
Freddie deBoer 3743 implied HN points 19 Jun 25
  1. The movie '28 Days Later' changed zombies from slow, traditional creatures to fast, scary ones. This shift makes the horror feel more immediate and intense.
  2. Most modern zombie stories now explain zombies as a result of a virus, moving away from the idea of supernatural resurrection. Many people miss the spooky appeal of classic, magic-based zombies.
  3. Fast zombie stories often focus on finding cures and dealing with infections, which can make the plot feel less about true zombie horror and more like a medical crisis. Fans of classic zombies argue that supernatural elements add depth and charm.
Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter 3194 implied HN points 27 May 25
  1. Posting on social media during special events is becoming more common, like sharing TikToks during weddings. It shows how people want to capture and share their experiences instantly.
  2. Many businesses are emerging that cater to social media trends, including apps and services that help users create content. This highlights the shift in how we engage with technology and events.
  3. There's a growing trend of influencers and content creators blending personal life with their online presence. It reflects a cultural change where private moments become public content for entertainment.
Gideon's Substack 7 implied HN points 02 Mar 25
  1. Oscar movies often don't match personal taste, despite their prestige. It's interesting how we expect serious films to be good but sometimes they aren't.
  2. Some films gain Oscar nominations for political reasons rather than quality, and this can lead to unexpected viewer reactions.
  3. The film industry is changing, with fewer mid-budget, serious films being made, which affects what audiences are excited to see. Maybe it's time to wish for better films that speak to a wider audience.
THREE SEVEN MAFIA 579 implied HN points 23 Oct 24
  1. Rob Zombie's version of 'Halloween' presents a more human and demonic Michael Myers, giving depth to his character as he deals with abuse and violence.
  2. The portrayal of Dr. Loomis is twisted, showing him as a con man looking to profit from Michael's killings, which reflects modern culture's obsession with crime and entertainment.
  3. The film 'Lifeforce' offers a unique blend of sci-fi and horror with its storyline about energy vampires, featuring impressive special effects and an adventurous feel despite being a commercial flop.
Culture Study 5988 implied HN points 12 Jan 25
  1. Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni became part of a media storm over their movie 'It Ends With Us'. Each accused the other of bad behavior on set, shaping how people saw them, especially online.
  2. TikTok has a huge influence on how celebrities are perceived today. Unlike traditional media, TikTok users create narratives that can quickly spread and affect a celebrity's image.
  3. The power of publicity in Hollywood is shifting. Celebrities can now use social media to shape their narratives, but they can also fall victim to online campaigns that expose their flaws, as seen with Lively.
Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky 140 implied HN points 25 Feb 25
  1. Influencers have taken over discussions today. They often share quick opinions that get a lot of attention, even if those opinions are not deeply informed.
  2. People tend to prefer simple, catchy content over complex, researched information. This makes it easy to overlook true expertise in favor of what's entertaining.
  3. We should be more careful about who we listen to and take time to really think about topics. It's important to look for real knowledge instead of just popular opinions.
The Intrinsic Perspective 40345 implied HN points 10 Jan 25
  1. Big tech companies are doing shady things that can harm users, like creating fake music and using bots to engage with people. This shows a troubling trend toward prioritizing profit over real human connection.
  2. Kids' shows and adult films are being dumbed down to keep viewers engaged without paying full attention. This shift is making entertainment less meaningful and more mindless.
  3. There's a lack of strong critiques about how our media consumption is changing us, and we need more artists to call out these issues. Understanding the risks of being overly entertained is important to avoid a dystopian future.
The Take (by Jon Miltimore) 356 implied HN points 22 Oct 24
  1. Cynthia Erivo reacted strongly to a fan's edited poster of 'Wicked', claiming it was offensive and degraded her. Many thought her response was an overreaction and not necessary.
  2. This kind of response from Hollywood actors is becoming more common. Some stars seem to let their egos get too big, which can harm their own films.
