The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

On the open-borders insanity of the Bad Bunny Super Bowl halftime show

Unreported Truths • 56 implied HN points • 09 Feb 26
🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Entertainment
  1. Bad Bunny’s Super Bowl halftime show was overtly political, pushing a pro-immigration message and using deliberately provocative imagery that went farther than past NFL protests.
  2. Much of the mainstream media downplayed or mischaracterized the performance as simply joyful entertainment, failing to acknowledge its clear political content.
  3. The intentionally provocative nature of the show could alienate viewers and energize critics, potentially worsening public sentiment against open-borders advocates.

What Are You Watching?!? (in August)

Culture Study • 961 implied HN points • 05 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Being busy outdoors can disrupt your usual TV watching habits. It's normal to go through periods where you watch less.
  2. Getting back into a routine can help you enjoy watching shows again. Just like picking up a book, finding a way to get back into watching can make it easier.
  3. Using reminders or strategies can help keep your viewing habits consistent. It's all about creating the right environment for your interests.

8 Forecasts & Implications for the Years Ahead :: 2024+

Implications, by Scott Belsky • 1356 implied HN points • 04 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Entertainment
  1. The future will be personalized to your preferences, with digital experiences tailored to you.
  2. Local OS-native AI models will improve everyday life and redefine consumer AI, focusing on personalization, trust, and privacy.
  3. Small brands will become more competitive with big brands, AI will influence purchase decisions, and education will undergo a significant transformation.

Disaffected Homestyle

Disaffected Newsletter • 779 implied HN points • 18 Mar 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. The hosts discuss new terms for people crossing borders, showing how language evolves in society.
  2. They explore the topic of civil unions for the LGBTQ+ community and whether it was a better choice than marriage.
  3. The conversation also touches on traditional parenting and nostalgic items like old kitchen wall telephones.
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ATW Livestream Today at 4 PM ET/3 PM CT

TK News by Matt Taibbi • 1277 implied HN points • 23 Jun 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. There is an ATW livestream happening today at 4 PM ET. It's a great chance to catch up on the latest news.
  2. Walter and Matt will be discussing events from the weekend. They will also talk about the book 'Catch-22' by Joseph Heller.
  3. You can watch the livestream on Substack, Rumble, or YouTube. Don't miss it!

Nostalgia

ASK MOLLY • 2162 implied HN points • 22 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Value nostalgia and the memories associated with it.
  2. Embrace a mix of indulgence and suffering in life.
  3. Appreciate the importance of maintaining love for the things and people in your life.

How to Like Things More

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2861 implied HN points • 11 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. You can learn to enjoy things more by practicing. Like any skill, enjoying experiences takes effort and attention.
  2. Focus on the details that make something special. Instead of just noticing the obvious, try to find the layers beneath the surface.
  3. Sometimes, it's about shifting your perspective. Looking at different aspects of what you like can deepen your appreciation and make the experience more rewarding.

The Unraveling of a Royal Fairytale

Culture Study • 7348 implied HN points • 13 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The royal family's image control is rooted in their historical role as commodities, affecting how public perceive their every move.
  2. Princess Catherine's carefully crafted image contrasts with the destabilizing effect of Meghan Markle's outspokenness and mixed-race identity.
  3. The unraveling of the royal fairytale is symbolized by the mishandling of Princess Catherine's health crisis, exposing the monarchy's struggles to maintain control in a changing media landscape.

Suzy Weiss: Living In Gwyneth’s World

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 857 implied HN points • 09 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Gwyneth Paltrow started her lifestyle brand, Goop, way before social media influencers took off. She's been ahead of trends like gluten-free diets long before they became popular.
  2. Gwyneth's unique marketing strategies often tie into current events, making her brand relevant. For example, she cleverly associated herself with a recent scandal to promote a software company.
  3. A new biography about Gwyneth raises the question of why she holds such strong appeal in popular culture. It suggests there's something intriguing about her that keeps people interested.

A Series of "Parodies," If That's the Right Word, of Podcasts on the Ringer Podcast Network

Freddie deBoer • 2722 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Podcasts can be both entertaining and repetitive. It’s easy to notice when hosts keep saying the same phrases or jokes.
  2. Hosts often joke about the pressure to create content and meet audience expectations, feeling like they're stuck in a loop.
  3. There's a lot of fun in playful banter among podcast hosts, showing that behind-the-scenes discussions can be just as amusing as the main content.

How brands make culture

The Sociology of Business • 1315 implied HN points • 15 Jan 24
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Brand marketing has shifted from promoting products to making noise and cultural impact.
  2. Modern brand marketing focuses on entertainment, providing constant content and unique campaigns.
  3. Brands should engage existing fans, prioritize collaborations, and emphasize emotional connections over traditional promotion.

