Stop Everything! - ABC RN

The creators of The Office (US) have returned with The Paper: a new series set in a struggling local newspaper. We put it to the test to see if it can match the magic of the original.Hannah and guest critic Clare Rawlinson also share their experiences in a contracting media landscape and local newspapers, and how The Paper taps into the erosion of news coverage occurring worldwide.Plus, we sidebar on the best moments from the 2025 MTV Video Music Awards, arguably the least serious yet most fun of all the awards nights.Show notes:Vote in Radio National's 100 favourite books: https://www.abc.net.au/listen/radionational/countdown/top100books

We're talking about two princesses of pop culture after the release of a new season of With Love, Meghan and Taylor Swift's engagement photos.  The Duchess of Sussex is back sharing her kitchen with celebrity cooks and TV stars, sprinkling dried flowers with abandon and dishing up tartines (aka fancy toast). But... why? Hannah and guest co-host Clare Rawlinson also unpack how the engagement of TnT (Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce) plays into princess fantasies, and the reaction from Taylor's global fanbase. Get in touch: write or send a voice memo to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes: Daniela Elsa's review of With Love, Meghan: https://www.news.com.au/entertainment/celebrity-life/royals/meghan-markles-new-big-budget-netflix-show-cant-hide-one-major-issue/news-story/0d23ecbec34e78436e21d29edbc4596c Taylor Swift's engaged: https://www.instagram.com/taylorswift/

This week Hannah and Bev are chuffed by the stuff that reminds them of their culture. Hannah's chuffed by Long Story Short, Netflix's time-jumping animated series about the Jewish-American Schwooper family, and Bev's chuffed by Left-Handed Girl, a feature about a woman and her two daughters making a living in a Taipei night market, from Taiwanese-American director Shih-Ching Tsou, co-written and edited by Sean Baker. Tell us what's got you chuffed: write to stopeverything@abc.net.au

The Stop Everything! celebrity book club is in session for a dissection of Gwyneth: The Biography by author and journalist Amy Odell, who also wrote the New York Times-bestselling biography about Vogue's Anna Wintour. “Confident” and “oblivious” are two words the author uses repeatedly to describe the Oscar-winning actress turned Goop CEO. But what other life experiences propelled Gwyneth's pivot from movies to wellness influencing? Hannah and Bev have got the goss. Get in touch: write to stopeverything@abc.net.au

Chuffed is stuffed this week! Hannah and Bev are hosting a potluck feast of recommendations, and everyone's brought something to share — from KPop Demon Hunters to Pedro Pascal and even more real estate reality shows to watch — there's lot of chuffing going on!Tell us what's got you chuffed. Write to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:Hannah's chuffed@shaiie_foeva judges potluck dishes: https://www.tiktok.com/@shaiie_foeva/video/7537804410823380246?_r=1&_t=ZS-8yzn5mib0VuBev's chuffedPedro Pascal on Fresh Air: https://www.npr.org/programs/fresh-air/g-s1-82589/fresh-air-for-aug-14-2025-actor-pedro-pascalSheng Wang Sweet and Juicy: https://www.netflix.com/search?q=sheng%20wang%20sweet&jbv=81276951Hetty McKinnon's mushroom miso sausage rolls: https://cooking.nytimes.com/recipes/1025932-vegetarian-miso-mushroom-sausage-rolls?unlocked_article_code=1.fU8.dmh1.biBlNxRfrij7&smid=share-urlMore real estate reality showsPhil Spencer: Secret Agent: https://iview.abc.net.au/show/phil-spencer-secret-agent/series/1My Lottery Dream Home: https://www.9now.com.au/my-lottery-dream-home

We're looking at the evolution of TV therapists, from The Sopranos' Dr Jennifer Melfi, HBO's In Treatment, the oddball crew of Apple TV+'s Shrinking and the sci-fi comedy world of Demascus on Tubi. How do these fictional portrayals of going to therapy track with the rise of therapy speak? And have they helped open our minds about what it's like to go to therapy? And in the sidebar, Bev and Hannah unpack Taylor Swift's 12th album announcement and farewell film critic David Stratton. Get in touch via stopeverything@abc.net.au Show notesDemascus on Tubi: https://tubitv.com/series/300016343/demascus Aisha Harris on the Black Lady Therapist trope: https://slate.com/culture/2018/03/black-woman-character-actors-are-popping-up-on-your-favorite-shows-as-therapists-to-white-characters-video.html https://www.npr.org/2021/10/08/1041882856/black-lady-therapists-ted-lasso-white-lotus-in-treatment 

