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
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.
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.
