George Michael and Carrie Fisher: The Week in Pop-Culture Writing

Highlights from seven days of reading about entertainment

• The Editors
• 8:25 AM ET

The New Reality TV

Many of 2016’s freshmen shows went out of their way to reflect the world not as audiences might wish it to be, but as it really is.

• Megan Garber
• 7:00 AM ET

Will the Alabama Crimson Tide Keep Rolling?

In Saturday’s game, the college-football powerhouse will either reinforce their brilliance, or suffer a historic upset. Whatever happens, it’ll be an incredible watch.

• Robert O'Connell
• Dec 30, 2016

Understanding the Women of Pedro Almodóvar’s Movies

The Spanish auteur has been accused of making films with misogynistic themes. But too infrequently have critics considered an important factor: the director’s sexuality.

• Manuel Betancourt
• Dec 29, 2016

Beyoncé's Year of Peace and Misunderstanding

From “Formation” onwards, the singer tried to build bridges while celebrating her identity—and revealed just how divided the country is.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• Dec 29, 2016

Sneakers Have Always Been Political Shoes

Since its invention in the 19th century, the footwear has been about much more than athletics—conveying ideas about national identity, class, race, and other forms of social meaning.

• Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell
• Dec 28, 2016

The Freedoms of George Michael

He proved he could still move records even after he discarded his teen idol image, and after the world knew he was gay.

• Matt Thompson
• Dec 28, 2016

And, Scene: Weiner

The Atlantic looks back at key cinematic moments in 2016, this time Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg’s documentary about the titular, doomed politician.

• David Sims
• Dec 28, 2016

Remembering Carrie Fisher

The iconic actress, writer, and comedian—who died at the age of 60—was the kind of star Hollywood only sees once in a lifetime.

• David Sims
• Dec 27, 2016

What’s a Star Wars Film Without John Williams?

In a franchise first, Rogue One’s soundtrack isn’t helmed by the legendary composer.

• Vann R. Newkirk II
• Dec 26, 2016

And, Scene: Moonlight

The Atlantic looks back at key cinematic moments in 2016, this time Barry Jenkins’s film about a young man’s life in three acts.

• Sophie Gilbert
• Dec 26, 2016

Why Walt Whitman Called America the 'Greatest Poem'

The 19th-century writer believed that the power of poetry and democracy came from an ability to make a unified whole out of disparate parts.

• Karen Swallow Prior
• Dec 25, 2016

Scorsese's Silence and Batman: The Week in Pop-Culture Writing

Highlights from seven days of reading about arts and entertainment

• The Editors
• Dec 24, 2016

Donald Trump Makes War on Celebrities

As stars avoid inauguration bookings, the president-elect tries to divide America’s population from its popular culture.

• Spencer Kornhaber
• Dec 23, 2016

When A Monster Calls, Just Ignore It

J.A. Bayona’s tear-jerking fantasy film doesn’t come close to earning its inevitably devastating emotional climax.

• David Sims
• Dec 23, 2016

And, Scene: The Lobster

The Atlantic looks back at key cinematic moments in 2016, this time a dystopian comedy about love and relationships.

• David Sims
• Dec 23, 2016

The Scare Quote: 2016 in a Punctuation Mark

Doubled quotes developed as indications of a rational world. Now they’re developing as indications of the opposite.

• Megan Garber
• Dec 23, 2016

Hallmark Holiday Movies: The Quiz

How much do you know about the films that, each year, insist on The Magic of Christmas? How much do you want to?

• Megan Garber
• Dec 22, 2016

The Best Books We Read in 2016

The Atlantic’s editors and writers share their favorite titles—new, classic, or somewhere in between—from a year of reading.

• The Editors
• Dec 22, 2016