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
19 snips
Jan 21, 2025 • 26min
The Brutalist And What's Making Us Happy
The discussion dives into the Oscar buzz surrounding the compelling film about a Hungarian architect navigating post-war challenges in America. Emotional depth and artistic struggles take center stage as they explore the beauty of brutalist architecture and its impact on identity. Also featured is an intriguing look at SZA's expanded album, Lana, showcasing new tracks and excitement for the fresh sound. The joy of nostalgia in classic TV and innovative comedy is revisited, blending fun with insightful reflections on art and culture.
Jan 17, 2025 • 27min
Wolf Man And What's Making Us Happy
Joelle Monique, a talented filmmaker and pop culture critic, shares her insights on the latest Wolf Man film featuring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. The discussion dives into themes of toxic masculinity and the perplexing narrative choices that left audiences wanting more. Monique also reflects on David Lynch's enduring influence in cinema, while highlighting new TV shows like 'The Agency' and 'The Pit' that bring joy. The conversation wraps up with delightful film and humorous audiobook recommendations, perfect for those seeking entertainment and nostalgia.
Jan 16, 2025 • 16min
XO, Kitty
Kristen Meinzer, co-host of "The Daily Fail" and co-author of "How to Be Fine," offers a personal, critical perspective on the Netflix series XO, Kitty. Regina Kim, a freelance writer on Korean pop culture, highlights the show's unique cultural representation and its progressive LGBTQ themes. They dive into the character Kitty's journey of love and identity in Korea, addressing issues of adoption and cultural immersion. The discussion critiques the innovative portrayals and challenges stereotypes while emphasizing the importance of diverse narratives.
Jan 15, 2025 • 19min
American Primeval
TV critic Roxana Haddaddy, from Vulture, dives into Netflix's gritty Western, American Primeval. She discusses the fierce battle for survival faced by a mother and her son caught between a violent militia and the federal government. Haddaddy examines the show's neo-Western themes, character dynamics, and the portrayal of historic tensions, all while critiquing character depth and Indigenous representation. The conversation also lightens up with a humorous pitch for a spinoff starring Shea Wiggum, blending insight with entertainment.
Jan 14, 2025 • 20min
The Best One-Hit Wonders
Explore the fascinating world of one-hit wonders as the hosts dive into why certain songs achieve iconic status while artists often fade into obscurity. Discover the cultural impact of hits like 'Flagpole Sitta' and the nostalgic connections they create. The discussion challenges the perceptions of one-hit wonders and highlights artists with significant contributions despite their fleeting fame. From joyful karaoke moments to unexpected roles in sports culture, the charm of these unforgettable tracks takes center stage.
6 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 25min
The Last Showgirl And What's Making Us Happy
In this discussion, Brittany Luce, host of NPR's "It's Been a Minute," dives into the poignant themes of aging and identity portrayed in *The Last Showgirl*, featuring Pamela Anderson. The conversation touches on the complexities of femininity and self-acceptance against the backdrop of fading glory in the entertainment industry. They also celebrate Demi Moore's empowering Golden Globes speech, highlighting personal growth and overcoming stereotypes. Finally, there's a delightful exploration of books and music, emphasizing the joy of artistic connections.
8 snips
Jan 9, 2025 • 17min
Hot Moms In Film
Rachel Handler, a features writer for New York Magazine, dives into the fascinating trend of films featuring older women falling in love with younger men. She discusses the implications of this shift in Hollywood's portrayal of women over 40 and the often stagnant representation in so-called 'women's films.' From examining the narratives of self-discovery in movies like 'The Idea of You' to critiquing age-related anxieties and the evolving power dynamics in cinema, Handler offers insightful commentary on modern romantic comedies and their cultural significance.
6 snips
Jan 8, 2025 • 16min
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
In the latest animated adventure, Wallace and Gromit face off against a villainous robotic garden gnome, showcasing their signature humor and charm. The duo navigates a plot rich in quirky characters and clever storytelling, all while tackling themes of technology and companionship. Listeners will appreciate reflections on nostalgia and the film's depth compared to its predecessors. Plus, there's a lighthearted discussion on the surprising lack of cheese, adding a fun twist to the analysis of this beloved franchise.
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.
