Arts & Life

Paul (Timothee Chalamet) and the Bene Gesserit Reverend Mother (Charlotte Rampling) regard each other warily in DUNE.

Arts

'Dune': A sweeping, spectacular spice-opera — half of one, anyway

11:00pm October 16, 2021

by Glen Weldon

Denis Villeneuve's take on Frank Herbert's novel of galactic intrigue and revolution manages to be both epic and introspective, though it doles out its story with gravid deliberateness.

The Hollywood sign above homes in the Hollywood Hills.

Arts

Hollywood crew members reach a tentative deal with major studios, averting a strike

10:24pm October 16, 2021

by Mandalit del Barco

After months of negotiation and a strike on the horizon, Hollywood crew members in the union IATSE have agreed to a deal with the major studios.

Natasha Rothwell/The White Lotus; Sarah Niles/Ted Lasso; Uzo Aduba/In Treatment

Arts

'Black Lady Therapists' are still a TV trope. But now they have more depth

6:05pm October 16, 2021

by Aisha Harris

Ted Lasso, In Treatment and The White Lotus have demonstrated how to subvert this tired stereotype.

Squid Game's creepy "red light, green light" doll.

Arts

Feel like you're missing something in 'Squid Game'? Here's a rundown

2:36pm October 16, 2021

by Janet W. Lee

Everyone's talking about the Netflix series Squid Game, about debt-ridden South Koreans playing deadly kids' games for cash — and if you feel like you're missing some cultural context, we can help.

Joel McHale performs at the Treasure Island Hotel & Casino on May 26, 2017, in Las Vegas.

Arts

'Wait Wait' for Oct. 16, 2021: Sweater Weather Edition

9:46am October 16, 2021

This week, the autumn leaves are changing, so we heat up some apple cider and remember some of our favorite moments from the past year.

Jodie Comer as Marguerite de Carrouges in The Last Duel.

Arts

The joys of surprising yourself with 'The Last Duel' ... and 'Succession'

6:00am October 16, 2021

by Linda Holmes

There's a kind of satisfaction that comes from something living up to your expectations. But there's a different kind of pleasure that only being surprised by your own reactions can bring.

Books
Arts

'This Thing Between Us' wants to hurt you — and you should let it

5:00am October 16, 2021

by Gabino Iglesias

Gus Moreno's new novel follows a man who flees the city where his wife's murder became a political and media sensation, but he can't escape either his grief or the thing that haunted their apartment.

A slice of the 12-layer chocolate cake known as "Bruce" is adorned with colorful sprinkles at the British bakery Get Baked. But regulators say the topping is illegal, as it includes a color additive that is permitted only for other uses.

'Sprinklegate' sinks a U.K. bakery's top sellers after topping is found to be illegal

5:46pm October 15, 2021

by Bill Chappell

"It is HIGHLY unlikely that we will find any legal sprinkles that we will use as a replacement," says Rich Myers, owner of the Get Baked bakery in Leeds. "I am extremely passionate about sprinkles."

Employees of the streaming service are planning a walk out on Wednesday, over transphobic remarks made in Dave Chappelle's latest special.

Arts

Netflix fires employee as internal conflicts over latest Dave Chappelle special grow

5:21pm October 15, 2021

by Andrew Limbong

The company alleges that the employee leaked confidential information outside the company. Netflix employees have planned a walkout over transphobic comments made in Chappelle's new special.

A screenshot from Nick Lustko's video "Spirit Halloween Planet."

Arts

What's making us happy: What you should watch, read and listen to this weekend

4:59pm October 15, 2021

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Spirit Halloween videos, the podcast Suspect, and more.