The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

The Muddy Schadenfreude of Burning Man

In the Flash • 1958 implied HN points • 08 Sep 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There is a collective backlash against Burning Man due to global warming leading to muddy conditions, criticized by journalists and intellectuals.
  2. Burning Man is not just about drugs and orgies; it also features art installations, interactive experiences, and a sense of wonder.
  3. Despite criticisms, Burning Man offers an escape from daily life, a space for freedom, creativity, and a reset from societal norms.

My Internet: Stephen Totilo

Embedded • 825 implied HN points • 19 Jan 24
🕹 Technology Entertainment
  1. Stephen Totilo, the Game File founder, is not into comedy.
  2. He enjoys watching TikToks, specifically a guy in Japan pretending to be an NPC in Grand Theft Auto.
  3. Stephen Totilo focuses on journalism about gaming, relying on Twitter for news and finding joy offline.

CLEOPATRAAAGHHHH

History, etc • 1454 implied HN points • 21 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Historical TV shows can easily spark controversy through race-based casting.
  2. Acting allows for pretence and make-believe, regardless of historical accuracy.
  3. Casting decisions in historical dramas may upset due to societal biases or political motives.

Bari’s Picks of the Week: Hidden Figures

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 579 implied HN points • 15 Aug 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There are exciting developments in gene editing. Soon, it might be possible to design babies with specific traits, which raises a lot of ethical questions.
  2. Amanda Knox forgave the people who wrongfully convicted her, showing a remarkable ability to move past her past and share her story genuinely.
  3. Omeed Malik made a surprising shift from supporting Democrats to becoming a key supporter in the MAGA movement, blending his connections and business interests in interesting ways.
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NFL Bad Bunny: Undecided Whale Explains it All

House of Strauss • 30 implied HN points • 11 Feb 26
🎾 Sports Entertainment
  1. Viewership collapsed during the halftime show, and that drop looks more like a cultural and demographic mismatch than a straightforward political backlash.
  2. People are likelier to watch halftime performances when they know the artist, the songs, and the language, so unfamiliar performers lose attention from large swaths of the TV audience.
  3. The NFL appears willing to sacrifice linear-TV ratings for social-media buzz and broader cultural signaling, accepting significant audience loss on the broadcast feed.

Vol. 2, Issue 34 - A Tribute to Rachael Lillis

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 22 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Rachael Lillis was a talented voice actress known for bringing characters like Misty and Jessie to life in the Pokémon anime. Many fans have fond memories of her performances, which shaped their childhood experiences.
  2. She sadly passed away on August 10, 2024, after battling breast cancer, and her loss is deeply felt in the Pokémon community. People are sharing their love and tributes to celebrate her contributions.
  3. The 2024 Pokémon World Championships took place recently, showcasing new champions and announcements for upcoming games. Fans can look forward to more exciting Pokémon content in the future.

Pizza night movie logbooks

Austin Kleon • 1738 implied HN points • 25 Jul 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Pizza night with the family has become a fun and anticipated weekly ritual. It's a time for everyone to enjoy a movie together while sharing a meal.
  2. Choosing movies is a fun process where not all favorites align, and that's okay. The focus is on finding what the kids enjoy, even if it differs from adult classics.
  3. There are endless movies to watch, and exploring different genres keeps things exciting. Recommendations and personal research help find appropriate choices for family movie nights.

Justin Baldoni and the Death of Man-Bun Feminism

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1646 implied HN points • 18 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Justin Baldoni, once seen as a strong male feminist ally, is now facing serious accusations of sexual harassment from his co-star, Blake Lively.
  2. The situation has escalated with Baldoni suing Lively, claiming she is trying to extort him and releasing evidence to support his case.
  3. Despite the serious nature of these accusations, some reacted with humor in public appearances, which seems inappropriate given the circumstances.

Ride With The Mob

HIDDEN.RSRCH • 687 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The Sopranos, created by David Chase and HBO, made television history 25 years ago with the iconic character Tony Soprano.
  2. The series by Chase introduced a new breed of anti-heroes and redefined the glorified image of gangsters.
  3. The world-building and character development in The Sopranos set a new standard in television storytelling.

