Today in Nerd History | November 16

Nerd culture is a vibrant tapestry of events, releases, and milestones that have shaped the entertainment landscape. From iconic movies to groundbreaking games and significant literary contributions, this article takes a trip down memory lane to explore the notable nerd culture events that occurred on November 16th in history. Let’s celebrate these cherished moments that have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans around the world.

Photo Credit: consequence.net

MERRY CHRISTMAS, YA FILTHY ANIMAL

In 1990, Home Alone premiered in theaters. This classic Christmas comedy film is about a boy who defends his house from burglars after his family accidentally leaves him behind on their vacation.

Nerdy Fact: Home Alone was inspired by a scene in Uncle Buck, another movie written by John Hughes, where Macaulay Culkin’s character interrogates a babysitter through a mail slot.

Photo Credit: That Shelf

PUT THAT COOKIE DOWN, NOW!

In 1996, Jingle All the Way premiered in theaters. This is a slapstick comedy film about two rival fathers who compete to get the last Turbo-Man action figure for their sons on Christmas Eve.

Nerdy Fact: The movie predicted the Tickle Me Elmo craze that happened later that same year, when consumers went crazy for the Sesame Street toy and resorted to violence and stampeding to get one.

Photo Credit: Plugged In

THE SORCERER’S STONE

In 2001, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone premiered in theaters. This is a movie based on the first book of the popular fantasy series by J.K. Rowling, in which a young orphan discovers that he is a wizard and attends a magical school called Hogwarts, where he faces many dangers and adventures.

Nerdy Fact: Daniel Radcliffe’s parents originally didn’t want him to be in the movie, but they changed their mind after meeting with the director and the producers.

Photo Credit: Prime Video

EVERYBODY LIES

In 2004, House M.D. premiered on FOX. This TV series revolves around Dr. Gregory House, a brilliant but cynical and drug-addicted doctor who leads a team of diagnosticians at a hospital in New Jersey.

Nerdy Fact: House’s character is very much based on Sherlock Holmes, a fictional detective created by Arthur Conan Doyle. House’s apartment number is 221B, a tribute to Sherlock Holmes’ famous London address, 221B Baker Street.

Photo Credit: CNN

THE SANTA CLAUSES

In 2022, The Santa Clauses premiered on Disney+. This series follows Scott Calvin, the current Santa Claus, as he decides to retire from his role and find a successor, while also adjusting to a normal life with his family.

Nerdy Fact: The show also introduces some new characters, such as Scott and Carol’s two children, Buddy and Sandra, who are played by Austin Kane and Elizabeth Allen-Dick, respectively. Elizabeth Allen-Dick is Tim Allen’s real-life daughter.