Pop Culture Happy Hour (NPR)

Episode: The Reality TV Show I'd Like To Judge

Date: October 22, 2025

Episode Overview

In this engaging episode, the Pop Culture Happy Hour team—Linda Holmes, Stephen Thompson, Glenn Weldon, and guest Ronald Young Jr.—tackle the delightful hypothetical: If you could be a judge on any reality TV competition, which would you choose and why? The conversation delves into the nuances and frustrations of TV judging, the evolution of reality competitions, and the fantasy (and realities) of holding that all-important judge's seat on shows from American Idol to Drag Race.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Why Judge?

• Stephen Thomson introduces the episode's premise: “Who’s more powerful than the contestants? The judges.” (00:34)
• The hosts reflect on how judging is central not only to reality TV shows, but also to the home-viewing experience.

2. Stephen Thompson: American Idol

• American Idol is Stephen’s pick, despite his admitted lack of personal musical or culinary talent for most shows.
• Critiques the lack of constructive feedback on the show:

  “The judging had gone from atrocious to sort of offensively atrocious... the only good judge is Simon Cowell, and he’s there to judge commercial potential, which is completely different from judging talent.” (04:25)

• Wishes he could have guided contestants towards more emotionally resonant performances, versus just “powering through big notes.”

  "I would love to have the power to kind of retroactively direct a generation of singers to think about the words that they're singing." (06:34)

• Notes how the show’s format rewards volume over nuance, a trend still rippling through pop music today.

Memorable Moment

• The hosts poke fun at the show's format:

  “Survivor does not have judges... I thought briefly about The Masked Singer, but the job... is mostly, 'I wonder if it’s Lady Gaga?' when of course it’s like the third most talented Pussycat Doll." (03:28)

3. Ronald Young Jr.: Rhythm + Flow

• Ronald chooses Netflix’s hip-hop competition Rhythm + Flow:

  "It is the rap competition show Rhythm and Flow. ...The first season's judges was Cardi B, Chance the Rapper, and T.I." (08:37)

• Critiques the superficiality of some judge feedback ("I don't really like your energy") and laments controversial decisions—like a contested winner in Season 2.
• Observes the changing nature of stardom in music:

  "It feels harder to mint good rappers in a reality show... now that you could become a star from your Instagram following..." (09:56)

• Stresses the importance of judges who genuinely understand and can articulate the craft.

Notable Quote

• About wanting to change the top 3:

  "If Ronald had been a judge, that would have happened. Cause I would have eliminated that winner like three episodes ago." (11:06)

• Stephen agrees on the lack of useful, practical feedback:

  "When your critique of a rapper is, I just don't like your energy, you are missing so many elements that you can actually provide useful feedback about." (12:55)

4. Linda Holmes: Top Chef

• Linda selects Top Chef, appreciating its evolution toward merit-based competition and broader definitions of fine dining.
• Praises former host Padma Lakshmi’s influence:

  “I think they have tried to expand their ideas of what fine dining is. I think some of that was heavily influenced by Padma Lakshmi as her creative role kind of stepped up in that show over time.” (15:40)

• Applauds the show’s real-world success for contestants, and the focus on culinary craft rather than fame.
• Loves the idea of being a constructive, food-loving judge.
• Acknowledges the difficulty:

  "These judges are our only way in. We cannot taste this food... This is all dependent on the judges telling us what they're tasting or not tasting. I knew I couldn't do it. More power to you." - Glenn Weldon (17:43)

• Discusses the “outsider” effect when non-chef celebrities guest and differ from the professional palate.

Memorable Moment

• Stephen’s idea of a “kids’ episode”:

  "Unless it was specifically an episode in which they were cooking for children... chunks of hot dog, shredded cheese." (18:10)

5. Glenn Weldon: RuPaul’s Drag Race

• Glenn's pick is ever-appropriately Drag Race.
• Feels uniquely qualified for the show's (in)famous pun-heavy judging:

  “All that a judge needs to bring to Drag Race is cringeworthy, sweaty puns... It is my vocation, it is my avocation, it is my métier, it is my calling. I feel called to service!” (20:03)

• Planned arsenal: literary puns, comic book references, even a few risqué lines.
• Admits he’d falter at the “wet-eyed, earnest sincerity” expected in recent seasons:

  "That's where I would run into trouble... they have to go back to the workroom and meet the queens and tell them they're wonderful. And that's not my issue." (22:00)

• Humorous take on podcaster “celebrity” status:

  “The tsunami of disappointment that would crash over me... as they realize that past seasons... got Gaga and Ariana... and they get me.” (23:30)

• Group agrees there’s a (tiny but mighty) subset of fans who’d love to see a critic as judge:

  “I just want to point out the Venn diagram of people who watch Drag Race that saw y'all as judges would be very, very excited.” - Ronald (24:07)

Notable Quotes & Highlights

• Ronald Young Jr.: “If Ronald had been a judge, that would not have happened!” (11:09)
• Stephen Thompson: “I would love to have the power to kind of retroactively direct a generation of singers to think about the words that they're singing.” (06:34)
• Glenn Weldon: “At the end of the day, Drag Race is a show about being performed at. ... All that a judge needs... is cringeworthy, sweaty puns.” (20:03)
• Linda Holmes: “I personally like the idea of working with a show that is trying to be, you know, serious about its mission in that way. Also, I think they make a lot of good food.” (15:39)
• Stephen Thompson: "Survivor does not have judges... I thought briefly about The Masked Singer, but the job... is mostly, 'I wonder if it’s Lady Gaga?' when of course it’s like the third most talented Pussycat Doll." (03:28)

Segment Timestamps

• [02:48] – Panelist introductions
• [03:28] – Stephen chooses and defends American Idol
• [08:37] – Ronald details his experience with Rhythm + Flow
• [14:20] – Linda’s case for Top Chef
• [19:59] – Glenn’s passionate plea for Drag Race
• [24:07] – Reflections on the fantasy vs. reality of “celebrity judge” status and closing remarks

Conclusion

This episode serves up a nerdy, nuanced breakdown of reality TV judging—lamenting missteps, celebrating fan-favorite formats, and sneakily revealing what makes these competitions so addictive. Whether you’re a foodie, music lover, or drag aficionado, the panelists’ righteous wish lists and constructive critiques express what makes real judging so satisfying (and hard). They close with an invitation for listeners to share which show they'd love to judge, and Linda wittily declares:

“I judge all of you. Winners, winners, winners.” (24:50)