Pop Culture Happy Hour The Devil Wears Prada 2 and What’s Making Us Happy
24 snips
May 1, 2026 
Isabella Gomez-Sarmiento, NPR music reporter and pop culture commentator, offers perspective on characterization and cultural context. Ronald Young Jr., film and TV critic and podcast host, gives a critical take on the sequel’s strengths and flaws. They discuss Miranda’s evolution, tonal shifts, crowded cameos, missed emotional depth, and what updates to journalism and tech mean for the story.
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Sequel Works By Moving Characters Forward
- The Devil Wears Prada 2 succeeds by advancing characters rather than relying solely on nostalgia.
- Ronald Young Jr. praises same director, writer, and core cast returning to relevant midcareer scenarios that feel earned.
Sequel Feels Like Spectacle Over Substance
- Linda Holmes felt the sequel is enjoyable yet structurally thin and more like promotional spectacle.
- She found the first hour full of shenanigans and Miranda's comedic turn lost some of the original dry edge.
Miranda's Tone Reflects Cultural Reassessment
- Miranda's portrayal divides listeners based on cultural change since 2006.
- Ronald argues we've recontextualized powerful women characters, while Isabella sees continuity in Miranda's core behavior updated for 2026.
