The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

We've Never Seen TDS Like This - Online Left Devastated As David Ellison’s Paramount Wins Warner Bros Bidding War

Unmasked • 69 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Hollywood is overwhelmingly left-leaning, with many in the industry pushing progressive views and often sidelining conservative voices.
  2. David Ellison’s Paramount bid for Warner Bros. has provoked strong liberal backlash because he’s seen as more commercially focused, less overtly political, and linked in some ways to the right.
  3. There’s a common argument that politically driven content has alienated audiences and hurt studio finances, so shifting back to broad-appeal, non-ideological entertainment could help revive the industry.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 706 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. A single standout longform article can be flagged as a must-read and cut through the usual noise.
  2. Sharing a simple, nostalgic family recipe invites readers to try it and ties food to personal memories.
  3. Short weekly roundups that mix links and personal notes make a sustainable recurring format, with some items sometimes reserved for subscribers or seasonal breaks.

Queensbury Rules: Episode 181

Disaffected Newsletter • 559 implied HN points • 22 Jul 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. The show discusses the topic of cancel culture and invites listener comments. It's important to share your thoughts on it.
  2. The host wants to know what people think about cancel culture, showing engagement with the audience’s opinions.
  3. The newsletter is reader-supported, encouraging subscriptions to help continue the discussion and content.

Cross A Bob It’ll Cost Ya

Hung Up • 5051 implied HN points • 06 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Katt Williams gives blunt critiques of other comedians in a podcast interview.
  2. Williams is unapologetically funny and straightforward in his opinions.
  3. Having a bob like Katt Williams means you should think twice before crossing paths with someone.
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Can a Writers Strike Save Hollywood from Monopoly?

BIG by Matt Stoller • 53286 implied HN points • 14 May 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Hollywood is facing a crisis with streaming services struggling to profit while dominating the industry.
  2. Legal changes in the U.S. over the years have stripped independent producers of bargaining power, impacting the quality of content.
  3. The ongoing writers' strike highlights the need to address the structural issues in the industry caused by consolidation and lack of market signals.

The Platform Where Thousands of College Kids Can Livestream Their Dates

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1015 implied HN points • 01 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Twitter's new feature shows where accounts are from, revealing some right-wing accounts are actually not American. This raises questions about authenticity online.
  2. The feature has been seen as damaging to the right-wing online community, exposing fake accounts trying to gain attention and revenue.
  3. Influencers and tech writers are discussing how this change could impact social media and the understanding of what is real versus fake online.

Are The Publicists On Strike Too

Hung Up • 7763 implied HN points • 15 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The entertainment industry has been affected by strikes of writers and actors, leading to a standstill in major studios and streamers.
  2. Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis faced backlash for supporting a friend accused of sexual assault, handling the situation poorly.
  3. Drew Barrymore is navigating the return of her talk show amidst industry strikes, choosing to go without a publicist and potentially risking controversy.

In 2024, the Tension Between Macroculture and Microculture Will Turn into War

The Honest Broker • 31517 implied HN points • 06 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The tension between macroculture and microculture is escalating and will turn into a war in 2024.
  2. Despite the dominance of legacy media, alternative platforms in the microculture are growing rapidly and have a significant impact on the media landscape.
  3. The traditional institutions are reluctant to embrace the microculture, leading to a war where the microculture creators are pitted against the very platforms they rely on.

🏰 Lessons on AI and art from the Magic Kingdom

Faster, Please! • 365 implied HN points • 14 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. A theme park fired a popular character performer for breaking rules meant to protect the show's illusion and guest experience.
  2. The park would likely not replace her with a robot, which shows some creative roles rely on human presence, spontaneity, and authenticity.
  3. The episode highlights a broader lesson about AI: smart machines can help, but they often can't recreate the subtle human nuances and emotional authenticity that define many creative jobs.

What's the Most Profitable Movie of the Year? (No, I Won't Watch It.)

The Honest Broker • 12168 implied HN points • 31 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Horror movies are really making money right now. Films like 'Terrifier 3' and 'Smile 2' are bringing in huge profits compared to what they cost to make.
  2. Bob Dylan is now writing quirky tweets directly from his account, sharing his unique thoughts without his team’s help. It offers fans a personal look at his views beyond music.
  3. People are increasingly worried about AI. Many believe it's reducing trust in media and making us lazier, and most want more rules on how AI is used.

What We’re Grateful For

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 857 implied HN points • 27 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. People are grateful for family, friends, and workplace communities that show up in hard times and make holidays and everyday life feel meaningful.
  2. They value small pleasures and shared experiences — good food, live music, movies, games, and little rituals like candles or chess — because those moments create joy and connection.
  3. There is deep gratitude for health, medical care, and acts of generosity like organ donation and hospice, which can save lives, bring healing, and offer closure.

We secretly love misinformation – and Spotify Wrapped proves it

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 641 implied HN points • 10 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. People prefer exciting, made-up narratives over dull facts, as shown by how a gimmicky "listening age" outshined real listening data.
  2. The attention economy rewards confidence and spectacle, so charismatic wrongdoers and entertainers spread farther than careful experts.
  3. That dynamic has real costs: misinformation breeds polarization, empowers unqualified figures, and makes clicks more valuable than truth.

I Hate 28 Days Later for Killing Off Supernatural Zombies

Freddie deBoer • 3743 implied HN points • 19 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.

