The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

What Are You Reading (In July?!?!)

Culture Study • 2359 implied HN points • 08 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Reading can be a great way to enjoy vacation time, but sometimes it's best to finish books before leaving home.
  2. The book 'The Pretender' by Jo Harkin is an engaging story about a boy discovering his true identity, set in Tudor England.
  3. It's fun to discuss what everyone else is reading and share recommendations, so everyone can find something new to enjoy.

Blake Lively Reshoots the End of Her Story

Culture Study • 5988 implied HN points • 12 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.

Say His Name: Rupert Pupkin

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 102 implied HN points • 05 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Comedy is time-sensitive: most jokes only work in the present, so observational humor ages quickly and can go stale.
  2. American comedy changed deeply between the 1960s and 1980s, moving away from social observation toward a mentality built more on shared delusion than on making sharp, timely observations.
  3. Cultural and political shifts both reflect and drive changes in humor; the election of Ronald Reagan came to symbolize that new comedic era, though performers’ mindsets had already begun to shift earlier.

I've Been Watching These 17 YouTube Videos

The Honest Broker • 6416 implied HN points • 14 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. YouTube has become a major platform, making more money than Netflix and attracting billions of user hours daily. It's like the new TV for many people.
  2. There is a lot of low-quality content on YouTube, but you can still find great videos if you know where to look.
  3. Artist exploitation in the music industry is still a big issue, with many musicians not earning money from their own work, and changes in technology are bringing past musicians back into the spotlight.

Empty Laughter

Where's Your Ed At • 16914 implied HN points • 16 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Art should be unique and come from personal experiences, not generated by AI or copied from others.
  2. Creativity is limited by the individual, and the magic of art comes from the context and experiences of the artist.
  3. Plagiarism and reliance on generative AI for art creation show a lack of curiosity, entitlement, and a desire to imitate rather than create.
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The Weekend Press: Is Staying Married Taboo?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 440 implied HN points • 06 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Divorce is now often framed as a triumphant path to self‑actualization, even though overall divorce rates have fallen, and saying you stayed in a marriage because it was worth saving can feel countercultural.
  2. Celebrity culture is producing glossy, sometimes unintentionally funny content — Meghan Markle’s holiday special was described as charmingly sloppy and emblematic of that trend.
  3. There’s a public debate about travel etiquette, with pushback against wearing slippers or pajamas in airports and a call from some writers to travel in a more polished, gentlemanly way.

Meghan Markle Is the Slop Princess We Deserve

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 440 implied HN points • 05 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Her Netflix holiday special is a goofy, unhinged mix of cooking, crafts, and celeb cameos that many find unintentionally hilarious and downright charming.
  2. After stepping away from the royal family she tried a string of projects — a short-lived podcast, a lifestyle jam brand, and a Netflix deal that wasn’t renewed — but she kept hustling.
  3. She’s embraced a cozy, domestic shtick (wrapping gifts, making wreaths, cooking with guests) that makes her feel relatable and has helped people soften their view of her.

Panic Among the Streamers

The Honest Broker • 22673 implied HN points • 28 Jul 23
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Spotify's CEO sold $100 million in stock amidst the company's increasing losses, causing concern among investors.
  2. Streaming companies like Netflix and Disney are heavily investing in AI technology, potentially replacing human creativity with bots.
  3. Music streaming platforms like Spotify prioritize profit over user experience, creating a bland and generic listening environment.

David Senra: Why Founders Rule The World

Danielle Newnham • 19 implied HN points • 14 Oct 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. David Senra hosts a podcast that focuses on the lives and lessons of famous founders. Each episode dives into a biography and teaches valuable lessons from their journeys.
  2. David's childhood was tough, but he found inspiration in books. Those stories helped shape his dreams and aspirations.
  3. He believes that successful founders share traits like self-delusion and obsession, which help them pursue ambitious goals despite challenges.

The Audacious Roundup

The Audacity. • 1965 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
📰 News Entertainment
  1. The Audacious Bookclub's February pick is _Martyr!_ by Kaveh Akbar.
  2. Roxane Gay's debut title from Roxane Gay Books is a finalist in the NAACP Image Awards.
  3. Various news and events in the literary and social justice world are highlighted.

