George Patient
Founder & Lead Editor
I’m George, the founder and lead editor of Merch Mates. I’m a pop culture enthusiast who’s turned a lifelong obsession with cinema, music, gaming and fandom into Merch Mates. My happy place? Anywhere there’s Star Wars, Disney Parks, nature or animals, though I’m equally at home diving into audio, gaming or debating which Harry Potter house is superior.
Background
George founded Merch Mates in 2021 after working in digital marketing, initially as a testing ground for content strategy and SEO. The publication has since grown into a comprehensive pop culture platform covering film, TV, gaming, music, fandom and culture.
As lead editor, George oversees editorial direction across all verticals, working with writers, photographers, and industry professionals to deliver coverage that goes beyond surface-level news. His approach prioritises clear, authentic writing that respects both the subject matter and the audience.
Writes about Film & TV, Music, Gaming, Arts & Culture, Fandom and Disney.
Coverage & recognition
- Why we’re falling out of love with dating reality shows (opens in a new tab)
- Cheap LEGO: where to find it, and unmissable deals on the most popular buys (opens in a new tab)
- 6 Things You Never Knew You Could Do With Your Smartwatch (opens in a new tab)
- Best Emerging Independent Digital Media Brand
- Intelligent Storytelling Innovation Award
Off the clock
George’s picks
Pitch me a story
Got a story, a tip or an idea for me? Pitch it here.
Latest from George
Articles 179
Harry Potter’s Forbidden Forest Is Coming Back to Cheshire
Why AURORA Belongs on the Apple Music Hall Stage
107 Best Fictional Characters That Start With M, Ranked
Star Wars Zero Company First Impressions
Candlelight: Disney Love Songs is coming to seven UK cities, from £15.50
Spider-Man: Brand New Day post-credits scene explained, and where it leaves Doomsday and Secret Wars
The Greek mythology behind Christopher Nolan’s The Odyssey, explained
Every Spider-Man Movie, Ranked Worst to Best
All 5 Toy Story Movies, Ranked (Including ‘Toy Story 5’)
Reviews 8
Candlelight: Disney Love Songs Review at Southwark Cathedral
007 First Light Review: The Bond to beat
The Odyssey review: One of Nolan’s best
Spider-Man: Brand New Day review – back at street level, where he belongs
Toy Story 5 review – a heartfelt return to form
Star Wars: The Mandalorian and Grogu review
Star Wars: Maul – Shadow Lord season 1 review
