Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

The animated voice acting world has lost one of the greats. We learned earlier this week that Eric Bauza died at the age of 46. He was a kid from Scarborough, Ontario who went on to be the modern voice of Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and other iconic Looney Tunes characters. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by Romeo Candido, Jerry Beck and Bryn MacAuley to look back on Eric’s inspiring career. In this conversation, Jerry Beck shares a wonderful story about Eric Bauza performing at an animation conference just before he died. That video will be posted here

Plus, ‘Once Upon A Time In Harlem’ is a new documentary centering on interview footage shot during a 1972 gathering of the last living artists, writers and thinkers of the Harlem Renaissance. Elamin is joined by culture critic and New Yorker Jay Smooth to discuss the documentary and why these conversations captured half a century ago, still matter. 

Canada is headed to Eurovision. The day after the Canadian finalists are announced, Eurovision expert and culture reporter Karen Fricker joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the performers vying for a chance to represent Canada at the world's largest music competition. Voting is open now until November 5. Canadians across the country have the chance to choose which of the five artists gets the coveted spot. Cast your vote here

Plus, this Halloween, there’s a new collection of short stories that you'll want to put on your bookshelf…if you dare. 'Back for Blood: Never Whistle at Night Part II' is a new horror anthology from established and up-and-coming Indigenous writers across North America. Book blogger Dani Roulette and author Alicia Elliott talk about this new collection, and what horror can do differently than other genres.

On the 20th anniversary of Amy Winehouse’s breakthrough album, ‘Back to Black,' culture writers Hanna Flint and Leila Latif reflect on the album’s impact and its long-lasting influence on superstars ranging from Adele to Billie Eilish to Oliva Dean. 

Plus, the new Hudson Williams and Carrie-Anne Moss horror series 'Yaga' just dropped on Friday. It's also Hudson Williams' first role since Heated Rivalry. But does it live up to its buzz? Kaiya Shunyata stops by Commotion with guest host Amil Niazi to give us their review of the supernatural show. 

Nathan Fielder’s documentary about Theranos founder Elizabeth Holmes challenges the very idea of what’s real, what’s performance. and whether we can tell the difference. Commotion guest host Amil Niazi talks with New York Times documentary film critic Alissa Wilkinson and Commotion regular film critic Radheyan Simonpillai why situating it within a specific tradition of documentary filmmaking helps us come to terms with what we just watched.

Plus, Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by culture critic Syrus Marcus Ware to review the latest TV adaptation of Stephen King’s classic horror novel, Carrie — and unpack the praise and debate surrounding the series and its approach to bullying, online shaming and the original book’s notorious ending.

Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by film and culture critics Sarah-Tai Black, Barry Hertz and Radheyan Simonpillai to discuss two new films: ‘Ali G: Who Iz I?’ and ‘Wicker,’ plus the return of the controversial TV character Apu to The Simpsons.

With the release of Nathan Fielder and Lance Oppenheim’s ‘You Can See Everything,’ spoiler anxiety might be at an all-time high. And it’s not just about protecting big twists, some fans don’t want to know ANYTHING about the latest shows and films. So how does the anxiety of “ruining” a story affect the way we engage with film and tv? Critics Adam Nayman and Kathryn VanArendonk join Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about spoiler culture, entertainment's fixation on the big reveal, and why sometimes there just might be a case for spoiling.

Plus, comedy historian Paul Myers discusses Judd Apatow’s new Netflix documentary on the late Norm Macdonald.

Ethan Hawke is back as the wily gumshoe for season 2 of the neo-noir, mystery comedy The Lowdown. Film and tv critic Rachel Ho and musician Marek Tyler chat with Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about the show and why they feel the critically-acclaimed series remains a somewhat hidden gem.

Plus, culture writer Samuel Eli Shepherd talks about how Josh Silver’s satirical thriller ‘Fruit Fly’ became the literary sensation of the season, parlaying BookTok buzz into a tv development deal.

Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by culture critics Shamira Ibrahim and Rania El Mugammar to discuss the new Mahershala Ali-led film ‘Your Mother, Your Mother, Your Mother’ and the conversations it has sparked about Black single-fatherhood, religion and violence.

Plus, the Irish novelist Sally Rooney became famous for writing about millennial relationships. But even before she became a best-seller, she was an outspoken supporter of Palestine. Now, her books are set to disappear from UK shelves after she pledged to donate the proceeds from her book sales to a pro-Palestinian group, which the British government calls a terrorist organization. Irish culture journalist Aoife Barry joins guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to explain the decision, and describe the polarized reaction. 

During the press tour for 'The Social Reckoning,' Jeremy Strong has faced questions about whether he went too far to get the role of Mark Zuckerberg right. The infamous technique of method acting also made headlines this year after Anya Taylor-Joy and Kristen Stewart both denounced it for its machismo. Film critic Roe McDermott and theatre professor Ian Maxwell join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about the mythology behind method acting, why it’s so misunderstood, and why some women in Hollywood are speaking up.

