Google Search Terms That Defined DC in 2019
As the year nears its end, NBC4 used Google Trends to reflect on the topics that captivated our region in 2019.
Enjoy this curated look at some of the top trending Google searches in D.C., Maryland and Virginia this year.
Deemed one of the scariest films of 2019, "Midsommar" tells the story of a couple who go to a Swedish village to partake in what they believe to be a charming summer festival. Google searches for the film increased by 500% in D.C.
Although she's not a top contender, Marianne Williamson's performance in the first Democratic primary debate made a huge impression. Her comments generated buzz and countless memes, leading to a 450% increase in Google searches of her name in 2019.
Jussie Smollett, one of the lead cast members of the TV show "Empire," captivated Maryland with the controversy surrounding his alleged assault in Chicago. Searches for his name increased by 950% in Maryland in 2019.
With the Washington Nationals' historic World Series win, it's no wonder D.C.'s searches for the "Nats" increased by 140% in D.C. in 2019.
This children's song, turned Washington Nationals anthem, captivated the region as it followed the World Series with baited breath. Searches for the tune increased by 110% in Maryland.
2019 saw the loss of beloved actor Luke Perry, known for his starring role as Dylan McKay on "Beverly Hills, 90210." Perry died from a stroke at age 52. At the time of his death, he was a cast member on the TV show "Riverdale." Google searches for his name increased by 500% in Virginia.
"Game of Thrones," which aired from 2011 to 2019 on HBO, was the defining TV show of the decade. Although the controversial final season spawned thousands of critical think-pieces from disappointed fans, it was the show everyone was talking about in 2019. Searches in Virginia grew by 200%.
At the age of 33, Los Angeles rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot in the parking lot of his store in Crenshaw. Friends, fans, and celebrities sent an outpouring of condolences for Hussle's family in the weeks that followed. Searches for his name skyrocketed by 1000% in Maryland in 2019.
Another breakout contender from the pool of Democratic presidential hopefuls was Elizabeth Warren. Searches for her name in D.C. increased by 200% in 2019.
The explosive popularity of the Popeyes chicken sandwich was truly an iconic moment of 2019. The sandwich, which gained popularity through word of mouth and social media, sold out just two weeks after its debut. Searches for the sandwich grew by 100% in Maryland.
