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
May 3, 2024 • 22min
The Fall Guy And What's Making Us Happy
Ryan Gosling stars in 'The Fall Guy' as a stunt performer with a shot at redemption. The movie combines action and comedy, showcasing incredible stunts. The hosts also discuss the movie 'The Nice Guys' and Vanessa Williams' inspiring song 'Legs'.
May 2, 2024 • 22min
The Idea Of You
Nicholas Galitzine, actor in 'The Idea Of You', discusses the movie's plot inspired by Harry Styles. Podcast delves into the film's complexity, mixed reactions to adaptations, impact of music selection, character dynamics, and exploration of themes and storytelling potential.
May 1, 2024 • 23min
Baby Reindeer
Richard Gadd and Jessica Gunning delve into the haunting world of the Netflix series 'Baby Reindeer', discussing themes of stalking, trauma, and complex characters. The podcast explores the psychological impact of the story and challenges conventional storytelling norms, urging for more authentic and depth in comedy.
Apr 30, 2024 • 24min
Summer Guide
Podcast explores upcoming summer activities including movie and TV recommendations. Highlights include insights on 'House of the Dragon' narrative hurdles, emotional depth in adaptations, upcoming movie releases like Toy Story sequels and Hitman, and the transformative power of art in Sing Sing movie. Excitement for potential Twister sequel and Glen Powell's role.
Apr 29, 2024 • 19min
Dead Boy Detectives
Actors George Rexstrew, Jayden Revri, and Kassius Nelson discuss the new show 'Dead Boy Detectives', a spinoff of Neil Gaiman's The Sandman. They delve into the supernatural adventures of teenage ghost detectives and the dark yet whimsical world of the Sandman universe TV series. The podcast also explores character development, theme exploration in a teen drama, and balancing action and emotion in Exiles with musical education.
Apr 26, 2024 • 28min
Challengers And What's Making Us Happy
Guest Zendaya stars in the film 'Challengers' as Tashi, a tennis coach caught in a love triangle. The hosts explore the themes of intense competition, relationships, and body fascination in the movie. They also discuss joyful discoveries like retro gaming and musical delights.
Apr 25, 2024 • 21min
What Makes A Good Sex Scene?
Exploring what makes a sex scene good in movies, discussing scenes from 'Bound', Magic Mike's Last Dance, and a 2000 movie, highlighting authenticity, emotional depth, build-up, and evolving relationships.
Apr 24, 2024 • 16min
Mary & George
Julianne Moore and Nicolas Galitzine discuss the intriguing power dynamics and political intrigue in the new Starz series Mary & George, inspired by true events. The podcast explores the complex relationships, betrayals, and seduction in the show, highlighting the performances of the actors and the historical narrative.
Apr 22, 2024 • 31min
Taylor Swift's The Tortured Poets Department
Joe Alwyn and Matty Healy discuss Taylor Swift's recent album, focusing on her introspective lyrics, emotional depth, and self-examination. The podcast explores the impact of her high-profile breakups on her music, her artistic evolution, and her creative freedom in deviating from commercial norms. They analyze Swift's storytelling, vulnerability, and struggles with fame, highlighting the balance of specificity and universal themes in her songs.
Apr 19, 2024 • 24min
Fallout And What's Making Us Happy
A discussion on the new show Fallout, based on a popular video game, set in a post-apocalyptic America with factions fighting for control. The harsh world, retrofuturism design, violence, and performances are praised. Analysis includes character development, music, violence, and survival themes. Anticipation for Season 2 and personal experiences are shared, along with commercials for Hulu, Allian's Travel Insurance, and Teladoc Health. The joy of diverse entertainment sources is celebrated.
