Our 15 Favorites Of 2017
The panel runs down their 15 favorite TV shows, movies, books, video games, and trends of 2017.
Dec 27, 2017•31 min
Vishnu Prasad
Vishnu Prasad
Last refreshed: ⓘ
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more
Episodes
The Post and What's Making Us Happy
The panel chats about the Post, Steven Spielberg's latest film which follows the Washington Post's decision to publish the Pentagon Papers. The movie stars Tom Hanks and Meryl Streep. Guest: All Things Considered Film Critic Bob Mondello.
Dec 22, 2017•27 min
Our Hanukkah Special
While you may have wrapped up your Hanukkah celebrations, we wanted to share a conversation about the role that Hanukkah plays for kids and adults, and some of the pop culture that surrounds it. Guests: Weekend Edition Editor Barrie Hardymon and KJZZ Senior Producer Sarah Ventre.
Dec 20, 2017•26 min
Star Wars: The Last Jedi and What's Making Us Happy
Writer/director Rian Johnson joins the Star Wars franchise to deliver a chapter that's fast, fun and freewheeling, even as it introduces surprising nuance to the classic Dark Side vs. Light Side beef. Guest: NPR White House Correspondent Tamara Keith.
Dec 15, 2017•31 min
The Shape of Water
The panel talks about the Guillermo del Toro film about a woman racing to save her not-quite-human true love from the bad guys. Guest: NPR Arts Desk Correspondent Neda Ulaby.
Dec 13, 2017•16 min
The Disaster Artist, The Room, and What's Making Us Happy
James Franco's The Disaster Artist tells the story of the making of The Room , one of the most famous awful movies of all time. The panel sits down to talk about Franco's vision and his muse. Guest: NPR Music's Marissa Lorusso.
Dec 08, 2017•25 min
Call Me By Your Name
Luca Guadagnino's lush adaptation of Andre Aciman's novel stars Timothee Chalamet as a teenage prodigy who falls in love with a visiting grad student played by Armie Hammer. Guest: All Things Considered Film Critic Bob Mondello.
Dec 06, 2017•19 min
Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri
The panel reviews Martin McDonagh's polarizing new film, which stars Frances McDormand, Woody Harrelson, and Sam Rockwell. Guest: Code Switch co-host Gene Demby.
Dec 01, 2017•28 min
Coco
Pixar's latest animated film follows young Miguel through an adventure that teaches him about family and remembrance. Code Switch's Shereen Marisol Meraji joins the panel to talk about the film and the Disney short Olaf's Frozen Advenure.
Nov 29, 2017•22 min
Black-ish and What's Making Us Happy
The panel checks in with the ABC sitcom Black-ish, then share what's making them happy this week. Guests: Brittany Luse and Eric Eddings, co-hosts of The Nod.
Nov 24, 2017•29 min
Lady Bird
The panel chats about why they love Lady Bird, the coming-of-age film written and directed by Greta Gerwig and starring Saoirse Ronan.
Nov 22, 2017•23 min
Justice League and What's Making Us Happy
The gang discusses DC Comics' latest movie, featuring Batman, Wonder Woman, The Flash, and Cyborg. That, plus What's Making Us Happy this week. Guests: NPR Music
Nov 17, 2017•23 min
Murder On The Orient Express and Cozy Murder Mysteries
The panel tackles Kenneth Branagh's new Agatha Christie remake — and picks a few recommendations for when you just want to snuggle under blankets and watch a murder get solved. Guests: Weekend Edition Editor Barrie Hardymon and Librarian Margaret H. Willison.
Nov 15, 2017•18 min
This Is Us, Speechless, and What's Making Us Happy
All Things Considered host Ari Shapiro joins the panel to disuss This Is Us, NBC's hit family drama. Then, All Things Considered Host Audie Cornish tags in for a chat about ABC's new sitcom Speechless. Plus, what's making us happy this week. (This episode originally aired on December 6, 2016.)
Nov 10, 2017•45 min
Pop Culture Advice With Audie Cornish
The Pop Culture Happy Hour gang answer some pop culture advice questions, including balancing recaps with television consumption and if you should try to expand your girlfriend's pop culture tastes.
