Pop Culture Happy Hour: Guide To Great Shows On Network TV

Episode Release Date: February 11, 2025

NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour delves into the vibrant landscape of network television, highlighting a selection of new series that breathe fresh life into familiar genres. Hosts Linda Holmes and Glenn Weldon engage in insightful discussions about each show’s unique appeal, casting choices, and narrative structures. This comprehensive summary captures the essence of their conversation, providing an in-depth look at the recommended network TV offerings.

1. High Potential (ABC and Hulu)

Overview: High Potential stars Caitlin Olsen, renowned for her roles in Hacks and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia. She portrays a single mother who, while cleaning a police station, utilizes her exceptional observational and deductive skills to assist law enforcement as a crime-solving consultant.

Key Discussion Points:

• Origin and Creative Team: Linda Holmes introduces High Potential as an adaptation of a French series, helmed by showrunner Drew Goddard. Drew's impressive portfolio includes Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, Alias, and Lost. His involvement brings a seasoned, pop-culture-friendly pedigree to the series.

  "The showrunner is Drew Goddard, who's got, I think it's safe to say, a very pop culture happy hour friendly pedigree."
  (00:43)

• Character Dynamics and Genre Appeal: Holmes describes the genre as "gifted eccentric procedurals" (GEPs), a nod to classics like Sherlock Holmes. Caitlin Olsen's character is portrayed as both brilliant and overly critical, providing a fresh take on the traditional consulting detective trope.

  "These procedurals often depend on the appeal of the non-eccentric handler... I appreciate that."
  (04:30)

• Performance and Relatability: Olsen's portrayal balances her character's sharpness with moments of relatability, such as her interactions with her embarrassed child. Holmes appreciates the nuanced depiction, making the character both formidable and endearing.

  "I enjoy her enough that the fun of it is appealing to me."
  (05:35)

Conclusion: High Potential stands out by merging classic procedural elements with contemporary storytelling, anchored by Caitlin Olsen's compelling performance and Drew Goddard's experienced direction.

2. Matlock (CBS and Paramount+)

Overview: Kathy Bates headlines Matlock, portraying Madeline Matlock, a septuagenarian lawyer who infiltrates a high-powered law firm. Underestimated and overlooked, she leverages her unique approach to consistently win cases.

Key Discussion Points:

• Creative Influence: The series is created by Jenny Snyder Ehrman, known for her work on Jane the Virgin. Ehrman's ability to blend genre conventions with meta-commentary infuses Matlock with a smart, layered narrative structure.

  "I think it's quite clever to suggest that a 70-something woman attorney would not be somebody who necessarily would be instantly feared by a conventional legal establishment."
  (05:54)

• Performance and Character Development: Kathy Bates delivers a standout performance, bringing depth and charisma to Madeline Matlock. The character’s ability to navigate and manipulate the biases of her peers adds a compelling dynamic to the show.

  "This is your basic network TV gifted eccentric procedural... I think you should not expect to be stunned by it."
  (03:11)

• Pilot Excellence: Glenn Weldon praises the pilot for its tight storytelling and character setup, highlighting the chemistry between Bates and Beau Bridges. The pilot’s ability to establish relationships and deliver a gripping narrative sets a high standard.

  "This pilot sets up the characters, it sets up their dynamics. It tells a really tight little story."
  (07:32)

Conclusion: Matlock reinvents the procedural genre with its seasoned lead and intelligent writing, offering both episodic cases and serialized character arcs that enhance viewer engagement.

3. Dr. Odyssey (ABC and Hulu)

Overview: Dr. Odyssey features Joshua Jackson as Max, a newly arrived doctor aboard the cruise ship Odyssey, captained by Don Johnson's character, Captain Massey. Co-created by Ryan Murphy, Joe Bacon, and John Robert Bates, the show blends drama with a touch of absurdity.

Key Discussion Points:

• Genre and Tone: Holmes likens Dr. Odyssey to a mix of The Love Boat, House, and Dynasty, infused with intentional silliness. The show’s episodic cruises (e.g., wellness week, singles week) provide a framework for standalone stories interwoven with ongoing crew dynamics.

  "This show feels so claustrophobic to me... Everything about that show just feels cramped in."
  (13:39)

• Character Interactions and Storytelling: The series allows character relationships to develop within the confined environment of a cruise ship, leading to heightened interactions and dramatic tensions. Holmes notes the absence of conventional organizational structures, like HR, adding to the chaotic atmosphere.

