Sadly, we’re saying goodbye to Pop Cultured. In the last year, we’ve done some memorable pop culture deep dives (think: Queen Bey’s “Renaissance” and the history of house music) and broken down some of the biggest stories in the news (like: the Oscar’s slap and Serena retiring as the GOAT). We’ve also had some amazing conversations along the way.  So, it’s only right that we end the show the way it began: talking about why these stories matter. TV, movies, fashion, sports, and just about...

Don’t know about you, but we’re still processing everything that went down at the VMAs — from that totally weird Johnny Depp appearance (can we call it that?) to Lizzo responding to haters. Again.  We’re also going to break down the Olivia Wilde–Shia LaBeouf beef, the Euphoria season three drama, and the latest thing to fall out of Chris Rock's mouth. And finally, with all eyes on NASA this week, we’re going back to one of our favorite episodes of this show, where we dug into our pop culture...

We’re kicking it off this week with a rundown of a big win for HBO Max (House of the Dragon, we’re looking at you) and a whole lot of cringe. A plantation wedding, Bennifer? Really? Then, it’s a conversation with The Juggernaut’s Ishani Nath about Indian Matchmaking, and why she says the Netflix show about arranged marriages is still a hate watch. We get into what the series gets right, what it’s still getting wrong in season two, and why Sima from Mumbai fires up so many feelings.  And...

First, it’s the Pop Five: Megan Thee Stallion’s new album “Traumazine” is just what the hot girls need as we transition into fall. Rihanna’s boo A$AP Rocky might be in big trouble, and Real Housewife Kathy Hilton is facing backlash from Lizzo fans. And we’re getting nostalgic over Brandy’s “Cinderella” turning 25.  Next, Jennette McCurdy’s new memoir is making us rethink some of our childhood faves. We Skimm (in under four minutes) what we’re learning about the era at Nickelodeon that brought...

First up, say goodbye to #Kete, folks. Kim Kardashian and Pete Davidson called it quits after just nine months of dating. Get the rundown on the biggest breakup of the summer and Kanye’s reaction.  Plus, find out why Megan Thee Stallion’s boo Pardi seems a little upset with The Rock? And did a couple really find love in the Popeye’s parking lot? We quickly break it all down in this week’s Pop Five stories.  Then, we Skimm (in under four minutes) what the heck is going on with the Warner Bros....

All hail Queen Bey! The “Renaissance” is here, and the house listening party started last weekend along with the drama. But this act one wasn’t the only thing dominating pop culture news.  Did you hear that Taylor Swift’s is also topping the charts? But this time it isn’t for music. It’s for her terrible private jet CO2 emissions. And after eight weeks of not being able to turn away from Love Island UK, we finally have this seasons’ winners. What else is on our radar? Check out this week’s...

From Kid Cudi walking off the stage at Rolling Loud to a weepy Bennifer in Paris, a lot has been going on in pop culture news. So we’re starting off by breaking down our Pop Five — the top five moments we can’t stop talking about. And after, we have convos with Angelica Ross, Tan France, and Christina Milian. So find out the reason Desus and Mero are calling it quits and why Sesame Place is being called out for racial discrimination.   Then, San Diego ComicCon gave “Black Panther” fans what...

Having a big butt hasn’t always been popular. But now, it seems like everyone wants to be a member of the big booty club. Kim Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, and even Madonna have all been suspected of having work done to make their backsides bigger. But it isn’t just famous people who are bending over backwards to get the derrière they desire. Regular women are also looking for ways to plump up their bottoms. While some are opting for butt implants or injections, many are turning to another...

We’ve finally settled into the summer season — meaning warmer days, more three-day weekends, and sneaking in some beach time before Labor Day. But if you’re trying to stay cool inside or you have some time to kill (thanks, flight delays), you’re going to need something to watch. And we’ve got you covered.  Today, we called up some of our favorite media critics and a bunch of our savvy fellow Skimm’rs for their must-see recommendations. Whether you need weekend binges, movies worth seeing in...

Last week, the trial for WNBA All-Star Brittney Griner began in Russia. Griner was taken into custody on drug charges back in February, and her detention has been extended four times.  Unfortunately, things aren’t looking good for the Phoenix Mercury star. The trial resumes July 7 and could take several months. She could also face up to 10 years in prison if convicted.   While so many questions remain about Griner’s future and release, there’s one that keeps popping up: what she was doing...

From the trailer for “Hocus Pocus 2” giving us major nostalgia to the backlash surrounding the chart topping “Elvis” biopic, there’s a lot going on in pop culture this week. So we’re breaking down the top five moments we can’t stop talking about — and revisiting a few others. Find out the latest in the Brittney Griner case and what happened at the BET Awards without Lil Nas X.  Then, last week’s Verzuz between Omarion and Mario brought up old drama with the “Post to Be” singer and his former...

Do you remember when the only queer characters on TV seemed to be sassy, gay best friends?  Queer representation in pop culture is changing. With shows and movies like “The Bold Type,” Tom Swift,” “P-Valley,” and “Fire Island,” we’re seeing more depth and range when it comes to LGBTQ+ characters and storylines.  We’re also seeing more queer representation in other mediums like books, cartoons, anime, and manga.  This Pride Month, we’ve been talking about the importance of telling diverse...

