Linda Holmes
Linda Holmes is a pop culture correspondent for NPR and the host of Pop Culture Happy Hour. She began her professional life as an attorney. In time, however, her affection for writing, popular culture, and the online universe eclipsed her legal ambitions. She shoved her law degree in the back of the closet, gave its living room space to DVD sets of The Wire, and never looked back.
Holmes was a writer and editor at Television Without Pity, where she recapped several hundred hours of programming — including both High School Musical movies, for which she did not receive hazard pay. Her first novel, Evvie Drake Starts Over, was published in the summer of 2019.
-
The Yankees 20-9 win against the Brewers last weekend put the spotlight on torpedo bats. But in baseball, as in life, sometimes a fluke is just what it seems. -
The Bear, Shogun and Baby Reindeer split most of the major categories, while Eugene and Dan Levy did their best to move things along. There weren't many surprises and ... wait, didn't we just do this? -
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. -
What if there were Olympic medals for audience participation, or the best use of an accessory? NPR’s pop culture critic doles them out. -
Some lucky sports fans are in Paris, but most Olympics viewers are watching from home. NPR Pop Culture Critic Linda Holmes gives host Scott Simon her review of the broadcast coverage so far.
-
In a Google ad now pulled from Olympics coverage, a dad uses AI to craft a fan letter from his daughter. It’s the wrong approach to express admiration in a star athlete – and to instill confidence in a burgeoning one. -
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. -
Just in time for the All-Star Game, pop culture critic and Phillies fan Linda Holmes is here to persuade you to turn on some baseball. If you don't have a team, just borrow hers; they're doing pretty well. -
The Netflix movie Unfrosted tells a made-up version of Pop-Tarts' origin story. It hasn't been received favorably, including by NPR's Pop Culture Happy Hour hosts.
-
The newest iPad ad depicts instruments, books and art supplies flattened into Apple's thinnest product ever. But anyone who owns and loves art in any form knows: The practicality isn't the point.
