Pop Culture Happy Hour
NPR
Get obsessed with us. Four days a week, Pop Culture Happy Hour serves you recommendations and commentary on the buzziest movies, TV, music, books, videogames and more. Join arts journalists Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris - plus a rotating cast of guest pop culture aficionados. The Happy Hour team leaves room at the table for exploring a range of reactions and opinions on every bit of the pop universe. From lowbrow to highbrow to the stuff in between, they take it all with a shot of cheer.Make your happy hour even happier with Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus! Your subscription supports the podcast and unlocks a sponsor-free feed. Learn more at plus.npr.org/happyhour
Episodes
Mentioned books
4 snips
Jan 16, 2026 • 21min
28 Years Later: The Bone Temple and What’s Making Us Happy
In this discussion, Sam Yellowhorse Kessler, a producer for NPR's Planet Money and film analyst, joins Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater, to delve into the sequel, 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple. They explore the film's tight plotting and contrasting tones, with Ronald sharing his mixed feelings about the unnecessary violence. The conversation reflects on character motivation and the movie's role within a trilogy. The duo also shares what’s bringing them joy, from Industry’s evolution to Buffalo Bills lore, adding a personal touch to the critique.
Jan 15, 2026 • 18min
Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials
Barry Hardiman, a senior editor at NPR known for his cultural insights, joins culture writer Margaret H. Willison to discuss the Netflix adaptation of Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials. They explore the show's familiar cozy mystery elements and its unique protagonist, Lady Eileen Brent. Margaret praises the updated sensibilities and pacing, while Barry shares his enthusiasm for the casting, especially Martin Freeman. The duo examines the balance between franchise ambitions and standalone storytelling, critiquing the original novel's limitations while expressing hope for future adaptations.
Jan 14, 2026 • 17min
Hijack
Roxana Haddadi, a Vulture TV critic, joins the discussion on the thrilling Apple TV series Hijack, featuring Idris Elba as a corporate negotiator facing off against quirky hijackers. She explores the show's unique blend of goofy fun and serious stakes, highlighting its clever cliffhangers and tight structure. The conversation touches on Elba's captivating performance, negotiation tactics, and how the show's setting acts as a character itself. They even dive into the absurd plot twists, making for an entertaining and critical analysis of this summer's must-watch series.
Jan 13, 2026 • 21min
Our Dream TV Crossovers
B.A. Parker, host on NPR's Code Switch, and Andrew Limbong, cultural reporter and podcast host, dive into the whimsical world of dream TV crossovers. They explore imaginative mashups like Gilmore Girls and Nashville, where Lane's band evolves musically. B.A. pitches a tonal blend of Abbott Elementary with The Leftovers, merging joy and grief. The fun continues with discussions on Only Murders in the Building teaming up with Brooklyn Nine-Nine and how its detectives would help untangle a murder, along with a culinary laugh connecting The Bear and Happy Endings.
9 snips
Jan 9, 2026 • 22min
People We Meet On Vacation and What's Making Us Happy
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's daily economics podcast The Indicator, and Candice Lim, writer and former producer, dive into the Netflix adaptation of People We Meet On Vacation. They discuss the film's tonal issues and lost nuances compared to the beloved book. The pair laments the exclusion of vital character development and the impact of setting changes. Nevertheless, they commend the leads and select charming moments. Plus, they share what's making them happy, from book recommendations to favorite songs.
19 snips
Jan 8, 2026 • 15min
Sabrina Carpenter and the Embarrassing Truth of Dating Men
Joining the discussion is Hazel Sills, an NPR Music editor and commentator known for uncovering pop music trends in cultural contexts. She dives deep into 'heteropessimism' in contemporary pop, connecting the struggles of dating men with broader societal shifts. With insights from artists like Sabrina Carpenter and Olivia Dean, Hazel highlights how songs reflect changing views on romance and intimacy. She contrasts the snark of Carpenter with Dean's earnestness, emphasizing the evolving expectations women have in relationships amidst cultural commentary.
8 snips
Jan 7, 2026 • 17min
No Other Choice
Walter Chow, a writer and film critic from the University of Colorado, joins to delve into the darkly comedic film No Other Choice. He praises Park Chan-wook's unique style, highlighting its blend of humor and satire with Hitchcockian influences. The discussion uncovers the film's exploration of emasculation and the absurdity of desperation in the workplace, while also analyzing character dynamics, particularly the depth brought by Miri's role. Walter connects its themes to broader narratives about capitalism, making the film resonate universally.
12 snips
Jan 6, 2026 • 22min
Stranger Things
This conversation features Eric Deggans, NPR Critic-at-large, and Ronald Young Jr., host of Leaving the Theater. They dissect the finale of Stranger Things, discussing its strengths like ensemble chemistry and visual effects, while critiquing narrative weaknesses and underdeveloped characters. The panel debates whether the season prioritized a farewell over story closure, and Eric highlights how the series reflects streaming's evolution to spectacle-driven content. Ultimately, they express mixed feelings about the finale's reliance on fan service.
20 snips
Jan 2, 2026 • 26min
2026 Resolutions and What’s Making Us Happy
The hosts dive into their New Year’s resolutions for 2026, sharing personal goals and reflecting on past failures. Glen hilariously admits to overlooking his long-movie plan, while Aisha aims to draft a screenwriting scene. Stephen explores art in the face of AI, and Linda finds comfort in the chaotic charm of an anti-chef YouTube series. They recommend a mix of intriguing podcasts and albums, including a jazz-infused gem and a cozy reality show. It's a lively discussion filled with laughter, personal growth, and creative inspirations.
24 snips
Dec 31, 2025 • 29min
2026 Pop Culture Predictions
What lies ahead for pop culture in 2026? The hosts boldly predict that a fully AI-generated song will hit the Billboard Hot 100, sparking debates on AI’s artistic merit. They speculate on RuPaul potentially stepping down from hosting Drag Race while exploring how Law & Order might adapt real political scandals into gripping storylines. Plus, a review of previous predictions, showcasing hits and misses, keeps the conversation lively. Listeners are invited to share their own predictions!