Video Game Thoughts Bonus Bag #8

The Bottom Feeder • 509 implied HN points • 11 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Avernum 4 has been well-received and is now available for iPad, allowing players to enjoy it on-the-go. The team is also starting on new projects, showing their continued growth.
  2. Borderlands 4 continues to follow the same gameplay pattern, but it faces issues like bugs and a lack of polish. It's frustrating to deal with these problems, yet playing together can be part of the fun.
  3. Many indie games are still enjoyable and bring happiness despite the industry's changes. Recent releases are delighting players, proving that quality experiences can come from indie studios.

Weekly Bric-a-Brac

Disaffected Newsletter • 979 implied HN points • 28 May 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. People should be honest about their feelings, even if they don't always align. It's okay if someone doesn't agree with you; what matters is being real and understanding.
  2. Narcissism, rather than gender, is a key factor when judging hurtful behavior. Both men and women can act badly, and it's important to see that it's not just about being a man or a woman.
  3. Getting good value for your money is important. Nowadays, store brands often offer just as good quality as name brands, so it's smart to shop wisely.

It’s the 349th Day of January

Hung Up • 2908 implied HN points • 01 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The post is about January 2024 and the author's movie watching experience.
  2. The author watched the movie "Postcards from the Edge" as the first movie of the year and loves it.
  3. Readers can access more content with a 7-day free trial subscription.

Sometimes People Are Just Stupid

Holly’s Newsletter • 3154 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There are conservative influencers targeting an artist and her relationship, sparking debates and theories about the implications of her endorsements and impact on voting demographics.
  2. The artist in question has messages of traditional love and relationships in her work, facing criticism and scrutiny from various political perspectives.
  3. The discussions around this artist's personal life and potential endorsements highlight broader cultural tensions and divisions, reflecting the complexity of celebrity influence and political narratives.

Whitney Cummings has lost the plot

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 7733 implied HN points • 01 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Whitney Cummings made controversial jokes during a live New Year's Eve special that many found inappropriate. People are worried about her spreading misinformation and conspiracy theories.
  2. There was a viral trend of unfollowing Vexbolt on social media, aimed at making him less popular. It's a humorous way for the internet to play with fame but raises questions about its impact on creators.
  3. The photo dump trend replaced traditional year-end recap videos this year. It seems people are looking for simpler ways to share their memories without making complicated edits.

Harems Are Back

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 449 implied HN points • 19 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The newest Avatar movie is shockingly bad and dull, leaving viewers bored and disappointed.
  2. The original film had epic visuals and a satisfying ending, and the sequels feel unnecessary and overextended.
  3. The series leans on recycled colonialist tropes and pop-culture mash-ups, making the franchise feel repetitive and creatively spent.

Marry a Woman Smarter Than You

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2021 implied HN points • 14 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. It's great to be with someone smarter than you. It can keep you inspired and help you grow.
  2. Taylor Swift's recent podcast felt surprisingly relatable, making people curious about her life and personality.
  3. Even if you're not a fan, sometimes you can find joy in unexpected places and enjoy new experiences.

The 29 "Best" (?) Movies of the 21st Century

Read Max • 2739 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Lists of great movies can be very different depending on personal taste. Some people choose popular films everyone knows, while others pick lesser-known gems.
  2. Counter-consensus opinions in film criticism are valuable because they challenge the common views and spark interesting conversations. It's good to mix popular choices with surprising or personal favorites.
  3. Creating a movie list can be a fun way to reflect your unique style and feelings about films. It can show how quirky or serious your tastes are.

Poker players only!

The Leap • 719 implied HN points • 04 Jun 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The World Series of Poker included a new event where players could win money by knocking out champions. It's a fun twist that adds excitement to the game.
  2. Tom McEvoy, a former poker champion from 1983, was at the table, bringing his experience and reputation to the game.
  3. Events like these help keep poker interesting and attract both new and seasoned players to participate.

Gift Ideas for the Animation Inclined

Animation Obsessive • 7086 implied HN points • 09 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There's a new gift guide for animation fans that features a mix of DVDs, Blu-rays, and books. It includes something for everyone, so you can find unique gifts this holiday season.
  2. Two short films worth checking out are 'Sierra' and 'Luki & the Lights'. Both tackle important themes and have received praise at film festivals, with 'Sierra' being available for free online.
  3. Recent animation news includes awards for films like 'Flow' and updates on various international projects. It's a great time to discover exciting new animated works from around the world.

barbie didn't direct itself

Airplane Mode with Liz Plank • 2535 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The lack of Oscars nominations for the Barbie movie highlights gender bias in the film industry
  2. Only eight female directors have ever been nominated in the 95-year history of the Academy Awards, showing a significant gender disparity
  3. The success of the Barbie movie, despite lack of recognition, shows the industry's need for change and the importance of celebrating female creators

Your December Questions, Answered (2 of 2)

Singal-Minded • 148 implied HN points • 22 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. This is a follow-up Q&A answering readers’ December questions on topics like Bari Weiss, Jewishness, the NFL, and The Simpsons.
  2. A reader asked about the Bari Weiss/60 Minutes controversy over a delayed segment on an El Salvadoran prison, and the writer said they’d devote a full article to that topic.
  3. The rest of the responses are behind a paywall, but the post offers a way to claim the free continuation or subscribe to read the full piece.

Ketanji Brown Jackson Goes Broadway

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 6913 implied HN points • 16 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.

Fun, play, and discovery

Austin Kleon • 4456 implied HN points • 29 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Writing should be fun and a way to explore your thoughts. It's all about discovering what you want to say.
  2. Creativity is about the process, not perfection. Filling a notebook is more important than looking good.
  3. Being open and honest in your work helps you grow, whether in writing, music, or acting. Just get started and keep creating!

She posted 25 TikToks on her wedding day

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3194 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.