This week Hannah and Bev are chuffed by the glorious mayhem of the Las Culturistas Culture awards and Mariah Carey's reaction to finding out Katy Perry went to space — four months ago.Tell us what's got you chuffed? write to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:Las Culturistas awards on Prime Video: https://www.primevideo.com/detail/0N9IMEQ1JTSYUJZEPMBAL0DITZ/ref=atv_dp_share_cu_rMariah Carey on the Scott Mills Breakfast Show: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNC-29rsUj4/?igsh=NXhqb2tydjJsaDZ1

Shows about house hunting, renovating, and buying and selling luxury homes are all over our screens.While there's clearly a market for them — what exactly are they selling us? Is it escapism, envy, voyeurism, or even the opportunity to get a bit judgy that draws us to shows like Selling Sunset, Luxe Listings, House Hunters and Grand Designs?Get in touch: write to stopeverything@abc.net.au

Writer and comedian Jennifer Wong is Stopping Everything with Bev while Hannah is away.  This week Jen's chuffed by Moni, a short SBS series about Moni, a gay Samoan man who returns home to Western Sydney for his sister's wedding. Bev's chuffed by Cannonball, Wesley Morris' revamped New York Times culture podcast, and particularly his chat with chef and author Samin Nosrat about FX's The Bear. Show notes:Moni: https://www.sbs.com.au/ondemand/tv-series/moniCannonball with Wesley Morris and Samin Nosrat on The Bear: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T2alvm2DC1g&t=1s

The loneliness epidemic has a new solution: AI chatbots are offering companionship and romantic partnership for many people, and a new podcast by Wondery called Flesh & Code is documenting these stories.Beverley Wang and guest host Jennifer Wong go deep on falling in love with AI chatbots, and then breakdown the outrage over Sydney Sweeney's American Eagle jeans ad, and the death of And Just Like That…Show notesFlesh and Code: https://wondery.com/shows/flesh-and-code/The banal provocation of Sydney Sweeney's jeans: https://www.newyorker.com/culture/critics-notebook/the-banal-provocation-of-sydney-sweeneys-jeansAnd just like that, And Just Like That … is dead: https://www.vulture.com/article/and-just-like-that-ending-season-3-series-finale.htmlSarah Jessica Parker farewells Carrie Bradshaw: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DM0bTX3M_sx/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

While Hannah's away, comedian and writer Jennifer Wong is Stopping Everything with Bev.This week Jen and Bev are chuffed by murder mystery comedy the Residence (RIP), and Stanley Tucci in his pasta era.Get in touch: What's got you chuffed? Write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.au

Marvel's Fantastic Four family of superheroes have been around since the 1960s, but it's taken multiple attempts across decades to get them right for the big screen.Can the fresh faces of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn and Ebon Moss-Bachrach nail the landing — and cure moviegoers' Marvel fatigue in the process?Comedian and writer Jennifer Wong is Stopping Everything with Bev while Hannah's away, and she's brought pictures of Dawson's Creek sweethearts Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson to feast on in the sidebar.This episode contains spoilers for The Fantastic Four: First Steps.Show notes:Katie Holmes and Joshua Jackson filming in NYC: https://www.youtube.com/shorts/po1Ym-_u7e0Get in touch: We're making a show about real estate reality shows. Do you watch Luxe Listings, Million Dollar Listing, House Hunters International, Escape to the Country, The Block or any house flipping shows? Do you watch for the properties or the drama?Send an e-mail or voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.au

Stop Everything! You're the best.In this special chuffed minisode, Hannah and Bev share your messages, recommendations and pop culture takes, and spoiler alert — they're good.Get in touch: Tell us what's got you chuffed — write or send a voice memo to stopeverything@abc.net.au

More than a decade after HBO's Girls made her "a voice of a generation" for white millennial women, Lena Dunham's back with Too Much, a rom-com series for Netflix.Hannah and Bev peel back their layered feelings about Lena Dunham, and get into whether Too Much, starring Megan Stalter and Will Sharpe, meets expectations.And the sidebar is in session, making rulings on Emmy nominations and Dr Orna Guralnik's fashion.Get in touch: Share your pop culture takes with us! Write or send a voice memo to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:Lena Dunham rises againhttps://variety.com/2025/tv/features/lena-dunham-too-much-netflix-girls-revival-1236447391/The end of the funny fat lady https://www.vulture.com/article/lena-dunham-too-much-end-of-the-funny-fat-lady.htmlMeg Stalter is the prettiest girl in Americahttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyvMx495_UIWe all want to dress like Ornahttps://www.thecut.com/article/how-to-dress-like-orna-guralnik-of-couples-therapy.html

