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Mixtapes
Mixtapes once served as heartfelt, handcrafted playlists that spoke volumes about the personality and passions of their creators. Unlike today’s auto-generated playlists, a mixtape required real effort—you’d spend hours with cassette tapes, carefully recording songs in a meaningful order. It was common to make a mixtape for a friend, crush, or even just yourself, turning the tape into a personal time capsule. According to a Spotify survey, around 60% of millennials and Gen Z listeners wish for more personalized music sharing, highlighting a deep nostalgia for this lost art. Mixtapes were more than just songs on a tape; they were love letters, emotional journals, or road trip companions. The tangible nature of cassettes made the experience special, something that can’t be replicated by a simple digital share. As vinyl has made a dramatic comeback in recent years, it’s not hard to imagine cassettes and mixtapes finding their way back into our lives too.
TV Theme Songs You Actually Sing Along To
TV theme songs in the past were more than just background music—they were anthems that people sang with pride. Shows like “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “Friends” had theme songs so catchy that they became part of pop culture themselves. These songs set the mood for the show, helped you remember key details, and even brought people together in living rooms for sing-alongs. According to findings from the American Psychological Association, music can significantly enhance memory recall, which might explain why so many of us still remember every word decades later. Today, most shows skip the theme song entirely in favor of shorter intros, losing a valuable opportunity to create a lasting connection with viewers. Bringing back memorable, singable TV theme songs could revive the communal spirit that once defined family TV nights. The return of these anthems might just make watching television feel special again.
Celebrity Variety Shows
Celebrity variety shows were once the crown jewel of prime time television, blending music, sketch comedy, and the unique personalities of their hosts. Programs like “The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour” and “The Carol Burnett Show” drew huge audiences, as evidenced by Nielsen ratings that consistently placed them among the highest-rated shows of their era. These shows were a showcase for celebrity talent, allowing stars to step outside their comfort zones and reveal their humor or musical skills. Audiences tuned in week after week to see surprise guests, hilarious skits, and musical performances that you couldn’t find anywhere else. The variety format created a sense of unpredictability and fun, making each episode an event. This approach to entertainment offered something for everyone in the family, and the live aspect kept things spontaneous and exciting. With today’s celebrities more accessible than ever through social media, the return of variety shows could offer a fresh, interactive twist on a beloved format.
CD Bonus Tracks
CD bonus tracks were like secret treasures, hidden at the end of albums for only the most dedicated fans to find. You’d let the last song play, and suddenly, there was another track—sometimes a remix, an acoustic version, or a completely new song. This feature made owning the physical album feel rewarding, almost like being in an exclusive club. According to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), 45% of music listeners still prefer physical formats, especially for their collectability and the sense of ownership they provide. Bonus tracks were a thank you from artists to their loyal fans, offering something extra that couldn’t be found on the radio or in stores. In today’s world of instant streaming, this kind of secret content is rare, but its revival could encourage fans to buy physical music again. The thrill of discovering a hidden song is an experience that digital platforms just can’t match.
Midnight Movie Premieres
Midnight movie premieres were much more than just late-night screenings; they were cultural events that brought fans together in excitement and anticipation. People would camp out for hours—sometimes even days—for the chance to be among the first to see the latest “Harry Potter” or “Star Wars” installment. Box Office Mojo reports that these midnight events often generated a significant portion of a film’s opening weekend revenue, proving just how popular they were. The shared excitement of waiting in line, chatting with fellow fans, and finally experiencing the film together created an unforgettable sense of community. Unlike streaming, where you watch alone at home, midnight premieres turned movie-going into a collective adventure. With the return of big blockbusters to theaters, there’s a growing appetite for experiences that can’t be replicated on a small screen. Midnight premieres could once again become a rite of passage for dedicated movie lovers.
Novelty Dance Crazes
Novelty dance crazes have a unique power to unite people in joyful, silly movement. Dances like “The Macarena” and “The Electric Slide” swept through parties, weddings, and school dances, giving everyone permission to join in regardless of their skill level. These dances weren’t about perfection—they were about community, laughter, and letting loose. The Journal of Dance Medicine & Science found that group dancing not only boosts social bonding but also improves mood and reduces stress. In an age where social media challenges come and go, a good old-fashioned dance craze could get people off their phones and onto the dance floor. The shared experience of learning and performing a dance together creates memories that last a lifetime. Reviving these simple, infectious dances would remind us all that sometimes, the best moments are the ones where everyone looks a little ridiculous.
MTV’s TRL (Total Request Live)
MTV’s TRL was a pulse-pounding, daily countdown show where fans had real influence over what got played on TV. It wasn’t just about music videos—it was about live energy, screaming fans, and pop stars making surprise appearances. TRL launched the careers of countless artists in the late ’90s and early 2000s, according to Nielsen Music data, and was a true meeting point for youth culture. The show gave teens the power to vote their favorite videos to the top, creating a sense of participation that’s rare in today’s streaming-dominated world. The excitement of seeing your vote count and your favorite artist perform live on air was unmatched. With the decline of music television, that sense of real-time connection has faded—bringing back a show like TRL could revitalize music fandom for a new generation. It would be a space where artists and fans collide, live and unscripted.
Pop Star Cameos in Cartoons
There was a time when pop stars appearing in animated shows was a big deal and a delightful surprise. Shows like “The Simpsons,” “Futurama,” and “South Park” often featured major musicians or actors playing versions of themselves, adding hilarious and memorable moments to their episodes. Animation Magazine reports that celebrity cameos can boost viewership and increase engagement by bringing new audiences to a show. These appearances weren’t just about name recognition—they showed stars had a sense of humor and could poke fun at their own images. For fans, seeing a favorite singer animated alongside beloved characters created must-watch TV. Reviving this trend could spark buzz, attract both music and cartoon fans, and create moments that go viral for all the right reasons.
Fanzines
Fanzines were passionate, DIY magazines made by superfans, packed with deep dives, homemade art, and honest commentary. Long before the internet made everyone a critic, these zines were a lifeline for niche communities and underground movements. The American Association of Publishers notes that there’s been a recent resurgence in interest in print and niche publications, showing that people still crave personal, handcrafted content. Fanzines offered a raw, unfiltered look into fan culture, with voices you couldn’t find in mainstream magazines. They were often traded by mail, sold at concerts, or handed out at conventions—always connecting people with shared passions. Today, as online spaces get noisier, the return of fanzines could help fans reclaim a more intimate, creative way to express themselves. They were Tumblr before Tumblr, Instagram before Instagram—a place where fandom was about more than just likes.
Novelty Merchandise Tied to TV Shows
Novelty merchandise tied to TV shows was a way for fans to bring a piece of their favorite worlds into their own lives. From collectible lunchboxes to board games and dolls, there was always something for everyone. “The Golden Girls” action figures are a perfect example of how a show’s legacy can live on through playful, unexpected products. Statista projects the global licensed merchandise market will hit $292 billion by 2025, proving just how strong the demand is for pop culture collectibles. These items do more than just sit on a shelf—they spark conversations, bring back memories, and allow fans to show off their love for a show. The resurgence of TV-themed merchandise could be a win-win for both fans and creators, creating lasting connections through nostalgia and fun.
Besides founding Festivaltopia, Luca is the co founder of trib, an art and fashion collectiv you find on several regional events and online. Also he is part of the management board at HORiZONTE, a group travel provider in Germany.