  "There's gotta be a rule there. Right."
  (14:06)

• Performance and Reception: While supporting performances like Don Johnson and Joshua Jackson are highlighted, Holmes expresses mixed feelings about Jackson's portrayal, finding it less favorable compared to his past roles.

  "This is not my favorite iteration of him, honestly, because he's too confident."
  (15:39)

Conclusion: Dr. Odyssey offers a unique take on the medical drama by situating it on a cruise ship, blending procedural elements with character-driven narratives, although its tone may not appeal to all viewers.

4. Doc (Fox and Hulu)

Overview: Doc stars Molly Parker as Dr. Amy Larson, a brilliant but arrogant physician who suffers a brain injury erasing eight years of her life. The series explores her journey to reclaim her career and personal relationships amidst the challenges of her memory loss.

Key Discussion Points:

• Premise and Themes: The show presents a high-concept premise, focusing on Amy's struggle to rebuild her life and professional standing after her injury. The narrative delves into themes of identity, resilience, and the impact of memory on personal and professional relationships.

  "What I like about this is that they do a reasonably good job."
  (19:29)

• Character Complexity: Molly Parker's portrayal of Dr. Larson is praised for balancing vulnerability with intellectual prowess. The introduction of Scott Wolfe as a morally ambiguous character adds depth and tension to the storyline.

  "She's very, very brilliant in figuring out medical mysteries."
  (17:46)

• Tone and Execution: While the pilot sets a somber tone, the show's premise allows for the exploration of dramatic and innovative storytelling. Weldon notes the potential for melodramatic elements, questioning whether the show maintains balance or veers into telenovela territory.

  "There are some big tears. You're also setting up Scott Wolfe as a kind of mustache, twirly, venal, grasping villain character."
  (18:50)

Conclusion: Doc distinguishes itself with its intricate character study and medical mystery elements, offering a compelling narrative that balances personal drama with professional challenges.

5. St. Denis Medical (NBC and Peacock)

Overview: St. Denis Medical is a mockumentary-style comedy that follows Alison Tolman’s character, Alex, a dedicated nurse in an underfunded Oregon hospital. The series also stars Wendy McClendon Covey as Joyce, a doctor turned executive director striving to improve the hospital's reputation.

Key Discussion Points:

• Style and Humor: Emulating the mockumentary format of The Office, the show employs humor derived from the everyday challenges and interpersonal dynamics within a struggling hospital environment.

  "It's a mockumentary style comedy in which Alison Tolman plays a nurse named Alex."
  (20:13)

• Casting and Performances: The series boasts a stellar cast, including David Alan Grier, whose performances add depth and comedic flair without sacrificing character authenticity. The chemistry among the ensemble cast contributes to the show's relatable and engaging atmosphere.

  "It's... People are really good at doing what they're being asked to do, which is complicated because... they don't become not people."
  (21:11)

• Thematic Resonance: St. Denis Medical touches on real-world issues such as healthcare management, resource limitations, and workplace dynamics, all while maintaining a lighthearted and humorous tone. Holmes connects the show’s creative DNA to series like Superstore, highlighting its compassionate yet comedic approach to workplace storytelling.

  "The hospital administrator is constantly trying to figure out how to differentiate herself and differentiate the hospital because they're always, they feel in competition."
  (22:22)

Conclusion: St. Denis Medical successfully blends workplace comedy with heartfelt narratives, offering a humorous yet poignant look at life in an underfunded hospital, enriched by strong performances and relatable scenarios.

Final Thoughts

Linda Holmes and Glenn Weldon conclude their episode by emphasizing the diversity and distinctiveness of network TV shows. They highlight how each series offers unique forms of entertainment without overwhelming the viewer, making network television a viable and enjoyable alternative to the streaming giants.

"They're all really different, but I think they're all worth checking out. If you're kind of looking for a show that's not going to break you with how depressing it is, and I'm grateful for that."
(23:12)

Supporting Network TV: The hosts advocate for the enduring quality and innovative offerings of network television, suggesting that these shows provide a balanced mix of episodic and serialized storytelling across various genres.

Pop Culture Happy Hour continues to serve as a valuable guide for viewers navigating the expansive world of network television, offering thoughtful recommendations and insightful commentary on the latest shows shaping the pop culture landscape.