The Year in Pop Culture: From Blockbuster Films to Celebrity Memoirs and AI Takeovers
A comprehensive look at the defining moments and trends that shaped pop culture in 2023
As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to reflect on the moments and trends that captivated and defined pop culture throughout the year. From the box office success of the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon to the rise of celebrity memoirs, the shocking revelations in the Bravo universe, and the ever-growing influence of artificial intelligence, this year was filled with captivating stories and cultural shifts. Join us as we delve into the highlights that made 2023 a year to remember in the world of pop culture.
‘Barbenheimer’ rules the box office
The summer of 2023 saw the release of two highly anticipated films, “Barbie” and “Oppenheimer,” which captivated audiences and sparked a unique viral campaign known as “Barbenheimer.” Despite initial expectations of competition, moviegoers came together to support both films, leading to a surge in box office numbers and a much-needed boost for theaters. This phenomenon highlighted the audience’s desire for quality movies, regardless of genre or theme.
Celebrity memoirs reign
The year 2023 witnessed a surge in celebrity memoirs, with notable releases from Britney Spears, Prince Harry, Barbra Streisand, and Julia Fox. These memoirs offered intimate insights into the lives of these public figures, captivating readers and earning spots on the New York Times bestseller list. The accompanying audiobooks added another layer of richness to the texts, with memorable performances from Michelle Williams and Prince Harry going viral.
Scandoval shocks the Bravo universe
The Bravo reality show “Vanderpump Rules” provided one of the most shocking moments of the year when star Tom Sandoval cheated on his fiancée and co-star Ariana Madix with their co-star Rachel Leviss. The outpouring of shock and support for Madix was so immense that it drew attention even from non-Bravo viewers. The subsequent episode about the breakup’s aftermath became the highest-rated in the series. Madix has since channeled her heartbreak into releasing a book of cocktail recipes and securing a role in Broadway’s “Chicago.”
‘M3GAN’ slays
Artificial intelligence continued to make waves in pop culture with the release of the film “M3GAN.” The movie featured a murderous android named M3GAN, who terrorized her haters while showcasing her TikTok dance skills and deadpan humor. The film’s unique concept and the character’s sardonic menace made it a must-see event, hinting at the potential for a saga of films centered around this AI-driven antagonist.
George Santos lands on Cameo post-Congress
After being expelled from Congress due to ethical violations, Republican representative George Santos quickly found a new career on the platform Cameo. Santos capitalized on his notoriety, recording personalized video messages for paying customers. From motivational speeches to bizarre requests, Santos embraced his newfound fame and charged $500 per video.
‘The Simpsons’ strangles on
Despite rumors that the long-running animated series “The Simpsons” would retire the iconic dynamic between Homer and Bart, the show’s creators dispelled the speculation with a new drawing depicting Homer strangling Bart. The tongue-in-cheek response shut down the rumors and reassured fans that some things, like the classic Simpson family dynamic, will always remain constant.
Pedro Pascal fever hits new heights
Pedro Pascal, known for his role in “The Mandalorian,” won over new fans with his portrayal of Joel in HBO’s adaptation of the video game “The Last of Us.” Pascal’s performance as a hardened killer navigating a post-apocalyptic world earned him an Emmy nomination and further cemented his status as a beloved actor. Rumors of Pascal joining the Marvel Cinematic Universe only added to his growing popularity.
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 tours generated billions in revenue, sold out stadiums worldwide, and resulted in successful concert films. Fans flocked to these spectacles, showcasing the enduring power and influence of these two iconic artists.
Formula 1 races away with our hearts
Netflix’s docudrama series “Drive to Survive” continued to captivate audiences with its fifth season, bringing Formula 1 into the mainstream. The series introduced viewers to the world of F1, with its high-speed races and behind-the-scenes drama. The sport’s popularity in the US grew, as American automakers expressed interest in joining the action, culminating in the first grand prix in Las Vegas in over 40 years.
Everyone goes on strike
2023 saw various industries witnessing strikes, from autoworkers and actors to hotel workers and healthcare professionals. The Writers Guild of America strike, lasting nearly five months, brought Hollywood to a standstill. These strikes shed light on the challenges faced by workers in these industries and exposed some of the darker aspects of the entertainment world.
