Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show is now available to stream on Netflix.

Welcome back to What's Popular Now!

Another week, another edition of What's Popular Now! Get ready for a weekly deep dive into the world of pop culture, trending topics, and lifestyle essentials.

TRENDING THIS WEEK

In the Spotlight: Must-Read This Week

WWE Raw Netflix Premiere: January 6, 2025

WWE’s Monday Night Raw debuts on Netflix on January 6, 2025, live from the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California. The event features Liv Morgan vs. Rhea Ripley in a Last Woman Standing match for the Women’s World Championship, CM Punk vs. Seth Rollins, and a Tribal Combat match between Roman Reigns and Solo Sikoa. Special appearances include John Cena’s farewell tour and Travis Scott.

Squid Game Season 2: The Deadly Games Return!

Squid Game is back on Netflix, with Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae) re-entering the deadly games to expose the sinister organization behind them. Joined by Hwang Jun-ho (Wi Ha-joon), who’s investigating the shocking truths, this season introduces new characters like Kim Jun-hee (Jo Yu-ri) and rapper Thanos (Choi Seung-hyun, aka T.O.P). Packed with intense challenges and emotional twists, critics are praising its bold storytelling, leaving fans eager for the final season in 2025.

The Batman Part II Faces Delay
The release of The Batman Part II has been postponed to October 1, 2027, two years later than originally planned. DC Studios co-chief James Gunn explained that the delay is due to ongoing script development, emphasizing the importance of delivering a high-quality sequel that meets fan expectations. Production is now scheduled to begin in late 2025, ensuring plenty of time to craft the next chapter in Matt Reeves’ critically acclaimed Batman saga.

POP CULTURE HIGHLIGHTS

Music

• ‘Complicated’ by Avril Lavigne has now surpassed 1 BILLION streams on Spotify.

  It becomes her first song to achieve this milestone.

• Beyoncé’s NFL halftime show is now available to stream on Netflix.

  

• ‘APT.’ by ROSÉ and Bruno Mars wins the Daesang for ‘Song of the Year’ at the 2024 Asian Artist Awards.

  

Entertainment

• First teaser for ‘CHAD POWERS’, starring Glen Powell as a failed college quarterback.

• First clip from the final episode of ‘WHAT IF…?’

  Releasing tomorrow on Disney+

• Madelyn Cline shares a new set photo from the new ‘I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER’ movie.

  In theaters on July 18, 2025.

  

QUICK QUIZ

Which of these films holds the record for the most Oscars won by a single movie?

A) The Godfather
B) Titanic
C) Ben-Hur
D) The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King

(Scroll down for the answer!)

LIFESTYLE

Stress-Free Hosting: Tips for Throwing a Great Party

Hosting a party doesn’t have to leave you feeling overwhelmed. With a little planning and a few smart tricks, you can create a memorable event without the stress. Here’s how:

• Plan a Simple Menu
  Stick to crowd-pleasers that are easy to prepare, like finger foods and one-pot dishes. Don’t shy away from store-bought items to save time. Bonus tip: a themed menu adds a fun twist!

• Prep in Advance
  Set up as much as you can the day before—clean the space, arrange decorations, and prep ingredients. This leaves you free to relax and enjoy the party.

• Create a Self-Serve Station
  Set up a drink or snack station where guests can help themselves. It keeps everyone happy and saves you from running around.

• Choose the Right Music
  A good playlist sets the mood. Start with something upbeat as guests arrive, then shift to mellow tunes as the evening winds down.

• Keep It Cozy
  Don’t stress about perfection. A warm, inviting atmosphere is what makes your guests feel at home. Dim lighting, comfy seating, and personal touches (like handwritten place cards) go a long way.

• Have a Backup Plan
  Things don’t always go perfectly—have a quick icebreaker game or extra snacks on hand to handle surprises with ease.

A little preparation goes a long way toward creating a party that’s enjoyable for both you and your guests. Cheers to effortless hosting!

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"Cheers to a new year and another chance to get it right." – Oprah Winfrey

The New Year is a blank page in the book of life—a chance to write a story filled with purpose, joy, and growth. It's not about perfection but progress, learning from yesterday, and stepping into tomorrow with renewed hope. Let this be the year you chase your dreams, embrace challenges, and celebrate every little victory. Here’s to making 2025 your best chapter yet!