Lauren Novak

I have been writing about pop culture and nostalgia for over a decade and have been with ReMIND Magazine’s website since its inception, with a focus on classic television, movies and music. I may have grown up in the ’90s, but I have a genuine love for each decade and its pop culture. Growing up, my pals were Scooby-Doo and the gang, Doug, and even Beetlejuice. I loved to play with Barbies, Polly Pockets and there wasn’t a memory game that I couldn’t ace. These days, writing about nostalgia brought me a love for icons such as Elvis Presley, Dolly Parton and Betty White. I currently live in Michigan with my husband and our beloved dogs.

BOSTON PUBLIC, 'Chapter Fifty-Six', (Season 3), Counting Crows (Adam Duritz, Ben Mize, David Immergluck), 2000-04

Whatever Happened to Counting Crows?

The ’90s stalwarts are the subject of a new HBO documentary, premiering December 18 at 9/8c.

LONDON, ENGLAND - OCTOBER 31: Cabbage Patch Kids at the launch of Dream Toys 2012 at St Mary's Church on October 31, 2012 in London, England

6 Toys That ’80s Kids Had to Have For Christmas

How many of these were on your Christmas list?

A Very Eighties Christmas_XMAS EVE

How to Watch NewsNation’s ‘A Very Eighties Christmas’ Special

The documentary will premiere on YouTube before airing on the channel on December 24.

BONANZA, Lorne Greene, 1959-73

The ‘Bonanza’ Cast’s Forgotten Christmas Album

The cast sang holiday classics, in character.

THE WALTONS, (top, from left): Ralph Waite, Michael Learned, John Walmsley, Judy Norton-Taylor, Richard Thomas, (bottom): Mary Beth McDonough, Kami Cotler, Will Geer, Ellen Corby, Eric Scott, David Harper, 1972-81

MeTV Highlights This Week: December 15-21

Get cozy with some classic TV this week.

THE PRINCESS BRIDE, Cary Elwes, Robin Wright, 1987.

Whatever Happened to the Cast of ‘The Princess Bride’?

Rob Reiner’s fourth directorial effort was a sleeper hit.

Clue Lesley Ann Warren, Martin Mull, Madeline Kahn, Michael McKean, Tim Curry, Christopher Lloyd, Eileen Brennan, 1985

Whatever Happened to the Cast of ‘Clue’?

It has been 40 years since the cult classic premiered.

DIAGNOSIS MURDER, Dick Van Dyke, 1993-2001

How Did Dick Van Dyke’s Final TV Show End?

The star’s last TV show was also his longest-running … but do you remember how they finally wrapped things up?

CHIPS, Erik Estrada, 1977-1983

Whatever Happened To Erik Estrada?

The star is hosting the Hollywood Christmas Parade, airing on the CW on December 12.

THE NEW DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, Dick Van Dyke, on location in Carefree, Arizona, where the show was filmed, 1971

Inside Dick Van Dyke’s Forgotten 1970s Sitcom

The series reunited Van Dyke and ‘Dick Van Dyke Show’ creator Carl Reiner.

Home Alone Macaulay Culkin, 1990

Was Little Nero’s Pizza From ‘Home Alone’ Real?

And where can you eat it today?

JULIE ANDREWS...THE SOUND OF CHRISTMAS, Julie Andrews, John Denver, 1987

Inside Julie Andrews’ Forgotten ‘Sound of Music’ Christmas Special

In 1987, Andrews revisited the world of the Von Trapps.

THE VAN DYKE SHOW, from left: Dick Van Dyke, Barry Van Dyke, 1988

Why Did Dick Van Dyke’s ’80s Sitcom Fail?

Even super-fans might not recall this 1988 series.

NEW ORLEANS - JULY 5: Singer Smokey Robinson performs at the 2003 Essence Festival at the 2003 Essence Festival July 5, 2003 in New Orleans, Louisiana. The performances were taped to air on the UPN Network on September 12, 2003

What Was the Original Motown Christmas?

The TV special airs on NBC on December 9 … but it’s part of a long Motown tradition.

What Was the First ‘A Christmas Carol’ Adaptation Ever?

It was released all the way back in 1901.

American actor Dick Van Dyke, 30th May 1967

How Dick Van Dyke Wants You To Celebrate His 100th Birthday

In lieu of gifts, he’s asking for one thing on his special birthday.

POLTERGEIST II: THE OTHER SIDE, JoBeth Williams, 1986

Whatever Happened to JoBeth Williams?

The actress, best known for her role as the mother in ‘Poltergeist,’ turns 77 today.

Bing Crosby's Merrie Old Christmas Bing Crosby David Bowie 1977

What’s the Worst Christmas Song Ever? Vote for Your Pick! (POLL)

Which of these tunes gives you the biggest holiday headache?

MARY, from left: Mary Tyler Moore, James Farentino, 1985-1986

Why Did Mary Tyler Moore’s ’80s Sitcom Fail?

The now-forgotten show aired 40 years ago.

THE BROTHERS McMULLEN, Jack Mulcahy, Maxine Bahns, Edward Burns, Mike McGlone, 1995

Whatever Happened to the Cast of ‘The Brothers McCullen’?

The sequel, ‘The Family McMullen,’ debuts on HBO Max on December 5.

Kirk Douglas/ Dick Van Dyke/ Gloria Stuart

9 Stars Who Lived to 100 — Besides Dick Van Dyke

One of them is still with us!

THE DICK VAN DYKE SHOW, Dick Van Dyke, (1965), 1961-66. ph: Mario Casilli / TV Guide / courtesy Everett Collection

How to Celebrate Dick Van Dyke’s 100th Birthday: Movie Marathons, Fan Meet-Ups and More

Honor the comedy legend’s centennial with special movie screenings, in-person events, costume contests and more.

Charlie Brown Christmas 1965

Why ‘A Charlie Brown Christmas’ Almost Wasn’t Made

Network executives worried that the special would be an enormous failure.

I DREAM OF JEANNIE, Barbara Eden, 1965-1970

Which Classic Sitcom Never Had a Christmas Episode?

While most ’60s sitcoms celebrated the holiday, these characters never got holly jolly.

Penelope Spheeris directing Dana Carvey on the set of WAYNE'S WORLD, 1992

Whatever Happened to ‘Wayne’s World’ Director Penelope Spheeris?

The director, who turns 80 today, had some enormous hits … and then quit the film industry.

MR. MAGOO'S CHRISTMAS CAROL, Mr. Magoo as Ebenezer Scrooge, Tiny Tim, 1962

What Was the First TV Christmas Special?

This show beat Rudolph and Charlie Brown by several years.

GUNSMOKE: THE LONG RIDE, James Arness, 1993

Catch ‘Gunsmoke’s TV Movies This December on INSP

The films, all with original star James Arness, brought the show into the ’80s and ’90s.

Canadian-American singer, songwriter, and actor Paul Anka, UK, 28th August 1968

Whatever Happened to Paul Anka?

The subject of a brand-new documentary, the 84-year-old music icon is still going strong.

Home Alone Hillary Wolf, Michael Maronna, Devin Ratray, Macaulay Culkin, Angela Goethals, Catherine O'Hara, John Heard, 1990

Whatever Happened to the Kids From ‘Home Alone’?

Which child actor grew up to win an Academy Award?

THE ANDY GRIFFITH SHOW, Elinor Donahue, Ron Howard, Andy Griffith, (Season 1), 1960-68

Why Was There Only One ‘Andy Griffith Show’ Christmas Episode?

Christmas only came to Mayberry once…