Preseason Sunday: Fantasy Football is Much More Fun When You Accept What You Can't Control

Freddie deBoer • 1392 implied HN points • 24 Aug 25
🎾 Sports Entertainment
  1. Fantasy football is a game influenced by factors beyond your control, like player injuries or unexpected coaching decisions. Understanding this makes it more enjoyable instead of stressful.
  2. Many people take fantasy football too seriously, often leading to conflicts and anxiety. It's best to see it as a fun way to connect with friends rather than a high-stakes competition.
  3. Embrace the randomness of the game; it's part of what makes it exciting. Celebrating small wins, like a lucky player pick, can enhance your enjoyment of the season.

🎬 Hollywood’s doomer economy

Faster, Please! • 639 implied HN points • 07 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Hollywood is focusing more on dystopian futures instead of shiny, optimistic ones. This shows a general lack of faith in a better future.
  2. The types of films being made reflect a cultural shift from hope and exploration to fear and despair.
  3. There used to be a strong sense of belief in progress, but now entertainment often leans toward themes of apocalypse and societal collapse.

The Chaotic Glory of Growing Up

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1303 implied HN points • 20 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Growing up can be scary, but it's also filled with amazing and magical experiences. It's important for teens to embrace these moments, even when they feel challenging.
  2. Teenagers today often avoid taking risks and growing up, leading to a more sheltered experience. Society should encourage them to explore and enjoy their youth more fully.
  3. Shows like 'The Summer I Turned Pretty' remind us that becoming a teenager can be beautiful and exhilarating. They highlight the fun and excitement of this significant life stage.

Vol. 2, Issue 29 - Interview with Serebii.net

Johto Times • 239 implied HN points • 18 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Serebii.net has been a key source of Pokémon news for 25 years and is trusted by the community. Joe Merrick, the founder, has dedicated his life to keeping it updated and relevant.
  2. Joe started the site out of boredom and a love for Pokémon, growing it through word of mouth and focusing on content that other sites missed about the Japanese side of Pokémon.
  3. He believes that while fans have strong opinions, developers know best about what works for the game. Joe actively engages with the community but maintains his independence to share his honest views.

Savage's 'Lost Generation', or: Thoughts on the DEI scam and what happened after 2015

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 283 implied HN points • 23 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Starting around 2014–2015, aggressive DEI hiring in journalism, academia, and entertainment prioritized racial and gender targets over merit, and many white male millennials say they were shut out of the careers they trained for.
  2. Senior administrators protected themselves by enforcing these policies, which often led to hires chosen for demographic reasons rather than qualifications and made institutions more female‑skewed, worse to work in, and more politically radicalized.
  3. Those antiracist measures frequently backfired by amplifying racial optics and grievances, generating hypocrisy among progressives, and appearing likely to persist because meritocracy is weak and demographic preferences can be self‑perpetuating.

Why I love movies (and why you should too)

Adaobi’s Newsletter • 11 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Movies can give you a sense of friendship and belonging by showing characters and communities you recognize and want to be part of.
  2. They help you face hidden feelings and start honest conversations with yourself and others, because seeing someone on screen can reveal emotions you didn’t know you had.
  3. Great cinema blends visuals, music and dialogue into powerful experiences that are often best in theatres, and films are also an easy, universal ice-breaker — choosing movies that fit your mood and rewatching them can make the experience even richer.

Baseball Players in the Wrong Profession

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1383 implied HN points • 28 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Some baseball players have names that sound like they should be doing something else in life. It's fun to think about what other professions they could have had instead.
  2. For example, one player could be a mystery novelist while another might be playing music in a mariachi band. These alternative stories highlight their unique names.
  3. Imagining these players in different careers shows the charm of their names and adds a creative twist to how we see them beyond baseball.

‘Stranger Things’ Didn’t Have to End Like This

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 292 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The final season was badly delayed and plagued by production problems, including a 40‑month gap caused by the pandemic and the writers’ strike.
  2. Off‑screen scandals involving cast members added negative attention and made the season’s release feel messy and distracted.
  3. The biggest issue is how grown adults playing high‑school kids makes dialogue feel cheesy and breaks the show’s believability.