We're just past the halfway mark of 2025, so it's time to check in.  Hannah and Bev share their picks for the best TV and internet moments of the year so far and narrow in on the overall vibes. Is it the year of the billionaire? Is it the year of chaos and class warfare? And what keeps us cosy, sane and chuffed amongst it all?  Get in touch: Share your pop culture picks of the year – write or send a voice memo to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:  Hacks cast on season 4 https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-16/hacks-jean-smart-hannah-einbinder-series-four-robby-hoffman/105179338The ‘Twinnies Magic' of Paula and Bridgette Powershttps://www.abc.net.au/news/2021-04-19/twinnies-wildlife-rescue-twins-paula-and-bridgette-powers/100041948Moo Deng celebrates her first birthday https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-07-10/thailand-moo-deng-turns-one/105518762

Hot takes are everywhere, but what do you really need to know?

Pedro Pascal is on the cover of Vanity Fair and from the sounds of the profile written by Karen Valby, he really is a very good hang.Get in touch: Tell us what you're chuffed about. Write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:Everyone wants a piece of Pedro Pascalhttps://www.vanityfair.com/hollywood/story/pedro-pascal-cover-story?srsltid=AfmBOooLKxDkMe7DmEhAF2Jl5eZfeqC6TQoQh3xRwBT5nlegoM7gDkTd

Netflix's Squid Game is back for its final season. How does one of the biggest shows in the world land its ending? (There are some minor spoilers in this episode)Then Hannah and Bev take a sidebar on Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's star-studded 'wedding of the century' in Venice. Who was there and what do they think of that wedding invitation design?

If you're looking for sex positive TV that gets real about life and relationships — check out Dying for Sex, starring Michelle Williams and Jenny Slate, about a woman's journey of sexual exploration following a terminal cancer diagnosis.After talking about Materialists last week, Hannah and Bev are curious about TV that delves into what happens after rom-com happy endings and have landed on two totally engrossing picks: Dying for Sex and Couples Therapy.

Hannah's chuffed by Korean TV series Culinary Class Wars, Bev's chuffed that Hannah's chuffed and adding a few more Korean TV recommendations of her own: Chef & My Fridge, Zombieverse and The Zone: Survival Mission.Plus, a rundown of Logies nominations to get chuffed about.

We're taking a beat to break down the controversy over Sabrina Carpenter's cover for her upcoming album, 'Man's Best Friend.' And we're getting into Materialists, writer-director Celine Song's new film — starring Dakota Johnson, Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal – in an NYC love triangle.

We're so chuffed (gobsmacked, amazed, stunned) by season two of comedian Nathan Fielder's docuseries The Rehearsal that we had to break its chat out into its own ep.

If 2024 was the year of women — Chappell, Charli and Sabrina — in pop music, what's the story for pop music so far in 2025?Jared Richards, culture critic and friend of the show, is here to help Hannah and Bev figure out how TikTok is changing the sound of pop music, and whether new pop artists like Benson Boone, Tate McRae and Addison Rae are worth getting behind.

With the deluge of streaming content out there, it's easy to get distracted by Hollywood prestige productions and ignore Australian TV. But the best TV may be closer to home than you think.

Annyeong! We're heading to Korea by way of Hollywood, checking out Mickey 17, director Bong Joon Ho's follow up to his Oscar-winning masterpiece Parasite.Then we're exploring the rich world of Korean TV beyond the smash hit Squid Game.Whether you're a K-drama fan like Bev, or K-drama curious like Hannah, this ep is for you — find out what to watch next or compare your watch list with ours.

A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away, a ragtag coalition of dissidents formed a rebellion against the evil Galactic Empire, and their stories are told in Andor, which some critics are calling the best thing to come out of Star Wars — ever.It's a big call — what do Hannah and Bev think?

With season two of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives kicking off, we're asking the big questions about this hit unscripted series. When it comes down to it, are these Mormon #MomTokers breaking the patriarchy or reinforcing it?

