The Super Bowl, By the Numbers

Here’s every big and surprising number associated with the Big Game.

Fire Up the SelectaVision, It’s Movie Night

Streaming has made DVDs and VHS tapes virtually obsolete. Those were about the only two home video formats that were ever successful – unlike these many other also-rans.

The Most Famous People to Pass Through Ellis Island

Across 60 years, more than 12 million emigrants entered the U.S. through Ellis Island. Some of them went on to become extremely famous.

How ‘The Simpsons’ Got Started

Before it became the longest-running show of all time, launched with a Christmas special, here’s how The Simpsons took shape.

Christmas: It’s a Literary Tradition

Some of the best Christmasy things are Christmas stories, like “A Christmas Carol,” “The Gift of the Magi,” and “A Visit from St. Nicholas.” Here are their origin stories.

Some Shocking and Spooktacular Facts About Mary Shelley

Mary Shelley wrote FRANKENSTEIN, one of the most important (and scary) novels of all time, but that’s just one moment in a fascinating life.

The Hello Kitty Story

The origins of Sanrio and its most famous creation, Hello Kitty.

Tune In and Tune Out: It’s the Summer TV Doldrums

What’s on TV over the summer? Usually, nothing great, as it’s when the networks historically air their weirdest and worst offerings.

Late Night Talk Shows That Got Cancelled 

A brief history of late night talk shows — and the ones that famously got cancelled.

The Science and History of Dad Jokes

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there, despite their love of “dad jokes.” Here’s why dad jokes are so unfunny they’re funny and how they came about.

It’s a Possible Mission to Read These Fun Facts About ‘Mission: Impossible’

Perhaps the final “Mission: Impossible” movie releases in 2025. Here are some interesting facts about the franchise, both the movies and the TV shows.

Fly High, Peter Pan

Some facts about the history and impact of “Peter Pan,” in honor of creator J.M. Barrie’s birthday.

One-Book Wonders: Famous Authors Who Only Wrote One Novel

It’s the birthday of Harper Lee, author of To Kill a Mockingbird. She’s a literary one-hit wonder, just like these other authors who only needed to publish one hit novel.

5 Fantabulous Thingamajigs You Didn’t Know About Dr. Seuss

You love Dr. Seuss. You know Dr. Seuss. But how much do you really know about Dr. Seuss? The facts are these.

‘Harry Potter,’ Starring Hugh Grant and Kate Winslet

As the Harry Potter movies head back into movie theaters, let’s look back at some of the actors who almost got roles in the series (but didn’t).

The Twisted Life of Edgar Allan Poe

Some little-known episodes, formative events, and creative inspirations from the life of America’s greatest author of dark fiction, Edgar Allan Poe.

Hobbies: Costly, Hard, and Tough to Find

Those who participate in the most popular hobbies seek out these things the most.

Welcome to Life in 2025

Here’s what’s definitely (okay, probably not really) going to happen in 2025, according to some psychics and sci-fi movies.