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
Jul 23, 2024 • 10min
Three great karaoke songs
Explore the contrasting experiences with karaoke, tips for choosing the perfect song, distinct singing styles, top karaoke song picks like 'It's All Coming Back to Me Now' and 'Shallow' tailored to different comfort levels.
Jul 22, 2024 • 15min
Sunny is a robot buddy comedy about loss
Rashida Jones discusses her role in the new Apple TV+ series 'Sunny,' where she plays a woman in Kyoto coping with the disappearance of her husband and son in a plane crash. The show is a blend of buddy comedy, crime thriller, and drama, focusing on the mystery surrounding their disappearance and the robot companion she receives from her husband's electronics company.
Jul 19, 2024 • 27min
Twisters and what's making us happy
Actors Glen Powell and Daisy Edgar-Jones, along with director Lee Isaac Chung, discuss the new film 'Twisters', a sequel to the '90s hit 'Twister', featuring rival storm chasers and state-of-the-art effects. The podcast also touches on character dynamics, themes in the movie, an overstuffed soundtrack, celebration of WNBA, discounted Criterion Collection films, and anticipation for a baseball game with Carly Rae Jepsen.
Jul 17, 2024 • 25min
We unpack the 2024 Emmy nominations
2024 Emmy nominations unpacked with notable nominees like The Bear and Mr. and Mrs. Smith. Debates on show classifications, diverse characters, and potential winners. Drama and limited series previews highlight surprises and favorite picks. Excitement for new talent in the industry and ad-free listening with Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus.
Jul 16, 2024 • 16min
Exploding Kittens is a simple card game turned wild cartoon
Tom Ellis and Sasheer Zamata discuss the Netflix animated series based on Exploding Kittens, where God and the devil take the form of talking cats. They delve into the show's world-building and fresh perspective, highlighting comedic moments and character dynamics. The hosts share varied reactions to the adaptation, praising the voice acting and discussing fan opinions and anticipation for season two.
Jul 15, 2024 • 14min
Longlegs is a (satanic) panic
Mika Monroe discusses her role as FBI agent in horror film Longlegs with satanic themes. Hosts explore the movie's unique blend of influences, humor, and dread, and analyze its visually stunning and unresolved elements.
Jul 12, 2024 • 18min
Fly Me to the Moon and what's making us happy
Scarlett Johansson and Channing Tatum discuss the romantic dramedy Fly Me to the Moon, where they clash and flirt while preparing for Apollo 11. The movie features a unique concept of a backup moon landing and explores patriotism and American identity during a historical event. The hosts analyze the film, praising its entertainment value but critiquing its lack of depth and zaniness.
Jul 11, 2024 • 10min
Three great sports documentaries
Discover the captivating stories behind sports documentaries like Reggie Miller vs. The New York Knicks, The Armstrong Lie, and Athlete A. From rivalry to scandal, these films showcase triumph, adversity, and resilience in the world of sports.
Jul 10, 2024 • 17min
Despicable Me 4 serves up 90 minutes of bankable mayhem
Steve Carrell, Reformed supervillain Gru, talks about the evolution of the Despicable Me franchise, catering to different age groups, and the depth of the female characters. The discussion also touches on the marketability of the Minions and the joy of watching light-hearted movies with kids.
Jul 8, 2024 • 12min
How we entertain and amuse ourselves on a road trip
Explore the best ways to entertain yourself on a road trip through music, audiobooks, and games. Hear about personal road trip experiences and musical preferences, including recommendations like 'I Get Wet' and 'Celebration Rock'. Discover the entertainment value of audiobooks and fun road trip games. Reflect on alternative forms of entertainment like conversations and interactions while on the road.
