Pop Culture Happy Hour

The new Resident Evil movie is wild, scary, inventive, fast-paced, and funny . That’s because the videogame-turned-film franchise got a reboot courtesy of director Zach Cregger ( Weapons and Barbarian ). Austin Abrams plays a medical courier tasked with transporting an important medical MacGuffin, and his journey goes haywire almost immediately as gnarly perils pile up. But does the movie’s blend of horror and comedy work for newcomers and longtime fans? Looking for more gore? Check out these episodes: In ‘Weapons’, the kids aren't at all right, not in the slightest, nope 'Ready or Not 2' is a satanic and manic thrill In '28 Years Later: The Bone Temple,' the zombies aren’t the worst villains Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

The new Apple TV series Last Seen is a compelling thriller. It stars Patrick Brammall ( Colin from Accounts) as an emergency dispatcher named who gets a call one night from a girl he thinks might be his long-missing daughter. The show follows him as he becomes obsessed with finding the truth, even at the cost of his own stability and sobriety. It also tackles some thorny questions about who stands to gain and lose from solving this case. Looking for other compelling thrillers? Check these out: Emmy Rossum tracks down a female serial killer in 'Furious' TV heavy-hitters get dark in 'The Beast In Me' Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

The Netflix TV show Crew Girl follows in the footsteps of successful coming-of-age dramas like Sterling Point and The Summer I Turned Pretty . It follows Teagan, an ambitious high school rower (Miku Martineau) trying to fit in on the boys’ crew team at a fancy prep school. The show’s got a plucky fish out of water, a love triangle with two very different boys (Kyle Clark and Sam Braun), and a dreamy sunlit setting. But does Crew Girl sink, swim, or row ? Looking for more teen coming-of-age stories? Check out these episodes: You’ll want more time in ‘Sterling Point’ ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has drama, romance and the music of Taylor Swift The delightful 'My Old Ass' seeks wisdom from hindsight Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

This year’s Emmys were a big night for shows we really love, including Widow’s Bay , The Pitt and Pluribus. Actors Jean Smart and Matthew Rhys picked up wins, and Rhys made some history. And we’ll explain why we love Mariska Hargitay, who proved to be a game yet corny host. Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

In Practical Magic 2, Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman return as witch sisters doomed by a family curse that means any man they love will die. They embark on a new chapter where the next generation is discovering the dangers of being born into this family. It’s been over 25 years since the original film. But will practical moviegoers be swept up in the magic twice? If you are gearing up for the witchy spooky season, check out these episode: In ‘Obsession,’ love hurts. It really, really, really hurts. Adam Scott checks in to a haunted inn in ‘Hokum’ ' Wicked: For Good' will bring you to tears The scary movies and books that still haunt us Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

When you hear the words “pumpkin spice latte,” maybe you think of fall. But maybe you just think about the pleasures of something unapologetically basic. The same can be said for movies and TV. Today, we are revealing some of the most basic things we really love – including National Treasure , Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again , Dateline NBC , and The People’s Court. Looking for more episodes like this? Check out: We talk pop culture pumpkin spice lattes: they're basic but we love them We debate the best movies to watch on an airplane YouTube rabbit holes that are great distractions Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

Are you tired of the same eat-the-rich narratives churned out by Hollywood? There is a great new film Filipiñana offering a new take about the inner-workings of a country club in the Philippines. It’s both beautiful to look at and an emotional gut-punch. From director Rafael Manuel, this film kind of feels like if Wes Anderson made an explicitly anti-colonialist satire. If you want a few more stylish and biting films, check out these episodes: ‘Is God Is’ interrogates misogyny in a vivid, scathing revenge tale 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You' shows off Rose Byrne's dramatic chops Keke Palmer steals the (fashion) scene in 'I Love Boosters' Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

We all need a trusted source for music discovery – a music-savvy friend or family member, a music site – or someone on social media. But are influencers taking money to promote music and not telling you? Today we’re bringing you an episode of NPR’s It's Been a Minute , where host Brittany Luse talks to NPR music reporter Isabella Gomez Sarmiento about the details and broader implications of this practice. Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

The buzzy fantastic new TV drama Sterling Point has it all. A mysterious inheritance. A teen love triangle. Secrets and lies that echo across generations. The Prime Video series has twists, turns, and heart. You won’t want to miss it. Want more Gen Z drama? Check out these episodes: ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has drama, romance and the music of Taylor Swift Gen Z awkwardly transitions into 'Adults' 'I Love LA' reinforces our love for Rachel Sennott Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

Millions of us play little daily games on our phone. But if you’re looking to expand the horizons of your morning distractions beyond Wordle and Connections, we’re here for you. Today we’re recommending some fun daily online games, including MapTap, Catfishing, TimeGuessr, The Loop, and Clues by Sam. Looking for more conversations about fun games? Try these episodes: Wordle is a daily dose of delight, despair, and sometimes smugness In 'The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom' the open world is wide open Best Video Games of 2025 Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

Have you ever been on a road trip that feels like it goes on forever and things started getting a bit existential? That’s the whole deal with the chewy new film It Ends . The horror-meets-psychological thriller follows four friends who just graduated college, as they turn onto a road through a dense forest and the road just keeps going. Directed by Alexander Ullom, It Ends is both chill and chilling, and a lot of fun to talk about. Chasing down your next horror fix? Check out these episodes: 'Backrooms' brings YouTube horror to the big screen In ‘Weapons’, the kids aren't at all right, not in the slightest, nope Should you give 'Presence' the ghost of a chance? Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

