Great Pop Culture Debate

Stephen King is one of the most prolific and successful writers in contemporary publishing. His 1974 debut novel, Carrie, announced him as an exciting new voice in horror, and since then he has written thrillers, science-fiction, fantasy, crime dramas, and nonfiction. As of 2026, Stephen King has published 67 novels or novellas, and more than 200 short stories, many of which have been adapted to films, TV series, comic books, and more. While Mr. King is still cranking out stories, for our 2026 Halloween Special we wanted to look at the numerous movies already based on his works. So be afraid, be very afraid, as the Great Pop Culture Debate attempts to name the Best Stephen King Film Adaptation.

Movies discussed: The Shining (1980), Misery, Carrie (1976), The Shawshank Redemption, It: Chapter One (2017), The Mist (2007), Pet Sematary (1989), Stand By Me, Christine, Cujo, The Green Mile, Children of the Corn (1984), Apt Pupil, The Dead Zone (1983), Firestarter (1984), Creepshow (1982)

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Bob Erlenback, Kate Raccuila, and Victor Manibo as they discuss and debate 16 of the most memorable movie adaptations of the works of Stephen King.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional King adaptations that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Kate Racculia, Victor Manibo

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#stephenking #horror #horrorfilm #horrormovies #halloween #spookyseason #carrie #theshining #it #misery #shawshankredemption #greenmile #standbyme #petsematary #cujo #childrenofthecorn #aptpupil #thedeadzone #firestarter #creepshow

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Stephani Germanotta — the artist better known as Lady Gaga — exploded onto the music scene in 2008 with a bold aesthetic, banger tracks, and brash persona. Almost instantly she became one of the most definitive video artists of the 21st Century, and in the nearly 20 years since, has become a critical and commercial smash in music, television, and film, and an essential figure in contemporary pop culture. As of 2026, when we’re recording this, Lady Gaga is still very much at the peak of her power. But we still wanted to pay our respects to the works of Mother Monster. So put your paws up, as the Great Pop Culture Debate attempts to name the Best Lady Gaga Music Video.

Videos discussed: “Bad Romance,” “911,” “G.U.Y.,” “Abracadabra,” “Born This Way,” “Stupid Love,” “LoveGame,” “Poker Face,” “Telephone,” “Marry the Night,” “Judas,” “Rain on Me,” “Paparazzi,” “Applause,” “You and I,” “Just Dance”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Bob Erlenback, Jake Pitochelli, and Steven Salvatore as they discuss and debate 16 of Lady Gaga’s most iconic music videos.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss the other Gaga videos that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

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

EPISODE CREDITS

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Bob Erlenback, Jake Pitochelli, Steven Salvatore

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Jim Czadzeck

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#ladygaga #ladygagamusicvideo #musicvideo #lovegame #guy #artpop #bornthisway #abracadabra #telephone #beyonce #arianagrande #applause #badromance #justdance #paparazzi #youandi #stupidlove #chromatica #littlemonsters #littlemonster #judas #rainonme #marrythenight #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Cooking shows have existed for decades, and cooking competitions have been on Food Network since the 1990s. But Bravo found the perfect recipe for success when it launched “Top Chef” in 2006. Borrowing from the reality competition format of “American Idol,” “Project Runway,” and “America’s Next Top Model” and timed brilliantly to coincide with the rise of the celebrity chef, “Top Chef” has served up a smorgasbord of new culinary stars over its 23 seasons, some of which have gone on to openly wildly successful restaurant empires, and others to lucrative TV cook careers. In honor of the show’s 20th anniversary, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to trim the fat and attempt to name the Best “Top Chef” Cheftestant.

Chefs discussed: Kristen Kish (S10 Seattle), Stephanie Cmar (S11 New Orleans/S17 All Stars L.A.), Nina Compton (S11 New Orleans), Shota Nakajima (S18 Portland), Shirley Chung (S11 New Orleans/S14 Charleston), Richard Blais (S4 Chicago/S8 All Stars), Mei Lin (S12 Boston), Melissa King (S12 Boston/S17 All Stars L.A.), Gregory Gourdet (S12 Boston/S17 All Stars L.A.), Tristen Epps-Long (S22 Destination: Canada), Bryan Voltaggio (S6 Las Vegas/S17 All Stars L.A.), Carla Hall (S5 New York/S8 All Stars), Stephanie Izard (S4 Chicago), Antonia Lofaso (S4 Chicago/S8 All Stars), Brooke Williamson (S10 Seattle/S14 Charleston), Sarah Bradley (S16 Kentucky/S20 World All Stars)

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon, and Trey Radu-Blackburn as they discuss and debate 16 of the sharpest chefs to ever compete on seasons 1 through 23 of Bravo’s “Top Chef.”