'Moonstruck' Creator Dies

Daily Dreher • 1061 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The creator of 'Moonstruck,' filmmaker Norman Jewison, has passed away.
  2. The article discusses various topics including Feds defending invasion and Black Magic's Reality.
  3. Read more by subscribing to Rod Dreher's Diary for a 7-day free trial.

Two & a Half Hours into "Avatar: Fire & Ash"

Brad DeLong's Grasping Reality • 130 implied HN points • 27 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The film mashup mixes many genres and stories, turning familiar tropes into a dense, collage-like epic that feels both sprawling and familiar.
  2. It layers striking motifs — a biblical-style sacrifice, massive whale/sea sequences, and a high-tech military that makes reckless identification and tactical choices like building a base on a giant oil refinery — creating surprising tonal shifts.
  3. The Odyssey trailer is tightly handled: it tells the Trojan Horse story simply and effectively, evokes a realistic Late Bronze Age Anatolia, and presents Odysseus as a morally complicated, even villainous, character.

We are living in a Cluster B world

Disaffected Newsletter • 2058 implied HN points • 13 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. We are currently experiencing a cultural environment influenced by Cluster B personality disorders, such as narcissism and antisocial behavior. This means many people may behave in ways that seem self-centered or disregard others' feelings.
  2. Our society might be facing challenges due to increased attention to these toxic behaviors. This has implications for our relationships and social dynamics.
  3. Understanding the characteristics of Cluster B personalities can help us navigate interactions with those who exhibit these traits. It’s important to recognize these behaviors to maintain our own mental health.

Inside Big Cabal Media’s Ambitious Plan to Build Africa’s Next Great Media Company

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 24 Nov 25
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Big Cabal Media started as two blogs and has grown into a big company with 100 employees across different countries. They now do events, research, and even movies.
  2. Tomiwa Aladekomo believes in diversifying revenue sources to help the company succeed in the changing media landscape.
  3. The company faces common challenges like social media traffic drops and AI trends, as well as unique issues specific to African media.

Vol. 2, Issue 35 - Kimberley’s Pokémon Day Memories

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Kimberley shared her fun memories from the Pokémon Day event at Walibi World in 2008. She and her family enjoyed activities like searching for inflatable Poké Balls and took home cool merchandise.
  2. The Pokémon Company is preparing for exciting new releases. A new trading card expansion called 'Surging Sparks' is coming soon, along with a special Pokémon GO season called 'Max Out'.
  3. Pokémon has made a big impact on Kimberley's life, helping her to connect with others and build a large collection. She feels grateful for the friends and experiences she has gained through her love for Pokémon.

Oscar, Actors and the Double Exposure Effect

The Ankler • 923 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Actors can benefit from the Double Exposure Effect when they have multiple great performances out at the same time, boosting their chances in award competitions.
  2. Timing is crucial in the entertainment industry; a well-timed release can elevate an actor's Oscar campaign, while an ill-timed one can damage it.
  3. The overall career and public perception of an actor can also influence their chances in award shows like the Oscars, showcasing the importance of a strong body of work.

Suzy Weiss: What Do Rich Dorks Buy?

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 899 implied HN points • 12 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Rich people today often come from tech backgrounds, not traditional industries like gold or railroads. This shift is changing the way we think about wealth.
  2. Tech entrepreneurs are using their money for various ambitious projects, from space exploration to changing biology. Their influence is reshaping many aspects of society.
  3. People who were once seen as nerdy, like gamers and coders, are now some of the wealthiest individuals. Their success has transformed what it means to be successful in today's world.

Jesus Models and Luigi-Scolds

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2627 implied HN points • 21 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. In Utah, there’s a growing trend of hiring lookalikes of Jesus for family portraits and events. These models often face high expectations from those who hire them.
  2. The 'Luigi-Scolds' online don't aim to change minds; they just like to criticize. Their approach is more about expressing their views rather than persuading others.
  3. Podcasts are becoming a popular medium for discussing hip-hop battles, especially between big names like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. They bring a new angle to how fans engage with music.

A Fun (And Predictable) New Zealand Flick

Life Since the Baby Boom • 922 implied HN points • 06 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The movie 'Hunt for the Wilderpeople' is a comedy from New Zealand that is fun and entertaining, even if it isn't an art film.
  2. The main character, Ricky, goes from being a troubled kid to finding friendship and adventure while on the run with an old man, Hector.
  3. The film has humorous moments and a predictable plot, but it still delivers enjoyable entertainment with charming characters.

What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 2231 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.

Vol. 2, Issue 28 - What Iwata did for Pokémon

Johto Times • 139 implied HN points • 11 Jul 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Satoru Iwata played a huge role in making Pokémon successful. He helped bring Pokémon games to the West and was involved in the development of many classic titles.
  2. Iwata created important tools that improved the Pokémon games. His work made it easier for developers to create engaging experiences for players.
  3. Even during tough times, like when he was sick, Iwata continued to work on projects like Pokémon GO. His dedication left a lasting impact on fans and the gaming community.

