My Pop Culture Saviors of 2024: The Best in Film, TV, Music & More

My views on pop culture were forever changed in 2024.

After losing my mother at the end of the summer, three years after losing my father, my approach to the sources of entertainment I always relied on...shifted. Naturally, my nostalgic ass turned to familiar titles from the past, seeking comfort in characters and stories I already knew; it's a coping mechanism used by anyone who has suffered through tremendous loss. However, while my personal tragedy has impacted my outlook on the bizarre, twist-filled dramedy that is Human Life, I recognize my tastes continue to age mature. I consume my pop culture morsels with more discerning eyes and ears, seeking narratives and other art that continue to expand my worldview and inspire me to keep on keepin' on. 

These are the TV shows, films, music, and other media that moved me more than anything else I experienced in the last twelve months. I wholeheartedly salute the creative minds and efforts behind these notable pieces of entertainment:

Somebody Somewhere

In the second episode of the final season of HBO's criminally under-appreciated (but Peabody Award-winning) Somebody Somewhere, the character of Brad (played with exquisite tenderness by Tim Bagley) struggles to express his appreciation and gratitude for finding true love in Joel (played with a controlled mix of daffiness and warmth by Jeff Hiller). He ends up crafting a song with Sam (the show's incomparable lead, Bridget Everett) and awkwardly performs it during a small gathering at their modest home. It's a moment of humor and humanity that exemplifies the soul-enriching comedy-drama that has beautifully portrayed grief, faith, queer identity, sisterhood, and community in small-town middle America. 

Chappell Roan

The sapphic redhead with attitude – and drag-inspired lewks to spare – dominated the year, along with her Pop Sisters-in-Arms Sabrina Carpenter and Charli XCX. I was admittedly late to the party, latching onto the better-as-it-ages "Good Luck, Babe!" back in the spring. Her debut album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, layered on the irresistible hits – from the rollicking "Pink Pony Club" and the pep-rally-ready "HOT TO GO" to the fantastic "Red Wine Supernova" and the ballistic missile of a bop that is "Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl" (my preferred Song of the Summer). Not since Lady Gaga's 2008 debut has a pop artist delivered such a much-needed jolt to the genre, captivating listeners en masse with biting lyricism, earworm hooks, and an unapologetic tone that is elevating what it means to be a celebrity while transcending identity and sexuality.

The Novels of TJ Klune

The author of Under the Whispering Door, The House in the Cerulean Sea, and its recently released sequel, Somewhere Beyond the Sea, is proving to be my gateway into speculative fiction. Call it fantasy-lite (no dragons or wizards in these pages). Klune, a champion for queer representation in novels, writes heartwarming stories about seemingly ordinary characters faced with extraordinary circumstances and otherworldly challenges that often leads to romance. The queerness of his characters isn't their defining trait; rather, it provides a deeper perspective that results in beautifully told narratives imbued with empathy on every page. Simply magical. 

Ripley

After delivering a devastating performance in one of the best films of 2023 (All of Us Strangers), Andrew Scott continued to impress as the titular lead in Netflix's 8-episode adaptation of Patricia Highsmith's The Talented Mr. Ripley. Directed with astounding precision by Emmy winner Steven Zaillian, this gorgeously shot noir-thriller is a hypnotic slow-burn that seduces viewers, luring them into a world of subdued glamor, breathtaking vistas, and dangerous twists. 

Cole Escola and the Cast of Oh Mary!

Rarely does a Broadway play make such a splash in the zeitgeist. And when it does, particularly in 2024, it takes on the riotous form of a farce starring and written by Cole Escola (Search Party) who portrays Mary Todd Lincoln as an aspiring cabaret singer and vicious alcoholic. But they're not the only one stealing the show. Conrad Ricamora (How to Get Away With Murder) roars onto the stage as a closeted Abe Lincoln having an affair with a man (James Scully) whose name provides the Act Two twist. And the rest of the modestly-sized ensemble brilliantly matches the zany energy of the material. 

Kristen Bell and Adam Brody

Netflix's rom-com series Nobody Wants This dropped this fall, reigniting many a crush on Adam Brody, who plays progressive rabbi Noah, and Kristen Bell, who plays LA podcaster Joanne. Sure, the show was a thoughtfully written elder Millennial love story that hit all the right notes on faith, fear of commitment, and finding someone who understands your flaws, but it was ultimately a reminder of why we've always loved these actors. Best Chemistry of the Year. 

Thelma

Academy Award nominee June Squibb is a Mission: Impossible-inspired everygranny who won't back down after being swindled in this wonderful antidote to every bloated summer blockbuster that attempted to lure audiences back to theaters. The film is also the sweetest portrayal of a grandmother-grandson relationship seen on screen, thanks to the terrific Fred Hechinger (who's currently making the rounds in Gladiator II and Kraven the Hunter).

Zee Machine

Zee Machine may not be playing on your local radio station (wait, who's still listening to the radio these days?), but he's most likely being picked up by your favorite TikToker. The indie singer-songwriter is an emerging voice in pop, infusing his music with 80s and early 90s sensibilities that'll have you hitting the repeat button. From the driving force of "Good Boy," a track Dua Lipa wishes she had under her belt, to the rom-com balladry of "Worse," ZM's music is undeniably empowering, especially when it comes to "Anyone But Him," a collab with fellow queer artist Bentley Robles that was the anthem for open relationships this year – a pulse-pounding piece of synthpop that introduced us to the concept of "heartbreak vertigo."

Hacks

Season Three of the Emmy-winning Max comedy fired on all cylinders, delivering razor-sharp performances, one-liners, and showbiz satire, opening up the field to its supporting players and giving them a chance to shine.

The Challengers Film Score

Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross teamed up once again, this time electrifying the sexually-charged tennis drama with their signature synths and electronic beats. Each track works to amplify each character's ambitious nature – whether dubious or not – while elevating the film to a near-surreal level. It also doesn't hurt that the film's three stars (Zendaya, Mike Faist, and Josh O'Connor) gave us the sexiest trio on the big screen this year. 

Evil

The sexy-funny-scary drama ended its wonderful four-season run on Paramount+, putting a cap on a show that subtly took jabs at misogyny within organized religion, influenced faith, and corporate greed. Our holy trinity of heroes (Katja Herbers, Mike Colter and Aasif Mandvi) stuck together through the scientific and supernatural.

The Wild Robot

The animated adaptation from director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch) deserves all the love it's receiving for being an absolutely beautiful contemplation on parenthood, community, empathy, and isolation. Featuring a charismatic voice cast that doesn't feel too stunt-y, the film perfectly balances epic adventure with a thoughtful message that never feels didactic. 

How to Die Alone

After making TV viewers fall in love with her supporting roles in Insecure and The White Lotus, Natasha Rothwell finally got the starring vehicle she deserved in this inspiring Hulu comedy about an airport employee who gets a new lease on life and learns how to reconnect with...herself. 

Late Night with the Devil

An innovative addition to the found-footage sub-genre that excels with nightmarish imagery and an outstanding lead performance by David Dastmalchian who plays a late-night talk show host whose 1977 live broadcast gets taken over by demonic forces. Best Horror Film of the Year. 

HONORABLE MENTIONS

Sabrina Carpenter's perfect summer cocktail that is "Espresso," Dev Patel's directorial debut in Monkey Man, the cousin dynamic in A Real Pain, the gripping tension and devastating prediction of Civil War, the twisty papacy drama in Conclave, and Demi Moore's performance amidst the insanity of The Substance.

For last year's Pop Culture Saviors, click here. 

@TheFirstEcho