How mainstream media portrays BTC
From Cypherpunk to Prime Time
A decade ago, Bitcoin lived in forums and whitepapers. Today? It’s on Netflix, in hip-hop lyrics, and name-dropped in late-night monologues. Bitcoin has officially entered pop culture—and how it’s portrayed says a lot about public perception.
Let’s explore how mainstream media is shaping the story.
TV Shows That Featured Bitcoin
1. The Simpsons – Season 32 briefly showed a ticker board with “Infinite Money” next to Bitcoin. Classic Simpsons satire—but it introduced the term to millions.
2. Mr. Robot – This hacker drama referenced cryptocurrency often. While Bitcoin wasn’t the central focus, it represented digital rebellion and self-sovereignty.
3. Billions – A hedge fund drama where Bitcoin is portrayed as a high-risk, high-reward play—echoing real-world Wall Street curiosity.
4. The Good Wife – One of the earliest TV shows (back in 2012!) to dedicate a full episode to Bitcoin’s legal implications.
Bitcoin in Film
1. Dope (2015) – A coming-of-age indie where teenagers use Bitcoin to sell sneakers online. A rare case where BTC is shown as a functional tool, not just a plot gimmick.
2. Crypto (2019) – A thriller about money laundering, featuring Bitcoin in a sketchy light—reflecting persistent misconceptions in media.
3. Netflix Documentaries
- Banking on Bitcoin and Cryptopia explore the history and future of Bitcoin in an educational, accessible format.
Bitcoin in Music
- Eminem referenced Bitcoin in his 2018 album: “Remember everybody used to bite Nickel, now everybody doing Bitcoin.”
- Logic and Nas have both rapped about holding BTC.
- Independent artists now accept Bitcoin for merch and album drops, especially in hip-hop and EDM circles.
Why This Matters
Mainstream exposure shapes public understanding. When Bitcoin appears in comedy, drama, or music, it becomes less intimidating and more familiar. Yes, some portrayals are wrong—or overly negative—but others spark curiosity and invite questions.
Every reference is another seed planted.
Final Thought
Bitcoin’s journey into pop culture mirrors its journey into public consciousness. It’s no longer just for developers or investors—it’s showing up on screens, in lyrics, and in conversations. That’s a good sign.
The next time you catch a BTC shoutout on TV, smile. It means we’re still early.
