

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

Aug 27, 2024 • 20min
When Celebrities Portray Themselves
Eugene Levy, a comedic actor and writer, joins fellow stars Zach Galifianakis, known for his unique humor, and Eva Longoria, an actress and producer, to explore the trend of celebrities portraying exaggerated versions of themselves. They discuss how these self-portrayals can humanize public figures while sometimes leading to audience skepticism. The trio reflects on standout performances in 'Only Murders in the Building' and the evolution of celebrity cameos, examining how authenticity and humor intersect in modern media.

Aug 23, 2024 • 26min
Blink Twice And What's Making Us Happy
Naomi Ackie, known for her dynamic roles, discusses her new film Blink Twice where she navigates eerie dynamics on a tech billionaire's private island, played by Channing Tatum. Channing reflects on portraying a character engulfed in scandal and the chaos that unfolds during a long party. Zoë Kravitz shares insight into her directorial debut, emphasizing the film's unique storytelling and thematic depth. The conversation also touches on audience engagement and the joy of nostalgia through music and classic TV, rounding off a lively discussion.

Aug 21, 2024 • 17min
The Reality TV Shows We'd Actually Win
The hosts dive into the world of reality TV, debating which shows they could conquer. They analyze their potential strengths in competitions like 'The Amazing Race' and 'Survivor.' A humorous twist comes with a mock cooking contest, 'Podcaster Chopped,' where they compare culinary skills. They also reflect on their dating prowess in shows like 'Dating Around,' sharing funny insights and strategies. The episode wraps up with a playful invitation for listeners to share their own reality TV triumphs.

Aug 20, 2024 • 18min
Bad Monkey
Vince Vaughn, celebrated for his iconic comedy roles, takes listeners on a journey through the new series 'Bad Monkey.' The podcast dives into the quirky plot involving a detective unraveling a mystery in the sun-soaked Florida Keys. They discuss the blend of humor and crime, the adaptation from Carl Hiaasen's book, and the surprising dynamics of characters. The conversation also touches on the darker themes versus comedic elements, as well as the interesting use of Tom Petty's music that adds a nostalgic twist to the storytelling.

Aug 19, 2024 • 15min
Physical Media We Still Treasure
Dive into the heartfelt world of physical media, where nostalgia reigns supreme! Explore the emotional significance of cherished collections, from vinyl records to signed DVDs. Hear stories about the unique memories tied to these tangible treasures, like a special edition of 'Singin' in the Rain.' The discussion contrasts the joy of ownership and nostalgia with the convenience of streaming. Join the hosts as they reflect on their childhood connections to VHS tapes, revealing why some of us still hold onto our beloved physical formats.

Aug 16, 2024 • 19min
Alien: Romulus And What's Making Us Happy
In this lively discussion, Cailee Spaeney, who plays a young space miner, and David Jonsson, portraying an android brother, dive into the chilling world of 'Alien: Romulus.' They explore the film's harrowing storyline, filled with terrifying encounters and nods to the original franchise. The guests also tackle themes of race, youth, and character motivations, prompting thought on emotional stakes in perilous situations. Plus, they share what brings them joy this week, blending humor and insightful reflections on their roles and the film's impact.

Aug 15, 2024 • 15min
Didi
Izaac Wang stars as a 13-year-old Taiwanese-American facing the trials of puberty in the film Didi, a Sundance favorite. Sean Wang, the film's director and an Oscar nominee for his documentary, joins to discuss the unique exploration of youth culture and identity. They delve into the emotional layers of sibling and mother-son dynamics, highlighting the nuances of Asian identity and family relationships. The conversation highlights the film's heartfelt storytelling and its reflection on adolescence in the age of social media.

Aug 14, 2024 • 16min
$#@*! Profanity In Pop Culture
Dive into the fascinating world of profanity in entertainment and its evolving role across genres. From the clever tension in 'Anchorman' to the bold humor of 'South Park,' the discussion reveals how strategic swearing enhances storytelling. Explore generational shifts in acceptance of explicit language, alongside memorable moments from classics like Shakespeare and modern favorites. This exploration uncovers the delicate balance between crassness and creativity, highlighting how profanity can enrich pop culture while prompting hilarious nostalgia.

Aug 12, 2024 • 16min
Hunter Schafer's Movie Cuckoo
Hunter Schaefer, known for her breakout role in Euphoria, plays a rebellious teenager in the horror film Cuckoo. Dan Stevens, the film's creepy proprietor, joins her to discuss the unsettling dynamics at play. They delve into the film's intriguing exploration of family secrets and its eerie setting in the German Alps. The conversation highlights the film's unique tone, the performances, and how it cleverly subverts common horror tropes. Listeners are treated to insights on the innovative storytelling that enhances the atmosphere of fear.

Aug 9, 2024 • 28min
It Ends With Us and what's making us happy
Blake Lively, known for her roles in bestselling adaptations, joins Justin Baldoni, an actor and director of another popular book adaptation, along with Brandon Sklenar, who plays a pivotal role in a romantic drama. They discuss the complexities of adapting Colleen Hoover's 'It Ends With Us,' particularly the portrayal of toxic relationships and familial abuse. The trio also explores the balance of joy in pop culture, touching on literature and the uplifting moments in baking competitions, showcasing how stories can resonate deeply with audiences.