Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best American popular-music songs from 1965, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, November 11, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And ⁠⁠subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠⁠ so you don't miss our original video posts this fall and winter! And if you love pop culture, ⁠⁠⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From 2009 to 2015, “Glee” burst into song on the Fox network. The musical TV series about group of outsiders in an Ohio high school finding a purpose and community through song pulled in millions of viewers and produced numerous musical singles that charted on radio, iTunes, and beyond, with a collective 36 million singles purchased digitally and 11 million albums sold worldwide. While the show’s legacy has been tarnished by a stunning number of scandals and tragedies, it also minted several bona fide superstars and introduced Millennials to 20th Century popular music and Broadway classics. Ten years after the show’s finale, the Great Pop Culture Debate wanted to look back at the 750-plus tracks performed on the series and attempt to name the Best “Glee” Song of all time. Songs discussed: “I Want to Hold Your Hand,” “Don’t Stop Believing,” “Somebody to Love,” “When I Get You Alone,” “River Deep Mountain High,” “Cough Syrup,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “Make You Feel My Love,” “Don’t Rain on My Parade,” “Landslide,” “Maybe This Time,” “If I Die Young,” “Rumor Has It/Someone Like You,” “And I Am Telling You I’m Not Going,” “Halo/Walking on Sunshine,” “Teenage Dream” Join host Eric Rezsnyak and all-Millennial all-star GPCD panelists Andrea Guerrero, Gary Jackson, Jake Pitochelli, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss and debate 16 of the slushiest songs from “Glee.” Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more “Glee” songs that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel for even more original, exclusive episodes! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Andrea Guerrero, Gary Jackson, Jake Pitochelli, Trey Radu-Blackburn Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #glee #gleemusic #gleecast #gleesong #gleetv #gleek #darrencriss #leamichele #chriscolfer #amberriley #nayarivera #corymontieth #rachelberry #finnhudson #mercedesjones #blaineanderson #santanalopez #kurthummel #newdirections #journey #queen #adele #tinaturner #beyonce #beatles #katyperry #gleefox #2000smusic #2010smusic #2010s #tv #television #musicals #broadway Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best songs featured on the Fox musical-comedy-drama TV series "Glee," and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, November 4, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And ⁠⁠subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠⁠ so you don't miss our original video posts this fall and winter! And if you love pop culture, ⁠⁠⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everything was big in the 80s. The hair. The fashion. The movies. That included a slew of romantic comedies with modest budgets, but which became box-office smashes thanks to their novel concepts, sparkling scripts, and charismatic leads. In what other decade could you have a film about a magic mannequin that was secretly a naive sexpot, or gruff Australian hunter who charms the pants off a big-city reporter? Only the 80s, baby! So crack open a Bartles & James, warm up your crimper, and plate your McDLT, because the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to make love, not war, as we attempt to name the Best Romantic Comedy Film of the 1980s. Films discussed: When Harry Met Sally, Girls Just Want to Have Fun, Mannequin, Big, Moonstruck, Hairspray, Overboard, Sixteen Candles, Coming to America, Arthur, Roxanne, Pretty in Pink, Look Who’s Talking, Crocodile Dundee, Splash, Romancing the Stone Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Jonny Minogue and Kevin Dillon, and special guests Maggie Hartman and Anna as they discuss and debate 16 of the most swoon-worthy films of the 1980s. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more 80s romcoms that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel for even more original, exclusive episodes! