20 Nerdy Things That Have Become Mainstream

Publish date: 2024-07-25

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Being nerdy used to be a term that people tried to avoid like the plague. If you were referred to as nerdy it meant that everything you did and everything you enjoyed was not considered cool. However, nowadays, being nerdy actually is considered being cool. Whether you were ashamed of your big glasses or the fact that you enjoyed video games, be proud of these quirks because now, you're part of the in-crowd. So here are 20 things that used to be considered 'nerdy', but now recognized as cool.

20. The Big Bang Theory

It all started with a big bang and now it's the #1 sitcom.

19. Chris Hardwick

Once the host of MTV's Singled Out, Hardwick started The Nerdist empire (see #18) and is now the host of the very mainstream @Midnight on Comedy Central.

18. The Nerdist 

Chris Hardwick's Nerdist Industries stands on its own. It began as a single podcast and now includes blogs, television shows, a gaggle of podcasts covering a range of geeky interests, live comedy shows and it may ultimately take over the world as we know it.

17. Video Games

Video games were once sports for nerds. Now, no one will take their eyes off the screen.

16. Comic Books

Comic books aren't just for nerds living in their parent's basement any more.

15. Graphic Novels

Don't call them comic books.

14. Cosplay

It's now okay for adults to dress up in costumes and not look completely stupid.

13. Comic Con

Once a nerd convention, ComicCon is now a required appearance for big Hollywood Stars.

12. Anime

Japanese animation characters aren't just cool, they're sexy.

11. Neil DeGrasse Tyson

This astrophysicist and science educator has been omnipresent in the media everywhere from Conan to Colbert.

10. Podcasts

From Adam Carolla, to Dr. Drew, and Kevin Smith, everyone is getting a podcast these days.

9. Kate Mulgrew

This Star Trek actress helped make orange the new black, as Red.

8. Dr. Who

Dr. Who? Of course we all know who Dr. Who is! Bonus points if you know what a Tardis is!

7. Olivia Munn

Once a geek goddess hostess on G4, Olivia Munn now rules The News Room on HBO.

6. Fan Fiction

Fun Fact: 50 Shades of Grey, which has sold over 50 million copies worldwide, originated as a work of Twilight fan fiction.

5. Game of Thrones

Once a nerdy fantasy novel, Game of Thrones is now one of HBO's most popular shows.

4. Zooey Deschanel

Zooey Deschanel is the reason why the term "Adorkable" exists.

3. Nerd Glasses

There's nothing more cooler than nerdy classes.

2. Apple Products

Let's just say if you aren't using Apple products, you aren't cool.

1. Lord of the Rings

Once required reading for geeks, is now required reading, movies and television for everyone.

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