Pop Culture

Maggie Gyllenhaal plays Candy, a prostitute who begins to see a way off the street, in HBO's The Deuce.

Arts

In 'The Deuce,' Sex Isn't Titillating — It's Business

5:13pm September 08, 2017

by Eric Deggans

David Simon's gritty new drama follows pornography's transition from back-alley pursuit to billion-dollar industry. The sex scenes are transactional, but also explicit, with equal opportunity nudity.

Michael Jackson appears at a news conference in New York in 1992, where it was announced that a marketing agreement had been struck between Jackson and Pepsi-Cola International.

Using Black Celebrities To Push Pop, Pudding And Politics

1:06pm September 08, 2017

by Gene Demby

In the 1960s, Tom Burrell helped change advertising by convincing agencies to tailor their pitches to black consumers, but he also saw his marketing work as part of a larger social project.

Arts

Actress Pamela Adlon Says 'Better Things' Is Dedicated To Her Daughters

10:59am September 08, 2017

Adlon's FX series is based on her own experience raising three girls as a single mom. Her daughters are very much a part of the show, she says. Originally broadcast Sept. 6, 2016.

Arts

'Top Of The Lake: China Girl' Takes You Places Cop Shows Usually Ignore

10:59am September 08, 2017

by John Powers

The TV series' second season takes place four years after its first, and begins with an unknown Asian woman's body washing up (in a suitcase) on a beach near Sydney.

Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan), the dashing Highland warrior.

Arts

New Season Of 'Outlander' Is So Much More Than A Hunky Face (And Rock-Hard Abs)

10:53am September 08, 2017

by Barrie Hardymon

On the eve of Outlander's third season, Pop Culture Happy Hour has thoughts on the Starz drama and its depictions of sex, intimacy and time travel.

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Arts

Two High-Profile Creators Pass The Baton From 'Twin Peaks' To 'The Deuce'

5:27pm September 07, 2017

by David Bianculli

David Lynch's perplexing 18-hour revival just ended on Showtime, and David Simon's latest ambitious drama is about to begin on HBO.

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Lee Relative Who Denounced White Supremacy Resigns As Pastor Of N.C. Church

6:19pm September 05, 2017

by Laurel Wamsley

Robert W. Lee IV said some members of his congregation were uncomfortable with the media attention he received after his speech against racism and hate on MTV's Video Music Awards in August.

Actress Chloe Bennet says changing her last name from Wang to Bennet allowed her to get more casting roles in Hollywood. While she did this, she says she hopes Asian American women that come after her do not have to take the same steps to find work.

Actress Chloe Bennet Wants To Change The Narrative For Asian-Americans In Hollywood

6:09pm September 03, 2017

by Michel Martin

Actress Chloe Bennet speaks with NPR's Michel Martin about her decision to change her last name from Wang to Bennet, so she could increase her chances of getting an acting job in Hollywood.

What Remains of Edith Finch is a time-hopping family tragedy that centers on a spooky old house.

Books
Arts

Reading The Game: 'What Remains Of Edith Finch'

7:19am September 02, 2017

by Jason Sheehan

Our occasional series on storytelling in video games continues with What Remains of Edith Finch, a complex, time-skipping family tragedy that'll leave you with scars — but trust us, it's worth it.

People evacuating homes amidst the flooding in Houston, Texas on Aug. 27.

Celebrities And Companies Pitch In To Harvey Relief Effort

2:44pm August 28, 2017

by Andrew Flanagan

A country artist donates $100,000, comedian Kevin Hart puts in $25,000 and challenges his famous friends to do the same and Amazon promises to match customers' donations.