PodcastsArtsPop Culture Happy Hour

Pop Culture Happy Hour

NPR
Pop Culture Happy Hour
Latest episode

491 episodes

  • Pop Culture Happy Hour

    The many narratives of Michael Jackson

    2026/04/23 | 43 mins.
    Michael Jackson remains one of the most influential and celebrated musicians in modern history, yet his legacy continues to inspire both intense criticism and fascination. The new film, Michael, is set for release this week, raising the question of whether an estate-approved biopic can truly redefine an artist's legacy. Aisha Harris explores the various music videos and biopics related to this generational talent, whose narrative was crafted throughout his lifetime and long after his death, especially in the wake of sexual abuse allegations.

    Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
  • Pop Culture Happy Hour

    Watch This: The Christophers

    2026/04/21 | 17 mins.
    In the terrific new film The Christophers, an art restorer with a background in forgery (Michaela Coel) takes a job as an assistant to a once-famous artist who's faded from public life (Ian McKellen). And her motives are… complicated. It might seem like a quiet story, but as directed by Steven Soderbergh, the movie packs a serious punch of talent.

    Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture

    Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
  • Pop Culture Happy Hour

    Beef

    2026/04/20 | 22 mins.
    The Netflix Beef returns for season two with an all new cast. This time the beef involves two couples: Carey Mulligan and Oscar Isaac face off against Charles Melton and Cailee Spaeny. Just like in the first season, their feud reveals way bigger underlying issues for each of the parties involved. Everyone’s a mess and it’s a surreal journey to behold.

    Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour 

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
  • Pop Culture Happy Hour

    Normal and What’s Making Us Happy

    2026/04/17 | 19 mins.
    Bob Odenkirk has pivoted from sketch comedy to dramatic acting and, most recently, to late-middle-aged action star. In the new film Normal, he plays a small-town sheriff who finds out his small town isn’t so normal after all, which will of course require some sexagenarian butt-kicking. The cast includes Henry Winkler and Lena Headey, and was written by Derek Kolstad, the mind behind the John Wick franchise. 

    Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture

    Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour  

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy
  • Pop Culture Happy Hour

    We Watch Classic Movies For The First Time

    2026/04/16 | 24 mins.
    We've all been there. A major movie is mentioned, you shrug, sheepishly, and someone says, "I can't believe you've never seen that!" Today, in this encore episode, we make a dent in our own lists of classic films we somehow had not yet gotten to, including Erin Brockovich, Enter the Dragon, Raging Bull, and Flower Drum Song.

    Subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus at plus.npr.org/happyhour

    See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.

    NPR Privacy Policy

More Arts podcasts

About Pop Culture Happy Hour

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
Podcast website

Listen to Pop Culture Happy Hour, 99% Invisible and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app

Get the free radio.net app

  • Stations and podcasts to bookmark
  • Stream via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth
  • Supports Carplay & Android Auto
  • Many other app features

Pop Culture Happy Hour: Podcasts in Family

  • Podcast Planet Money
    Planet Money
    Business, News
  • Podcast The NPR Politics Podcast
    The NPR Politics Podcast
    News, Politics