  3. There's a growing trend where people in entertainment see themselves as victims of oppression. This makes it hard to enjoy their work when they focus on perceived grievances instead of celebrating their art.
THREE SEVEN MAFIA 759 implied HN points 15 Oct 24
  1. Phantasm II is a sequel that captures the essence of the 1980s horror trend. It's a fun film with great action where the characters fight against a powerful evil entity.
  2. Henry: Portrait of a Serial Killer is a dark and brutal film that portrays the reality of serial murder without glamorizing it. It's a raw look at a killer's life and actions.
  3. Prince of Darkness blends horror and science fiction in a unique way. It explores deep themes while maintaining a creepy atmosphere, making it a standout John Carpenter film.
Culture Study 1654 implied HN points 28 Jan 25
  1. There's a new series where people share about their work lives and how they manage their time. It will help others learn how different professionals organize their days.
  2. The focus is on understanding how people protect their time and handle tasks like emails. This can give useful insights for managing one's own work.
  3. Participants will do their interviews using Google Docs, making it easy for everyone to share and read their experiences.
The Sub Club Newsletter 158 implied HN points 25 Oct 24
  1. Editors are looking for fresh New Year's stories and pitches, especially in January. You can share unique takes on resolutions or fun ways to celebrate the holiday.
  2. Now is a good time to pitch 'Best Of' lists for 2024. If you have creative ideas that aren't typical, editors would be interested in those topics.
  3. There are 18 new paid writing opportunities available from various publications. Writers can explore topics in travel, culture, and more for potential income.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 853 implied HN points 14 Jun 25
  1. Sabrina Carpenter's new album cover sparked a lot of debate online. Some people felt it was empowering, while others thought it was degrading.
  2. There's a contrast between Carpenter's past as a Disney star and her current provocative image. This shift raises questions about how we view female artists in pop culture.
  3. The discussion about the album cover highlights broader conversations about feminism and sexuality. It shows how art can challenge traditional views and provoke strong opinions.
Culture Study 2231 implied HN points 21 Jan 25
  1. People are feeling overwhelmed by negative news and events. It's tough to stay positive when everything seems so heavy and scary.
  2. Discussing feelings and finding community can help ease the weight of these emotions. Connecting with others can bring comfort during hard times.
  3. There will be an advice session focused on culture and community. Sharing experiences can be an antidote to the negativity.
Austin Kleon 6614 implied HN points 02 Aug 24
  1. Being in a state of flow is key to happiness, as it helps us focus fully on what we love doing. This idea connects both athletes and artists, showing how engagement with our passions can bring joy.
  2. The Olympics brings out strong emotions in us, as we witness athletes pushing their limits. However, there’s a contrast between the real-life experiences of these athletes and the commercial push for technology and AI.
  3. Creative work often requires us to not overthink. Many athletes express that letting go of thoughts is what helps them perform better, which can also apply to how we approach creativity in our everyday lives.
TK News by Matt Taibbi 6913 implied HN points 16 Dec 24
  1. Ketanji Brown Jackson became the first Supreme Court Justice to perform on Broadway. This was a special and historic moment for both her and the theater.
  2. She made a surprise appearance in a fun musical called '& Juliet,' which offers a twist on the classic Romeo and Juliet story. It's a modern and playful take that focuses on female empowerment.
  3. The musical is described as a campy satire, blending humor with social themes. It aims to challenge traditional narratives, making it memorable and possibly polarizing for audiences.
Silver Bulletin 249 implied HN points 19 Feb 25
  1. The NBA All-Star Game has seen declining competitive play, with fewer fouls and lower stakes making it less exciting for fans.
  2. A proposed 3-on-3 tournament features All-Stars lined up by their NBA teams to create chemistry and pride, potentially improving game intensity.
  3. Changing the format to emphasize personal pride and fun might make the All-Star event more enjoyable and engaging for both players and fans.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 1057 implied HN points 09 Jun 25
  1. Coleman Hughes is a thoughtful and clear thinker on tough topics like race and politics. His insights, especially in uncertain times, are really valuable.
