Pop Culture Happy Hour: Summer Guide And What's Making Us Happy
Released April 25, 2025 by NPR
Hosts: Linda Holmes, Glen Weldon, Stephen Thompson, and Aisha Harris
Overview: In this episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, the hosts delve into their top picks for summer 2025, spanning the latest movies and TV shows. They also share personal highlights that have brought them joy recently. The conversation is enriched with insightful commentary, lively debates, and notable quotes, providing listeners with a comprehensive guide to navigating the summer's pop culture landscape.
Summer Picks: Movies and TV Shows
1. Glenn Weldon’s Selections
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Superman
Release Date: July 11, 2025
Details: Directed by James Gunn, this new Superman film stars David Corenswet as Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. Weldon praises the film for embracing its comic book roots, infusing color, brightness, and whimsical elements that stray from the typical dark and gritty superhero narratives.
Quote: “It’s embracing all the comic book stuff, which leans so hard into high fantasy, sci-fi, whimsy” (04:10). -
Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025
Details: Featuring Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Eben Moss Bacharach, this installment aims to revive the Fantastic Four franchise by returning to its "retro-futuristic" aesthetic. Weldon highlights the film's commitment to its visual and narrative roots, hoping it avoids past pitfalls by staying true to the essence of the original comics.
Quote: “It has to be an idealized version. Superhero films have always had a love-hate, very weird relationship with the comics they come from” (05:15).
2. Stephen Thompson’s Selections
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M3GAN 2.0 (Math Regan)
Release Date: June 27, 2025
Details: A sequel to the 2022 hit, this film continues exploring the intersection of artificial intelligence and humanity through the story of a killer doll named Megan. Thompson appreciates the film's ability to blend horror with social commentary, particularly regarding our reliance on AI for human connection.
Quote: “It represents humanity's desire to use AI as a replacement for human connection” (07:22). -
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Release Date: May 23, 2025
Details: The eighth installment in the Mission: Impossible series sees Tom Cruise reprising his role as Ethan Hunt. While Thompson criticizes the often convoluted plots, he remains a fan of the franchise's thrilling set pieces and anticipates the latest film’s high-octane action sequences.
Quote: “I really just hope that the filmmakers lean into the ideas associated with it” (11:09).
3. Aisha Harris’s Selections
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Duster (TV Show)
Streaming Date: May 15, 2025 on Max
Details: Executive produced by J.J. Abrams and showrunner Latoya Morgan, "Duster" is set in the 1970s and follows a black female FBI agent, played by Rachel Hilson, who recruits Josh Holloway’s character to dismantle his crime family. Harris is intrigued by the show's exploration of race and power dynamics within the historical context of the FBI.
Quote: “It's about a black woman in the 70s in the FBI, which was known for doing really horrible things” (14:08). -
Adults (TV Show)
Premiering: May 28, 2025 on FX; streaming May 29 on Hulu
Details: This new FX series centers on five friends living together in their childhood home, navigating adulthood's challenges. With cast members like Nick Kroll and Stephanie Robinson, Harris is excited about the show's potential to capture the essence of friendship and the complexities of modern life.
Quote: “Whether they're trying to get ahead at work, navigating the healthcare system, hosting a dinner party, or dating in the age of find my friends” (20:10).
What's Making Us Happy This Week
1. Glenn Weldon:
- Documentary: Room 237
Details: Glenn shares his appreciation for this documentary, which explores various fan theories about Stanley Kubrick's The Shining. He enjoys how the film delves into deep analysis and showcases the lengths to which fans will interpret and find meaning in cinematic works.
Quote: “They kind of leave room for an explanation of how people can find anything if they spend enough time looking” (25:00).
2. Aisha Harris:
- Music: Wet – Two Lives
Details: Aisha is enamored with Wet’s indie pop album Two Lives. She praises the band’s dreamy synths and melancholic melodies, highlighting the song "Rosie" as a standout track that embodies the album’s summery and wistful vibe.
Quote: “The instrumentation and the music just make me happy” (26:23).
3. Stephen Thompson:
- Music: The Beaches – No Hard Feelings
Details: Stephen is excited about the Canadian indie group The Beaches and their forthcoming album No Hard Feelings, set to release on August 29, 2025. He commends their infectious hooks and joyful sound, particularly the single "Last Girls at the Party," which he anticipates will become a staple at pride events.
Quote: “This song is a jam. It's big fun” (27:11).
Conclusion
The Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts offer a diverse and thoughtfully curated list of summer entertainment options, from superhero blockbusters to thought-provoking TV dramas. Their personal picks not only highlight what's trending but also provide deeper insights into what resonates with each host. Additionally, their "What's Making Us Happy" segment adds a personal touch, showcasing their varied interests and sources of joy beyond mainstream media.
Whether you're seeking the vibrant escapism of Superman and Fantastic Four or the introspective thrills of M3GAN 2.0 and Mission: Impossible, this episode serves as an invaluable guide to making the most of your summer 2025.
Notable Quotes:
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Glenn Weldon on Superman: “It’s embracing all the comic book stuff, which leans so hard into high fantasy, sci-fi, whimsy” (04:10).
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Stephen Thompson on Mission: Impossible: “I really just hope that the filmmakers lean into the ideas associated with it” (11:09).
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Aisha Harris on Adults: “Whether they're trying to get ahead at work, navigating the healthcare system, hosting a dinner party, or dating in the age of find my friends” (20:10).
Timestamps Reference:
Note: Due to the text-based medium, the timestamps are referenced for illustrative purposes only.