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
10 snips
Dec 18, 2025 • 21min
Heated Rivalry
A sizzling hockey romance is heating up on HBO Max! It follows rival players Shane and Ilya as they navigate a secret affair off the ice. The hosts dive into the show's explicit content and how it reinvents classic romance tropes. They explore its appeal to both mainstream audiences and queer viewers, highlighting the show's accessible charm. With an emphasis on sex-first storytelling, the hosts discuss how intimate scenes enhance character depth. Plus, there's a nod to the rich source material that fans can't get enough of!
9 snips
Dec 17, 2025 • 19min
Fallout
Joelle Monique, a filmmaker and pop culture critic, and Soraya Nadia McDonald, a cultural journalist, dive into the captivating world of the Fallout series. They discuss the show's distinct retrofuturism and praise Ella Purnell's performance as Lucy, highlighting the balance of bleakness with humor. The guests delve into character dynamics, the impact of 1950s music, and the show's pacing issues. Additionally, they explore how the narrative reflects different gameplay styles and enjoy the comedic portrayal of a harsh, post-apocalyptic surface world.
12 snips
Dec 16, 2025 • 19min
Great Movies We Missed
Film critic Bob Mondello shares his thoughts on underrated gems of 2025. He dives into the moody world of "The Secret Agent," highlighting its nuanced performances and political undertones. Mondello offers an overview of "Come See Me in the Good Light," a heartfelt documentary about Andrea Gibson's journey with cancer, blending humor with raw emotion. The discussion also features the poignant Marathi love story "Cactus Pears," and the daring, feminist tale "100 Nights of Hero," celebrated for its unique storytelling and striking visuals.
Dec 14, 2025 • 15min
Mailbag: The Movies We Walked Out Of
Aisha and Stephen tackle the intriguing question of movies they've walked out on. Stephen reveals his near-exit from Slumdog Millionaire due to its tough content and discusses his decision to leave A Clockwork Orange during an unsettling scene. Aisha shares her own walking-out experience with Avatar: The Way of Water, citing boredom as a factor. They explore how their tolerance differs between films and TV shows, emphasizing the commitment to finishing challenging films despite the urge to leave. The conversation is both personal and entertaining!
8 snips
Dec 12, 2025 • 28min
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and What’s Making Us Happy
Dive into the intriguing world of Netflix's latest Knives Out installment, featuring Daniel Craig's return as detective Benoit Blanc. Discover the film's unique ecclesiastical mystery and standout performances from Glenn Close and Kerry Washington. The hosts analyze poignant scenes that reveal deep emotional layers, alongside a discussion of the film's lighting and themes of faith. They also recommend delights like David Byrne's musical performance and a heartfelt tribute album. Plus, get a taste of strategic board gaming with Viticulture!
Dec 10, 2025 • 22min
Jay Kelly
In this discussion, Andrew Lapin, a senior reporter for the Jewish Telegraphic Agency and host of Radioactive, dives into the complexities of the film Jay Kelly. The film, featuring George Clooney, Adam Sandler, and Laura Dern, navigates the tension between fame and personal relationships. Andrew analyzes Baumbach's exploration of regret and charisma, while the hosts share insights on the layered performances, especially Sandler’s vulnerability. They also debate the ambiguous friendships within the storyline and the lasting impacts of celebrity on personal connections.
8 snips
Dec 9, 2025 • 24min
The Worst Christmas Movies
Waylon Wong, co-host of NPR's Indicator from Planet Money, joins to debate the worst Christmas movies ever. The panel dives into the flaws of classics like 'Love Actually,' where Waylon argues its rom-com merits crumble under problematic plotlines. Aisha critiques 'I Believe in Santa' for its troubling messages, while Stephen laments 'Jingle All the Way' for celebrating commercialism. Glen highlights the campy charm of 'Scrooge & Marley,' showcasing the sincerity among its imperfections. The discussion wraps up with a lively vote for the worst!
Dec 8, 2025 • 13min
The Abandons
Christina Escobar, an entertainment journalist and co-founder/editor-in-chief of LatinxMedia.co, joins to critique Netflix’s The Abandons starring Gillian Anderson and Lena Headey. She grapples with the show's blend of Western and nighttime soap elements, finding characters flat and lacking stakes. The discussion dives into the show's treatment of sexual assault and how it contrasts with other Western series like Godless. While praising the production and performances, Christina expresses disappointment with the payoffs and archetypal character dynamics.
Dec 5, 2025 • 18min
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 and What’s Making Us Happy
Joined by Rihanna Cruz, a freelance music and culture journalist, the discussion dives into the latest film Five Nights at Freddy's 2. Rihanna critiques its storytelling and notes how kids in theaters reacted loudly, while Stephen examines the contrast between nostalgia and weak plotlines. They explore unfulfilled story threads, the confusing role of the Marionette, and missed opportunities in new settings. On a lighter note, Rihanna shares her love for the Chicago band Gliders, and Stephen delights in a whimsical tale of a drunk raccoon.
45 snips
Dec 4, 2025 • 43min
2025 Pop Culture Favorites
This year in pop culture brought us notable highlights! K-pop Demon Hunters captured hearts with its climactic track and went viral. Ryan Coogler's Sinners reinvented the theatrical experience, while the comedic charm of movies like Fantastic Four struck a nostalgic chord. Emotional performances in Dying for Sex and Mr. Milchick's routine in Severance made waves. From Uzo Aduba's sleuthing to Rosalía's audacious new album, it's a celebration of creativity and standout moments in entertainment!
