Pop Culture 2023: A Year of Memorable Moments and Unforgettable Trends
From box office hits to celebrity memoirs, here’s a look back at the defining moments in pop culture this year.
As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the whirlwind of events that shaped pop culture over the past year. From blockbuster movies to celebrity memoirs, shocking revelations to AI’s takeover, the world of entertainment and celebrity gossip never ceased to captivate us. Join us as we take a deep dive into the defining moments and trends that made 2023 a year to remember.
‘Barbenheimer’ rules the box office
In a surprising turn of events, two highly-anticipated films, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” took the summer by storm. Rather than competing against each other, audiences created a viral campaign called “Barbenheimer,” advocating for a dissonant double feature. This grassroots movement not only drove both films to the top of the box office but also highlighted the audience’s desire for quality movies, regardless of genre.
Celebrity memoirs reign
2023 was undoubtedly the year of the celebrity memoir. From Britney Spears’ candid account of her conservatorship to Prince Harry’s tell-all about the royal family, these books offered unprecedented insights into the lives of our favorite stars. Barbra Streisand’s nearly 1,000-page memoir and Julia Fox’s collection of unbelievable stories also became New York Times best sellers, proving that honesty and vulnerability can resonate with readers.
Scandoval shocks the Bravo universe
When “Vanderpump Rules” star Tom Sandoval cheated on his fiancée and co-star Ariana Madix, fans were left in shock. The outpouring of support for Madix was so massive that even non-Bravo viewers took notice. The subsequent breakup episode became the highest-rated in the series, showcasing the power of reality TV drama. Despite the heartbreak, Madix has since released a book of cocktail recipes and is set to star in Broadway’s “Chicago.”
‘M3GAN’ slays
Artificial intelligence continued to make its mark in pop culture with the release of “M3GAN,” a film about a murderous android who looks like a preteen. The dark humor and sardonic menace of the character made the movie an unmissable event, paving the way for a potential saga of films centered around AI’s terrifying capabilities.
George Santos lands on Cameo post-Congress
After being expelled from Congress for misusing campaign funds, George Santos quickly turned his notoriety into a career on Cameo. Recording personalized videos for paying customers, Santos capitalized on his infamy and charged $500 per video. This unexpected career shift highlights the power of social media platforms and the ever-evolving nature of fame.
‘The Simpsons’ strangles on
Despite rumors that Homer Simpson would stop strangling Bart, the iconic animated series proved critics wrong. A viral off-air joke led to speculation that the show would abandon this long-standing gag, but series creator Matt Groening and producer James L. Brooks shut down the rumors with a new drawing of Homer strangling Bart, citing “clickbaiting.” The show’s commitment to its timeless humor and irreverent storytelling continues to captivate audiences.
Pedro Pascal fever hits new heights
Pedro Pascal’s star power reached new heights in 2023, with his role as Joel in HBO’s “The Last of Us” adaptation earning him an Emmy nomination. Pascal’s portrayal of a hardened killer navigating a post-apocalyptic world resonated with audiences, solidifying his status as America’s sweetheart. Rumors of his potential involvement in the Marvel Cinematic Universe further fuel the anticipation surrounding his career.
Eras and Renaissance tours make summer sing
Taylor Swift’s “Eras” tour and Beyoncé’s “Renaissance” tour dominated the summer of 2023. These record-breaking concerts brought in billions of dollars in revenue, sold out stadiums worldwide, and spawned successful concert films. The year truly belonged to these two queens of the music industry, showcasing their enduring popularity and unmatched stage presence.
Formula 1 races away with our hearts
Netflix’s “Drive to Survive” docudrama series about Formula 1 racing gained immense popularity in its fifth season. The show introduced F1 jargon into everyday conversations and sparked interest from American automakers like General Motors and Ford. The sport’s first grand prix in Las Vegas in over 40 years became a celebrity hotspot, captivating audiences and solidifying F1’s presence in the US.
Everyone goes on strike
In 2023, various industries witnessed strikes by autoworkers, actors, hotel workers, writers, and healthcare professionals. The Writers Guild of America strike, lasting nearly five months, brought Hollywood to a standstill and exposed the industry’s darker side. The strike shed light on the struggles faced by workers and highlighted the need for fair treatment and compensation.
