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
12 snips
Dec 20, 2024 • 30min
Mufasa: The Lion King And What's Making Us Happy
Trevel Anderson, a journalist and author of "We See Each Other," and culture writer Shmira Ibrahim dive into the new prequel, Mufasa: The Lion King. They discuss the evolution of Scar's character, focusing on ambition and identity, while critiquing its engagement with queer themes. The conversation also touches on a TikTok account capturing Black family dynamics and reflections on beloved holiday music. Their insights beautifully intertwine nostalgia with contemporary storytelling, sparking deep thoughts on family and cultural narratives.
Dec 19, 2024 • 21min
Best Movies To Watch On An Airplane
Choosing the right movie for an airplane flight can be challenging but essential for a pleasant journey. The discussion covers ideal films like 'Moana' and 'Jackie Brown,' highlighting their engaging plots and emotional appeal. Bright visuals and strong dialogues are emphasized as key traits for in-flight enjoyment. The hosts also explore the unique emotional responses passengers experience while watching movies at 30,000 feet. Personal anecdotes and classic picks add to the fun, making it a light-hearted take on in-flight entertainment.
Dec 18, 2024 • 10min
Bad Sisters
Sharon Horgan, creator and star of 'Bad Sisters,' dives into the show's darkly comedic world where four sisters plot against their fifth sister's husband. She discusses the blend of humor and suspense, sharing insights into character development and storytelling for the newly released season. Horgan also reveals the emotional struggles faced by the sisters, especially with the introduction of a challenging new character. Plus, the conversation humorously highlights the show's take on menopause coaching, making it relatable for middle-aged women.
Dec 16, 2024 • 19min
No Good Deed
In this discussion, Eric Deggans, NPR’s TV critic, shares insights on the Netflix dark comedy featuring Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano. They explore how 'No Good Deed' intricately weaves humor with themes of grief and complex family dynamics. The conversation highlights the show’s engaging characters and its unique narrative depth within modern pop culture. Deggans emphasizes the impact of storytelling on our understanding of societal issues, while also weighing the fine line between comedy and serious themes.
4 snips
Dec 13, 2024 • 28min
Queer and What's Making Us Happy
Trayvall Anderson, a journalist and author focused on Black trans representation, joins entertainment host Ryan Mitchell for a lively discussion. They explore the film 'Queer' starring Daniel Craig, dissecting its complex characters and emotional depths amidst 1950s Mexico City’s backdrop. The duo passionately addresses the challenges of queer narratives in film, emphasizing both the beauty and shortcomings of representation. Lightening the mood, they share nostalgic holiday traditions and reflect on uplifting comfort shows that spark joy during the festive season.
10 snips
Dec 12, 2024 • 21min
It's A Wonderful Life
The analysis of George Bailey's journey highlights the profound themes of family and community that make this Christmas classic resonate. Listeners explore the film's cultural significance and its status in the public domain. The contrasting towns of Bedford Falls and Pottersville showcase the moral dilemmas within. Intriguing discussions on obligation versus individualism reveal deep character insights. The narrative also touches on immigrant stories, enriching the film's legacy and encouraging reflection among fans.
5 snips
Dec 11, 2024 • 40min
2024 Pop Culture Favorites
Delve into 2024's top pop culture moments with a lively discussion on favorite movies, TV shows, and music. Discover the emotional depth in Charlie XCX's and Sabrina Carpenter's hits while exploring how childhood platforms shape today's pop stars. Reflect on films like 'The Fall Guy' and 'I Saw the TV Glow,' which offer contrasting yet rich storytelling experiences. The hosts share their excitement for 'Challengers' and the stylish reboot of 'Mr. and Mrs. Smith,' highlighting complex character dynamics and the power of transformative storytelling.
7 snips
Dec 9, 2024 • 17min
Black Doves
Dive into the world of a stylish British spy thriller set during Christmas. A politician's wife secretly funnels information to a spy network, leading to an exciting return of her old partner for protection. The show blends festive cheer with espionage, humor, and absurdity. Discussions include unique experiences in independent hotels and tips for holiday self-care. Don't miss the intriguing character dynamics and a look at London's crime scene, all while building anticipation for future seasons and related shows.
Dec 6, 2024 • 26min
Nightbitch And What's Making Us Happy
Christina Escobar, an entertainment journalist and co-founder of Latina Media Puntoco, joins the conversation to dissect the film 'Nightbitch,' starring Amy Adams as a mom who transforms into a dog. They explore the film’s humorous yet poignant take on motherhood, identity, and personal struggles. The discussion also highlights the importance of family support in parenting. Plus, they celebrate diverse narratives in film, reflecting on titles like 'Mississippi Masala' and share laughter over Hasan Minhaj's evolving comedy.
22 snips
Dec 5, 2024 • 22min
2024 Holiday Movie Guide
Dive into the enchanting world of holiday movies this season! The podcast explores whimsical rom-coms like 'Our Little Secret' and the nostalgic charm of 'Meet Me Next Christmas.' There's also fun commentary on a shirtless Chad Michael Murray and a cameo from Travis Kelce's mom. Discover how holiday films intertwine love, music, and even NFL culture. Reflect on the magic of these beloved stories and why they resonate so deeply with audiences during the festive season.