  2. His podcast 'Conversations with Coleman' features discussions on a variety of important subjects, starting with his first episode that includes a talk about God and criticism of the Free Press.
  3. New episodes of his podcast are released every Monday, available on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts, making it easy to listen regularly.
Why is this interesting? 844 implied HN points 27 May 25
  1. Being intentional about what media you consume can help you enjoy it more. Switching to an iPad Mini for reading apps made a big difference.
  2. Watching YouTube can be fun, especially for product, car reviews, and live music. It’s important to give feedback to the apps to avoid unwanted content.
  3. Reading books can offer new perspectives and laughs. It's nice to create a cozy reading environment, like a comfy chair and coffee in the mornings.
Internal exile 24 implied HN points 28 Feb 25
  1. _Mystery Science Theater 3000_ shows how hard it is to make entertainment and how we often work hard to be entertained. It highlights the struggle of connecting with media while feeling isolated.
  2. While _MST3K_ creates a sense of audience community, it does so by presenting the viewer as an elite critic, which can feel misleading and isolating. It’s like enjoying something ironically rather than being part of the actual story.
  3. _Gogglebox_ offers a different vibe by showing regular people watching TV together, making fun of it in a relatable way. It portrays shared experiences and light-hearted skepticism, focusing on connection rather than competition for attention.
Infinitely More 15 implied HN points 17 Jun 25
  1. Connect Four is a game where players try to get four of their coins in a row, either horizontally, vertically, or diagonally. The game shows that the first player has a winning strategy if they play perfectly.
  2. The concept of an infinite version of Connect Four allows for interesting variations, like playing on an infinite board. This leads to questions about how long winning chains players can aim to create.
  3. With infinite possibilities, players might aspire to create very long winning combinations, even infinite chains. This expands the game beyond traditional limits and invites deeper strategic thinking.
The Honest Broker 30220 implied HN points 18 Dec 24
  1. The gap between mainstream media and fringe content is closing. People now watch popular streamers and influencers way more than traditional news outlets.
  2. Legacy media companies are struggling and may not survive unless billionaires buy them. Many journalists might find it tough to work in this environment.
  3. The rise of alternative media is changing the game for all creative industries. In the future, small teams or solo creators might take on major companies in music, movies, and games.
Common Sense with Bari Weiss 876 implied HN points 07 Jun 25
  1. Technology is becoming more involved in everyday life, especially in cities like New York. It's changing how people interact and live.
  2. There are ongoing conflicts and competitions within the tech world. These rivalries can impact innovation and the development of new technologies.
  3. Cultural figures like Jesse Armstrong and Taylor Swift also influence discussions in the tech space. Their actions and statements add to the broader conversation about technology and society.
Rob Henderson's Newsletter 757 implied HN points 20 May 25
  1. Even with new technologies, people in America aren’t feeling happier overall. Our social lives are falling apart, which seems to take away from any advances we might have made.
  2. Babies need to be close to their caregivers to feel secure, a trait built into us over thousands of years. They often have trouble sleeping alone because of this natural instinct.
  3. Younger people today seem to have a more negative view of certain groups compared to older generations. This shows a shift in attitudes over time that might be concerning.
Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky 121 implied HN points 22 Feb 25
  1. Scientists are tracking a fast radio burst from a dead galaxy. This challenges what we thought we knew about how these signals can happen.
  2. A new blood test called PAC-MANN could help find pancreatic cancer earlier. Early detection can really improve treatment outcomes for patients.
  3. Chocolate prices are going up because of bad weather and disease affecting cocoa production in West Africa. This means chocolate bars may get smaller or more expensive.
The Honest Broker 21776 implied HN points 28 Dec 24
  1. In 2025, many companies will start their own podcasts, using them to promote themselves like infomercials. So get ready for your boss to ask you to help with that.
