From celebrity conservatism to the politics of smell, here’s a sneak peak of the pop culture themes I already know I’m going to be thinking about next year.

The picks in the fourth annual Friday Things holiday gift guide take inspiration from the most memorable pop culture moments of 2024, from the Wicked press tour to Kendrick Lamar’s hater energy to Chappell Roan’s pop supremacy.

The recent move toward a more minimalist, athletic, ‘natural’ beauty standard isn’t just a trend; it’s a reflection of global political shifts.

In which I draw a direct line between the popular Netflix rom-com and several disgraced U.K. podcast bros.

TNC has returned to writing non-fiction with his new book, The Message—but his unequivocal support for Palestinian liberation is not always going over well.

Friday Things’ must-watch picks for Apple TV, CBC Gem, Crave, Disney Plus, Hayu, Netflix Canada and Prime Video Canada in October 2024, including Abbott Elementary , Ali Wong: Single Lady and Challengers.