# Pop Culture & Entertainment Categories Pop culture references are a staple of NYT Connections puzzles. From classic movies to current TV shows, from rock bands to rap artists, entertainment categories test both your cultural knowledge and pattern recognition skills. This guide will help you master them all. ## Movie Categories ### 🎬 Missing Word Movie Titles One of the most common patterns - famous movie titles with one word removed: ### 🎭 Movie Genres or Themes

Common Movie Groupings

By Genre

• Horror films: SCREAM, SAW, RING, IT
• Superhero: BATMAN, SUPERMAN, SPIDER-MAN, IRON MAN
• Pixar: CARS, UP, BRAVE, SOUL

By Franchise

• Bond films: GOLDFINGER, MOONRAKER, GOLDENEYE, SKYFALL
• Marvel phases: IRON, THOR, CAPTAIN, HULK
• Disney classics: SNOW, BEAUTY, SLEEPING, LITTLE

## TV Show Categories ### 📺 Show Titles and Patterns

TV Show Grouping Strategies

Single Word Shows

FRIENDS, LOST, HOUSE, BONES, SUITS, SCRUBS

Often grouped by era, genre, or network

Show Types

OFFICE, PARKS, COMMUNITY, ARRESTED (all comedies)

Look for shared genres or formats

Network Groups

STRANGER, CROWN, OZARK, BRIDGERTON (all Netflix)

Streaming services love their originals

### 🎪 Reality TV and Game Shows

Non-Fiction TV

• Competition Shows: VOICE, IDOL, FACTOR, TALENT
• Reality Series: SURVIVOR, BACHELOR, BROTHER, RACE
• Game Shows: WHEEL, JEOPARDY, PRICE, FAMILY

## Music Categories ### 🎵 Band Names and Artists

⚠️ Tricky Music Categories

Band names often use common words, creating misdirection:

• QUEEN - Band OR royalty
• PRINCE - Artist OR royal title
• KISS - Band OR affection
• RUSH - Band OR hurry

• POISON - Band OR toxin
• HEART - Band OR organ
• CHICAGO - Band OR city
• BOSTON - Band OR city

### 🎸 Music Genres and Eras ## Celebrity Categories ### ⭐ First Names Only

Celebrity Name Patterns

Single-Name Celebrities

CHER, MADONNA, PRINCE, BEYONCÉ, ADELE, RIHANNA

Common First Names

BRAD (Pitt), GEORGE (Clooney), MATT (Damon), BEN (Affleck)

Last Names as Clues

SMITH (Will/Jada), JOHNSON (Rock/Magic), WILLIAMS (Serena/Venus)

### 🏆 Awards and Achievements

EGOT and Award Winners

Look for patterns in achievement categories:

• EGOT Winners: People who've won Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony
• Oscar Categories: PICTURE, DIRECTOR, ACTOR, SCREENPLAY
• Music Awards: GRAMMY, BRIT, VMA, CMA

## Advanced Pop Culture Patterns ### 🎯 Cross-Media References

When Pop Culture Gets Complex

Adaptations
GAME, CROWN, HANDMAID, ORANGE (all books turned into shows)
Franchise Crossovers
MARVEL, DC, STAR, TREK (might group by universe)
Cultural Phenomena
POTTER, THRONES, RINGS, TREK (massive fandoms)

### 🎪 Broadway and Theater

Stage References

Musical Titles

CATS, RENT, HAIR, GREASE

Theater Terms

STAGE, WING, FLY, PIT

## Quick Reference Guide

Pop Culture Category Checklist

Movies

☐ Missing title words
☐ Genre groups
☐ Franchise films
☐ Director groups

TV/Streaming

☐ Show titles
☐ Network groups
☐ Genre matching
☐ Character names

Music/Celebs

☐ Band names
☐ Artist groups
☐ Genre terms
☐ First names only

## Pro Tips 1. **Stay Current**: Connections often references recent releases and trending shows 2. **Think Broadly**: "Pop culture" includes everything from Shakespeare to TikTok 3. **Check Multiple Meanings**: Many pop culture terms have everyday meanings too 4. **Know Your Decades**: Groups often organize by era (80s movies, 90s bands, etc.) ## Read Next

Double-Meaning Words

Many pop culture terms have everyday meanings - learn to spot them.

What to Do When Stuck

Strategies for when pop culture references go over your head.