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Jonny Minogue, Kevin Dillon Special Guests: Anna, Maggie Hartman Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: John Higgins Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #80smovies #80sfilms #1980s #80s #romance #romanticcomedy #romcom #romancemovie #film #movies #classicmovies #whenharrymetsally #comingtoamerica #splash #roxanne #sixteencandles #prettyinpink #mannequin #overboard #moonstruck #arthur #romancingthestone #big #hairspray #lookwhostalking #tomhanks #megryan #johntravolta #pennymarshall Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best romantic comedy movies of the 1980s, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, October 28, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And ⁠⁠subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠⁠ so you don't miss our original video posts this fall and winter! And if you love pop culture, ⁠⁠⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Grunge music emerged from the Pacific Northwest in the late 1980s, replacing the outrageous styles and slick solos of hair metal with grinding guitars, growling vocals, and ample ennui. The so-called Seattle Sound broke into the mainstream via bands like Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, Hole, and others, before fading away after just a few years. While the genre’s cultural footprint may have been brief, if you were a disaffected young person in 1990s America, grunge was likely part of the soundtrack of your life. Now, more than 30 years after we all pretended not to care, the Great Pop Culture Debate is donning our flannel and attempting to name the Best Grunge Song. Songs discussed: “Smells Like Teen Spirit” by Nirvana, “Man in the Box” by Alice in Chains, “Jeremy” by Pearl Jam, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings” by Smashing Pumpkins, “Even Flow” by Pearl Jam, “Cannonball” by Breeders, “Everlong” by Foo Fighters, “Glycerine” by Bush, “Black Hole Sun” by Soundgarden, “Down by the Water” by PJ Harvey, “Doll Parts” by Hole, “Heart-Shaped Box” by Nirvana, “Today” by Smashing Pumpkins, “Pretend We’re Dead” by L7, “Seether” by Veruca Salt, “Interstate Love Song” by Stone Temple Pilots Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists and fellow 90s teens Jim Czadzeck, Joelle Boedecker, and Karissa Kloss as they discuss and debate 16 songs that spawned from the Seattle Sound. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more grunge songs that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Jim Czadzeck, Joelle Boedecker, Karissa Kloss Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Jim Czadzeck Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #grunge #grungemusic #grungerock #nirvana #pearljam #stonetemplepilots #soundgarden #smashingpumpkins #l7 #breeders #verucasalt #hole #kurtcobain #courtneylove #pjharvey #aliceinchains #mtv #90smusic #alternativerock #alternativemusic #miazapata #seattlesound #seattlemusic #mtvunplugged #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best grunge song, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, October 21, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And ⁠⁠subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠⁠ so you don't miss our original video posts this fall and winter! And if you love pop culture, ⁠⁠⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While fantasy films have existed almost as long as cinema, the genre cast a particularly potent spell on the movies of the 1970s and especially the 1980s. Studios needed new horizons for adventure films, and bigger budgets led to awe-inspiring tales of warriors and wizards, magic and dragons. Fans of high fantasy films were awash in epic tales in the last quarter of the 20th Century. So strap on your shield and sandals as the Great Pop Culture Debate begins its quest to name the Best Fantasy Film from 1975 to 1999. Movies discussed: The NeverEnding Story, Ladyhawke, The Princess Bride, The Hobbit, Legend, Masters of the Universe, The Last Unicorn, Labyrinth, Willow, The Beastmaster, The Black Cauldron, Conan the Destroyer, Clash of the Titans, Army of Darkness, Excalibur, The Dark Crystal Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback, Kevin Dillon, and Michael Schwarz as they discuss 16 of the most fantastical movies from the end of the 20th Century. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more fantasy films we love that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel for even more original, exclusive episodes! Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Kevin Dillon, Michael Schwarz Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #film #movies #fantasy #fantasyfilms #80smovies #1980s #80sfilms #highfantasy #thehobbit #labyrinth #neverendingstory #thebeastmaster #conan #conanthedestroyer #thelastunicorn #legend #excalibur #mastersoftheuniverse #clashofthetitans #theblackcauldron #thedarkcrystal #willow #theprincessbride Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best fantasy films released between 1975 and 1999, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, October 14, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And ⁠⁠subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠⁠ so you don't miss our original video posts this fall and winter! And if you love pop culture, ⁠⁠⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠⁠⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With rare exceptions, most television