Great Pop Culture Debate

The original Legend of Zelda game arrived in America in August 1987 via the Nintendo Entertainment System. Featuring a rich fantasy setting, challenging puzzle-based gameplay, and an instantly iconic soundtrack, the game hit big critically and commercially, and Zelda was quickly established as one of the Japanese game company’s prestige properties. In the 40 years since, a mainline Zelda game has been a tentpole for every Nintendo system, both console and handheld, making up a dazzling library nearly as enchanting as Hyrule itself. With the “Ocarina of Time” remake arriving this week on Switch 2, and a major film adaptation of the property coming in 2027, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to summon the wisdom, courage, and power to attempt to name the Best “Legend of Zelda” game of all time – or at least until late 2026, when we’re recording this.

Games discussed: “Ocarina of Time” (N64), “Oracle of Seasons”/“Oracle of Ages” (GameBoy Color), “A Link to the Past” (SNES), “The Legend of Zelda” (NES), “Twilight Princess” (Wii/GameCube), “Link’s Awakening” (GameBoy/Switch), “Echoes of Wisdom” (Switch), “The Wind Waker” (GameCube), “Majora’s Mask” (N64), “The Adventure of Link” (NES), “A Link Between Worlds” (3DS), “Hyrule Warriors: Age of Calamity” (Switch), “Breath of the Wild” (Switch), “Skyward Sword” (Wii), “Spirit Tracks” (DS), “Tears of the Kingdom” (Switch/Switch 2)

Join host Eric Rezsnyak, GPCD panelist David Silbert, and special guest “Zelda” fans Derek Boriack and Iris Rezsnyak as they discuss and debate 16 of the most legendary “Legend of Zelda” games.

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

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelist: David Silbert

Guest Panelists: Derek Boriack, Iris Rezsnyak

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#legendofzelda #zelda #nintendo #videogames #gaming #gaymer #tloz #ocarinaoftime #oot #breathofthewild #botw #tearsofthekingdom #totk #windwaker #twilightprincess #majorasmask #nintendoswitch #switch2 #link #zelda40 #skwywardsword #hyrulewarriors #ganon

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Music has been as integral to the James Bond film series as guns, globetrotting, and gorgeous women. Since the John Barry Orchestra recorded that instantly recognizable theme song for 1962’s “Dr. No” – you can hear it in your head right now, can’t you? – up through Billie Eilish’s bleak elegy from 2021’s “No Time to Die,” every Bond film has had a unique musical theme, the best of which heightened the movies’ themes, and soem of which went on to be cultural touchstones in their own right. While the Bond franchise is currently on pause, the Great Pop Culture Debate wants to look back at nearly 65 years of songs as we attempt to name the Best James Bond Theme Song.

Songs discussed: “Goldfinger” by Shirley Bassey, “No Time to Die” by Billie Eilish, “For Your Eyes Only” by Sheena Easton, “James Bond Theme” by the John Barry Orchestra, “A View to a Kill” by Duran Duran, “You Only Live Twice” by Nancy Sinatra, “Licence to Kill” by Gladys Knight, “Diamonds Are Forever” by Shirley Bassey, “Live and Let Die” by Paul McCartney & Wings, “Die Another Day” by Madonna, “The World Is Not Enough” by Garbage, “Nobody Does It Better” by Carly Simon, “Skyfall” by Adele, “Tomorrow Never Dies” by Sheryl Crow, “You Know My Name” by Chris Cornell, “GoldenEye” by Tina Turner

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists David Silbert, Joelle Boedecker, and Kevin Dillon as they discuss and debate 16 of the most killer James Bond theme songs.

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

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Website: https://www.greatpopculturedebate.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greatpopculturedebate

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: David Silbert, Joelle Boedecker, Kevin Dillon

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Bob Erlenback

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

#jamesbond #jamesbondmovies #jamesbond007 #jamesbondsongs #bondgirl #bondsong #bondthemes #goldfinger #casinoroyale #liveandletdie #skyfall #viewtoakill #notimetodie #madonna #tinaturner #adele #chriscornell #shirleybassey #gladysknight #garbage #sherylcrow #duranduran #nancysinatra #carlysimon #paulmcartney #billieeilish #podcast #popculture #debate #bestof #podcasts #music #movies #film #books #comics #television #tv #lgbtq #lgbt #nostalgia #geek #nerd #culture #greatest

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“Star Trek” debuted on television in September 1966. While the adventures of the starship Enterprise and its crew initially struggled to find an audience, Gene Rodenberry’s sci-fi series proved a potent concept. After building up interest via syndication, launching a revival via major motion pictures, and reengaging TV audiences with a much-ballyhooed reboot in the 1980s, the property has become a staple of the genre, generating nearly 1000 episodes over 13 series as well as 14 films – and counting. So join the Great Pop Culture Debate as we celebrate 60 years of Star Trek by attempting to name the best “Star Trek” captain of all time.

Characters discussed: Jean-Luc Picard (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”/“Star Trek: Picard”), Hikaru Sulu (“Star Trek”), Carol Freeman (“Star Trek: Lower Decks”), Jonathan Archer (“Star Trek: Enterprise”), James T. Kirk (“Star Trek”), Philippa Georgiou (“Star Trek: Discovery”), Nahla Ake (“Star Trek: Starfleet Academy”), Benjamin Sisko (“Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”), Katheryn Janeway (“Star Trek Voyager”/“Star Trek: Prodigy”), Cristobal Rios (“Star Trek: Picard”), Spock (“Star Trek”/“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”), Seven of Nine (“Star Trek: Voyager”/“Star Trek: Picard”), Christopher Pike (“Star Trek: Strange New Worlds”), Gabriel Lorca (“Star Trek: Discovery”), Michael Burnham (“Str Trek: Discovery”), William Riker (“Star Trek: The Next Generation”/“Star Trek: Picard”)

Join host Eric Rezsnyak and panelists Derek Mekita, Jim Czadzeck, and Zack Derby as they discuss and debate 16 of Starfleet’s most decorated leaders in the “Star Trek” universe.

For the warm-up to this episode, in which we discuss some of our favorite “Star Trek” alien species, become a Patreon supporter of the podcast today.

EPISODE CREDITS

Episode Credits

Host: Eric Rezsnyak

Panelists: Derek Mekita, Jim Czadzeck, Zack Derby

Producer: Bob Erlenback

Editor: Jim Czadzeck

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

#startrek #startrek60 #trekkie #startrektos #startrekpicard #startrekstarfleetacademy #startreksnw #startreklowerdecks #startrekdiscovery #startrekprodigy #startrektng #tng #startrekvoyager #startrekds9 #startrekenterprise #picard #janeway #sisko #pike #spock #sevenofnine #michaelburnham #sulu #riker #jonathanarcher #section31 #mirroruniverse #scifi #tv

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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