First up, we’ve got questions: Who’s the new addition to the list of EGOT legends? Which ex-husband tried to crash Brittney’s wedding? Who thought “Squid Game” should be a reality show? Why is the Beyhive upset with Saucy Santana, Twitter upset with Lizzo, and everybody upset with Amy Schumer for the tampon shortage? But the big question this week: Why wasn’t Lil Nas X nominated for a 2022 BET Award? Lil Nas X had one of the biggest albums of 2021. “Montero” climbed the charts, and so did its...

First up, we break down the latest in pop culture news from the weekend’s most-talked about breakup — ahem, Lori Harvey and Michael B. Jordan — to the Depp vs. Heard verdict. Then, we kick off Pride Month with a conversation with an icon.  Within the last decade, there’s been a huge shift in trans representation in Hollywood. From “Orange is the New Black” to “Pose,” we’ve seen more diverse storylines that explore queer and trans experiences than ever before. And we’ve been introduced to...

A few weeks ago, rappers Young Thug, Gunna, and 26 of their YSL crew members were charged in a Georgia RICO case. And prosecutors are arguing that YSL is actually a criminal gang instead of a record label.  One of the things they plan to use to prove that: Young Thug’s rap lyrics.  Violent lyrics show up in a lot of music genres. But when it comes to rap and hip hop, it’s not unusual for those lyrics to be used in court as evidence to convict artists of crimes. But is it a violation of first...

When model Lori Harvey took to TikTok earlier this month to detail her weight-loss diet, the backlash was swift. That’s because, as plenty of dietitians pointed out, the 1,200 calorie-per-day plan she shared was just not enough food for most full-grown humans.  But Harvey’s not alone. We’re bombarded with stories about how people are losing weight — from Kim Kardashian’s met-gala dress diet to influencers and #FitFam posts pushing restrictive eating and excessive exercise. At the same time,...

It’s a huge week for music and TV. We have questions — and answers.  First up: Kendrick Lamar’s new album dropped, but does it live up to the hype? Next: Who won Eurovision, and who tried to cheat by hacking the results? Then: What happened at the Billboard Music Awards, and why are people talking about Cara Delevingne, Doja Cat, and Travis Scott? But the question of the week: Why are folks so mad at the latest casting news?  Since Disney+ announced it was adapting the popular YA series...

So much is trending in pop culture news. We have questions — and answers.  First up: Rapper Young Thug was indicted with 27 other members of his crew for gang related charges.  Then: What’s the latest in the Johnny Depp. v. Amber Heard trial? We’ll catch you up on the highlights since Heard took the stand.  And: Why were people mad at Kim Kardashian for wearing the iconic Marilyn Monroe dress to the Met Gala? A fashion historian gives us the tea. Next: What does being “wrongfully...

From “Everything Everywhere All At Once” to “Shang-Chi and the Legend of the Ten Rings” and “Crazy Rich Asians,” more Asian American stories have made it to the mainstream in the last few years.  But it isn’t just the big screen that’s changing. Recently, more TV shows representing the experiences of Americans with East Asian and South Asian backgrounds are popping up on our small screens.  We’ve definitely come a long way from 1994’s “All-American Girl” — one of the first primetime sitcoms...

It seems like celebs can’t stay out of court these days. Former Real Housewives of Atlanta star Nene Leakes is suing Bravo for what she says was a racist work environment. Megan The Stallion has an ongoing felony assault case against Torey Lanez. Kardashian friend-turned-foe Blac Chyna is suing the family for allegedly ruining her reality television career. And a few months ago, Cardi B won a defamation lawsuit against YouTuber Tasha K. But the case that everyone seems to be talking about is...

Each week, we have incredible conversations with smart culture critics and experts about the biggest pop culture stories, but we don’t get to include every moment. Today, we’re going back to interviews that stuck with us — and sharing moments that didn’t make it into the show before. Like the story comedian Hari Kondabolu told us about an unforgettable encounter at a comedy show that taught him a valuable lesson. And check out our deep dive into Black TV sitcoms with Shadow & Act editor...

It seems like everyone is obsessed with fast fashion, and social media has been huge in helping brands like SHEIN, Zara and other online retailers show up in your Instagram, Facebook and TikTok feeds. Love ’em or hate ’em, you can’t deny these brands have changed many people's relationship with clothing. Shopping is cheaper, sizing is seemingly more inclusive, and being trendy is more accessible than ever. SHEIN even landed a spot on TIME’s 100 Most Influential Companies of 2022 list for its...

When one of the most successful Black actors in Hollywood slaps one of the most famous Black comedians on international television, it's bound to spark conversations. One debate that keeps coming up is whether or not Chris Rock should have even made that “G.I. Jane” joke aimed at Jada Pinkett Smith, who has publicly spoken about her struggles with alopecia.  But it feels like we've been having this discussion about comedy — and where we draw the line — a lot lately. Plenty of comedians have...

Everything that happened at the Academy Awards still has us reeling — especially the moment that stole the show, when Will Smith walked onstage and slapped Chris Rock after the comedian made a joke about Jada Pinkett Smith’s shaved head.  People have a lot of opinions. So we talked to the creator of the #OscarsSoWhite hashtag, April Reign, about what happened and the social media storm that followed.  And while the Oscars are still trending, awards season isn’t over yet. This Sunday, the 2022...