We Are Not Amused

Unpopular Front • 179 implied HN points • 18 Nov 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Olivia Nuzzi is a journalist who often finds herself at the center of scandals rather than focusing on real reporting. Her personal life is more known than her work.
  2. Her recent actions, including a controversial memoir and connections to notable figures, reflect a troubling trend in media that prioritizes spectacle over serious journalism.
  3. Critics argue that this kind of sensationalism harms the reputation of ethical journalists and is part of a larger issue affecting the media and society.

Suzy Weiss: How Disney Girls Grow Up

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 853 implied HN points • 14 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.

Can Everyone Take a Deep Breath About the Barbie Movie

Discourse Blog • 727 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The Barbie movie received multiple nominations and wins, despite not being recognized by the Academy for certain categories.
  2. Fans and actors involved shared their disappointment over the Oscar snubs, highlighting the movie's success and cultural impact.
  3. The article questions whether the movie's existing achievements are enough or if recognition from the Academy is necessary.

Suzy Weiss: My Afternoon with the Vibe Coders

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 876 implied HN points • 07 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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 Reiner: Between laughter and tears

Random Minds by Katherine Brodsky • 112 implied HN points • 22 Dec 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Great stories mix laughter and tears so they feel like real life, and giving audiences moments of humor provides needed release.
  2. Personal pain and family dynamics can be turned into creative work, and finding your own path—especially in the shadow of a famous parent—is a hard but meaningful journey.
  3. A beloved film can become part of people’s lives across generations, inspiring names, tattoos, and new fans who keep its legacy alive.

The World Series of Poker Starts Tomorrow

Matt’s Five Points • 219 implied HN points • 27 May 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Poker isn't just a card game; it's a gambling game that really depends on money decisions. Unlike other card games, poker's fun mostly comes from the stakes involved, not the actual cards.
  2. No-Limit Hold'em is super popular but not ideal for casual games. It's better to play games with betting limits to keep it fun and relaxed among friends.
  3. The poker scene has changed a lot in the past 20 years. Players today have access to sophisticated strategies and tools, making the competition tougher and more global than ever.

Tuesday Thread: What Games Are You Playing?

Culture Study • 1654 implied HN points • 28 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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 [Tuesday] Media Diet with Dominic Scalise

Why is this interesting? • 844 implied HN points • 27 May 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  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.

Taylor Swift, AI cults and the pain of the personal brand

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 638 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Modern living rooms heavily feature large TV screens, but there's a rising trend towards hidden technology, like TVs that blend into backgrounds.
  2. There's a significant shift towards concealing technology in everyday objects, like smart speakers disguised as lamps or laptops made to look like books.
  3. Personal screens have become an integral part of daily life, but there's a growing desire to minimize their visibility, especially accentuated during the pandemic.

TikTok’s Melissa McCarthy Mandela effect

Embedded • 707 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. A TikTok video caused a Mandela effect about Melissa McCarthy's involvement in a dance trend.
  2. The viral trend led to misunderstandings and confusion among viewers.
  3. The comedian behind the video, Han Williamson, experienced rapid online fame and is navigating its impact on her comedy career.

The Profile: The $18 billion AI unicorn & the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show performer

The Profile • 793 implied HN points • 21 Jan 24
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. The Profile newsletter features interviews with notable figures like Taylor Tomlinson, Usher, and Naomi Osaka.
  2. Taylor Tomlinson, a rising comedian, is experiencing great professional success but questions its impact on her personal life.
  3. Usher is preparing for the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show while juggling various aspects of his life such as therapy, meditation, parenting, and career.

Numlock News: February 6, 2024 • Vesuvius, Vegas, Zeppelin

Numlock News • 589 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
📰 News Entertainment
  1. Former New York Jets icon Brett Favre has been ordered to repay $1.1 million received as speaking fees from a nonprofit.
  2. An LED sphere in Las Vegas has faced financial losses, with the Sphere Entertainment losing $193.9 million on revenue of $167.8 million.
  3. The original contract Led Zeppelin signed in 1968 revealed they received $104,100 upfront from Atlantic Records and had specific terms designating Jimmy Page as the band's leader.