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional “Top Chef” cheftestants that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

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

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Karissa Kloss, Kevin Dillon, Trey Radu-Blackburn

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Eric Rezsnyak

Intro/Outro Song: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#topchef #bravotopchef #bravo #bravotv #cookingshow #kristenkish #richardblais #carlahall #stephanieizard #melissaking #gregorygourdet #bryanvoltaggio #voltaggio #antonialofaso #brookewilliamson #shirleychung #ninacompton #stephaniecmar #lastchancekitchen #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The 2010s were a transformation decade for television. By 2013 Netflix had introduced the concepts of streaming and binge-watching, and within a few years Hulu, Apple TV, Prime Video, and other streamers would also get into the original programming game. These new services green lit high-concept, expensive projects, leading to an entertainment arms race for cutting-edge creators and big stars. Legacy media had to take increasingly big swings to remain relevant, and the result is an incredibly competitive crop of series that, 10-plus years later, still remain commercially and critically relevant. That’s especially true in the comedy space, so join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the best TV Comedy Series of the 2010s.

Shows discussed: “Parks and Recreation,” “The Good Place,” “Brooklyn Nine-Nine,” “Schitt’s Creek,” “Veep,” “30 Rock,” “Broad City,” “New Girl,” “Superstore,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend,” “Community,” “Fleabag,” “Grace & Frankie,” “Black-ish,” “Bob’s Burgers”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and GPCD panelists Amma Marfo, Brendan Hay, Joelle Boedecker, and Paul Caiola from the “That Aged Well” podcast as they discuss and debate 16 of the most beloved comedies to air on American TV between 2010 and 2019.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional 2010s comedies 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: Amma Marfo, Brendan Hay, Joelle Boedecker

Special Guest: Paul Caiola, “That Aged Well” Podcast

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#parksandrecreation #thegoodplace #fleabag #broadcity #blackish #veep #30rock #crazyexgirlfriend #unbreakablekimmyschmidt #brooklynninenine #newgirl #superstore #schittscreek #bobsburgers #community #tv #television #2010s #2010stv #netflix #nbc #abc #fox #sitcom #comedy #tvcomedies

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In the fall of 2002, Kelly Clarkson became an overnight sensation after she won the first season of Fox’s televised singing competition, “American Idol.” A brilliant blend of vocal powerhouse and charming, relatable personality, Clarkson took that reality-TV lightning bolt and turned it into an astonishingly successful career. In addition to being one of the definitive figures in 2000s popular music, she has become a talk-show host, a talent-show judge in her own right, and apologies to Mariah, but a potential new queen of Christmas music. Nearly 25 years after “A Moment Like This” led to the birth of a legit new idol, and on the eve of her new phase as an independent artist, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back and attempt to name the Best Kelly Clarkson Song –- at least until mid-2026, when we’re recording this.

Songs discussed: “Since U Been Gone,” “You Can’t Win,” “A Moment Like This,” “Catch My Breath,” “Because of You,” “Sober,” “Behind These Hazel Eyes,” “Never Again,” “Breakaway,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Stronger (What Doesn’t Kill You),” “Already Gone,” “My Life Would Suck Without You,” “The Trouble With Love Is,” “Miss Independent,” “Walk Away”

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli, and Steven Salvatore as they discuss and debate 16 of the best songs from the first 25 years (almost) of Kelly’s career.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional Kelly Clarkson 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: Curtis Creekmore, Jake Pitochelli, Steven Salvatore

Producer: Derek Mekita

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Theme Music: “Dance to My Tune” by Marc Torch

#kellyclarkson #kellyclarksonsongs #americanidol #2000s #2000smusic

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking one more short break from new episodes this week, but don't worry—we'd never leave you feeling like you've been left outside the crayon box. Instead, we're pulling a Hot Take from our Best Crayola Crayon Color episode from Season 2!

In this clip, our panelists are going head-to-head over two shades that are blue...but definitely aren't the same blue. In one corner, it's Cerulean Blue, the sophisticated, slightly mysterious shade that sounds like it should be sipping an espresso in an art gallery. And in the other, it's Turquoise Blue, the vibrant, tropical hue that brings a little Caribbean vacation to your coloring book.

Well, sharpen your crayons, stay inside the lines, and prepare for a color clash that could make even the biggest box of 120 crayons feel a little...blue.

Thanks for listening! We hope this Hot Take added a little color to your day. If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to check out the full Best Crayola Crayon episode in our podcast feed for even more colorful pop culture debates, or visit greatpopculturedebate.com for dozens of other showdowns.

We'll be back next week with the premiere of Season 14 and all new episodes. Until then, remember: Everyone's entitled to their wrong opinion.

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

#crayola #crayon #blue #cerulean #turquoise #colors #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking another short break from a new episode this week, but we're pulling a Hot Take from our Best Tim Burton Film episode from Season 4!

In this clip, our panelists are going head-to-head over two very different entries in the Burtonverse: 1985's Pee-Wee's Big Adventure versus 2010's Alice in Wonderland.

In one corner, we've got Pee-Wee Herman on a quest to recover his beloved bicycle, complete with dinosaurs, biker bars and a search for the Alamo's basement. In the other, we're falling down the rabbit hole into Burton's fantastical take on Wonderland, filled with the Mad Hatter, the Jabberwocky, and enough eccentric costumes to fill an entire season of Project Runway.

