Wed Dec 31 17:10:00 UTC 2025: Summary:

Linda Holmes celebrates the 15th anniversary of her “50 Wonderful Things” list, highlighting notable moments in pop culture from 2025. The list spans across TV shows, movies, books, games, and other discoveries, emphasizing that these aren’t necessarily the “best” but simply things she found enjoyable. The selections range from humorous moments in HBO’s “Mountainhead” and Apple TV’s “Pluribus” to thrilling scenes in “All Her Fault” and “Fight or Flight.” She praises performances by actors like Colman Domingo, Sarah Snook, Ethan Hawke, Andrew Scott, and Meg Stalter. The list also features documentaries like “My Mom Jayne,” and unexpected delights such as a penguin at a “Slow Horses” panel and a dog who refused to put down his stick while relieving himself. The list includes shows from major streaming services to niche discoveries, reflecting a diverse range of entertainment.

News Article:

Linda Holmes Unveils Her 2025 “50 Wonderful Things” List, Featuring Pop Culture Gems

NEW YORK – Pop culture critic Linda Holmes has released her highly anticipated annual “50 Wonderful Things” list for 2025, marking the 15th anniversary of the tradition. The list, published on NPR, is a curated collection of Holmes’ favorite moments and discoveries across television, film, books, games, and more.

“This isn’t a list of the objectively ‘best’ things,” Holmes clarified. “It’s a compilation of things that brought me joy and sparked my interest this year.”

Highlights from the list include:

  • Television: Standout moments from HBO’s “Mountainhead” and “The Pitt,” Apple TV’s “Pluribus,” Netflix’s “The Hunting Wives,” and FX’s “The Bear.”
  • Film: Praised performances from Colman Domingo in “The Running Man,” Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott in “Blue Moon,” and Meg Stalter in “Too Much.” Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein” also made the cut.
  • Documentaries: Hargitay’s “My Mom Jayne” lauded for its compassionate look into the life of Jayne Mansfield.

The list also includes unexpected gems, such as a peculiar interaction with a cosplayer dressed as a penguin at a “Slow Horses” panel, and a shoutout to “Tuffy,” a dog whose dedication to his stick transcended even bathroom breaks.

Holmes’ list underscores the diversity and richness of entertainment in 2025, from big-budget productions to indie gems, offering a personal and engaging perspective on the year’s most delightful cultural moments.

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