To eradicate deaths on the road, Greater Manchester looks to Sweden

The Mill • 648 implied HN points • 22 Jan 24
📰 News Entertainment
  1. Greater Manchester aims to completely eliminate road deaths and serious injuries by 2040 using a Swedish road safety model
  2. The new strategy 'Vision Zero' focuses on changing attitudes towards road safety and preventing collisions
  3. Data shows the high cost and disparities of road casualties in Greater Manchester, with a goal of reducing them by 50% by 2030 and eradicating them by 2040

Comics from Winter 1980 Issue of Electronics Today International

Computer Ads from the Past • 640 implied HN points • 04 Jul 25
💥 Comics Entertainment
  1. The post shares a collection of comics that appeared in an old electronics magazine. They offer a fun glimpse into technology from the past.
  2. There's an invitation for readers to share their thoughts on what kind of computer ads they would like to see in the future. It's a way to engage with the audience.
  3. The writer encourages sharing the post to reach more people and build a community around these nostalgic topics.

Budget Little House

Disaffected Newsletter • 1039 implied HN points • 04 Nov 23
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Generosity from others helped the author recover from a flood disaster. It’s important to reach out for support when facing tough times.
  2. Creating a budget for living expenses is crucial for maintaining financial stability. Managing money wisely can help prevent financial difficulties in the future.
  3. Personal stories and experiences can bring people together and foster a sense of community. Sharing challenges and achievements can inspire others.

One of YouTube's biggest channels is opening a massive production studio

Taylor Lorenz's Newsletter • 2000 implied HN points • 21 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Alan Chikin Chow is opening a large 10,000-square-foot studio in Los Angeles to create content for platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram. This shows how creators can compete with big Hollywood studios.
  2. His YouTube series, 'Alan's Universe', is really popular, getting millions of views with stories aimed at a young audience, especially girls. It combines K-drama themes with relatable storylines.
  3. Alan wants to expand 'Alan's Universe' into movies, TV shows, and more, showing that content creation is changing and that anyone with a good idea and the right skills can succeed.

Vol. 2, Issue 33 - Interview with Carol Monahan (Wizards of the Coast)

Johto Times • 39 implied HN points • 15 Aug 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Carol Monahan was a key figure at Wizards of the Coast when they got the Pokémon Trading Card Game license. She helped ensure products were shipped to stores, which was crucial during the game's early success.
  2. Wizards of the Coast faced many challenges as they quickly expanded, especially when the Pokémon TCG became popular. They had to manage large shipments and secure enough resources to meet the demand.
  3. The sale of Wizards to Hasbro changed things, but at first, Pokémon continued to thrive. However, over time, Hasbro struggled to maintain their relationship with the Pokémon brand.

Hollywood's New Private School Arms Race

The Ankler • 569 implied HN points • 03 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Los Angeles' private schools are becoming more competitive with an increased focus on rebranding and marketing.
  2. Private schools in Los Angeles are facing challenges such as demographic shifts, DEI curriculum overhauls, and mental health issues among students.
  3. The private school market in Los Angeles remains competitive, with parents heavily investing in the admissions process and schools needing to navigate the needs of both parents and students.

Do the Jo(h)ns Believe What They're Saying?

I Might Be Wrong • 20 implied HN points • 13 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Comedian-journalists are losing automatic credibility as experts and now face growing skepticism from both fans and specialists.
  2. People debate whether their one-sided messaging comes from showmanship and chasing audiences or from genuinely believing the simplified narratives they promote.
  3. Satirical news shows increasingly resemble partisan outlets by simplifying and massaging facts, which undercuts their earlier role as a corrective to mainstream media.

Tuesday Thread: What Are You Watching?

Culture Study • 1859 implied HN points • 19 Nov 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Watching shows can be a great way to escape tough emotions like grief. It allows us to get lost in stories that can be comforting.
  2. Having a show that moves quickly, like _The Diplomat_, can make it easy to binge-watch when feeling low. It provides a distraction from daily stress.
  3. Strong performances by actors, like Alison Janney's in _The Diplomat_, can enhance the viewing experience and make the story even more engaging.

Who'd Star as YOU?

Ask E. Jean • 1100 implied HN points • 10 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The post discusses choosing an actor, living or dead, to play you in a movie of your life.
  2. The author encourages readers to think about who would portray them in a film adaptation of their life story.
  3. Subscription to Ask E. Jean offers access to more insightful posts and a 7-day free trial.