Like It or Not: 2019 Movies/TV, Music
The Big Bang Theory: NOT
The Big Bang Theory was the most-watched live-action television show of 2019, second to no other than Sunday Night Football. Not to be a hater, but literally how? I do not know one soul that turns on their TV and willingly puts on The Big Bang Theory. From its unlikeable characters and unlaughable jokes, this is one show that I wonβt be tuning into any time soon.
Euphoria: LIKE IT
Anyone with any sort of social media presence has heard of HBOβs new show, Euphoria. Set in modern-day Los Angeles, Euphoria is centered around Rue (played by Zendaya) and her friends, trying to navigate their way through life whilst dealing with addiction, sexuality, relationship troubles, and more. Every aspect of it was perfect: The show is inclusive to minority groups, presents storylines that are relatable and captivating, and gives the audience complex characters, played by phenomenal actors.
Avengers: Endgame: LIKE IT
If you didnβt know Avengers: Endgame was the highest grossing movie of 2019 and of all time, dethroning Avatar. Endgame was well-done. It had sentimental, tear-jerking moments, as well as funny ones. Despite other reviews, the movie wrapped up some charactersβ arcs quite nicely. It also did a fairly good job laying the groundwork for the next phase of the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU).
Toy Story 4: LIKE IT
After a long 24 years, the beloved Toy Story series came to an end. The final installment brought back all our favorite childhood characters like Woody and Buzz, and even introduced some new faces. It was funny and heart-warming, just like a Toy Story movie should be. It wrapped up the storyline nicely, and I have to admit some tears were shed.
Map of the Soul: Persona: LIKE IT
Debuting at number one on the US Billboard 200 chart and 2019βs best selling album worldwide, Persona has been K-pop boy band BTSβ most successful work to date. Despite only having seven songs, this extended play packs quite a punch, with four million copies sold. Persona has a song for every occasion and showcases each of the seven members’ talents to their fullest extent. The album is full of emotion and profound lyrics, and all-around a perfect example of how much music transcends language.
Billie Eilish: LIKE IT
This was Billie Eilishβs year, no doubt. This year she released her debut full-length album WHEN WE ALL FALL ASLEEP, WHERE DO WE GO? which debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200. The album is hauntingly mesmerizing, like a lucid dream come to life. This year alone, Eilish earned six Grammy nominations, over one billion streams, two top ten hits and all before the age of 18. Fame as a teen is never easy, so itβs inspirational how Eilish has managed to hold herself up, especially in an industry and a society as cutthroat as ours.
GRAMMY NOMINEES: NOT
Earlier this year, the 2020 Grammy Nominees were announced and music fans everywhere agreed that many well-deserving contenders, such as Taylor Swiftβs Lover and Megan Thee Stallion were snubbed in their respective categories. The genre of hip hop and its artists were largely absent in the Grammyβs nominations, despite its prominent musical presence. There were also only two Asian nominees this year, as well as the exclusion of non-English speaking musical acts, despite their impact in the US. There is no shortage of musicians of color, but the Grammys have yet to highlight the diversity in the industry.
Jonas Brothers: NOT
No hate to the Joe Bros, but their new music just isnβt my cup of tea. The blast from the past was nice, but I think Iβve grown out of their music. Happiness Begins wasnβt anything different than every other pop boy band album. Iβd still never skip βSuckerβ, though.
Megan Thee Stallion: Like It
2019 was Megan Thee Stallionβs breakout year. Without a doubt, the 24-year-old Houston rapper has made her mark in the music community with the hit song, βHot Girl Summerβ featuring Nicki Minaj and Ty Dolla $ign, based off her signature βHot Girlβ title. In addition to being one of the most popular rappers right now, she is also continuing her college education. Talk about girl power!
In 2019, the arts truly made its mark. Records were broken and history was made for the industry. If 2019 was this good, we can only expect bigger and better things in 2020.
