The Culture

The Culture

November 27, 2024

Valentin Chmerkovskiy's Reaction to 'DWTS' Winner Goes Viral

Happy Thanksgiving Eve! As we get ready to gather with family and friends, we know that inevitably we'll run out of things to talk about. (How much can you really talk about the weather?) Well, as your resident pop culture expert, I'm here to help you with those moments. So, once you've run out of things to talk about, turn to this list below. You're welcome.

Former Bachelor star Joey Graziadei won the the Len Goodman Mirrorball Trophy on Dancing with the Stars. Did he deserve it? Just say that at the table, someone will have an opinion.

It's the perfect season for a Nora Ephron movie. You've Got Mail is basically a holiday movie. (Or at least feels like one.) You can fight about that at the table, and then bring up my chat with Ilana Kaplan, who joined me on the latest Parting Shot podcast to talk about her book Nora Ephron at the Movies.

Bring up all the drama surrounding MrBeast. Yes, most of the table will probably go, "Who?" But at the very least, this is going to fill up a good 45 minutes of awkward table time. 

Whatever you do, don't bring up politics. Unless you really want to make it the last time you're invited back to Thanksgiving dinner. And who knows? Maybe that was your plan all along, in which case congrats! And Happy Thanksgiving!

That's it for me today. No newsletter this Friday because of the holiday, but I'll be back on Monday. Have a great one!

Listed
Three Things People are Watching on TV

How Viewers Are Rating New Paramount+ Show 'Landman'

Viewers of the new Paramount+ show Landman are praising Billy Bob Thornton's performance—but they're also criticizing how its female characters have been written. Here's why.

Harrowing True Story Behind Netflix's 'Apple Cider Vinegar'

A shocking new TV show will soon be hitting Netflix about a woman who tricked people into believing she had cancer—and it's based on a true story. Watch the new trailer.

What 'Cold Case' Revealed About JonBenét's Mother Patsy Ramsey

A new Netflix docuseries has reignited the interest in the JonBenét Ramsey murder. Here's what it revealed.

Taylor Swift's Moment With Mom, Brother in Toronto Captured by Camera Crew

Say Don't Go, Taylor. It's hard to believe The Eras Tour is actually going to end, but the emotions are starting to show on stage. Taylor Swift teared up while thanking fans at her last show in Toronto and a sweet post-show moment between her mom and brother was caught on camera. Watch here!

'Wicked' Cast Pay Gap: Were Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo Paid the Same?

As Wicked draws big numbers at the box office, rumors of a sizable pay disparity between the movie's two lead stars have dominated social media. Here's what Universal Pictures said.

How Meghan Markle and Prince Harry Will Spend Thanksgiving

Meghan Markle and Prince Harry are "always pretty low-key" about Thanksgiving, but the Duchess of Sussex hinted the couple may have a special guest during their holiday meal this year. Read more.

Diddy Bail Update as Lawyers Send Security to Apartment Where He May Stay

Lawyers for Sean "Diddy" Combs say they are sending a security guard to inspect the three-bedroom New York City apartment where the disgraced mogul will stay if he is granted bail this week. Here's what we know.

Disneyland Gives First Look at 'Frozen' Extension Opening in 2026

Disneyland Paris has given fans a sneak peek at its upcoming attraction, World of Frozen, based on the hit movie Frozen. Take a look!

Bravo Announces 'Vanderpump Rules' Season 12: What We Know

Bravo announced on Tuesday that reality TV series Vanderpump Rules will return for season 12 with an all-new cast. Here's what we know.

Culture Spotlight
Kavin Becon

Philomena Cunk Is Every Historian's Nightmare (And She's Fine With That)

By: H. Alan Scott

Philomena Cunk is just as surprised as anyone else at her own popularity. "I'm surprised I am popular with anyone, because the topics they make me talk about—history, art and science—are amongst the most unpopular topics in the world."

But she's on a mission to make the subject of history at least somewhat bearable in her new book The World According to Cunk: An Illustrated History of All World Events Ever. "The ideal gift book is about something that a loved one is interested in. This book is about everything, so you can hedge your bets if you've not been listening." Check out her conversation with H. Alan Scott.

 

Listen to the latest episode of The Parting Shot HERE

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