My Pop Culture Saviors of 2017

2017 was...not the best year. Amidst all the heartbreaking headlines that bombarded our news feeds, there were moments reminding us that the world isn't a flaming, poo-covered garbage heap. And these moments were brought to us by individuals who had amazing things to offer. These are the men and women who entertained and enlightened when we so desperately needed it. They made a rough year tolerable, comforting us and demonstrating, through their artistry, how we're all going to be okay. They are more than just your standard breakouts of the year. These are my pop culture saviors. Lena and me at Vulture Festival Los Angeles on November 19, 2017 1. Lena Waithe - She became the first African-American woman to win an Emmy for comedy writing, and she's not stopping there (her Showtime drama, The Chi , premieres in January). She first made a splash in the inaugural season of Aziz Ansari's Master of None , playing Dev's gal pal Denise, but TV historians wil