I’m a serious fan of playing cards making their way into popular culture. When there’s a card reference in a TV show or movie, the hair on the back of my neck just stands up by nature

Card references are like an acknowledgement from one card player to another: a nod for anyone else watching who just might be a card fan, too. Here we are, and you’re one of us.

I’ve learned to stream with a notebook next to me. When there’s a great recommendation, something good we’ve just watched, or a reference that I’d like to save for later, it’s time to write it down.

What’s your favourite card reference in a movie or show?

Here are some of the best weird playing card references I’ve seen lately.

1. The Hidden bicycle deck (from Shameless)

• Season 11, Episode 4

I’ve mentioned Shameless more than once in the BBO Prime Column as a card-referencing show. I’ve also been lucky enough to interview Jim Hoffmaster (or “Kermit”) from the show’s cast before.

But there’s one thing I failed to notice until a couple of days ago…

Featuring in a scene with characters Mickey and Ian – right in the background – you can see a Bicycle deck standing in the windowsill about 15 minutes into the episode.

Who would make the best or worst bridge partners in the Gallagher house?

2. Deuces the Chicken (from American Gods)

• Season 3, Episode 10

In one of the strangest scenes from the show, goddess Bilquis finds herself in a kitchen. She’s being prepared eggs by a lady with coins placed over her eyes, in postmortem tradition.

While the viewer watches a close-up of poached eggs, they’re told that they were laid by a chicken called Deuces, won in a card game. Right after this, another character walks up and removes a traditional spear from the fridge.

I said it was a strange scene, didn’t I?

The specific card game isn’t mentioned, and very well might have been whist or bridge.

3. Peter’s Poker Game (from Family Guy)

• Season 13, Episode 18Peter Griffin plays cards a lot more than once through the lifespan of Family Guy. Season 13, Episode 11 is titled “Take My Wife” and is just one card reference of many from the show’s time.

For this one’s opening sequence, everyone is seen playing a casual poker game. Nobody vomits (surprisingly), and from there the characters discuss a “Bahamas” vacation that turns out to be a counselling retreat.

The rest of the episode is standard for Family Guy episodes: weird.

In traditional reality television Wife Swop style, the cast switches around with their partners. This has absolutely nothing to do with the starting card game in the first sequence of the episode, of course.

At least we know Peter’s a card player.

4. A Hard Day’s Night

• Movie

A Hard Day’s Night is a must-see if you’re a Beatles fan. It’s not as weird or psychedelic as other Beatles movies (like Yellow Submarine), but contains the very best of their popular soundtrack – and some incredible footage of the band.

I loved this movie enough to write an entire post called The Beatles & Bridge (also in the BBO Prime Column). I watched it once again this morning, and thought I would remind players who don’t know about it yet.

Somewhere in the earlier stages of the movie, the Beatles are shown playing cards. It’s not obviously stated what, but the first game looks much like snap. The next game, however, appears much more like a four-player game – like bridge.