In a year marred by uncertainty and chaos, it's hard to think of pop culture as anything but a welcome respite. But for many of us, there were moments this past year that made all the struggle worth it – moments that brought us joy, excitement, or even just a much-needed distraction.
Take Star Wars, for example. The franchise has been through its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but Andor's second season was a game-changer. A timely, haunting, and hopeful story of resistance and tragedy, it brought a new level of depth to the series that left fans eagerly anticipating what came next.
Of course, not all pop culture triumphs were quite so high-stakes as Andor's. Sometimes, all we needed was something fun to take our minds off things – like the latest Apple TV sci-fi shows. Severance, Foundation, Murderbot, and more brought us a welcome respite from the news cycle, each one offering its own unique blend of thrills, chills, and pure entertainment.
The Muppets also made an appearance this year, with a 70th birthday bash that saw Kermit and Miss Piggy back in action like never before. From TV specials to feature films, it was clear that the Muppets were still very much alive and kicking – and we couldn't be more grateful.
But pop culture isn't just about big-budget blockbusters or familiar franchises. Sometimes, it's the smaller, more obscure titles that really resonate with us. Like Dandadan, for example – a hilarious anime series that flew under the radar until its second season dropped. Or maybe it was something like World of Warcraft: Legion Remix, a lovingly remade take on one of the most beloved MMORPGs of all time.
Artists like Brad Hill also deserve a shoutout this year, for their unique and imaginative sculptures that bring a touch of magic to an otherwise mundane world. And then there were movies like Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc – films that surprised us all with their depth, complexity, and sheer wow factor.
Of course, no list would be complete without the return of Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, on the small screen. Charlie Cox's performance as the Man Without Fear was back in full force this year, bringing a welcome dose of justice to those who need it most.
As we sit down to give thanks for the pop culture that has helped us through another trying year, we're reminded that sometimes the things that bring us joy are the ones we least expect. Whether it's a beloved sci-fi show, a nostalgic franchise revival, or just plain old-fashioned entertainment – there's always something out there waiting for us, ready to lift our spirits and carry us through the tough times.
So here's to 2025 – may it be filled with even more surprises, delights, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy.
Take Star Wars, for example. The franchise has been through its fair share of ups and downs in recent years, but Andor's second season was a game-changer. A timely, haunting, and hopeful story of resistance and tragedy, it brought a new level of depth to the series that left fans eagerly anticipating what came next.
Of course, not all pop culture triumphs were quite so high-stakes as Andor's. Sometimes, all we needed was something fun to take our minds off things – like the latest Apple TV sci-fi shows. Severance, Foundation, Murderbot, and more brought us a welcome respite from the news cycle, each one offering its own unique blend of thrills, chills, and pure entertainment.
The Muppets also made an appearance this year, with a 70th birthday bash that saw Kermit and Miss Piggy back in action like never before. From TV specials to feature films, it was clear that the Muppets were still very much alive and kicking – and we couldn't be more grateful.
But pop culture isn't just about big-budget blockbusters or familiar franchises. Sometimes, it's the smaller, more obscure titles that really resonate with us. Like Dandadan, for example – a hilarious anime series that flew under the radar until its second season dropped. Or maybe it was something like World of Warcraft: Legion Remix, a lovingly remade take on one of the most beloved MMORPGs of all time.
Artists like Brad Hill also deserve a shoutout this year, for their unique and imaginative sculptures that bring a touch of magic to an otherwise mundane world. And then there were movies like Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc – films that surprised us all with their depth, complexity, and sheer wow factor.
Of course, no list would be complete without the return of Matt Murdock, aka Daredevil, on the small screen. Charlie Cox's performance as the Man Without Fear was back in full force this year, bringing a welcome dose of justice to those who need it most.
As we sit down to give thanks for the pop culture that has helped us through another trying year, we're reminded that sometimes the things that bring us joy are the ones we least expect. Whether it's a beloved sci-fi show, a nostalgic franchise revival, or just plain old-fashioned entertainment – there's always something out there waiting for us, ready to lift our spirits and carry us through the tough times.
So here's to 2025 – may it be filled with even more surprises, delights, and moments of pure, unadulterated joy.