We're checking in on body image and fatphobia in pop culture in 2025.Because when speculation over which suddenly-slimmed-down celebrity might be using weight-loss drugs like Ozempic begins to feel like an online sport, and social media apps put out stuff like the 'chubby filter' — it makes us wonder — what happened to embracing bodies of all sizes?

As Erin Patterson's so-called mushroom murder trial kicks off this week in regional Victoria, there are no less than five podcasts dedicated to it, including one from the ABC, Mushroom Case Daily.It's got us thinking about where true crime podcasts go right, where they go wrong, and why women are particularly attracted to the genre.

Preschoolers may love Peppa Pig, Paw Patrol, Thomas the Tank Engine, Cocomelon and Fireman Sam, parents however, not so much.We asked you to tell us about the kids pop culture content your kids love but grinds your gears — and you answered!

The Last of Us Season 2, starring Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey, is finally here.  Spoiler alert, Bev and Hannah break down the first episode, which picks up five years after the events of season one's finale, but it's all just a ruse for them to convene the first meeting of Stop Everything's Pedro Pascal Appreciation Society. Why's everyone so obsessed with him? Bev and Hannah have a few thoughts.  Get in touch: Tell us if you're obsessed with Pedro Pascal. Or tell us what you're chuffed about! Write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes: Pedro Pascal on Hot OnesFor Pierce Brosnan, the World is Just Enough Lorde on TikTok

We're going behind the scenes of 8 Passengers "mommy" vlogger Ruby Franke's notorious downfall.  2025 has already given us eldest daughter Shari Franke's New York Times bestselling memoir, The House of My Mother, and a three-part documentary series, Devil in The Family, which shares shocking never-before-seen footage of the former YouTuber Mormon family. We're diving deep into both tell-alls to find out what this extreme case of mumfluencing gone wrong tells us about family, fame, religion and the internet. Also – we're chuffed by The White Lotus season finale. Are you? Get in touch: Write or send a voice note to Stopeverything@abc.net.auResources: kids helpline Show notes:Devil in the Family on Disney PlusSuja explores white chutneys

It's been a bumpy road to the live action remake of Disney's oldest princess story - Snow White. Reinventing the princess with a Latina actress and a new twist on the problematic seven dwarves has led to backlashes and controversies galore. Which makes us wonder, is it even worth trying to revive an outdated fairytale?  Get in touch: Tell us about the pop culture that's got you chuffed, or what you think of Disney's live action remake quest. Write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:Imogen Heap on TikTok

Why does a 13-year-old boy from a ‘good' family end up being radicalised as a murderous incel? Adolescence, the limited series currently topping Netflix's charts, tries to answer this question in four engrossing one-take episodes.   Hannah and Bev talk about Adolescence's sense of urgency in tackling the harmful effects of the manosphere and whether the show will make a difference. Get in touch: write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes: Chuffed:Vivian Jenna Wilson in Teen VogueE-safety and anti-bullying resources for parents and adolescents:Australia's e-safety CommissionRaising Children NetworkThe Algorithm of disrespect1800 RespectKids helplineAnonymously report bullying via StymieFurther listening Rabbit Hole, a NYT podcast

Channel 9's MAFS, aka Married at First Sight, is a ratings winner with a problematic track record. This season, even NSW Police have gotten involved — looking into a door-punching incident between 'groom' Paul and 'bride' Carina.James Weir, news.com.au's longtime MAFS recapper, joins Bev and Hannah to give his take on the latest happenings at Trash Towers, and why 2.8m Australians are so hooked on the show.If you need help, contact the National Domestic Family and Sexual Violence counselling service online, 1800.respect.org.au or call 1800 RESPECT. In an emergency, call 000.Get in touch: Tell us what you think of MAFS. Write or send a voice recording to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:James Weir's MAFS recapsOne of Them DaysMysta Crooks and Skidaddle Nation

If crudité platters, flower sprinkles, spotless kitchens and beige linen are your thing, you may really enjoy the Duchess of Sussex's new Netflix lifestyle show, With Love, Meghan. But if you're looking for self-awareness, authenticity or any compelling insights into the post-Megxit lives of the Meghan and Harry, watching this show may leave you feeling as let down as a toddler gifted with a jute party bag full of seeds.  Hannah and Bev puzzle out how a show about the joys of entertaining at home ended up fuelling a Meghan backlash.  Also: prepare to be chuffed by bonus Adrien Brody content! Get in touch: write or send a voice memo to stopeverything@abc.net.au Show notes: Meghan of Montecito Adrien Brody and Elsa Pataky's castle photo shoot