series want you to like their lead characters. They want you to identify with the lead, or invest in their journey, or find them charming or endearing. But it doesn’t always work out that way. Sometimes lead characters start out well enough, and over time their flaws become harder to ignore, their behaviors increasingly maddening. Sometimes a lead is put forward as deliberately antagonistic to the viewer, as a kind of love-to-hate figure. And still other times, the creators of a show completely miscalculate how an audience will react to a character they themselves believe in. Over the past few decades, television has seen an explosion in deeply unlikable main characters. So join us as the Great Pop Culture Debate considers the Worst Lead Character in a TV Series. Characters discussed: Rachel Berry (“Glee”), Piper Chapman (“Orange is the New Black”), Ross Gellar (“Friends”), Kate Austen (“Lost”), Jerry Seinfeld (“Seinfeld”), Andy Bernard (“The Office”), Dr. Meredith Grey (“Grey’s Anatomy”), Hannah Horvath (“Girls”), Carrie Bradshaw (“Sex and the City”), Ted Mosby (“How I Met Your Mother”), Sheldon Cooper (“The Big Bang Theory”), Alan Harper (“Two and a Half Men”), Dawson Leery (“Dawson’s Creek”), Ally McBeal (“Ally McBeal”), Rory Gilmore (“Gilmore Girls”), Zack Morris (“Saved by the Bell”) Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Kara Austin, and Kevin Dillon as they discuss 16 of the biggest jerks to ever helm a TV series. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more unlikable TV leads that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Amma Marfo, Kara Austin, Kevin Dillon Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #theworst #tv #television #howimetyourmother #savedbythebell #sexandthecity #bigbangtheory #twoandahalfmen #dawsonscreek #orangeisthenewblack #allymcbeal #greysanatomy #girlshbo #theoffice #frieds #gilmoregirls #seinfeld #lost #glee #podcast #popculture #debate Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the WORST lead character in a TV series, and walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, October 7, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And ⁠subscribe to our YouTube Channel⁠ to check out VIDEO versions of the podcast, starting with Season 12. And if you love pop culture, ⁠⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Dolly Rebecca Parton grew up in extreme poverty in Appalachian Tennessee, and over the course of a legendary 60-year-and-counting career, would become one of the most important artists in country music. A singer, a songwriter, an actor, a producer, an entrepreneur, and a philanthropist, Dolly has basically done it all – and she’s done it all better than almost anyone. Dolly has released 50 albums, and more than 200 singles, dating back to 1959’s “Puppy Love” to 2025’s “If You Hadn’t Been There.” So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we pay tribute to a genuine American icon as we attempt to name the Best Dolly Parton Single. Songs discussed: “Jolene,” “My Tennessee Mountain Home,” “Two Doors Down,” “Why’d You Come In Here Lookin’ Like That,” “Baby I’m Burnin’,” “Islands in the Stream,” “I Will Always Love You,” “Backwoods Barbie,” “9 to 5,” “Straight Talk,” “Eagle When She Flies,” “Hard Candy Christmas,” “Here You Come Again,” “Joshua,” “Light of a Clear Blue Morning,” “Coat of Many Colors” Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Curtis Creekmore and Jonny Minogue, and special guest Kevin Rice as they discuss 16 of Dolly’s most beloved singles. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more Dolly songs we love that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to watch the episode instead? As of Season 12, we now have full video episodes up on YouTube. Subscribe to our channel for even more original, exclusive episodes! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelist: Curtis Creekmore, Jonny Minogue Special Guest: Kevin Rice Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #dollyparton #dolly #countrymusic #music #dollywood #iwillalwaysloveyou #9to5 #jolene #hereyoucomeagain #twodoorsdown #backwoodsbarbie #straighttalk #joshua #islandsinthestream #coatofmanycolors #hardcandychristmas #babyimburnin #tennessee #grandoleopry #popculture #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Here we come again! Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best Dolly Parton song (specifically, her officially released singles). He also walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, September 30, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And subscribe to our YouTube Channel to check out VIDEO versions of the podcast, starting with Season 12. And if you love pop culture, ⁠sign up for our weekly newsletter⁠ to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“The X-Files” premiered on the Fox network in September 1993. While the sci-fi mystery show was inspired by earlier series like “The Twilight Zone,” “Twin Peaks,” and “Kolchak: The Night Stalker,” creator Chris Carter tapped into a unique moment in the cultural zeitgeist to produce something even more resonant. The adventures of two outcast FBI agents investigating aliens, monsters, and unexplained phenomena clicked with a burgeoning interest in the paranormal and conspiracy theories, and a growing mistrust in government authority. What began as a cult classic quickly became a pop-culture phenomenon that defined the 1990s, and which continues to hold serious cultural cache. The truth is out there, and we intend to find it as the Great Pop Culture Debate attempts to name the best episode of “The X-Files.” Episodes discussed: “Clyde Bruckman’s Final Repose,” “How the Ghosts Stole Christmas,” “Small Potatoes,” “Tooms,” “Squeeze,” “Leonard Betts,” “Quagmire,” “Ice,” “Home,” “Beyond the Sea,” “Humbug,” “Die Hand Die Verletz,” “Bad Blood,” “Mulder and Scully Meet the Were-Monster,” “Syzygy,” “The Host” Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelists Bob Erlenback and Kate Racculia, and special guest author Victor Manibo as they discuss 16 of the very best episodes of “The X-Files,” both from the original run and the 2010s reboot. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more "X-Files" episodes we love that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Kate Racculia Special Guest: Victor Manibo Producer: Derek Mekita Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #xfiles #thexfiles #scifi #horror #90s #1990s #90stv #mulder #scully #gilliananderson #davidduchovny #chriscarter #supernatural #drama #television #tvshows #popculture #thetruthisout there Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The truth is out there! Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best episode of "The X-Files." He also walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, September 23, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And subscribe to this channel to check out VIDEO versions of the podcast, starting with Season 12. And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch IG: https://www.instagram.com/greatpopculturedebate/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/gpcd.bsky.social Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/ Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In May 1990, then-unknown 21-year-old Mariah Carey released her debut single, “Vision of Love.” Within a handful of weeks, the song would hit No. 1 on the Billboard charts, and it would be followed by four additional No. 1 tracks, setting records and making it clear: Mariah Carey and her five-octave vocal range were here, and pop music would never sound the same. Mariah had No. 1 singles every year for the entire 1990s. She would go on to win numerous Grammys, be named Artist of the Decade by Billboard, and receive other accolades. Her career has had peaks and valleys, scandals and rebrandings, but there is no denying: Mariah Carey is one of the most important recording artists of the last 40 years, and one of the most incredible voices in the history of popular music. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we hit the highest of the highs as we determine the Best Mariah Carey Song – at least until mid-2025, when we’re recording this. Songs discussed: “Always Be My Baby,” “Shake It Off,” “Love Takes Time,” “My All,” “Emotions,” “When You Believe” (w/Whitney Houston), “Obsessed,” “Hero,” “Fantasy,” “Honey,” “Dreamlover,” “One Sweet Day” (w/Boyz II Men), “Vision of Love,” “Heartbreaker” (w/Jay-Z), “Make It Happen,” “We Belong Together” Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelist Kevin Dillon, returning guest Nick Everage, and special guest Steven Salvatore — author and Mariah superfan — as they discuss 16 of Mariah’s most notable tracks. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more Mariah songs we love that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelist: Kevin Dillon Special Guests: Nick Everage, Steven Salvatore Producer: Curtis Creekmore Editor: Bob Erlenback Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #mariahcarey #mariah #popmusic #rnb #hiphop #90smusic #00smusic #2010smusic #2020smusic #bestsongs #music Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Season 12 begins! Great Pop Culture Debate host Eric Rezsnyak explains how we created the bracket for our episode devoted to the best Mariah Carey Song. He also walks you through the Round 1 match-ups. The main episode will release on Tuesday, September 16, wherever you listen to podcasts. ⁠⁠⁠Make sure to subscribe to the podcast⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episodes. And if you love pop culture, sign up for our weekly newsletter to keep up on all the new movies, music, and TV shows dropping every week! ⁠⁠⁠Click here to learn about all the great perks our Patreon subscribers receive!