Our politics is often reflected in our popular culture, and vice versa — especially in an election year. That relationship seemed closer than ever in 2016, when a TV personality was elected president, reality shows and beauty contests were referenced in presidential debates, and even a Broadway show ignited partisan sparring.

At times, it seemed like the election overshadowed everything, but of course there was more, much of it painful. A slew of high-profile deaths rocked the entertainment world, especially in music, where we said sudden, shocked goodbyes to icons like David Bowie, Prince, and, on Christmas, George Michael.

The diversity issue again roiled Hollywood. The old-style musical made a glamorous comeback. One of Hollywood’s most scrutinized couples called it quits. Herewith, our annual, highly selective journey down pop culture memory lane.