Pop Culture Happy Hour

Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist and dedicated Lady Gaga fan, joins NPR music critic Anne Powers to discuss Gaga's latest album, *Mayhem*. They delve into Gaga's evolution over the last five years, analyzing her eclectic influences and the personal themes woven into her tracks. The conversation highlights standout songs, including the emotional complexities of "Blade of Grass" and the gothic undertones in "Die With A Smile." They celebrate Gaga's provocative artistry and her continued impact on the pop music landscape.

Live television is all about high risk, high reward. Whether it's musical performances, awards ceremonies, sports events, or comedy shows, there's an electric charge to watching something as it's happening. Today, we're debating the greatest moments of live television in pop culture - including a viral news blooper, John Travolta's "Adele Dazeem" flub at the Oscars, Kanye stating "George Bush doesn't care about Black people", and The Beatles making their debut on The Ed Sullivan Show.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Mickey 17 is writer-director Bong Joon Ho's follow-up to the Oscar-winning film Parasite. In the sharply satirical sci-fi film, Robert Pattinson is a manual laborer on a spaceship who just keeps dying. But then he gets reprinted – his memories get downloaded into a new body. What could go wrong? The film also stars Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, and Naomi Ackie.Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture.To access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Pop Culture Happy Hour, subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

What keeps viewers glued to terrible TV shows? The hosts dive into the mind-bending allure of binge-watching, even when the storylines derail. They reminisce about the outrageous 'Married by America' and its chaotic dating antics. The discussion also covers the cultural impact of 'Teen Mom 2' and the monetization of motherhood. They explore scripted dramas and their soap opera-like drama, as well as LGBTQ+ representation in shows like 'Boy Meets Boy.' Perfect for anyone who's ever cringed and laughed through a guilty pleasure!

Perhaps you've heard that Saturday Night Live is celebrating its 50th anniversary — they've mentioned it once or twice. From Lazy Sunday to Domingo to a ton of iconic musical performances, SNL's had a long and fascinating relationship with music. Today, we're talking about some of our favorite SNL musical moments.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Oscars shone bright this year, highlighting Sean Baker's Anora with wins for Best Picture and Director. Mikey Madison surprised everyone by clinching Best Actress. Hosts engage in hilarious commentary on Conan O'Brien’s hosting antics and the often lengthy acceptance speeches. They dive into memorable nods, including Lil Crawley's cinematography and Daniel Bloomberg's score. The mix of laughter and reflections spotlights the night's triumphs and missteps, offering a lively retrospective on the awards season.

This discussion dives into fierce Oscar contenders like 'Wicked' and 'Emilia Perez,' with bold predictions on who’ll snag the coveted awards. There's an exploration of standout performances, particularly in the Lead Actress category and innovative films like the Latvian 'Flow.' The hosts also share their joy over uplifting music and reality shows, including a fun look at 'Deal or No Deal Island.' Expect a mix of passionate analysis and lighthearted banter about cinema's highs and lows!

Ronald Young Jr., host of Pop Culture Debate Club, brings his insights to discuss the Hulu drama Paradise. The conversation dives into Sterling K. Brown's portrayal of a Secret Service agent entangled in a presidential assassination mystery. They explore the show's rich narrative layers, character dynamics, and thought-provoking themes of leadership in crisis. Young Jr. critiques the complexities of dystopian storytelling and highlights the captivating interplay between Brown and James Marsden, questioning how the plot might unfold amidst the intrigue.

A new Netflix series kicks off with a nationwide blackout, sparking chaos and a government investigation. It features a retired president grappling with the fallout of a cyber attack, exposing themes of paranoia and trust. The show's political critique draws comparisons to earlier dramas, highlighting its vague character portrayals and superficial handling of partisanship. Discussions about narrative pacing reveal frustrations with unresolved plotlines and the challenges of juggling a large cast in thriller storytelling, urging for deeper, more engaging narratives.

Delve into the world of actors who’ve been snubbed by the Oscars despite their undeniable talent. Discover why Pam Grier, John Goodman, Regina Hall, and Oscar Isaac deserve more recognition. The discussion highlights the biases in the film industry, advocating for a broader acknowledgment of diverse talents. Explore Grier's impactful legacy in blaxploitation films and Goodman’s versatility through his comedic roots. It’s a celebration of overlooked brilliance and a call for change in award recognition.