The first week of classes is officially over, and with new teachers, assignments and jobs, students might be feeling a little overwhelmed. While some cope by using the Zen Den, the Sidelines distractions team is reminiscing on the shows, movies, music and food that impacted us during winter break.
The ending of “Stranger Things” left fans screaming at their televisions, the Na’vi people pulled audiences in one more time with the release of “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and Bruno Mars brought back romance with the announcement of his new album.
Here are the highlights you may have missed over winter break.
‘Stranger Things’ left fans feeling Upside-Down
After 10 years, “Stranger Things” has finally come to an end. Season five staggered its release, with part one dropped on Thanksgiving, part two on Christmas Day and the final two-hour episode on New Year’s Eve.
Alongside the episode’s release on Netflix, many fans gathered to watch the final chapter in theaters, giving the beloved show a fulfilling send-off.
The finale gained heat amidst release, with many fans frustrated and left with questions, while others believe there couldn’t have been a more satisfying end.
Whether the fandom was content with the last season or not, everyone experienced heartwarming goodbyes to the beloved characters who have graced our screens throughout the decade. Gracie Benner
‘The Traitors’ gives audiences episodes to die for
“The Traitors” season four premiered on Peacock Jan. 8, featuring plenty of familiar faces returning to the screen. Celebrities from “Love Island”, “Survivor” and more are sent to a castle in Scotland to partake in this mafia-style reality show.
Producer and host Alan Cummings chose this season’s batch of traitors who will “murder” each night in hopes of taking out the competition. The traitors this season are “Real Housewives” stars Candiace Dillard Bassett and Lisa Rinna and “Love Island’s” Rob Rausch. This year included the twist of a secret traitor, who was revealed and banished in episode two.
During their stay, 23 stars will plan, calculate and deceive to get rid of the traitors among them for the chance to win up to $250,000.
Episodes continue to release every Thursday, and after the most recent episode, the air has never been thicker with betrayal and distrust. Gracie Benner
‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ returns Pandora to the silver screen
James Cameron expands the world of Pandora with “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” released Dec. 19, 2025, bringing new heroes, emerging threats and unfamiliar corners of the alien world.
Internal Na’vi conflicts complicate the ongoing war with humanity, adding new moral and political tension as Cameron’s immersive worldbuilding and grand visual effects further deepen the mythos of Pandora.
The “Avatar” series has long prioritized flashiness, and “Fire and Ash” continues the tradition with sweeping action sequences designed for the biggest possible screen. Jesse Jones
‘Marty Supreme’ makes an impact on and off the court
“Marty Supreme” was released in theaters on Christmas Day and was considered a gift for many. Directed by Josh Safdie, “Marty Supreme” explores the journey of table tennis player Marty Mauser toward the ultimate American dream.
Set in 1950s New York, this film is a fast-paced, chaotic drama that delves into the shameful acts committed when blinded by ambition.
This movie had been anticipated for its unique casting, with Marty Mauser played by well-known actor Timothée Chalamet and two players who felt out of the box. Kevin O’Leary, an entrepreneur and judge on Shark Tank, and Tyler the Creator, an alternative hip-hop artist, were both announced to play important roles. Neither man has much experience in film, but they were incorporated into the movie in iconic ways.
“Marty Supreme” has 9 Oscar nominations, including the best actor in a leading role category for Chalamet’s performance. Gracie Benner
Bruno Mars announces new album ‘The Romantic’
Bruno Mars is bringing back smooth sounds and romantic melodies with his new album, “The Romantic,” announced on Jan. 7.
The “24K Magic” singer made waves on X, announcing that the album was complete. This started a stream of replies, posts and videos of fans getting excited for Mars’ new music.
It was only a matter of time before Mars made his larger announcement on Instagram of the album’s title, “The Romantic,” and a new tour to coincide with its release.
His new single, “I Just Might,” dropped on Spotify on Jan. 9 and features the same infectious sound and beautiful harmonies that Mars brings to his older hits, such as “That’s What I Like,” “Treasure,” and “Just the Way You Are.” Tucker Young
In-N-Out Burger makes its Murfreesboro debut
Murfreesboro, Tennessee succumbed to the craze of west-coast-based fast food chain In-N-Out over winter break, with Tennessee’s third location opening on Medical Center Parkway on Dec. 12, 2025.
While the chain carries a relatively modest menu with three burger combos, three flavors of milkshakes and a six-man rotation on the not-so-secret menu, the Murfreesboro location spent its first weeks with a consistent line out the door.
This extended to other rented parking lots and led many to wait hours for their first taste of the famed Double-Double in the Volunteer State.
The new location is decked out in the typical red-and-white checkerboard branding, while employees don all-white outfits only found in a retro diner. Palm trees are planted outside, waiting to unleash the full West Coast vibe in Middle Tennessee when they are unwrapped for the summer, paired with a burger promising to get you in and out fast. Willie Phaler
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