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
Nov 26, 2025 • 19min
Zootopia 2
Gene Demby, a cultural commentator from NPR's Code Switch, brings his insights on race and media. Regina Barber, hosting NPR’s Shortwave, offers a thoughtful critique on storytelling in Zootopia 2. Candace Lim, former Slate host, shares personal reactions to the film. The trio discusses the sequel's lighter political themes compared to its predecessor, focuses on character relationships, and highlights the humor throughout. They also debate the implications of the film's lore, hinting at real-world parallels, while having fun with its clever Easter eggs and romance dynamics.
11 snips
Nov 25, 2025 • 18min
Sentimental Value
Roxana Haddadi, a Vulture TV critic, delves into the complexities of the film Sentimental Value, focusing on themes of absentee fatherhood and artistic obsession. She discusses Stellan Skarsgård's portrayal of a filmmaker struggling to balance his career with family connections. The conversation explores generational trauma, the ethics of autobiographical storytelling, and how the film contrasts artistic collaboration with the lone-genius myth. Expect thoughtful insights on familial relationships and the art-making process.
Nov 24, 2025 • 21min
All Her Fault
Roxanna Haddadi, a Vulture TV critic, dives into the captivating Peacock series featuring Sarah Snook as a mother unraveling a chilling mystery about her missing son. They explore the show's bold critique of privileged men and how it reframes the 'mother thriller' genre by allowing women to take decisive action. The discussion also highlights the evolving bond between Snook's character and Dakota Fanning's, the revealing dynamics of marital expectations, and the emotional labor often overlooked in relationships. It's an incisive look at family narratives and the costs of sacrifice.
42 snips
Nov 21, 2025 • 30min
Wicked: For Good And What’s Making Us Happy
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, and Travell Anderson, journalist and host of Seated, dive into the magical world of Wicked: For Good. They discuss the film's emotional highs, standout performances by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande, and how cinematic elements enhance the storytelling. The duo critiques character development and the political themes compared to the original novel, exploring the balance of personal narratives against the backdrop of wickedness. Plus, they share what’s making them happy, from a Disney pianist to a heartwarming dog rescue account.
Nov 20, 2025 • 15min
A Man On The Inside
Dive into the charming world of a Netflix sitcom featuring Ted Danson as a widower undercover in a retirement home. The hosts explore its touching portrayal of loss, aging, and community. They highlight the humor and emotional depth found in the characters' quirks and relationships. Michael Schur's empathetic writing shines through, offering redemption arcs and showcasing the challenges of loneliness and dementia. Tune in for a heartfelt discussion filled with laughter, poignant moments, and recommendations for cozy family viewing!
21 snips
Nov 18, 2025 • 20min
The Beast In Me
In this engaging discussion, Kristen Meinzer, a media commentator and co-host of The Nightly on Hatch Plus, and Gene Demby, co-host of NPR's Code Switch, examine Netflix's intriguing new series featuring Claire Danes and Matthew Rhys. They dive into the show's cat-and-mouse dynamic and critique its pacing and character development. The duo highlights strong supporting performances while pondering missed opportunities in exploring neighborly tensions. They also reflect on familiar prestige-TV tropes and the series' visual style, all while dissecting its overall appeal.
Nov 17, 2025 • 17min
Now You See Me: Now You Don't
Kristen Meinzer, a media commentator and co-host of The Nightly, and Christina Tucker, co-host of Wait, Is This a Date?, dive into the magical chaos of Now You See Me: Now You Don’t. They discuss the film's overstuffed plot and praise Rosamund Pike for her standout performance. The duo debates whether the returning characters feel rusty and likens the film to Fast & Furious with its spectacle. They agree it’s a perfect airplane movie and highlight the fresh talents of Justice Smith, all while speculating about the future of the franchise.
Nov 14, 2025 • 24min
The Running Man And What's Making Us Happy
In this discussion, Ronald Young Jr., a film and television critic, and Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music journalist, dive into the remake of The Running Man. Ronald concludes it outshines the original while noting its political nuances. Rihanna lauds the film’s action and worldbuilding but critiques its female subplot. They explore the adaptation’s tonal faithfulness to Stephen King's source material and debate casting strengths, particularly Glenn Powell’s performance. Plus, they share what’s making them happy, including competitive shows and a surprising Drake album!
9 snips
Nov 13, 2025 • 16min
Death By Lightning
Kristen Mines, a media critic passionate about analyzing tone and performance, and Chloe Veltman, an arts and culture commentator known for her historical insights, dissect the Netflix series 'Death By Lightning.' They delve into its unique blend of comedy and drama, exploring the portrayals of President Garfield and his assassin, Guiteau. Kristen highlights its entertainment value while Chloe critiques historical accuracy and character depth, leading to an engaging debate about political representation and storytelling in historical dramas.
44 snips
Nov 11, 2025 • 20min
Pluribus
The discussion dives into the darkly humorous premise of a misanthrope left alone in a hive-mind world. Rhea Seehorn's captivating performance as the troubled author Carol serves as an emotional anchor. The hosts explore Vince Gilligan's unique storytelling style and the poignant themes of individuality versus comfort. They question what is lost when humanity is homogenized and the heartbreaking nuances of grief. Ultimately, it's a gripping investigation of human connection and the irony of wanting intimacy while rejecting society.