Trump makes history
Former President Donald Trump made history in 2023 when he became the first president to have a mugshot. The mugshot was taken after Trump was indicted for his attempts to overturn the 2020 election in Georgia. This image sparked intense debate and analysis, solidifying Trump’s place in history as a controversial figure.
Travis Kelce finds a new fanbase
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce gained widespread attention after his team’s victory in the Super Bowl. However, it was his relationship with indie artist Taylor Swift that propelled him into the spotlight. Kelce’s social media posts and past relationship became the subject of intense scrutiny, transforming him from an NFL player into a dissected celebrity.
Celebrities get divorced
The year 2023 saw a wave of divorces among celebrities, including Joe Jonas and Sophie Turner, Jodie Turner-Smith and Joshua Jackson, Cardi B and Offset, and many others. The year seemed to be marked by the end of relationships in the public eye, reminding us of the complexities of love and fame.
Artificial intelligence begins its takeover
Artificial intelligence continued to advance in 2023, with companies embracing its capabilities despite warnings from experts. Spotify utilized AI technology, while Gannett used it to write reports on high school sports. The infiltration of AI into various industries raised questions about the potential consequences and impact on human creativity and labor.
RIP to our best friend’s brother’s girlfriend’s Netflix account
Netflix cracked down on password sharing in 2023, leading to a wave of frustration among users who relied on shared accounts. The move aimed to boost new subscriber sign-ups but also left many without access to their favorite shows and movies. The crackdown sparked a debate about the future of streaming platforms and the ethics of account sharing.
Threads, Bluesky, and Twitter replacements rise
Twitter underwent a transformation in 2023, rebranding as X and sparking the rise of alternative platforms such as Threads, Bluesky, Mastodon, Spill, and T2. These platforms attempted to fill the void left by Twitter’s changes, but none could replicate the platform’s heyday. The rise of these alternatives prompted discussions about the role of social media in our lives and the need for a break from constant online engagement.
Hip-Hop turns 50, and André 3000 makes a flute album
In a milestone for American culture, hip-hop celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2023. To mark the occasion, renowned artist André 3000 released his debut solo album, “New Blue Sun,” which took a departure from traditional hip-hop and showcased his skills as a flutist. This unexpected release highlighted the genre’s evolution and the willingness of artists to experiment and push boundaries.
Damar Hamlin changes the state of the NFL
Buffalo Bills safety Damar Hamlin’s on-field cardiac arrest sent shockwaves through the NFL and raised questions about player safety. The incident served as a reminder of the risks involved in professional sports and the ongoing need for measures to protect athletes. As another season comes to a close, the NFL continues to grapple with these challenges.
Ayo Edebiri becomes our favorite comedian
Comedian Ayo Edebiri had a breakthrough year, captivating audiences with her performances in various TV shows and films. From her Emmy-nominated role in “The Bear” to her appearances in “Bottoms” and “Abbott Elementary,” Edebiri’s talent and comedic timing made her a rising star in Hollywood.
Rihanna drops the mic at the Super Bowl
Rihanna surprised the world with her second pregnancy announcement during the Super Bowl halftime show. Dressed in stunning designer ensembles, she performed her greatest hits while proudly showcasing her baby bump. The moment became an unforgettable highlight of the year, reminding us of Rihanna’s iconic status and ability to captivate audiences.
Celebrities go to court
Several high-profile celebrities found themselves in courtrooms throughout the year. Gwyneth Paltrow’s case in Utah, Young Thug’s ongoing RICO case, and Donald Trump’s various legal battles drew significant attention. These court appearances provided insight into the complexities of fame and the legal challenges faced by public figures.
Conclusion: The year 2023 in pop culture was marked by a diverse range of moments and trends that captivated audiences and sparked conversations. From the success of “Barbenheimer” to the rise of celebrity memoirs, the shocking revelations in the Bravo universe, and the increasing influence of artificial intelligence, this year showcased the ever-evolving nature of pop culture. As we move into the future, it will be fascinating to see how these trends continue to shape and redefine the world of entertainment.