50 Wonderful Things From 2020
Linda Holmes' annual list of highlights from pop culture includes TV, movies, games, podcasts, TikTok videos and whatever else made the year a little easier.
Arts
Stephen King Is Sorry You Feel Like You're Stuck In A Stephen King Novel
The horror writer says he understands why fans have said the pandemic feels like living inside one of his novels. In April 2020, King told Fresh Air that COVID-19 filled him with a "gnawing anxiety."
Patrick Stewart On His Return To 'Star Trek': 'I'm Braver Now Than I Was'
Stewart is back as Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek: Picard. He says he's changed as an actor over the years: "I am not averse to risk-taking and I don't judge myself." Originally broadcast July 2, 2020.
The Kids' Books That Helped 2020 Go By — And A Few To Look Forward To
As the year draws to a close, our kids' books columnist Juanita Giles looks back at some of the books that helped her family get through 2020 — and ahead to some exciting titles for next year.
Dementia Complicates The Search For 2 Lost Women In 'Elizabeth Is Missing'
A new PBS Masterpiece psychological thriller stars Glenda Jackson as a woman desperately trying to solve two mysteries — even as her own grasp of reality is slipping away.
A Poet Reflects On How We Reckon — Or Fail To Reckon — With The Legacy Of Slavery
Atlantic writer Clint Smith grew up surrounded by Confederate iconography, being told that the Civil War wasn't about slavery. He shares a poem from his forthcoming book, How the Word Is Passed.
'Queen's Gambit' Co-Creator Scott Frank Wanted To Explore The 'Cost Of Genius'
The Netflix limited series tells the story of an orphaned girl who becomes a chess pro in a male-dominated world. Frank talks about consulting with grand masters and maximizing the drama of the game.
'Bridgerton' Is A Delicious, Raunchy Tale Of One Very Hot Family
Made by Shonda Rhimes' production company and adapted from a beloved series of romances, Bridgerton is witty, sexy, absorbing fun that might just keep you up late.
Tony Rice, Master Bluegrass Guitarist, Dies At 69
Tony Rice, the master bluegrass picker who drew fans worldwide for the chance to hear the quick, fluid sounds he conjured from his storied Martin D-28 guitar, has died at age 69.
Poetry Escapes The Beauty Bind In 'Wound From The Mouth Of A Wound'
In her debut collection, poet torrin a. greathouse explores what it means to be both trans and disabled, and the ways beauty can be a trap for trans women — so why not write towards ugliness?