ICYMI: 6/12-6/16 Pop Culture Recap

It’s been a quiet week for the most part, but we’ve rounded up the top seven things you should know from the pop culture space this week. We've got you covered with a curated roundup of the most exciting and noteworthy events from the world of entertainment. Make sure to stay tuned for our weekly recaps, as we bring you the latest news, opinions, and insights from the realm of entertainment.

1. XO, Kitty Renewed for Season 2 

If you haven’t seen Season 1 of the spinoff to All the Boys I’ve Loved Before- XO, Kitty- yet, what are you waiting for? The K-Drama Netflix Original American Drama fusion creates an especially unique vibe for this show. Sure, it had its cringe moments, but Season 1 was definitely worth the watch. If you enjoyed Season 1, get hyped because Season 2 is in the works! Approximately one month after the series was released, Netflix renewed it and the cast created a Tik Tok announcement to celebrate the news. 

2. Gracie Abrams Released Deluxe Version of Good Riddance Today

Gracie Abrams is my personal favorite artist, and I’ve followed her for ages now. After her amazing starting performances for Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Abrams’ platform exploded and now she has released a masterpiece- the Good Riddance deluxe album. With three shiny new songs, Abrams created artistic melodies that will transport you to a different realm. 

“We’re really happy to include these songs we made during the weeks we spent writing ‘Good Riddance,’” the star wrote on her Instagram Story. “These songs kind of really tie up the whole album and yeah I just love you and couldn’t be more grateful for your support of this album and for the stories you’ve shared with me and with each other in response to the songs.”

3. Dylan Sprouse & Barbara Palvin Secretly Engaged for a year 

Calling all Suite Life fans- Dylan Sprouse is officially taken. Sprouse and Barbara Palvin kept their engagement secret for almost a year, but finally decided to let us in on their big secret. Sprouse apparently also kept the ring for seven months before he popped the big question. I would like to formally request an invite to this wedding, please! 

4. Past Lives, Celine Song’s film about Immigrants, Releases next week 

As a daughter of two immigrant parents, I love learning about immigrants’ stories and drawing connections to my own life. As Elle describes this film, “follows Nora (Greta Lee), who emigrated from South Korea at age 12, leaving behind her childhood sweetheart Hae Sung (Teo Yoo). Two decades pass before they see each other in person again for one fateful week in New York City, where Nora now lives with her Jewish-American husband Arthur (John Magaro). The story is partly based on Song’s personal experience.”

Past Lives is now playing in select cities and releases officially on June 23.

5. Black Mirror, The Flash, & Elemental all released this week 

The Flash and Elemental are officially in theaters! Who’s planning on watching them? Black Mirror also released this past week. If you didn’t know, I’m a huge Black Mirror fanatic (read my thoughts here!), so I can’t wait to check this out

6. Tamannaah Bhatia & Vijay Varma Confirm their Relationship

In another life, I swear I would’ve confirmed a relationship with Tamannaah, but it’s fine, Vijay can have the joy of dating her for now. Though I’m jealous, the two are admittedly a very cute couple and state they are happy in their relationship.

7. Bonnaroo Music Festival Kicked Off This Week 

To my music fans, Bonnaroo 2023 has officially kicked off. If you’re there now, I’m so so jealous, please give me your ticket. But, at the very least, send me pictures and videos! Headlined by Odseza, Kendrick Lamar, and Foo Fighters, this year’s lineup is pretty good. (P.S. If you’re there and get the chance, go see Rina Sawayama, she’s amazing!)

And, that’s all for this week! Don’t forget to come back next Friday for your Pop Culture ICYMI Recap.

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From the Desk of Hani Anis: June 15, 2023