As Dungeons & Dragons turns 50, critic Glen Weldon looks back on playing the game in its early years — and stumbling upon the fierce, shoulder-padded illusionist that would become his first character.

The only thing more satisfying than a win is a comeback win. NPR culture critic — and Philadelphia Phillies fan — Linda Holmes offers advice on how to persevere through a long losing streak.

Each week, guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: the show Bel-Air, the video game Thank Goodness You’re Here, and a podcast episode about sweat.

Each week, guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Blue Ribbon Baking Championship on Netflix, Lev Grossman's novel The Bright Sword, and more.

What if there were Olympic medals for audience participation, or the best use of an accessory? NPR’s pop culture critic doles them out.

Season 2 of HBO's Industry ended with a wedding, an arrest and a sacked star investor. Season 3 is the most dramatic and stress-inducing yet.

After last week’s barn-burner (and serf-burner) of an episode, this season climax qualifies as anti-. The season ends not with a bang, but with a lot of whimpering.

In one of Google’s Olympics ads, a dad uses AI tool Gemini to craft a fan letter from his daughter to an Olympian. But it’s the wrong approach to express admiration in a star athlete – and to instill confidence in a burgeoning one.

The one-time Tony Stark will soon play Marvel Comics villain Doctor Doom. The news has our pop culture critic asking: Can you imagine Robert Downey Jr. saying these Doctor Doom lines?

Rhaenyra goes looking for a few good men and finds them; Daemon dithers.

Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history. But she withdrew from the last summer Olympic Games due to mental health struggles. Her journey is chronicled in the new Netflix series Simone Biles Rising.

Each week, guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: This Is How You Lose the Time War, GWAR covering “I’m Just Ken,” and the Tested podcast series from NPR's Embedded.

The verdict is in, and the ending is a dud: Rather than wriggling out of the original story’s sexism, the Apple TV+ series just makes the same mistakes in a new way.

Aegon catches on to Aemond's power plays. Plus: Alicent shows symptoms of maternal instinct.

Each week, guests and hosts on NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour share what's bringing them joy. This week: Watching the WNBA, celebrities throwing first pitches, the novel The God of the Woods, and the Criterion sale at Barnes & Noble.