Pop Culture Happy Hour Plus
NPR
SummaryLooking for a companion to help you navigate the relentless pace of modern entertainment? Pop Culture Happy Hour is your weekly roundtable for everything worth watching, listening to, and discussing. Join hosts Linda Holmes, Aisha Harris, Stephen Thompson, and Glen Weldon as they break down the latest television shows, blockbuster films, indie horror, and beyond. Whether they are dissecting the nuances of character-driven dramas like The Bear, analyzing the evolution of iconic franchises, or debating the cultural impact of Gen Z’s cinematic preferences, the team offers thoughtful, witty, and often deeply personal perspectives. The show thrives on its unique variety, seamlessly shifting from deep-dive critical analysis of social themes to lighthearted, nostalgic games about pop culture merchandise. Beyond the reviews, you will find recurring segments like "What’s Making Us Happy," where the hosts and their diverse roster of guests share personal favorites, from addictive reality TV to art-rock bands and classic literature. It is not just about keeping up with the trends; it is about exploring how media reflects our collective experiences, triumphs, and anxieties. By balancing sharp intellectual critiques with infectious enthusiasm, the panel manages to tackle everything from prestige cinema to lowbrow delights with equal care. Pull up a chair and join the conversation—it is the perfect way to make sense of the cultural landscape, one recommendation at a time.
Updated Jul 7, 2026
Episodes
Gen Z and the movies
Gen Z is reshaping the box office, driving the success of horror films that reflect their unique digital experiences.
A wacky merchandise quiz
Test your knowledge of bizarre brand collaborations, from onion-flavored ice cream to Shrek-themed green ketchup.
Minions & Monsters and What’s Making Us Happy
The Minions return to the big screen for a meta, cinema-loving side quest that sparks a lively debate on pop culture.
The Bear
The final season of The Bear delivers a scaled-back look at the restaurant crew navigating a high-stakes service.
The best depictions of the American dream
Explore how Apollo 13, The Wire, Grey Gardens, and Jasmine Sullivan map the hopes and contradictions of the American dream.
Jackass: Best and Last
The Jackass crew returns for a final victory lap that trades groundbreaking stunts for a nostalgic clip show.
Supergirl and What’s Making Us Happy
Supergirl takes flight in a gritty new film that balances superhero tropes with the dark intensity of True Grit.
Great movies we missed
Discover overlooked cinematic gems including a high-stakes crime caper, a kinetic martial arts film, and more.
Leviticus
The indie horror film Leviticus offers a visceral, bleak exploration of queer desire and religious trauma.
Best Pixar Movies, Ranked
Relive the magic of Pixar as we revisit our listener poll to count down the studio's greatest animated masterpieces.
Toy Story 5 and What's Making Us Happy
Toy Story 5 explores the existential crisis of obsolescence as toys face off against the allure of screen time.
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