Black People Love Paramore – Episode: “Twilight”

Host: Sequoia Holmes
Co-host: Ryann Graham
Date: October 16, 2025

Episode Overview

This episode of Black People Love Paramore dives deep (and hilariously) into the world of Twilight, examining its cultural impact, unforgettable quirks, and unique resonance with Black millennials. Sequoia and Ryann reminisce about the books, movies, fandom, and soundtracks, while unpacking problematic elements, favorite moments, and how Twilight changed the pop culture landscape for an entire generation.

Main Themes & Discussion Points

1. Twilight Nostalgia and First Impressions

• The hosts recall their tween and teen years when Twilight mania took over.
• Both discuss their introduction to the series: Sequoia was a fangirl from the books’ first release; Ryann discovered it with the movies.
• Shared coming-of-age memories: midnight premieres, friend groups, and Twilight-inspired fashion.
  • Quote:
    “It, like, ravaged my middle school. Like, we were taking turns with them books. Like, we was pressing people. Are you done yet? You read so slow. Oh my God.” – Sequoia [16:27]

2. Book vs. Movie: Adaptation Highs and Lows

• The hosts debate the strengths and failings of the movies versus the books.

• The awkwardness of Kristen Stewart’s Bella vs. Sequoia’s vision from the novel.

• Casting: Robert Pattinson as the perfect Edward, Taylor Lautner’s trajectory from Sharkboy to Jacob, and the ever-controversial Jasper.

  • Quote:
    “…a hyperventilating. Can't form a coherent sentence to save her damn life. Can't make eye contact. Hair in front of her face. Kristen Stewart. As my Bella.” – Sequoia [25:26]

• Disappointment over the limited diversity and the dreaded wigs on Black characters.

3. Twilight’s Cultural & Social Impact

• Reference to the upcoming 20th anniversary re-release in theaters ([13:51]).

• How Twilight popularized Hot Topic and mainstreamed “alt” aesthetics.

  • Quote:
    “Hot Topic was more of like a dark Spencers. If you were to go into a Hot Topic, you were like a scene kid in a way where I think Twilight made it more mainstream.” – Ryann [46:41]

• Parallels drawn between Twilight/Harry Potter and earlier pop culture, noting how the Internet and social media amplified fandom.

  • Quote:
    “Fandom before that, I would say, was band specific… But not like, oh, this franchise I'm obsessed with.” – Sequoia [76:53]

4. Vampire Lore & Twilight’s Innovations

• Playful critique of how Twilight reshaped vampire rules: sparkling in the sun vs. burning, “vegetarian” vampires, and individualized superpowers.
  • Quote:
    “I feel like original vampire lore is like stakes, wooden stakes. Garlic… can't be out in the sunlight because they burn. And these ones…”
    – Sequoia [52:34]
• Nod to the absurd: Edward’s powers (“creepy”), Jasper’s Confederate background, and the bizarre Renesmee CGI baby.

5. Memorable Soundtrack & Emo Bangers

• Praise for the Twilight soundtracks (Paramore’s “Decode,” Muse’s “Supermassive Black Hole,” Christina Perri’s “A Thousand Years”).
  • Quote:
    “Paramore's Decode. Yeah. Came from this soundtrack.” – Ryann [48:23]
  • Singalongs and nostalgia for 2000s emo alt music and its connection to the movies.

6. Team Edward vs. Team Jacob

• Sequoia: fiercely Team Edward; Ryann: argues for Jacob’s warmth and loving energy.

• They roast Edward’s controlling behavior and the problematic plotline of Jacob imprinting on Renesmee.

  • Quote:
    “Edward was obsessed with her in a bad way… He couldn’t live without her…” – Sequoia [55:09]
  • Quote:
    “He imprinted on a whole baby.” – Sequoia [57:15]

• Recognition of both sides’ issues, but with playful allegiance to their faves.

7. Casting, Representation, & Character Critiques

• Favorite and least favorite characters:
  • Ryann’s pick: Jasper for his powers (but later questions the Confederate tie).
  • Sequoia: Edward and a fleeting, funny appreciation for Charlie, Bella’s dad.
• High school friends and other Cullens rated expendable.
• Discussion of the lack of Black characters and problematic depictions (the “dreaded wig” and villain roles).

8. Twilight Fandom, Legacy, and Cultural Shelf Life

• The series’ persistent popularity due to simultaneous book and movie releases during the rise of online fandom.

• Massive box office achievements ([67:10]): $7 million in midnight ticket sales; sequels breaking further records.

  • Quote:
    “Day one. Midnight showings alone, $7 million.” – Sequoia [67:15]

• Comparison between Twilight’s enduring relevance and 1980s teen movie classics.

Notable Quotes

• “I am team Edward. It's just… his perspective was boring. Yeah, it's actively creepy.” – Sequoia [02:44]
• “It's a specific kind of hot… it's almost a kink. It's actually community.” – Ryann [12:04]
• “Movies had soundtracks, man. And it was a good soundtrack.” – Sequoia [51:09]
• “You got porn at your fingertips… My computer froze and so I couldn't, I couldn't exit out quick enough. And it was, it was moaning through the street.” – Ryann [23:10]

Funniest/Boldest Moments

• The Renesmee CGI baby compared to Megan (from the horror film) [18:50]
• Ryan’s stories about sneaking porn on the family computer and trying to blame it on his dad [21:41]
• The epic recounting of high school, awkward fashion, and Team Edward/Team Jacob allegiance
• Dragging Twilight for “changing vampire rules” and making them sparkle [52:34]
• Amusing speculation: which celebrities are likely to be “real vampires”—naming Sabrina Carpenter, Billie Eilish, Nicole Kidman [64:12]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• 01:09 — Midnight Sun and “leaked” Stephanie Meyer prequel
• 07:19 — Transition to major Twilight discussion
• 13:51 — Theatrical re-release announcement
• 25:26 — Critiquing the movie cast, especially Kristen Stewart
• 46:10 — Hot Topic, commercialization, and Twilight’s “scene kid” impact
• 48:23 — Soundtrack appreciation (Paramore, Muse)
• 52:34 — Twilight’s take on traditional vampire lore
• 55:01 — Team Edward vs. Team Jacob debate
• 67:10 — Box office success: midnight showings and records

Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts

• Twilight is praised for its generational impact, outsized fandom, and unique take on teen fantasy, even as the hosts drag its weirdness and flaws.
• The conversation highlights how the book-to-film machine started with Harry Potter, then escalated with Twilight, and why both remain entrenched among old and new fans alike.
• Sequoia and Ryann close the episode with playful banter about superpowers, vampire myth, celebrity “vampires,” and the deep question: what does it say about you to be Team Edward or Team Jacob?
  • Quote:
    “Same with like if you're a Team Edward of Team Jacob. I think Telling, telling, telling.” – Ryann [79:22]

Bottom Line

This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling bittersweet nostalgia for Twilight, interested in Black millennial pop culture commentary, and craving a side of sharp humor with their vampire lore. The hosts blend silliness and insight, celebrating the good (the friendships, the soundtracks, the fan fervor) while never shying away from calling out the bad and the just plain bizarre in this iconic saga.