Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

Korean-culture writer Regina Kim, film critic Rachel Ho, and CBC entertainment reporter Jackson Weaver join the Group Chat to discuss the massive impact of Netflix’s KPop Demon Hunters as it transitions to the big screen; and whether the new English-dub version of the hugely successful Chinese animated film Ne Zha 2 will translate into North American success. 

With the release of ‘Highest 2 Lowest,’ the latest collab between Oscar-winners Spike Lee and Denzel Washington, Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by culture critic Jay Smooth and film critic Sarah-Tai Black to discuss the reimagining of Akira Kurosawa’s classic film, and where it stands amongst past Spike-Denzel movies. Also, as Oasis gets set to perform in Toronto, Guardian writer Rich Pelley talks about all the Oasis cover bands from across the globe he got a chance to interview -- including one right here in Canada. 

For 50 years, Jaws has been entertained with its unforgettable score, frightening practical effects and its compelling sense of adventure. Today on Commotion, superfans Norm Wilner and Tomris Laffly join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about how Jaws changed the way we see cinema -- and the ocean -- forever.

It's been a year since the viral meme of Australian Olympic breakdancer Raygun hit the internet. Now we’ve got a musical about a dancer called 'Spraygun' at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Australian journalist Sean Tarek Goodwin talks about the show.

It’s been ten years since Carly Rae Jepsen released her iconic album, 'Emotion.' The group chat is here to dive into how this album cemented Carly’s status as a pop artist, an indie artist, a cult favourite and a queer icon. 

With Howard Stern’s SiriusXM satellite radio contract contract set to expire and his future uncertain, culture writer Niko Stratis, former radio morning man Matt Hart and comedian and podcaster Ashley Ray discuss Stern’s notorious legacy, his transformation from shock jock to congenial, conscientious host, and whether his voice is still necessary in 2025’s overcrowded media landscape.

After 3 seasons, the Sex and the City revival series And Just Like That has come to an end. Are we ready to say goodbye to the inimitable Carrie Bradshaw and her adventures in New York City? Today on Commotion, culture writers Amil Niazi, Anne T. Donahue and Chris Murphy join guest host Ali Hassan to unpack the end of the iconic franchise, and to talk about Taylor Swift’s newly-announced album, The Life of a Showgirl.

Commotion guest host Ali Hassan is joined by panelists Kathryn VanArendonk and Ashley Ray to discuss the new season of South Park and comedian/podcaster Marc Maron in the era of Trump and polarizing politics. Plus, Carole V. Bell talks about Canadian Maria Reva’s debut novel Endling, which is on the Booker Prize 2025 longlist.

Days after she turned 18, Canadian-American former child star and influencer Lil Tay said she's launched an OnlyFans account. Internet culture reporter Kat Tenbarge talks with guest host Ali Hassan about the reaction online, and how Lil Tay seems to have built her career on viral stunts. Plus, Ojibway playwright Drew Hayden Taylor discusses an increasingly common conundrum in the world of Indigenous theatre: when a production of an Indigenous story is cancelled because there are no older Indigenous actors available to play the roles.

Commotion guest host Ali Hassan is joined by film/tv critics Rad Simonpillai and Alison Herman to discuss the new tv show 'Alien: Earth' and what the series might add to the iconic sci-fi horror franchise. Journalist Max Read discusses the sudden resurgence of interest in Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros’ 2009 folk-pop hit “Home,” which was recently named The Worst Song Ever in a viral social-media thread, and which serves as a barometer of how what once seemed quaint in the Obama era now feels cringe in the current moment.