We're breaking down all four hours of the Oscars broadcast and bringing you our takes on the most moving, hilarious and awkward moments (ahem, Kieran Culkin!) and of course, whether the Academy got it right with the big wins of the night. Culture writer and film critic Jared Richards joins Bev and Hannah for an Oscars roundtable, AND Hannah prosecutes The Case Against Long Movies. After all, this year's Best Picture nominations were all between 2 hours and 3.5 hours (The Brutalist, its famous intermission). So, are the golden days of the 90 minute feature over? Get in touch! We're making a show about pop culture content for kids. What do you love, and what drives you a little bit bonkers? Write or send a voice memo to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes: No Other Land Oscars acceptance speechSlate: What the debate over long movies gets wrong Vox: You're not imagining it – movies are getting longer Hannah's chuffed

We're checking back into the dark and decadent world of Mike White's The White Lotus. It's the show's third season, and a fresh cast of wealthy, dysfunctional jerks are spending a week at The White Lotus Thailand, a luxury wellness resort. But can any amount of energy healing sessions cure their privileged, rotted souls? Consider this your spoiler alert as Hannah and Bev rate this holiday stay on a scale of toxic white males (Patrick Schwarzenegger's creepy finance bro Saxon), class-divide hotness (BLACKPINK's Lalisa Manobal) and kooky southern matriarchs (Parker Posey's pill-popping Victoria Ratliff).  Get in touch: We're making a show about kids' pop culture content and want to hear from you! What do the kids in your life love to watch or listen to, that frankly, you don't care for – and why?  Or tell us about the beloved pop culture from your childhood that you've introduced to young ones that in retrospect, hasn't held up well. How did you explain it? Write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes:Time interview with Mike White  Keith Lee rates a full English breakfast

A lot's happened since Gen X singleton Bridget Jones, played by Renée Zellweger, slid down that fire pole and into our hearts. Nearly 25 years later, she's back in a fourth, and likely last, film sequel – Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy. Bev and Hannah are catching up on where Bridget is now in life, her new love interests, and how the movie series holds up. Is it still an aspirational rom-com? Get in touch: How do you feel about Bridget Jones's world? Or tell us what's got you chuffed! Send a message or voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.auShow notes: Curbed: They missed their cruise ship. That was only the beginningThe Culture Study podcast: The Heart of Dad Culture Asian Verified Instagram account

It's smutty book club this week, so let's go deep on Onyx Storm -- the latest bestselling instalment of the Rebecca Yarros Empyrean romantasy series.   Onyx Storm follows Fourth Wing and Iron Flame, continuing the saga of lightning-wielder dragon rider Violet Sorrengail's intense bond with her broody, shadow-wielding lover, Xaden Riorson. Bev and Hannah have a lot to discuss – like who are all these characters? How's the smut? Is there anything to rival the famous “throne scene” in Iron Flame?  This episode is for romantasy fans and the romantasy-curious, but be warned, there are spoilers.   Get in touch: Tell us what you think of Onyx Storm. Write or send a voice note to stopeverything@abc.net.au

New Stop Everything! co-host Hannah Reich reveals how her postpartum state has influenced her TV tastes. Together, Bev and Hannah examine how what you're going through in life can change what you want to watch. What content got you through a big life change – a birth, a break-up, or bereavement? Write to stopeverything@abc.net.au and tell us about it.  Also, Bev and Hannah break down the Grammy's most pivotal moments, and how Beyonce's reaction spoke volumes about her long journey to the big win. Next week we're diving into the world of romantasy with a book club on the latest huge hit from Rebecca Yarros: Onyx Storm. Tell us what you think this series has sparked with women around the world? 

It's been a good run, and it's not going to stop. In fact, from now on, it'll be double your money – Bev's welcoming a new co-host, Hannah Reich!Hannah is an ABC digital arts producer, journalist and vexed pop culture nerd, obsessed with romantasy and mumfluencing, among other things. Together, Bev and Hannah will hold space to overthink and process the world around them every week.  But that's not all, in 2025 Stop Everything! wants to hear from YOU. Look out for call outs and special drops in the feed.  Email us all your thoughts, whatever you're overthinking about pop culture, at stopeverything@abc.net.au