Small Batch Edition: 'Wolf Hall' On PBS
PCHH pal and book enthusiast Barrie Hardymon joins us to talk Tudors, historical fiction, and expressive eyebrow acting.
Television
Why It's So Hard For Us To Agree About Dong From 'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'
With a name like Dong — and so few roles for Asian-American men on TV — it's understandable that this character has been raising eyebrows. But in the context of the show, Dong makes complete sense.
'Louie' Hits Its Mark While 'The Comedians' Hasn't Yet Fully Succeeded
Louis C.K.'s comedy and the new mockumentary The Comedians start Thursday on the FX cable network. Both are unusual and ambitious, says critic David Bianculli, but only one hits the ground running.
Watch Jon Stewart Defend Trevor Noah On 'The Daily Show'
Stewart, the show's host, called Noah, the man named to succeed him, "incredibly thoughtful and ... funny." Noah had been criticized for the tone and content of some of his tweets.
Drinking With 'Mad Men': Cocktail Culture And The Myth Of Don Draper
The culture of retro cocktails that the show helped reignite is intriguing, considering how much of Mad Men is actually about excessive — even abusive — drinking.
The Times Grow Messier As The Last Chapter Of 'Mad Men' Begins
The corseted '60s give way to the freer '70s, as Don Draper begins to fall to pieces in earnest.
'So That Happened': Confessions Of A Duck-Man
Actor Jon Cryer's new memoir details his life in show business, including, of course, co-star Charlie Sheen's meltdown. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans says Cryer's a smart guy who's often been overlooked.
Michelle Obama's 'Evolution Of Mom Dancing' Is Back With Part 2
On The Tonight Show, Jimmy Fallon and the first lady dug out their cardigans to dance the "This Ol' Thing? I Got It At Talbots."
The More Things Change, The More They Stay The Same As 'Mad Men' Winds Down
AMC's award-winning drama Mad Men returns for its final season Sunday. NPR TV critic Eric Deggans says these last seven installments explore how little people change, even in tumultuous times.
The PBS Version Of 'Wolf Hall' Unfolds Like A Real-Life House Of Cards
The show, based on Hilary Mantel's acclaimed novel, stars Mark Rylance as Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII's chief minister. Critic John Powers says it's darkly lit, finely acted and thoroughly compelling.