So grab your red bow tie, pour yourself a big cup of tea, and whatever you do, don't say Large Marge sent you...it's time for the debate!

We hope this Hot Take sent you down a wonderfully weird cinematic rabbit hole. If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to check out the full Best Tim Burton Film episode from Season 4 in our podcast feed for even more Burton-esque debates, or visit greatpopculturedebate.com for dozens of other pop culture showdowns.

We'll be back September 15 for Season 14, featuring 10 all-new debates. Make sure you've subscribed to the show so you don't miss any new episodes!

CREDITS:

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Music: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

#timburton #peeweeherman #peeweesbigadventure #aliceinwonderland #timburtonfilm #movies #films

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

We're taking a break from a new episode this week, but don't worry, we'd never leave you hanging like a boy toy at the altar. Instead, we're pulling a Hot Take from our Best Madonna Music Video episode from Season 9!

In this clip, our panelists go head-to-head over two of Madge's most iconic videos:

In one corner, we've got "Like a Prayer," complete with religious imagery, burning crosses, stigmata, and enough controversy to make the Vatican reach for the remote. In the other, "Express Yourself," where Madonna basically told the world that bigger budgets, sharper suits, and industrial-chic choreography were all she needed to take over the planet.

So strike a pose and put on your cone bra, it's time for the debate!

If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to check out the full Best Madonna Music Video episode in our podcast feed for even more pop culture showdowns, or visit greatpopculturedebate.com for dozens of other debates.

Now we want to hear from you. Does "Like a Prayer" have the spiritual power to take the crown? Or does "Express Yourself" demand that Madonna's message—and her music video—be heard loud and clear?

You can find us on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube at @greatpopculturedebate, and on Bluesky at @gpcd.bsky.social. And don't forget to subscribe to the podcast so you never miss another debate.

We'll be back 9/15 with Season 14, featuring 10 all-new debates. Until then, remember: Everyone's entitled to their wrong opinion. Vogue accordingly.

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

EPISODE CREDITS

Editor: Bob Erlenback

Intro/Outro Song: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torc

#madonna #musicvideo #madonnavideo #likeaprayer #expressyourself #podcastclips #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatesthits

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

DC Comics introduced the Legion of Super-Heroes in 1958’s Adventure Comics #247. What initially started out as a trio of super-powered alien teens from the 30th Century quickly expanded into a dozens of members having wild, retro-futuristic adventures across the galaxy. The property would have huge bursts of popularity every decade from the 1960s through the early 2000s, as well as devastating lulls that led to reboot after reboot. The Legion remains a nostalgic favorite for longtime comic fans, and younger viewers introduced via the 2006 animated series — an a new comic-book reboot is about to arrive. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we attempt to name the Best Legion of Super-Heroes member!

Characters discussed: Brainiac 5, Lightning Lad/Live Wire, Cosmic Boy, Mon-El/Valor, Gates, Dream Girl, Chameleon Boy/Chameleon, Lightning Lass/Light Lass/Gossamer, Timber Wolf, Shadow Lass/Umbra, Element Lad, Wildfire, Matter-Eater Lad, Phantom Girl/Apparition, Ultra Boy, Saturn Girl

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD Panelist Bob Erlenback, and special guests, LOSH Super-Fan Kevin Wesley and artist and animator Jess Cuffe, as they discuss and debate 16 of the most memorable Legionnaires from the team’s many incarnations.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss additional Legion members that didn’t make the bracket, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelist: Bob Erlenback

Special Guests: Kevin Wesley, Jess Cuffe

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

#losh #legionofsuperheroes #dccomics #legion #scifi #comicbooks #comics #superheroes #saturngirl #cosmicboy #lightninglad #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hey Great Pop Culture Debate audience! We're taking a short break from new episodes this week, but don't worry—we'd never treat you like fashion roadkill. Instead, we're pulling a Hot Take from our Best Project Runway Design episode from Season 7.

In this clip, our panelists are debating two unforgettable creations that prove fashion can be wearable art. In one corner, it's Christian Siriano and Chris March's unforgettable Avant Garde couture gown, a design that redefined what was possible on the Project Runway runway. In the other, it's Coral Castillo's breathtaking final runway look, a masterclass in craftsmanship, creativity, and signature style.

If you enjoyed what you heard, be sure to check out the full Best Project Runway Design episode in our podcast feed for even more fierce fashion debates, or visit greatpopculturedebate.com for dozens of other pop culture showdowns.

We'll be back next week with an all-new episode. Until then, remember: Everyone's entitled to their wrong opinion.

EDITOR: Bob Erlenback

INTRO/OUTRO MUSIC: "Dance to My Tune" by Marc Torch

#projectrunway #christiansiriano #chrismarch #coralcastillo #fashion #bravo #bravotv #realitytv #avantagarde #fashionweek #podcast #podcastclips

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.