Pop Culture Happy Hour
NPR
Trying to keep up with the latest in pop culture? We’ve got you covered. The Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast helps you find the best new binge-worthy tv shows, movies, music, and videogames.Join hosts Linda Holmes, Aisha Harris, Stephen Thompson, and Glen Weldon four episodes a week - plus a rotating cast of guest pop culture enthusiasts. It’s your fix for reviews, recommendations, and recaps of the pop culture everyone is talking about. From lowbrow reality TV to Oscar-winning movies to the stuff in between, we take it all with a shot of cheer. On the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, we watch everything so that you never miss anything.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 12, 2026 • 14min
Fun movies we missed
Three overlooked streaming movies get quick, enthusiastic picks. A time-traveling slapstick romp with messy twists gets praise for its oddball fun. A divisive action thriller with tonal swings and a committed lead sparks debate. A gleefully ridiculous shark-storm romp is billed as perfect for group viewing.
May 11, 2026 • 18min
The Sheep Detectives
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's The Indicator, offers fresh reactions to The Sheep Detectives. Bob Mondello, NPR film critic, brings sharp movie-minded commentary. They chat about the film's cozy mystery tone, its surprising theatrical release, the blend of grief and comedy, voice casting choices, and how sheep point of view shapes humor and emotion.
9 snips
May 8, 2026 • 22min
Mortal Kombat II and What’s Making Us Happy
Ronald Young Jr., film reviewer who drops sharp takes on movies, and Jordan Morris, comedian and comic writer who loves brutal fight choreography. They dig into Mortal Kombat II’s fan service, intense fight scenes, Johnny Cage’s comic relief, the film’s split character focus, and recommendations like a supernatural heist comic and a buzzy TV drama.
10 snips
May 7, 2026 • 17min
Lord of the Flies
Netta Ulaby, NPR culture critic who analyzes adaptations, and Walter Chow, cultural commentator noting performances and tone. They debate the Netflix Lord of the Flies adaptation. They discuss added backstories, polished visuals versus raw dread, tone and score, racial representation, Simon’s portrayal and the handling of violence and sexual subtext.
11 snips
May 6, 2026 • 25min
The best Survivor seasons, ranked
A lively debate over which seasons of Survivor stand out after 50 installments. They argue about iconic old-school drama versus strong modern gameplay. They highlight breakout players, memorable twists, and the merits of all‑star formats. They weigh nostalgia, casting choices, and whether recurring favorites have worn out their welcome.
12 snips
May 4, 2026 • 18min
Hokum
Monica Castillo, film critic known for sharp, scene-level analysis, and Jordan Cruciola, writer-producer and podcast host, dive into Hokum. They spotlight Adam Scott’s unlikable turn, the film’s rich cinematography and spooky sound, its folk horror roots in rural Ireland, and debates about trauma backstory and metaphor versus tidy resolution.
24 snips
May 1, 2026 • 23min
The Devil Wears Prada 2 and What’s Making Us Happy
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.
26 snips
Apr 30, 2026 • 27min
Summer Guide
A lively summer guide to the movies, TV and music worth watching this season. Previews of big films from Spielberg, Spider-Man and Boots Riley spark debate. Streaming pivots and franchise comebacks get discussed alongside RuPaul's comedy and a Vampire Lestat reinvention. A new Olivia Rodrigo album and several music-forward films round out the picks.
20 snips
Apr 28, 2026 • 21min
Margo's Got Money Troubles
Greta Johnson, pop culture commentator and podcast host, and Kristen Meinzer, co-host of a bedtime pop culture podcast, discuss the Apple TV series Margo's Got Money Troubles. They talk about the starry cast and how the adaptation shifts tone from the book. Conversation covers Elle Fanning’s performance, portrayals of sex work and community, family dynamics, reinvention, and parenting realism.
Apr 27, 2026 • 20min
Mother Mary
Sydney Madden, music and culture critic known for sharp film-music analysis, and Mark Rivers, NPR producer with behind-the-scenes production insight, dig into Mother Mary. They discuss the film's spooky visuals, grand concert numbers, casting and music credibility, the central fraught friendship, and the movie's ambitious but often opaque storytelling.