This Taylor Swift Thing Is a Real Cry For Help

Discourse Blog • 1533 implied HN points • 30 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Conservatives are focusing on trivial issues like Taylor Swift's personal life instead of more significant societal problems.
  2. Taylor Swift's influence and success have made her a significant cultural force.
  3. The fixation on Taylor Swift by some conservatives reflects a lack of substantive issues to engage with.

HEY! Watch Disaffected on Twitter Sunday Night!

Disaffected Newsletter • 599 implied HN points • 13 May 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. The show 'Disaffected' will be available on Twitter this Sunday at 9 pm Eastern time. People are encouraged to join and chat during the show.
  2. YouTube and Apple blocked a video from 'Disaffected', claiming it was unfairly flagged despite it being a fair use critique. This situation highlights concerns about censorship.
  3. Viewers are urged to support 'Disaffected' and help make the Twitter show a success after their struggles with other platforms.

Vol. 2, Issue 32 - Carrie's Pokémon Memories

Johto Times • 119 implied HN points • 08 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Carrie had a memorable Pokémon-themed birthday party in 1999, where everything was decorated with Pokémon. She had a blast with her friends and even got some cool Pokémon gifts, including cards and games.
  2. The Pokémon series played a big role in Carrie's childhood, helping her make friends and enjoy fun experiences like playing video games and trading cards. She has many happy memories that she cherishes.
  3. Even as an adult, Carrie still loves Pokémon and continues to play the games. The franchise has remained a positive and nostalgic part of her life throughout the years.

BIG NEWS TONIGHT!

Disaffected Newsletter • 719 implied HN points • 20 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. A live show will be happening tonight at 8 PM US Eastern time on Rumble. It's a great chance to watch and see how it goes, even if things go wrong.
  2. Viewers are encouraged to bring popcorn and share their thoughts, even if they're critical. It's meant to be a fun and interactive experience.
  3. The newsletter is reader-supported, and there are options to subscribe for more content. Supporting the work helps keep it going.

The Sterile World of Infinite Choice

Culture Study • 14799 implied HN points • 30 Aug 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. In the past, limited options led to more spontaneous and less curated experiences
  2. Technology has led to a constant need to curate and control our surroundings and entertainment
  3. Having an abundance of choices can lead to a sense of overwhelm and dissatisfaction

Talking with Benjamin Boyce

Disaffected Newsletter • 659 implied HN points • 25 Apr 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. The conversation features Benjamin Boyce, and it seems to focus on topics that are likely of interest to a wide audience.
  2. There's a promise of upcoming content on YouTube, suggesting that the discussion will reach even more viewers.
  3. Supporting independent creators like the one mentioned can help keep unique voices in the conversation alive.

The weird world of ‘Diaper Diplomacy’

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 1492 implied HN points • 02 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There's a new trend called 'Diaper Diplomacy' where political figures are portrayed as babies in funny videos. This has caught a lot of attention on YouTube Shorts.
  2. A channel called Diaper Diplomacy has quickly gained over 45,000 subscribers. They're using AI to recreate political debates in a humorous way.
  3. These videos are popular because they mix humor with current events, making serious topics seem more lighthearted and entertaining.

Hard Lessons, Charisma, Dad Saves America

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 1155 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Great athletes usually have lower levels of anxiety and are very stable emotionally. This helps them perform better in sports.
  2. Charisma is about influencing others confidently and making them feel comfortable. It's an important trait for success in the workplace.
  3. People who get offended easily might have narcissistic traits. They may feel entitled and use their outrage to gain social advantages.

Q&A: What Would You Do with $43 Million to Fight Racism?

Glenn Loury • 1845 implied HN points • 02 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The Center for Antiracist Research raised $43 million with little to show for it in terms of research on racism.
  2. One approach suggested to fight racism with $43 million was to start a center for the rigorous study of race in America with elite scholars and promising grad students.
  3. Another proposed idea was to use the money to fund a movie dramatizing the shift in black political thought in 1966, which would showcase how certain ideas contributed to present-day racial divisions.