⁠⁠⁠ CREDITS: Intro/outro music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/subscribe Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re taking a short break from new episodes this week, but we’d never leave you stranded at Shady Pines without some company.  And what better time than now? We’re celebrating the 40th Anniversary of "The Golden Girls" on September 14th with this Hot Take from our Season 6 episode, Best "Golden Girls" Episode. Want to hear more form this episode (originally released in September 26, 2022)? ⁠Click here to listen to the full episode.⁠ For more episodes, blogs, Top 10s, and more, ⁠⁠⁠visit our website by clicking here. ⁠⁠⁠Make sure to ⁠⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE to the show⁠⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episode. CREDITS: Editor: Bob Erlenback Intro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch #goldengirls #thegoldengirls #80s #1980s #sitcom #comedy #grabthatdough #tocatchaneighbor #beaarthur #bettywhite #ruemclanahan #estellegetty #dorothy #rose #sophia #blanche #nbc #classictv #classictelevision Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re taking a break from new episodes this week, but we didn’t want to leave you without something to watch over you. So consider us your trusty babysitters, keeping you entertained while you flip through your reading list. In honor of National Read a Book Day on September 6, we’re giving you a Hot Take from our Season 9 episode, Best Baby-sitters Club Book. Want to hear more form this episode (originally released in August 25, 2024)? Click here to listen to the full episode. For more episodes, blogs, Top 10s, and more, ⁠⁠visit our website by clicking here. ⁠⁠Make sure to ⁠⁠SUBSCRIBE to the show⁠⁠ so you don't miss any upcoming episode. CREDITS: Editor: Bob Erlenback Intro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch #books #babysittersclub #bsc #annmmartin #youngreaders #80sbooks #90sbooks #teenbooks #keepoutclaudia #dawnandtheimpossiblethree #bscclaudia #bscdawn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Emmy Awards, which celebrate the best in television each year, have a tendency to favor the Drama categories – often seen as the more “sophisticated” or “prestige” projects. But from our perspective, the Emmy winners in the Comedy series are every bit as deserving, and in many cases, have contributed just as much to the cultural conversation as their more dramatic counterparts. That is especially true when it comes to the Emmy winners in the Outstanding Actress in a Comedy categories. Winners of those trophies, both Lead and Supporting, have become absolute legends, and the characters they played, literally iconic. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we look back on some of the very best women to win for funny business as we debate the Best Emmy Winner for Oustanding Actress in a Comedy Series. Winners discussed: Betty White (“Golden Girls”), Laurie Metcalfe (“Roseanne”), Estelle Getty (“Golden Girls”), Bea Arthur (“Golden Girls”), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Veep”), Rhea Perlman (“Cheers”), Jean Smart (“Hacks”), Megan Mullaly (“Will & Grace”), Catherine O’Hara (“Schitt’s Creek”), Tina Fey (“30 Rock”), Jean Stapleton (“All in the Family”), Lucille Ball (“The Lucy Show”), Mary Tyler Moore (“The Mary Tyler Moore Show”), America Ferrera (“Ugly Betty”), Julia Louis-Dreyfus (“Seinfeld”), Rue McLanahan (“Golden Girls”). Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Kevin Dillon, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss 16 of the most legendary actresses to take home the Emmy in a comedic role. Play along at home by finding the listener bracket here. Make a copy for yourself, fill it out, and see if your picks match up with ours! For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss even more Emmy-winning actresses we love that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today. Looking for more reasons to become a Patreon supporter? Check out our Top 10 Patreon Perks. Want to play along at home? Download the Listener Bracket and see if your picks match up with ours! Sign up for our weekly newsletter! Subscribe to find out what’s new in pop culture each week right in your inbox! Vote in more pop culture polls! Check out our Open Polls. Your votes determine our future debates! Then, vote in our Future Topic Polls to have a say in what episodes we tackle next. Episode Credits Host: Eric Rezsnyak Panelists: Amma Marfo, Kevin Dillon, Trey Radu-Blackburn Producer: Bob Erlenback Editor: Eric Rezsnyak Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch #emmys #emmyawards #television #tv #sitcom #comedy #goldengirls #veep #roseanne #hacks #30rock #allinthefamily #uglybetty #lucilleball #marytylermoore #classictelevision #bettywhite #schittscreek Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices