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
14 snips
Jan 6, 2025 • 18min
Great Movies We Missed
Uncover hidden gems from 2024 that didn’t get enough love! Discover the suspenseful indie film 'The Last Stop in Yuma County,' which cleverly mixes humor with neo-noir thrills. Dive into the complexities of the genre, exploring emotional narratives that tackle pressing social issues. The hosts also reflect on nuanced storytelling that captures pivotal moments and reactions, encouraging listeners to celebrate their own overlooked cinematic favorites.
4 snips
Jan 3, 2025 • 29min
Nickel Boys
Mark Rivers, an NPR producer, sheds light on the film adaptation of Colson Whitehead's Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, Nickel Boys. He discusses the powerful bond between two Black boys at a segregated reform school in the Jim Crow South. The film's innovative first-person perspective offers a unique emotional depth, allowing viewers to truly connect with the characters. Rivers also explores the film's artistic ambition and its significant historical context, emphasizing the importance of overlooked narratives in cinema.
32 snips
Jan 1, 2025 • 25min
Squid Game
Join Jaeha Kim, a syndicated columnist at the Chicago Tribune, and Janet Woo-Jung Lee, a producer on NPR's Education Desk, as they dissect the cultural phenomenon 'Squid Game.' They delve into Season 2's themes of capitalism and competition, exploring Gi-hun's journey for revenge amidst despair. The duo examines the roles of women in the brutal games, and highlights the critique of commercialism, illustrated through a poignant kimbap scene. They also discuss viewer reactions and the anticipation surrounding the series' future.
22 snips
Dec 31, 2024 • 30min
2025 Pop Culture Resolutions And What's Making Us Happy
As the new year approaches, the hosts comically reflect on their past resolutions, from creative goals to fitness wins. They share intriguing insights into folk horror films and their personal pop culture aspirations for 2025. The conversation shifts to joyful music discoveries, including a heartfelt album and nostalgic tunes, along with an engaging look at the immersive video game 'Pentiment.' Finally, the team critiques the Netflix action film 'Carry On,' highlighting its entertaining qualities despite its lack of charm.
21 snips
Dec 30, 2024 • 29min
2025 Pop Culture Predictions
The hosts engage in their annual ritual of pop culture predictions, assessing past forecasts and making bold new ones for 2025. They humorously revisit their takes on major events like the Grammys and box office trends, discussing the impact of franchises versus original films. There's a thought-provoking exploration of AI's role in creative writing alongside the future of 'Saturday Night Live' as Lorne Michaels prepares to retire. The conversation also touches on reality TV’s legal landscape, highlighting industry shifts and the implications for contestants.
20 snips
Dec 27, 2024 • 24min
A Complete Unknown and What's Making Us Happy
Bidatri D. Chaudhry, an arts and entertainment editor for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Chris Klimek, a pop culture writer, dive into the film 'A Complete Unknown,' which depicts Bob Dylan's rise in New York’s folk scene. They analyze Timothée Chalamet's performance and the cultural impact of Dylan's electrifying 1965 Newport set. The duo also discusses Joan Baez's poetry, personal happiness, and unique holiday traditions, while sharing a whimsical take on independent sports commentary and festive humor.
4 snips
Dec 26, 2024 • 21min
Babygirl
In a fresh film featuring Nicole Kidman, the complicated affair between a CEO and her intern reveals intense power dynamics. The hosts dissect themes of dominance, submission, and the vulnerability of female characters. They explore audience reactions and how generational views shape perceptions of sexuality and empowerment. Additionally, they compare this unique narrative to traditional holiday films, inviting listeners to consider the multifaceted nature of desire and moral ambiguity in relationships.
4 snips
Dec 25, 2024 • 21min
Nosferatu
Roxana Haddadi, a TV critic at Vulture, dives into the dark and stylish world of 'Nosferatu,' where Lily Rose-Depp plays a newlywed haunted by a malevolent vampire. They discuss how this film reinterprets classic horror elements, emphasizing female agency and the grotesque nature of vampirism over romantic ideals. The conversation also critiques the balance between admiration and disappointment in the film's originality compared to its 1922 predecessor, and encourages viewers to consider 'Nosferatu' as a unique pick for holiday movie marathons.
9 snips
Dec 24, 2024 • 16min
Juror #2
Clint Eastwood's latest film dives into the moral dilemmas faced by a juror, played by Nicholas Hoult, who questions a defendant's guilt. The discussion highlights strong performances from Toni Collette, J.K. Simmons, and Kiefer Sutherland, while examining the psychological complexity of serving on a jury. Critics offer mixed reactions, praising the cast but questioning narrative coherence and thematic depth. The podcast thoughtfully critiques courtroom narratives and invites listener engagement concerning the film's portrayal of justice and character dynamics.
12 snips
Dec 23, 2024 • 16min
Laid
Margaret H. Willison, a culture writer known for her sharp insights, joins to explore the darkly comedic Peacock series Laid. The show follows Ruby, whose exes mysteriously die, prompting her to warn past lovers. They discuss the blend of humor and emotional depth in the narrative, the complexity of the protagonist, and the show's strong performances. The conversation touches on themes of break-ups, LGBTQ+ representation, and how media resonates with audiences, making it a thoughtful dive into a unique rom-com experience.