We need to start recognizing stan psyops

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 4807 implied HN points • 20 Oct 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Stan accounts are really good at creating viral content to stir up strong emotions online. They use clever tactics to get people talking and sharing posts, often about celebrities.
  2. These stan tactics are not just in pop culture; they can affect politics too. Influencers and political accounts may use similar methods to manipulate public opinions and sway important discussions.
  3. It's important to recognize these strategies when we see them. Understanding how both entertainment and politics can be influenced by these tactics helps us navigate online content more wisely.

#228: Maybe we don’t need to know

Maybe Baby • 1309 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Sometimes it’s nice not to know everything and just enjoy the mystery of life. Experiences like magic shows can remind us how special unanswered questions can be.
  2. Magicians protect their secrets to create a sense of wonder, which is a precious feeling. It's important to appreciate the enjoyment of being puzzled rather than always seeking answers.
  3. In our search for knowledge, we often overlook the joy that comes from experimentation and making mistakes. Embracing the unexpected can lead to delightful surprises.

Playlist Thread #1: Workout/Pump-Up Songs

Culture Study • 1256 implied HN points • 15 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Workout songs can really boost your energy and motivation. Listening to upbeat music can make exercising more enjoyable.
  2. Creating a playlist for workouts can help you stay focused and push through tough moments. It’s great to have favorite songs ready for those challenging times.
  3. Sharing your go-to pump-up songs with others can build a sense of community. It's fun to swap song recommendations and discover new tracks together.

Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and thank YOU

Disaffected Newsletter • 1678 implied HN points • 21 Dec 23
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. The author is grateful for the support from readers and subscribers, which helps keep the show going. It's clear that your contributions make a big difference.
  2. There's a strong sense of community among the listeners and supporters, where many feel comfortable discussing the challenges of modern society. It’s nice to have a space to share and be understood.
  3. The author wants everyone to focus on love and connection during the holiday season, no matter the challenges we face. Those relationships are what truly matter in tough times.

Kristen Stewart Needs You to Know She Thinks Method Acting Is Cringe

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 241 implied HN points • 12 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Kristen Stewart says method acting is cringe and seems to reject the solemn seriousness some actors bring to their craft.
  2. She quietly rebuilt her career after Twilight by favoring indie projects and moving into directing instead of courting mainstream fame.
  3. Her directorial debut, The Chronology of Water, is a bold but divisive film that left audiences split between admiration and bafflement.

The 2024 state of social media

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3732 implied HN points • 18 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Social media is now more about fun and learning than personal chats. People want to be entertained as they scroll.
  2. Instagram is the top platform for engaging brand content. Many users love to see brands posting more there.
  3. YouTube is still important, especially for longer videos. Users enjoy in-depth content, even from brands, making it stand out in a world of short clips.

Gen Z’s Jerry Springer show

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 3194 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Jubilee Media aims to promote empathy and healthy discussions through social experiments and debates. They want to show different viewpoints but need to be careful with misinformation.
  2. The format of Jubilee's videos can sometimes lead to controversial discussions, making some critics think they're just trying to create drama for views.
  3. The rise of technology, like AI and video sharing at fast speeds, is changing how we experience media and interact, like using QR codes at weddings instead of hashtags.

What did Casey Wasserman Actually Do?

House of Strauss • 35 implied HN points • 19 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Politicians and others are pushing Casey Wasserman to resign from LA28 after revelations he exchanged flirtatious emails with Ghislaine Maxwell, but those revelations aren’t presented as a specific criminal charge.
  2. His earlier workplace/philanderer scandals plus the Maxwell-related emails led to client departures and his decision to sell his agency stake, showing how reputation damage can quickly upend careers even without proven illegal conduct.
  3. There’s a broader concern about punishing people for vague associations or social-media-driven hysteria; critics should state clear, provable wrongdoing before demanding firings or resignations.

Party Animals

Mister Slang • 2378 implied HN points • 14 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The 'party record' genre, featuring raunchy adult content, was popular in the 1950s, 60s, and 70s.
  2. Prominent entertainers in this genre included African American and Jewish comedians, who pushed boundaries with their humor.
  3. These comediennes were highly successful and played at top venues, challenging societal norms and providing a platform for risqué humor.