In the new post-apocalyptic film The Dog Stars , a virus has wiped out most of humanity and the survivors eke out a meager existence trying to stay alive. Sound like an oh-too-familiar tale? What if it featured stars like Jacob Elordi, Margaret Qualley, and Allison Janney? And was directed by Ridley Scott and based on a best-selling novel? Would it be enough to pull you in? Should it be? Want more action from Hollywood’s biggest directors? Check out these episodes: Spielberg revisits aliens and alienation in ‘Disclosure Day’ 'Gladiator II': Are you not entertained? Still? Again? Some more? ‘The Odyssey’ is an ancient tale on a modern budget Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

The movie Coyote vs. Acme comes with some buzzy lore: it was famously shelved, and almost didn’t see the light of day. But it’s here now, and it’s good and looney! It follows Wile E. Coyote when he decides to sue the Acme Corporation for manufacturing crappy, ineffective products. The cast includes Will Forte, John Cena and Lana Condor. We also talk about our favorite Dolly Parton musical performances. If you want more animated capers, check out these episodes: 'Minions & Monsters' is, oddly enough, a love letter to Old Hollywood In 'Toy Story 5,' playtime's over and screentime's in Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

Every generation gets its own version of a “20-somethings hang out and make mistakes” sitcom. And Gen Z’s got Adults , a silly series about a group of friends cohabitating in Queens, New York – and it makes for fun and all-too-relatable TV fodder. Adults is back for its second season on Hulu, so today we’re revisiting our episode about the series. If you want more bingeable comedies, check out these episodes: ‘The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ is (30) Rock-solid Meg Stalter shines in the rom-com 'Too Much' ‘Widow’s Bay’ is an island in the scream Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

It’s back to school season, which has us thinking about our favorite teachers. The ones who really saw us, changed our points of view, or set us on new paths. But of all the teachers we've seen in TV and movies, which of them do we wish we'd had to educate us in real life? Today we’re talking about fictional on-screen teachers from My Girl , My So-Called Life , Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit and Dune: Part One . If you like want more episodes like this one, check out: The reality TV show I'd like to judge The TV show I'd like to live in The American dream according to ‘The Wire,’ ‘Apollo 13’ and more Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

HBO’s new DC superhero show Lanterns is not the show you think it is. It’s about a couple of space cops: Kyle Chandler plays Earth’s Green Lantern, Hal Jordan, a grizzled, impulsive old-timer reluctantly training up his backup, John Stewart (Aaron Pierre). Yet the story avoids cosmic sweep and spectacle in favor of a character-driven mystery and a grounded setting. Does this series thread the needle to appeal to comics nerds and newcomers alike? If you need more superhero stories, check out these episodes: 'Supergirl' has a solid hero but could use a better villain Marvel’s ‘Wonder Man’ is a low-key, low-stakes buddy comedy Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

In the new film Tony , we meet chef and author Anthony Bourdain before he was in the public eye. He was a wayward, overconfident young guy, and, as played by Dominic Sessa, kind of a piece of work. The movie focuses on a pivotal summer in 1975, when Tony worked in his first kitchen, a tiny hole-in-the-wall in Provincetown. But does the film break out of the familiar biopic formula to tell a compelling story? Do you like biopics about complicated artists? Check out: ‘Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere’ is better than your average biopic In 'A Complete Unknown,' Timothée Chalamet captures the idea of Bob Dylan Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

We're traveling way back in time to 1971 -- when Richard Nixon was president, the Beatles were newly broken up, and Fiddler on the Roof was one of the biggest movies at the box office. Today in this encore episode, we’re revisiting a special edition of What's Making Us Happy, recommending pop culture from the 1970s – including Isaac Hayes’ Shaft soundtrack, Carol King’s Tapestry, Marvin Gaye’s What’s Going On , and The Monster at the End of This Book . Looking for more pop culture from the past? Check out these episodes: The American dream according to ‘The Wire,’ ‘Apollo 13’ and more ‘Jaws’ is still stuck in our teeth, 50 years later 'Shrek' – a weird, flatulent and beloved franchise – turns 25 Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

Phoebe Bridgers is your favorite pop star’s favorite pop star. And she’s just released a gorgeous new solo album, Lost Weekend . It’s packed with guest stars including her boygenius bandmates, pop superproducer Jack Antonoff and her partner, Bo Burnham. The record’s 16 songs are full of lore, lush sonic ideas, and quotable insights about love, sex, and death. But does Bridgers’ long-awaited return make up for lost time? If you need more multifaceted pop music, check out these episodes: Ariana Grande stares down the public eye in 'Petal' Olivia Rodrigo seems pretty sad, but does she still generate bangers? Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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

The new movie Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma is a bloody and bewildering queer slasher film. Directed by Jane Schoenbrun ( I Saw the TV Glow ), it stars Hannah Einbinder as a queer young filmmaker tapped to reboot a defunct slasher franchise, and Gillian Anderson as a reclusive actress. The movie is a meditation on slashers and film itself, sexuality and identity – and it’s also gore-filled fun you won’t want to miss. Want more queer indie horror? Check out these episodes: 'I Saw the TV Glow' is weird and transfixing 'Love Lies Bleeding' is the queer erotic thriller Kristen Stewart fans have wanted Connect with Pop Culture Happy Hour: Letterboxd / Facebook Our weekly newsletter Support public media with NPR+ and enjoy perks for over 25 podcasts like this one. This show’s perks include bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening. Learn more at plus.npr.org . 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