Jim McDermott
@jimmcd.bsky.social
Writer, Fan, Part-Time Imaginary Tiger. 🏳️🌈 I write about theater, TV, comics, Australia, nicknames for God and other fun stuff. Sometimes I write for film and TV too.
This week in the Wow, I write about my grandmother, who had a life like Lucille Ball and a point of view that kind of snuck up on us. Have a great Saturday, everybody!
The Time When My Grandmother Revealed that She Was From Another Planet
Discovering the beauty of the family who love you
jimmcdermott.substack.com
Arriving at Penn Station at 11pm on a Friday and immediately after a Harry Styles concert has let out may for 2 minutes be the worst thing that has ever happened to you.
This weekend Céline Dion returned to the stage in Paris. It was a scene of incredible courage, emotion and grace. Today in Pop Culture Spirit Wow, I celebrate the return of our queen and also a new album from the great Sara Bareilles.
EPISODE 1334: TOUCH ME WITH TECHNICOLOR RAIN
Songs for September
jimmcdermott.substack.com
I was grateful to go to the Good Housekeeping website today and discover their top story was about peaches.
Pleased to report I have survived. And now I’m in the West Village on a gorgeous Friday night, which is basically entitled rich kid Witching Hour, because death is always coming for all of us.
I have one stop. The train is packed. It’s Russian Roulette, MTA style.
The MTA is giving big “I’m going to trap you in a big empty Celestial head for a couple hours” vibes. So of course I’m going to risk it.
Fun Fact: Jeremy Renner plays "Hawkeye" in Marvel movies
I adore Kander and Ebb, but General Mills changing the sounds of Rice Krispies to “Pop” “Squish” “Lipschitz” for the 40th anniversary of the revival may be taking it a bit too far.
Burnside Gooch, my friends. Burnside Gooch. 👏👏👏
Burnside Gooch@burnsidegooch.bsky.social · 2w agoApple should make a Broadway iPhone that’s shaped like a turkey that folds.
Apple 2026: Now we make stuff that already exists, but we charge more for it.
Apple: The new iPhone Duo costs $2000. Me: It’s more than twice as expensive as an iPhone? Apple: Yes, but this one has twice as much screen. Me: Okay, but it’s also more expensive than a MacBook, which has a much bigger screen still. Apple: Yes, but this one goes to 11.
This week in Broadway grosses: Wicked, Rocky Horror, and Paranormal Activity.
Gross Anatomy: Do We Believe in Magic?
Takeaways from Broadway’s box office for the week of 9/6/26
theaterwow.substack.com
This is such a niche topic it probably belongs in a Catholic WhatsApp group rather than on social media. But if you ever wondered about those long black gowns that some priests wear, and want to hear about how they might be connected to American flag pins or those Red Hats, I am here for you.
EPISODE 1133: CODE SWITCHING FOR CLERICS
Dishing (and dissing) about dress codes in the Catholic Church.
jimmcdermott.substack.com
My mother has informed me that tomorrow is the feast of the Nativity of Mary. With all due respect, Good Lord that lady has a lot of feasts.
I love digging into the history of Broadway theaters. In honor of Moulin Rouge!, here’s a fun little exploration of the other shows that have broken box office records at the Hirschfeld.
The Box Scores: Martin Beck/Al Hirschfeld
A history of box office record breakers at the Martin Beck/Al Hirschfeld Theatre.
theaterwow.substack.com
Cher and Madonna are also mutants in #Marvel616, but the other mutants don’t mention that, because it’s no one’s business by their own. #sosorry
In #Marvel616, Sheryl Crow is Rogue’s favorite singer. She was also her celebrity hall pass, until she discovered Sheryl was also Gambit’s, and they went to her concert. Ahem. #sosorry
Chris Isaak is #Marvel616 Chamber—and he is still a g-d- rock star. #sosorry
In #Marvel616, Emma’s secret crush is Fiona Apple. #sosorry
Dazzler spent the late 90s seeing Sophie Hawkins, so sorry Dongshot fans
“Kiss Me” by Sixpence None the Richer is Marvel-616 canonically straight and Wolverine hates it. So sorry.
