The hottest Entertainment Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways
Category
Top Culture Topics

War of the Eternals - How the Eloi's Fractionalization of Language Keeps Us Divided

DARK FUTURA • 1081 implied HN points • 16 Apr 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Society's discourse is increasingly dominated by short, emotionally charged communication on social media.
  2. The ruling class may be intentionally using engineered misdirection and technological limitations to divide and control people.
  3. Limiting long-form discussions and complex discourse can hinder society's ability to address nuanced issues and regulate itself.

Rushfield: It's Time to Fight Back

The Ankler • 1081 implied HN points • 04 Jul 23
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. The box office results don't reflect the whole picture in the film industry.
  2. Hollywood seems to be struggling with the current business model of big blockbusters and streaming.
  3. There is uncertainty about how to generate profits in the industry right now.
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What makes a card game great?

Matt’s Five Points • 219 implied HN points • 12 May 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. A great card game needs meaningful strategy. Players should be able to make decisions that can really affect the outcome, making the game more engaging and exciting.
  2. The game should be easy to learn and quick to set up. If new players can't grasp the rules in about ten minutes, they may lose interest before they even get to play.
  3. It’s important for the game to have little to no downtime. Everyone should stay involved and be able to play continuously to keep the fun going.

Channeling Curiosity

Range Widely • 530 implied HN points • 06 Feb 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. Pablo Torre's podcast _Pablo Torre Finds Out_ covers a wide range of topics beyond sports, aiming to entertain and inform across various subjects.
  2. Pablo Torre's show structure includes deep-dive episodes, talk show-style segments with friends, and one-on-one interviews with notable personalities, allowing for a diverse range of content.
  3. Balancing investigative reporting with entertaining content, Pablo Torre's podcast provides insightful stories while treating sports fans like adults.

‘Emilia Pérez’ and the Curse of Oscar Bait

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1358 implied HN points • 27 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The film 'Emilia Pérez' is a strong Oscar contender, despite losing money at the box office. Many viewers may feel left out because it wasn't made with them in mind.
  2. Oscar bait films are designed to catch the attention of Academy voters, who often favor serious dramas and social commentary. This leads to films that resonate more with industry insiders than with general audiences.
  3. Past Oscar winners like 'Moonlight' and 'Nomadland' show a pattern of how the awards often favor poignant stories, even if they don't perform well commercially.

Everything Old Is New Again in 2024

Drezner’s World • 569 implied HN points • 25 Jan 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The likelihood of a Joe Biden-Donald Trump rematch in the 2024 election is high, causing mixed reactions among Americans.
  2. The return of Jon Stewart to 'The Daily Show' as a host and executive producer in 2024 is seen as a major event for Comedy Central and Paramount Global.
  3. Stewart's comeback is anticipated to bring comedic relief and potentially influence the political landscape with his unique perspective.

RIP Richard Lewis

Castalia • 399 implied HN points • 11 Mar 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Richard Lewis brought a unique, quirky energy to 'Curb Your Enthusiasm,' standing out with his odd style and humor. His character provided a fun contrast to Larry David's more serious nature.
  2. The show uses clever storytelling, intertwining multiple plotlines that come together in unexpected ways. This structure keeps viewers engaged and makes every episode entertaining.
  3. Despite cultural shifts, 'Curb' remained popular by addressing everyday annoyances and experiences relatable to many. It skillfully balanced humor with observations about life, ensuring it stayed relevant over the years.

4 Predictions for 2026

The Carousel • 35 implied HN points • 28 Jan 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Independent publishing platforms like Substack and podcast networks look set to plateau as discovery gets harder and editorial curation becomes more important, opening room for new alternatives.
  2. The economy appears to be warming into a real boom with more investment and controlled inflation, and a sustained uptick could alleviate many social and political problems.
  3. Speculation and prediction are becoming a central cultural and economic force, with value shifting to those who can be upstream in information and make timely forecasts.

🍿 Netflix Steps into the WWE Ring

How They Make Money • 569 implied HN points • 24 Jan 24
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Netflix secures a $5 billion, 10-year deal with WWE for exclusive rights to 'Raw' and other shows, expanding its reach internationally.
  2. WWE's global appeal, available in 180 countries and reaching over one billion homes, makes it a strategic fit for Netflix.
  3. Moving WWE content to Netflix provides a win-win situation, giving WWE access to a larger platform and providing Netflix with exclusive content to retain and attract members.

