Summer Guide

In this lively episode of Pop Culture Happy Hour, host Linda Holmes and co-hosts Stephen Thompson, Glenn Weldon, and Aisha Harris unveil their highly anticipated Summer Guide, spotlighting a vibrant mix of upcoming films, TV shows, and music releases. The conversation kicks off with excitement over Steven Spielberg's Disclosure Day, a paranoid alien thriller that marks a mature, emotionally resonant turn in the legendary director's career. The team also celebrates the long-awaited return of Spider-Man: Brand New Day, despite concerns about its ability to match the emotional and fan-service-heavy legacy of No Way Home. A standout highlight is Coyote vs. Acme, a film once shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery but now resurrected by a new distributor, symbolizing a triumph of creative perseverance. Other picks include the drag comedy Stop That Train, the music-driven Power Ballad, the idiosyncratic heist film I Love Boosters by Boots Riley, and the rebranded AMC series The Vampire Lestat, which promises to blend dark romance with satirical flair. The episode closes with anticipation for Olivia Rodrigo’s new album, praised for its nostalgic pastiche and emotional depth. Throughout, the hosts balance skepticism with genuine enthusiasm, celebrating both blockbuster spectacle and artistic risk-taking.