The Vile Leading The Lost

So Here’s a Thing • 1671 implied HN points • 18 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The Attention Economy rewards those who attract the most attention, regardless of the content or quality of that attention.
  2. Insecurity Vampires like Russell Brand and Elon Musk thrive on exploiting the lost and confused, pushing controversial views for profit.
  3. There is a growing danger in mainstream media perpetuating damaging stereotypes about masculinity, which can be preyed upon by manipulative figures like Tate and Carlson.

Thank you

Crossplay • 1670 implied HN points • 07 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The author reflects on financial struggles and the impact on family.
  2. Despite uncertainties, launching new projects led to a positive outcome.
  3. Enjoying special moments with family was possible due to new opportunities.

A New Free Press Podcast That Will Change How You Think

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1057 implied HN points • 09 Jun 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  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.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 633 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Feeling low and tired at home was part of the week, but celebrating a birthday lifted the mood. Sometimes having fun can really help shake off the blues.
  2. This year, there was no stress about turning a year older, which may come with age or life experience. It's nice to reach a point where birthdays feel less overwhelming.
  3. A lot happened throughout the week, which included various content consumed. Exploring different things can be a good way to keep life interesting.

What the TV Market is Telling Us

The Ankler • 884 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. TV market facing pitching slump in February and March due to budget constraints
  2. Series Business newsletter offers insights on TV industry trends and analysis
  3. Market forecast suggests TV industry is in an unsteady and nostalgic phase in 2024

The media industry is bigger than you think it is

Simon Owens's Media Newsletter • 224 implied HN points • 14 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The media industry is growing, not dying. It's evolving with many new platforms and business models that combine media with other industries.
  2. Self-published authors are using TikTok Shop to sell their books, which can be great but comes with challenges in handling orders and fulfillment.
  3. Streaming services are raising prices significantly, but people continue to subscribe. Many are now canceling services after watching specific shows instead of keeping subscriptions active.

15 things I consumed this week

Maybe Baby • 685 implied HN points • 01 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Surveillance on the internet is impacting people's feelings about intimacy and eroticism. It's making things feel less personal and more categorized.
  2. To bring back a sense of eroticism, we need to challenge how we define relationships and connections online. It's important to seek deeper connections rather than just surface-level interactions.
  3. The mention of a 'curse' highlights how sometimes people may feel overwhelmed by bad luck or difficulties in life. It’s a reminder that everyone has tough days and it’s okay to vent about them.

You should pay attention to Kai Cenat

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2687 implied HN points • 22 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Live streaming is gaining popularity and becoming a larger part of how we consume media. More people are looking for communal experiences online.
  2. Kai Cenat's recent subathon has broken records and shows the strong connection between streamers and their audiences. His success highlights a shift in how we engage with entertainment.
  3. Various platforms like YouTube Gaming, Kick, and TikTok Live are growing, leading to more options and diversity in live streaming. This change shows that viewers are exploring different types of content and creators.

The [Tuesday] Media Diet with Teddy Kim

Why is this interesting? • 1990 implied HN points • 21 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Reading about history can teach us a lot about how things connect and evolve over time. It can even change the way we think about important world events.
  2. Predictive markets can help us gauge our understanding of the world. They can show whether our news sources are reliable and help us prepare for future events.
  3. Family history matters. Visiting the places where our ancestors came from can provide a deeper connection to our roots and help us see ourselves as part of a larger story.

Movie Review: Anora

Life Since the Baby Boom • 2766 implied HN points • 04 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The movie 'Anora' tells a unique love story between a sex worker and a rich young man, highlighting their genuine connection amidst the chaos of their lives.
  2. The film explores themes of acceptance and the complexity of feelings related to sex and relationships, challenging the idea that sex work is simply a job without emotional weight.
  3. The characters bring humor and depth, especially with comedic elements surrounding family dynamics and cultural clashes, making it a fun yet thought-provoking watch.

Barbie Answers Oppenheimer

Culture Study • 9015 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Oppenheimer is a classic Christopher Nolan film with a focus on the masculine world and a lack of interest in women's narratives.
  2. Hollywood often caters to a male-centric audience, but Barbie challenges this norm by offering a matriarchal world where women hold power.
  3. Barbie's success signals a hunger for diverse perspectives in cinema, contrasting with the typical white male-centered narratives in Hollywood.

Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni, and the Art of the Smear

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 2170 implied HN points • 02 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Blake Lively accused Justin Baldoni of sexual harassment and claimed he organized a smear campaign against her. This has sparked widespread discussion and sympathy for her situation.
  2. The case brings up questions about the complexity of such accusations, especially given how media often portrays men as villains and women as victims in Hollywood.
  3. Amid all the drama, it's important to remember that there are often multiple sides to every story, and not everything is as clear-cut as it seems.