Hidden Open Thread 387.5

Astral Codex Ten • 619 implied HN points • 27 Jun 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. This is a space for paid subscribers to share and discuss ideas. It's a way for members to connect with each other.
  2. Open threads allow for a variety of topics to be discussed freely. People can bring up anything on their minds.
  3. The thread is updated regularly, keeping discussions active and engaging for ongoing conversations.

The Master of Disaster

Marc Stein • 511 implied HN points • 07 Feb 24
🎾 Sports Entertainment
  1. The author shares personal reflections on legendary actor Carl Weathers and his impact on their life.
  2. The article mentions the busy time leading up to the NBA trade deadline and briefly touches on the All-Star Weekend.
  3. Stats on NBA players scoring high points in games and the upcoming changes in draft format are highlighted.

Tuesday Thread: Your Comfort Watch

Culture Study • 1564 implied HN points • 17 Dec 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Comfort watches help people feel relaxed, especially during dark and cold seasons. They can bring a sense of coziness and emotional safety.
  2. Many comfort watches are holiday-themed, designed to create warm and nostalgic feelings.
  3. People enjoy revisiting favorite shows or movies because they offer a familiar escape from everyday stress.

I like to move it move it

LOL (lots of links) • 1022 implied HN points • 30 Mar 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There's a Twitter account that posts about discontinued foods like Smokey Robinson Frozen Dinners and McDonalds' Hula burgers.
  2. You can hide resellers on Amazon by appending &emi=ATVPDKIKX0DER to your search URL.
  3. People go to great lengths to avoid repeating words, like calling a fox a 'four-legged interloper' in news articles.

Disaffected on Audio, right here on Substack

Disaffected Newsletter • 579 implied HN points • 17 Jan 24
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  1. The podcast is now available in audio format on Substack. It's a new way for listeners to engage with the content.
  2. Feedback from the audience is welcome to improve the show. They want to hear your thoughts and questions.
  3. The newsletter is supported by readers, and subscriptions help sustain its production. Joining as a free or paid subscriber shows your support.

Broadcast TV: It Only Looks Dead

Life Since the Baby Boom • 1152 implied HN points • 21 Feb 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Broadcast TV is still relevant, even with the rise of streaming services. People can watch live sports and local news without paying for subscriptions.
  2. Digital broadcasting has increased the number of channels available, including many free options that people may not know about.
  3. Older TV shows often have more depth and quality compared to many new productions. Watching them can remind us of what good storytelling looks like.

Reasonably Happy, Intelligent Partner, NYC event

Rob Henderson's Newsletter • 757 implied HN points • 20 May 25
🎙 Podcasts Entertainment
  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.

Where The TV Jobs Are Now (And Not)

The Ankler • 491 implied HN points • 05 Feb 24
💼 Business Entertainment
  1. Survival until 2025 is crucial as TV industry changes continue.
  2. Identify growing career fields in Hollywood, including agents and managers.
  3. Explore international job opportunities and consider gaming as a backup plan for entertainment professionals.

AI gift-giving, gossip surveillance and the tyranny of Spotify Wrapped towns

Links I Would Gchat You If We Were Friends • 738 implied HN points • 02 Dec 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. AI tools like shopping bots are changing how we give gifts, aiming to lessen the emotional labor required for relationship maintenance.
  2. Contrary to popular belief, thoughtful gifts may not always be better received than thoughtless ones, as studies suggest recipients may not always appreciate the effort put into a gift.
  3. While using AI tools for gift-giving can streamline the process and offer good suggestions, it may also risk diluting the emotional and personal connections that come with traditional gift-giving.

sunday memepool

bad cattitude • 92 implied HN points • 07 Dec 25
😂 Humor Entertainment
  1. The holiday season brings a mix of excitement and challenges. It's a time for celebration but can also be stressful for many.
  2. People often look for ways to enjoy the holidays, whether through family gatherings or personal victories.
  3. Preparing for the holidays can help create lasting memories, even amidst the hustle and bustle.