Trump makes history
Former President Donald Trump made history in 2023, not only for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election but also for being the only president to have a mugshot. His indictment in Georgia and subsequent booking photo sparked widespread debate and analysis, cementing his place in the annals of American politics.
Travis Kelce finds a new fanbase
Kansas City Chiefs’ tight end Travis Kelce became a household name in 2023, not only for his performance on the football field but also for his romantic involvement with pop star Taylor Swift. Kelce’s relationship with Swift catapulted him into the spotlight, with fans dissecting his social media posts and exes coming forward with details about their past. Kelce’s newfound celebrity status harkened back to the obsession with celebrities seen in the early 2000s.
Celebrities get divorced
While Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce enjoyed a blossoming romance, many other celebrities experienced the opposite fate. Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson, Cardi B and Offset, and numerous others announced their divorces in 2023. The year proved to be a challenging one for celebrity relationships, reminding us that even the glitz and glamour of fame can’t always guarantee a lasting partnership.
Artificial intelligence begins its takeover
Artificial intelligence continued to make strides in 2023, with companies like Spotify and Gannett embracing the technology. However, AI’s growing influence also raised concerns, as evidenced by botched reports and the use of AI-generated books. The increasing integration of AI in various industries begs the question of its long-term impact on society.
RIP to our best friend’s brother’s girlfriend’s Netflix account
Netflix’s crackdown on password sharing left many users without access to their beloved shows and movies. The streaming giant’s efforts to boost new subscriber sign-ups inadvertently disrupted the cozy arrangement of shared accounts. While this move may have been a business strategy, it left many users lamenting the loss of their unofficially borrowed Netflix access.
Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter replacements rise
The transformation of Twitter into X, courtesy of Elon Musk, left users searching for alternative platforms. Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, Spill, and T2 emerged as potential replacements, each with varying levels of success. However, none could replicate the heyday of Twitter, prompting some to consider taking a break from social media altogether.
Hip-Hop turns 50, and André 3000 makes a flute album
In 2023, hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary, marking a significant milestone for the genre deeply ingrained in American culture. As if to defy expectations, André 3000, a hip-hop icon, released his debut solo album, “New Blue Sun,” featuring a departure from traditional hip-hop with a focus on lilting flute melodies. This unexpected move showcased the genre’s ability to evolve and push boundaries.
Damar Hamlin changes the state of the NFL
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s cardiac arrest on the field brought player safety concerns to the forefront of the NFL. This sobering incident reminded fans and the league itself of the risks associated with the sport. As the NFL grapples with ongoing questions about player safety, the need for continued improvements and safeguards becomes increasingly apparent.
Ayo Edebiri becomes our favorite comedian
Ayo Edebiri’s versatile performances across various mediums, from Emmy-nominated roles to supporting characters in films and TV shows, established her as a rising star in Hollywood. Her talent and relatable charm quickly endeared her to audiences, making her a favorite comedian to watch. Edebiri’s success serves as a testament to her unique comedic style and undeniable talent.
Rihanna drops the mic at the Super Bowl
Rihanna’s pregnancy announcement during the Super Bowl halftime show stole the spotlight from the game itself. Dressed in designer clothing and performing her greatest hits, she captivated the audience with her unflappable confidence. This iconic moment showcased Rihanna’s status as a trailblazing artist and solidified her place in pop culture history.
Celebrities go to court
From Gwyneth Paltrow’s courtroom battle in Utah to Young Thug’s ongoing RICO case in Atlanta, celebrities found themselves in legal proceedings throughout 2023. These high-profile cases garnered significant attention, with Paltrow’s trial providing ample meme material and Thug’s case raising questions about the use of rap lyrics as evidence. Former President Donald Trump’s multiple court appearances also made headlines, further cementing his controversial legacy.
Conclusion: As we reflect on the year that was 2023, it becomes clear that pop culture continues to evolve and captivate us. From box office successes to celebrity scandals, AI’s influence to the changing landscape of social media, these moments and trends have shaped our cultural landscape. As we look ahead to 2024, one thing is certain: pop culture will continue to surprise, entertain, and provoke us.