Linda Holmes
Linda Holmes is a pop culture correspondent for NPR and the host of Pop Culture Happy Hour. She began her professional life as an attorney. In time, however, her affection for writing, popular culture, and the online universe eclipsed her legal ambitions. She shoved her law degree in the back of the closet, gave its living room space to DVD sets of The Wire, and never looked back.
Holmes was a writer and editor at Television Without Pity, where she recapped several hundred hours of programming — including both High School Musical movies, for which she did not receive hazard pay. Her first novel, Evvie Drake Starts Over, was published in the summer of 2019.
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In the new Pixar film Elio, a lonely kid dreams of being abducted by aliens. And then one day, it happens. Eager to find a place to belong, Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) volunteers to save the aliens from a dangerous enemy. Along the way, he makes a friend and starts to think about Earth a little differently. The film was directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi (Turning Red) and Adrian Molina (Coco). Follow Pop Culture Happy Hour on Letterboxd at letterboxd.com/nprpopculture To access bonus episodes and sponsor-free listening for Pop Culture Happy Hour, subscribe to Pop Culture Happy Hour+ at plus.npr.org/happy. -
Tom Hiddleston stars in the new adaptation of Stephen King's novella — which is somehow a very sweet film about the inevitable approach of death. -
The movie ends, and the credits roll. That used to be your cue to start heading to the parking lot to debrief with your friends. That was before the era of the post-credits scene, which often teases the next installment, or offers one last joke or thrill that you'll miss if you don't stick around. But is it really worth it to stick around? Today we're talking about the state of the post-credits scene, including Sinners, Pixar and Marvel movies, and more. -
What is the deal with post-credit movie scenes? NPR's Ayesha Rascoe talks with Linda Holmes, host of the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast, about why they exist and whether they really work.
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Superhero movies, thrillers and the return of some of our favorite TV shows — the 2025 summer season offers something for everyone.
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The first season of The Pitt focused on the toll that work takes on doctors and nurses. It's also been a stellar season of TV. -
It was an earnest and effusive evening — and for the most part, Hollywood left politics at home. A lot of films were recognized, but ultimately, it was Anora's night. -
There are 10 movies in the running for best picture. Our critics are split over whether Anora or Nickel Boys should take home the prize. -
Sometimes you need a good cry at the movies. Here are some of the best heartbreak films to get the tears flowing.
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The world is full of unsolvable problems and it's nice to see something get fixed. Millions of us are turning to YouTube to watch people unclog drains, deep clean rugs, and do other satisfying tasks.