Zvi's 2024 In Movies

Don't Worry About the Vase • 1299 implied HN points • 13 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Watching movies in theaters is way better than at home. The experience with big screens and better sound makes a big difference.
  2. People become more picky about movie quality when they watch more films. This means great movies stand out more when you watch less overall.
  3. Tracking and reviewing the movies you watch can help you learn about your own tastes and make better choices in the future.

A Man Walks Into A Bar

Everything Is Amazing • 488 implied HN points • 13 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. People often think that Americans don't understand irony, but that's not true. Many Americans use humor in a clever way that might not be obvious at first.
  2. The 1980s show _Cheers_ has a lasting impact and is still loved by many. It captured a vibe that many people can relate to even today.
  3. Cultural misunderstandings can lead to funny moments when discussing humor between different countries. It's good to remember we all have our own styles!

Pity the Poor Bastards Who Have to Try to Racially Balance Every Big Event

I Might Be Wrong • 19 implied HN points • 10 Feb 26
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Entertainment often forces racial "entry points" into shows to try to make every group feel represented, which can create tokenism and awkward shoehorning of performers.
  2. Every booking gets read as a win or loss by different political and racial camps, so backlash happens no matter who is chosen and the debate becomes a zero-sum culture war.
  3. Executives are stuck trying to please everyone, an impossible task, and the better solution is to stop prioritizing race as the main factor and treat culture as different expressions of shared experiences.

The Fall of Meghan and Harry, Inc.

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 5541 implied HN points • 29 Jun 23
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. People around the world fell in love with Meghan Markle when she got engaged to Prince Harry six years ago.
  2. The couple initially won over public opinion with their fairytale wedding and choice to break royal norms, but popularity has plummeted due to perceived laziness and snobbish behavior.
  3. Meghan and Harry's downfall can be attributed to their pursuit of huge financial deals and a lack of perceived hard work or genuine connection with the public.

Won't somebody think of the men?

My Goodness! From Jo Elvin • 432 implied HN points • 11 Feb 24
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Some men react strongly to content that is not specifically catered to them, displaying incredulous outrage.
  2. Women's entertainment options are often broad and inclusive, while men sometimes struggle with consuming content not targeted at them.
  3. Top podcasts and media platforms are predominantly hosted by white men, raising questions on audience preference and representation.

Dingus of the week: Carrie Underwood

Men Yell at Me • 1233 implied HN points • 17 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. Carrie Underwood's career is seen as struggling and her performance at Trump's inauguration is viewed as an attempt to regain relevance.
  2. Critics suggest that artists like Underwood often blame 'woke culture' for their lack of success instead of focusing on their music's quality.
  3. There's a growing trend of celebrities embracing controversial political stances to stay in the spotlight, raising questions about their genuine beliefs.

Doing "The Twist" with Chubby Checker

Rock 'n' Roll with Me • 179 implied HN points • 14 May 24
🎶 Music Entertainment
  1. Dancing is for everyone, no matter your age or skill level. You can move to your favorite music in any way that feels good.
  2. Chubby Checker's song 'The Twist' became a huge hit twice, and it's a dance that anyone can do easily and with fun.
  3. Over time, people often lose their confidence to dance, but it's important to embrace joy and creativity, just like we did as kids.

Why there's no "Joe Rogan of the left"

The Rubesletter by Matt Ruby (of Vooza) | Sent every Tuesday • 1140 implied HN points • 24 Jan 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. There's no 'Joe Rogan of the left' because Rogan appeals to a non-political crowd. To engage more people, the left needs to communicate in spaces outside traditional politics.
  2. Rogan has created a strong connection with his audience by producing a lot of content. This helps him fight loneliness for listeners who feel like he is their friend.
  3. People are drawn to fun and relatable content. If the left wants to attract more followers, they need to focus on building positive relationships instead of criticizing others.

Top Links 811 Dali and the dollar. Making the most of the “longevity dividend”. The fall of the Roman Republic and how a Baywatch star became a Berlin hero.

Chartbook • 400 implied HN points • 27 Jul 25
🎭️ Culture Entertainment
  1. The phrase 'Avida Dollars' was used to mock Salvador Dali, but he took it as a compliment. It shows how creative minds can turn criticism into praise.
  2. German car exports to China are dropping, which is making things tough for Europe. This could have big effects on their economy and job market.
  3. The newsletter shares various insightful links, encouraging readers to explore different topics. This helps keep readers informed about various global issues.