Decoding Fandom is a weekly column that dives deep into the world of fan culture and runs on Wednesdays in the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter. If you want to read this column before everyone else, sign up for the newsletter here.

Cast of NCIS Hawaii

Despite cancellation, ‘NCIS: Hawai’i’ fans still believe in representation

Marketed as the most diverse series in the franchise, NCIS: Hawai’i is beloved for its representation.

On May 9, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Taylor Swift with graphic background

After her latest album, the Swifties are trying to gatekeep Taylor Swift

Swifties claim that recent, fair weather fans of Swift have left the fandom because of the new album, which means only true fans remain.

On May 2, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Caitlin Clark holding Indiana Fever Jersey

Can WNBA fans make the league profitable?

It appears we might be entering a new era of WNBA fandom.

On Apr 25, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Ella Purnell in Fallout in front of graphic background

‘Fallout’ TV series appeases most fans, though long-standing rifts persist

Though certain fans had gripes with specific details, others delighted in discovering all the easter eggs and callbacks to the game.

On Apr 18, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Katy Perry in front of graphic background

KatyCats want #JusticeForKatyPerry

#JusticeForKatyPerry was a trending topic on X.

On Apr 11, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Melissa Benoist(l), Katie McGrath(r)

SuperCorp fans create new ship with Melissa Benoist, Katie McGrath characters

Fans on X and TikTok created videos of the two characters, and an entire storyline—in which Saskia is Sadie’s lawyer, or they’re both lawyers—was born.

On Apr 4, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Michael Jackson, J Cole, Kendrick Lamar, Drake, Prince

Kendrick Lamar’s diss of Drake, J. Cole, ignites Michael Jackson vs Prince debate

Fans immediately drew lines in the sand.

On Mar 28, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Han So-hee(l), Ryu Jun-yeol(c), Hyeri(r)

K-pop and K-drama fans go head-to-head over dating controversy

The dating controversy sent K-pop and K-drama fans into a tizzy.

On Mar 21, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Two women in front of lesbian flag

French soap opera ‘Ici tout commence’ finds global queer fandom

A new soapy lesbian couple is on the rise, this time coming out of France.

On Mar 14, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Rebecca Ferguson against night desert background

Who screamed at Rebecca Ferguson? Fans want to know

This mystery is exactly the kind of thing the internet eats up, and it has captured various fan communities.

On Mar 7, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Pop Culture
Harry Styles against abstract background

Fans can’t get enough of Harry Styles being a ‘Girl Uncle’

There are several reasons why Harry Styles fans reacted in such a way, and the dynamics of parasocial relationships are part of it.

On Feb 29, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Fandom
Macho man ‘Reacher’ has fans across the political spectrum

Macho man ‘Reacher’ has fans across the political spectrum

The fact that media attracts different viewers for different reasons is not a new concept.

On Feb 22, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Fandom
Dakota Johnson over abstract background

The internet loves Dakota Johnson’s unbothered attitude–sometimes

For casual fans, it’s not necessarily Johnson’s filmography or acting prowess that endears her to them.

On Feb 15, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Fandom
Wendy Williams amongst stars

Is Wendy Williams back? Fans praying for the queen of gossip’s return

'The Wendy Williams Show,' a beloved internet meme factory, was canceled in 2022 after Williams took a leave of absence due to health issues

On Feb 8, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Fandom
Lily Gladstone fans are fighting for justice

Lily Gladstone fans are fighting for justice

Fans of Lily Gladstone were incensed by her erasure from the Oscars discourse and worked to make their voices heard.

On Feb 1, 2024 by Kira Deshler

Fandom