Nov 08, 2017•11 min
Thor: Ragnarok and What's Making Us Happy
The panel takes on the latest from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with help from Code Switch co-host and established Taika Waititi fan Shereen Marisol Meraji.
Nov 03, 2017•28 min
Stranger Things 2
After a highly successful first season, the Netflix monster mystery returns. But does it overcome the challenges that have plagued sequels for decades? Guest: TV Critic Eric Deggans.
Nov 01, 2017•19 min
American Vandal and What's Making Us Happy
The panel discusses American Vandal, the Netflix mockumentary series that's a hilariously precise dissection of our cultural fascination with true crime narratives. Guest: Mallory Ortberg of Slate's Dear Prudence.
Oct 27, 2017•25 min
John Hodgman
Author, comedian, and fake internet judge John Hodgman talks about his new book Vacationland , mediating internet disputes, writing a serious book after a lot of fake facts, and lots more.
Oct 25, 2017•14 min
Shark Tank and What's Making Us Happy
NPR White House correspondent Tamara Keith joins the panel to talk about the oddly successful and often bizarre ABC series that brings entrepreneurs to beg for money from rich people.
Oct 20, 2017•31 min
Tom Hanks
Actor Tom Hanks talks to host Linda Holmes about his new short story collection Uncommon Type, the cosmos, David S. Pumpkins, Nora Ephron, men dancing in shrimp costumes, and how the film industry is changing.
Oct 18, 2017•30 min
Will & Grace and What's Making Us Happy
NBC's Will & Grace is back for at least two revival seasons, more than 10 years after it went off the air the first time. But is the sitcom still relevant in 2017? Guests: Tobin Low and Kathy Tu, Co-Hosts of Nancy from WNYC Studios.
Oct 13, 2017•29 min
The Good Place
A discussion of the NBC comedy The Good Place, which stars Kristen Bell and Ted Danson. We're big fans of the show, and it's from one of the creators of Parks and Recreation and Brooklyn Nine-Nine. It's funny and weird and packed with jokes, and it's all about the afterlife. Guest: Producer Emeritus and Music Director Mike Katzif.
Oct 11, 2017•17 min
Blade Runner 2049
Writer Chris Klimek joins Stephen Thompson and Glen Weldon to discuss Denis Villeneuve's sequel to the Ridley Scott cult classic Blade Runner.
Oct 06, 2017•21 min
The Princess Bride And Remembering Tom Petty
This year The Princess Bride turns 30, so we decided to discuss the film and its enduring legacy. Plus, we take a moment to remember rock legend Tom Petty, who died Monday at the age of 66. Guest: Code Switch's Kat Chow.
Oct 04, 2017•23 min
Battle of the Sexes and What's Making Us Happy
The new film, starring Emma Stone as Billie Jean King and Steve Carell as Bobby Riggs, the players facing off in one of the most famous tennis matches in history. Plus, what's making us happy this week. Guest: Writer Katie Presley.
Sep 29, 2017•26 min
Movie Roundup: The LEGO Ninjago Movie, Kingsman: The Golden Circle, And Mother!
Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, and Glen Weldon discuss three recent releases then look back at their summer box office predictions.
Sep 27, 2017•23 min
Fall Movie Preview
As summer gives way to fall, blockbusters give way to award contenders. Critics Linda Holmes, Bob Mondello, Tasha Robinson, and Bilal Quershi share some of the best, buzziest and otherwise noteworthy films coming to theaters.
Sep 22, 2017•47 min
Emmy Awards 2017
NPR's TV critic joins the gang for a look at this year's Emmy Awards. The Handmaid's Tale , Big Little Lies , Saturday Night Live , Veep and Atlanta all won multiple awards in major categories, on a night that rarely strayed far from current events. Also, we take a moment to remember actor Harry Dean Stanton.
Sep 18, 2017•18 min
The Deuce and What's Making Us Happy
The gang tackles David Simon's new HBO drama about the rise of the adult-film industry in New York's Times Square. And, as always, What's Making Us Happy this week. Guests: Weekend Edition Books Editor Barrie Hardymon and Writer Katie Presley.
Sep 15, 2017•29 min
Hosted on Spotify for Creators (Anchor)
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android