Pop Culture

Debbie Harry and Clem Burke, 14th Street, NYC, circa 1976.

Against the odds: How Blondie shattered the conventions of punk and pop

9:16am August 25, 2022

by Allyson McCabe

From unreleased music to promotional flyers, photos, a mirrored dressing room sign, and even a stray Andy Warhol print, Blondie's out with a new box set, Blondie: Against The Odds 1974-1982.

Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian, Sylvester Stallone, Dwayne Wade, and Kevin Hart

Kim Kardashian, Kevin Hart and Sylvester Stallone are accused of massive water waste

8:45am August 24, 2022

by Vanessa Romo

To paraphrase Kim Kardashian, it seems like nobody wants to conserve water these days. The celebrities are on a long list of rich and famous LA residents who received notices for excessive water use.

Poppy, played by Adina Verson, works as the beleaguered assistant to morally dubious podcaster Cinda Canning in the hit Hulu series Only Murders In the Building.

Arts

The rise of the 'Morally Dubious Podcaster' in pop culture

5:00am August 24, 2022

by Neda Ulaby

You'll find these characters at the heart of movies and shows such as Vengeance, Dexter: New Blood, Rutherford Falls and Only Murders in the Building.

Michael K. Williams in Brooklyn in 2021.

Arts

Michael K. Williams' memoir 'Scenes From My Life' shows how he turned trauma into art

6:06pm August 23, 2022

by Eric Deggans

The beloved actor made his mark playing tough characters; but he wanted young Black men to know it was okay to be vulnerable.

Queue Listen Now

"No, I like it. It's a statement piece. Really completes the space." Viserys (Paddy Considine) and Rheanyra (Milly Alcock) in House of the Dragon.

Books
Arts

In the 'House of the Dragon' series premiere, the blood of the dragon runs thick

10:00pm August 21, 2022

by Glen Weldon

We recap the debut episode of the Game of Thrones prequel, in which tragedy strikes the Seven Kingdoms, and a new heir is named for the Iron Throne ... for now, anyway.

Voice actor Vic Mignogna attends the premiere of Dragon Ball Super: Broly in December 2018 in Hollywood, California.

National

A Dragon Ball voice actor loses his appeal of his sexual harassment defamation suit

6:09pm August 19, 2022

by Juliana Kim

Vic Mignogna's defamation suit against two women who accused him of sexual misconduct has put a spotlight on sexual harassment in the Japanese animation industry.

What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend listening and viewing

5:22pm August 19, 2022

Each week, the guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Chaka Khan, P-Valley, and more.

The latest version of HBO's George R.R. Martin adaptations features a dragon-drop interface.

Books
Arts

A handy 'House of the Dragon' glossary: places, powers and people you need to know

3:17pm August 19, 2022

by Glen Weldon

HBO's 'Game of Thrones' prequel throws a lot of proper nouns at you. Here's a guide to the important whos, whats and wheres of 'House of the Dragon.'

Red Keepin' it 100: A dragon flies over King's Landing on House of the Dragon.

Books
Arts

Should you watch the 'Game of Thrones' spinoff?

5:12pm August 18, 2022

by Glen Weldon

HBO's prequel 'House of the Dragon' drops you into King's Landing 200 years earlier than 'Game of Thrones.' But if you're leery of revisiting Westeros, here's what you need to know.

Emmett, from Carthage, N.C., made it into the finals of the kids' division sporting this blunt, baby-fringe haircut.

Meet this year's child Mullet Championship finalists

7:31am August 18, 2022

by Vanessa Romo

It can take years to grow the perfect mullet, and these kids have put in their time to take home the 2022 USA Mullet Championship trophy. Here's a peek at some of the most remarkable contestant 'dos.