Mental Floss

POP CULTURE







Christian Petersen/Getty Images

With the 'Crash Bandicoot' series celebrating its 25th anniversary this September, we're looking back at some of the series's unused ideas and early marketing efforts.

Paul Cecchini


A 2018 Kidz Bop performance in New York City.

Unfortunately, there’s no official Kidz Bop version of “WAP.” But there’s no shortage of other comical covers to amuse yourself with.

Ellen Gutoskey
Curious George lives up to his reputation.

Beloved childrens' book character Curious George got himself into some real pickles, including knocking himself unconscious while high on ether.

Jake Rossen






Media24/Gallo Images/Getty Images

If you remember the Berenstein Bears or the movie 'Shazam' starring Sinbad, you're a victim of the Mandela effect.

Michele Debczak


BrAt_PiKaChU/iStock via Getty Images; MTV Networks, Public Domain // Wikimedia Commons

Although MTV has more recently become synonymous with reality TV and cheap clip shows, there was a time when the network truly did live up to its name. And it all began at 12:01 a.m. on August 1, 1981.

Jon O'Brien
Justin Willman, who performs magic for humans.

'Magic for Humans' host Justin Willman has dazzled audiences on stage, on Netflix, and on Zoom during the pandemic. But learning to be a magician with two broken arms may have been his greatest trick of all.

Jake Rossen








Jean Smart stars in Hacks.

Ever since she played the sweet but sharp-tongued Charlene Frazier on 'Designing Women,' Jean Smart’s fans have been waiting for the rest of the world to realize just how terrific she is.

April Snellings
M. Night Shyamalan.

Acclaimed director M. Night Shyamalan once perpetuated a massive hoax on an unsuspecting audience. (And no, it wasn't Mark Wahlberg playing a science teacher in 'The Happening.')

Jake Rossen