  2. The way businesses connect with clients is changing; some are now using podcasts as a sneaky way to hold meetings. It seems to work because people are curious when asked to join a podcast.
  3. Media companies that once tried to compete with independent platforms like Substack are now copying their model. This shows a huge shift in how content is being delivered and consumed.
Both Are True 248 implied HN points 09 Jun 25
  1. There is too much noise and content in the world right now. It might be good for everyone to take a break and just quiet down for a bit.
  2. People often feel pressure to keep up or perform well with their work, especially online. It's exhausting to always be judged by numbers and reactions.
  3. Creativity should be about real expression, not just catering to what will get likes and shares. It's important to focus on speaking your truth instead.
Jérôme à Paris 72 implied HN points 18 Feb 25
  1. I recently spoke at two different events: one about offshore wind finance and another on renewable energy investment.
  2. The presentation on offshore wind finance can be found on YouTube, but it's in French.
  3. The podcast on renewable energy investment is available in English and discusses how investors can approach this market.
The Honest Broker 121016 implied HN points 18 Feb 24
  1. The entertainment industry is facing challenges like Disney in crisis, Paramount laying off employees, and a decline in TV shows, showing a shift towards a post-entertainment culture.
  2. The culture is transitioning towards a focus on distraction and addiction, with tech platforms using stimuli to create addictive cycles, impacting people's brains and happiness levels.
  3. As our culture evolves into a dopamine-driven society, it becomes essential to be mindful of our consumption habits, unplug from technology at times, and appreciate the real world around us.
Disaffected Newsletter 499 implied HN points 17 Sep 24
  1. There were technical issues that caused half an hour of the show to be lost, including important debate analysis. The hosts plan to redo it and offer more content soon.
  2. Residents in Springfield, Ohio, are expressing concerns about a large influx of Haitian immigrants and how it affects their community.
  3. A guest discusses the issues of responsibility among gay men concerning health risks linked to promiscuity. The conversation highlights the need for awareness and personal accountability.
The Honest Broker 12035 implied HN points 05 Feb 25
  1. Louis Armstrong changed American music by creating new rhythms and melodies that had never been heard before. His unique trumpet playing and singing style influenced countless artists.
  2. Ricky Riccardi has been studying Louis Armstrong for years and has written a detailed biography telling Armstrong's life story in three parts. This highlights both Armstrong's early struggles and his rise to fame.
  3. Armstrong's move to Chicago was a significant turning point in his career. He felt nervous at first, but once he started playing music, his confidence grew, showing how talent can shine through even initial doubts.
The Honest Broker 18551 implied HN points 22 Dec 24
  1. It's tough to enjoy art when you know the artist has done bad things. People often wonder if listening to music or watching movies means they support those bad actions.
  2. There's a lot of gray area in cancel culture. Sometimes it's hard to decide if we should stop enjoying a particular artist because of their past, and it can feel overwhelming to investigate all the claims.
  3. The impact of one artist on a larger group, like a band or a film crew, complicates the issue further. Should everyone be punished if one person does something wrong?
Huddle Up 58 implied HN points 25 Jun 25
  1. Hollywood made an ambitious sports movie about Formula 1, spending $200 million on it. This shows how big the movie industry is getting into sports.
  2. Brad Pitt stars as a retired F1 driver in the film, bringing star power and excitement to the project.
  3. The film is directed by Joseph Kosinski and produced by Jerry Bruckheimer, highlighting strong talent behind the scenes.
The Honest Broker 25300 implied HN points 02 Nov 24
  1. Streaming subscription prices are increasing because companies are focusing on making more profit from fewer customers. They believe it's better to charge loyal users more instead of trying to attract new ones.
  2. The entertainment industry is cutting back on creating new content, which means we might see fewer movies and shows. This reduction is part of a strategy to maintain profits even as customer numbers decline.
  3. While big companies may struggle, this situation could open doors for indie creators. As larger companies shrink, new opportunities for creativity and innovation might arise for others.