14 Defunct Magazines That Everyone Subscribed To
These once-iconic magazines ruled coffee tables and mailboxes across America — until they vanished for good.
- Chris Graciano
- 3 min read
Before the digital age took over, magazines were the go-to source for news, trends, and entertainment. These now-defunct publications were wildly popular in their prime, shaping culture and conversation in every household. Though long gone, they still live on in memory — and thrift shop bins.
1. Life
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Known for its breathtaking photojournalism, Life captured iconic moments of the 20th century. Every issue felt like a time capsule. It shaped how Americans saw the world — literally.
2. Teen People
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This teen-focused spinoff of People was a pop culture bible for Gen Z’s older siblings. It covered celebrities, music, and awkward teen advice with glossy flair.
3. Seventeen (Print Edition)
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Although the brand still exists online, the physical magazine has ceased publication. It was every teen girl’s monthly guide to fashion, crushes, and high school drama.
4. Mad Magazine
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Satire, parodies, and fold-ins made Mad a comic rebel’s dream. Alfred E. Neuman became a household face. Its wit shaped generations of humor-lovers.
5. Gourmet
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Before food blogs, Gourmet was the elite guide to cooking, dining, and travel. It was refined and aspirational, often more art than recipe. When it shut down in 2009, culinary fans mourned.
6. YM (Young & Modern)
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This was a classic teen mag filled with quizzes, celebrity crushes, and awkward confessions. Its vibe was fun, relatable, and unapologetically girly.
7. Jet
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Small in size but big in impact, Jet covered Black culture, news, and entertainment. It made history with its powerful photography and coverage of civil rights.
8. Nintendo Power
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For gamers, this was a must-read. Game tips, previews, and posters made it feel like treasure. It helped build the Nintendo community before the internet did.
9. Jane
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Edgy, bold, and a little rebellious — Jane was the cool older sister of women’s mags. It skipped the gloss for grit, humor, and real talk. Readers loved its no-nonsense voice.
10. Blender
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The music mag that mixed sharp reviews with wild celebrity stories. It was loud, funny, and full of attitude. The glossy covers always stood out on newsstands.
11. George
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Founded by JFK Jr., this political mag blended celebrity and policy like no other. It aimed to make the government more accessible and appealing.
12. Mademoiselle
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Once a rival to Glamour, it focused on fashion-forward young women. Sylvia Plath once interned there — seriously. It had style with literary chops.
13. TV Guide (Classic Edition)
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It still exists — but the iconic digest-size, channel-listing version is no longer available. That little mag told us what to watch and when. Cover stories on stars and cliffhangers were weekly treats.
14. Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM Classic)
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This mag was every console kid’s holy grail. The previews, cheat codes, and April Fools’ jokes were legendary. It helped turn video games into a real industry.