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
Feb 7, 2025 • 21min
Love Hurts And What's Making Us Happy
This week, Jeff Yang, a cultural critic and author known for his insights on Asian American representation in film, joins the conversation. They dive into the new action-comedy 'Love Hurts,' highlighting Ke Huy Quan's compelling performance and the film's intriguing mix of romance and action. The discussion also critiques the film's tonal shifts and character dynamics, particularly the age gap between leads. Finally, the hosts share their personal happiness moments, celebrating life's little joys, from nostalgia to sports.
Feb 5, 2025 • 17min
You're Cordially Invited
The hosts dive into the chaotic hilarity of a double-booked destination wedding with Will Ferrell and Reese Witherspoon. They celebrate standout performances and compare this film to nostalgic early 2000s comedies. Discussion touches on the emotional stakes and critiques of its narrative effectiveness. They also dissect another wedding movie's believability while emphasizing the charm of supporting cast members. Despite flaws, there's an appreciation for the genuine effort in filmmaking and the unique dynamics of family portrayed.
6 snips
Feb 4, 2025 • 21min
2025 Sundance Film Festival: Best Movies
Entertainment journalist Christina Escobar, co-founder and editor-in-chief of LatinaMedia.co, shares insights from the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. She highlights a dark comedy featuring Alison Brie and Dave Franco that blends humor with critique. The discussion also touches on 'Lurker,' a film that artfully meshes dark themes with youth appeal. Escobar dives into the emotional grit of 'Omaha,' along with notable films like 'The Librarians' tackling social issues. There's even praise for an innovative true crime documentary that brilliantly critiques its genre.
36 snips
Feb 3, 2025 • 26min
2025 Grammys Recap
In this discussion, freelance music and culture journalist Rihanna Cruz and culture writer Shamira Ibrahim dive into the highlights of the Grammys. They celebrate Beyoncé's historic win for Album of the Year and Kendrick Lamar's big night with Record and Song of the Year. The duo analyzes unexpected victories and the evolving landscape of music genres at the awards. They also reflect on the emotional responses within the music community and tackle the complex balance of celebration and tributes amid recent tragedies.
22 snips
Jan 31, 2025 • 18min
Companion And What's Making Us Happy
Dive into the world of 'Companion,' a thrilling comedy about three couples at a lake house, where one girlfriend is a companion robot, leading to unexpected chaos. Explore the thought-provoking themes of AI in film and how emotional depth challenges typical robot narratives. Enjoy discussions on the charm of B-movies that blend humor and dark themes while celebrating personal highlights like the gripping Apple TV series 'Silo' and a joyful Rilo Kiley reunion.
Jan 30, 2025 • 19min
Mo
Roxana Haddadi, a TV critic at Vulture, brings her keen insights to discuss the Netflix series Mo, co-created by standup comedian Mo Amer. They explore the show's heartfelt blend of humor and serious themes like immigration and identity through the lens of a Palestinian-American protagonist. Haddadi highlights how the series navigates family challenges, grief, and addiction while critiquing absurd bureaucracies. The conversation also touches on cultural representation, culinary controversies, and the vibrant context of Houston, enriching the narrative.
4 snips
Jan 28, 2025 • 20min
Presence
Walter Chow, a writer and critic, dives deep into Steven Soderbergh's film Presence, a haunting tale told from the ghost's perspective. The conversation highlights the fragile dynamics of a family grappling with loss, set against a backdrop of innovative cinematography that heightens the film's eerie atmosphere. They tackle the portrayal of Asian characters, critiquing stereotypes while exploring the potential for richer narratives. The hosts also discuss the benefits of shorter runtimes and the challenges of blending genres, pushing for fresh storytelling in modern cinema.
Jan 27, 2025 • 19min
The Pitt
Dive into the innovative world of a new hospital drama that unfolds in real-time, capturing a single day in the ER. Explore the metaphor of 'The Pitt', embodying feelings of stagnation through relatable stories. Compare this fresh take on medical narratives to classics like ER, focusing on character depth and societal issues. Discover how the show addresses COVID-19 complexities while developing compelling characters, all without the typical romantic tropes found in the genre. Unpack emotional challenges amid the chaos of healthcare.
Jan 24, 2025 • 14min
The Night Agent
Dive into a thrilling journey as a lonely FBI agent receives a desperate call from a tech expert seeking help. The discussion unpacks a gripping conspiracy that challenges national security, packed with intense chases and unexpected twists. Explore the show's realistic take on espionage, highlighting authentic performances that bring the action to life. The hosts also celebrate the charm of 90s thrillers while examining how contemporary storytelling weaves traditional suspense with fresh character dynamics. A must-listen for fans of the genre!
20 snips
Jan 23, 2025 • 26min
2025 Oscar Nominations
The latest Oscar nominations bring a mix of heavy hitters and unexpected surprises. The hosts dive into the Best Picture category, celebrating diversity and the groundbreaking inclusion of the first openly trans acting nominee. They debate standout performances, especially in the Best Supporting Actor category, questioning some nominations like Kieran Culkin's. Highlights include Sebastian Stan and speculation on the future of horror films at the Oscars. Overall, it's a lively discussion reflecting on the evolving landscape of award recognitions.
