2024: The Year of Unexpected Comebacks
If 2024 was defined by anything, it was a distinct feeling of déjà vu. Donald Trump’s victory, Death Cab for Cutie and Janet Jackson headlining music festivals, and a resurgence of the Windows Vista aesthetic all contributed to a sense of sameness. Yet, 2024 was also the year of unexpected second chances. Individuals who had previously fallen from grace or experienced unfortunate first runs in the spotlight were given another shot at glory. Whether comeback, redemption, or simply déjà vu, it was undeniably *their* year.
One striking example is the Menendez brothers. Once America’s most ridiculed defendants after killing their parents, they faded into the background after their convictions in the mid-90s. However, a Netflix docuseries, a Ryan Murphy soap opera, and other deep dives reignited interest in their case, transforming them into a Gen Z justice reform cause. A Los Angeles County Superior Court judge may even release them in January—an outcome unimaginable at their trial over three decades ago.
Similarly, the enduring popularity of *Sex and the City* surprised many. Would Gen Z embrace a show from 25 years ago that seemed decidedly “unwoke”? The answer was a resounding yes. The show’s relatable portrayal of dating woes and the aspirational depiction of close female friendships resonated deeply with a generation grappling with loneliness, proving that the true fantasy of *Sex and the City* might not be New York City or finding “Mr. Big,” but the enduring power of female friendship.
The cryptocurrency market, with its rollercoaster of crashes and rises, also refused to disappear. Bitcoin’s volatility continued, yet it remained central to the platform of the newly elected president, who promised to make America a “bitcoin superpower.” Elon Musk’s endorsement, including naming a fictional agency “Department of Government Efficiency (Doge),” further solidified cryptocurrency’s influence, highlighting its undeniable triumph despite its inherent instability.
Millennials, often the target of both older generations and Gen Z, finally caught a break in 2024. Side parts, once ridiculed, became acceptable. Their financial prospects improved slightly. And surprisingly, they weren’t solely blamed for the election results, with a significant portion of Gen Z men, and a growing number of women, voting for Trump. Adding to their cultural shift, a millennial, Charli XCX, defined the year’s most talked-about aesthetic.
Comedian Katt Williams’s remarkable return to prominence is another example. After a long hiatus, a nearly three-hour interview with Shannon Sharpe went viral, generating over 85 million views on YouTube alone. This led to a Netflix comedy special and a role in *One of Them Days*, further cementing his comeback. His prescient criticism of P. Diddy’s business practices added another layer to his resurgence.
JD Vance’s attempt to insult Kamala Harris supporters by calling them “childless cat ladies” backfired spectacularly. The phrase was reappropriated, becoming a rallying cry and a symbol of pride for childless women who embraced their cat-loving lifestyle. This marked a significant cultural shift, turning a perceived insult into a badge of honor.
The resurgence of the roast format was also unexpected. From Colin Jost at the White House Correspondents’ Dinner to Tony Hinchcliffe’s rally performance, the genre proved its enduring appeal. Netflix’s roast of Tom Brady, which outperformed specials by Dave Chappelle and Katt Williams, solidified the roast’s modern relevance, culminating in a Netflix year-end roast hosted by Jeff Ross.
New York City’s ongoing battle with rats took a humorous turn. Jessica Tisch’s infamous statement (“The rats don’t run this city, we do.”) was met with a rodent rebellion, resulting in the “hot rodent boyfriend” meme and the city’s first-ever National Urban Rat Summit. The city’s overt acknowledgement of the rat problem, ironically, highlighted its persistent and pervasive presence.
The Los Angeles Dodgers finally secured a definitive World Series victory, beating the New York Yankees and culminating in a massive victory parade with over 200,000 attendees. This triumph marked the end of a long period of near-misses and playoff appearances, solidifying their status as champions.
Mike Tyson’s fight against Jake Paul proved less explosive than anticipated, but it still generated massive viewership and earned Tyson a significant sum. The fight highlighted Tyson’s ongoing evolution as a public figure, while Netflix struggled to handle the unprecedented viewership numbers.
Gypsy Rose Blanchard’s post-prison life was another unexpected narrative. She gained millions of Instagram followers, appeared in a Lifetime docuseries, and experienced a whirlwind romance before ultimately returning to a quieter life, announcing a new relationship and impending parenthood.
In conclusion, 2024 was a year of unexpected returns, proving that even amidst the familiar, there’s always room for surprising comebacks and cultural shifts.