Music journalist Maura Johnston and Oasis super-fan Alex Spears talk about Oasis: Don’t Look Back in Anger, the new documentary chronicling the Britpop legends’ 2025 world tour, and why it strikes a deeper emotional chord than most rock and roll documentaries.

Comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Lance Oppenheim have teamed up for a documentary about Theranos founder and notorious fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Today on Commotion, film critic Adam Nayman, journalist Alyssa Bereznak, and filmmaker Chandler Levack try to pull back the curtain on ‘You Can See Everything.’ 

Comedian Nathan Fielder and filmmaker Lance Oppenheim have teamed up for a documentary about Theranos founder and notorious fraudster Elizabeth Holmes. Today on Commotion, film critic Adam Nayman, journalist Alyssa Bereznak, and filmmaker Chandler Levack try to pull back the curtain on ‘You Can See Everything.’ 

One of the fundamental tenets of independence movements is that you need a distinct culture if you’re going to have a nation. So what makes Alberta culture distinct – and how are people in both camps using culture to persuade Albertans to vote to leave, or stay in Canada? Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by strategist Zain Velji and singer songwriter Mariel Buckley to discuss. 

With the release of the new HBO docuseries ‘Jay-Z in 8,’ Elamin is joined by culture critics Jay Smooth and Shamira Ibrahim to discuss the deep dive into the lyrics and director Rick Rubin’s approach to unpacking Jay-Z’s musical legacy.

Plus, from 'Night of the Living Dead' to 'Resident Evil,' zombies have endured in the public imagination for decades. But what if we’ve been getting the undead all wrong? A new documentary, 'Black Zombie,' traces their history back to the Haitian Revolution, breaking down how Hollywood co-opted a spiritual figure to produce a racist trope. Director Maya Annik Bedward joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about her film, 'Black Zombie,' and why zombies aren’t the monsters American cinema says they are.

Aaron Sorkin is back with another film about Facebook. While he says The Social Reckoning isn’t a sequel to the 2010 hit film The Social Network, it’s hard not to compare the two movies and look at how they reflect our changing relationship with Mark Zuckerberg and Meta. Critics Fran Hoepfner Radheyan Simonpillai, and public policy expert Vass Bednar chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the new movie, and how it handles the current moment we’re in with big tech.

Music journalists Liisa Ladoucuer and Emilie Hanskamp and CBC art critic Charlene K. Lau discuss the new Art Gallery of Ontario exhibit showcasing the ‘90s-era photos of Hole/Smashing Pumpkins bassist Melissa Auf Der Maur, and how it captures the final days of a pre-digital culture that no longer exists. 

Music journalist Annie Zaleski, pop critic Sandra Mills, and film critic Kaiya Shunyata join the Group Chat to dig into Netflix’s Newfoundland-set thriller ‘Below’ and Prime Video’s new adaptation of the Stephen King classic ‘Carrie.’ Also, they remember the late Canadian singer and songwriter, Sass Jordan and the blueprint she set for women in rock music.

This week, Canadian writer Anne Carson was announced as the recipient of the Nobel Prize in Literature. Her masterpiece, Autobiography of Red, changed literature. Heated Rivalry creator Jacob Tierney talks about how encountering Carson's work opened new doors for him.

The Irish actor and creator Sharon Horgan has seen us through several stages of life with hit comedy-dramas like Pulling, Catastrophe, Motherland and Bad Sisters. Now in her 50s, Horgan is back with a new show called Youth. Culture critics Aoiffe Barry and Kathryn VanArendonk join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about Horgan’s trademark mix of sharp humour and genuine pathos – and why she’s such a unique voice.

American country music star Riley Green is headlining this year’s Grey Cup Halftime Show. Writer Steacy Easton and CBC Sports contributor Morgan Campbell stop by Commotion to talk about how Green has a history of wading into controversy -- and why this decision by the CFL misses the moment.

With Netflix’s debuting its revival of the popular series ‘A Different World’ - Elamin is joined by culture critic Kathleen Newman-Bremang and film/tv critic Sarah-Tai black to discuss the show’s new characters, direction and ongoing legacy. 

Plus, Marc Masters, host of ‘The Music Book Podcast,' discusses ‘The Last Temptation of Beck: The Untold Story of a Pop Messiah,’ a new unauthorized biography that explores the influence of Scientology on the alternative rock star’s life and career, and how he’s largely shielded that aspect of his past from the public. 

U.S. tariffs have thrown the Canadian art market into chaos. Guest host Rad Simponpillai speaks with Globe and Mail reporter Josh O’Kane, and Quebec artist Jennifer Lefort about how Canadian artists, dealers and gallerists are being affected, and getting creative to deal with this new reality.

Plus, book blogger Dani Roulette talks about how author Eden Robinson draws from her own Haisla and Heiltsuk background, as well as bringing in inspiration from Indigenous cultures from across the Pacific Northwest, to create the fictional planet in her new novel The Sorceress of Sky Serpents.

With season one of HBO’s ‘Lanterns’ wrapping up, culture critics David Dennis Jr. and Hanna Flint review the series, and talk with guest host Rad Simonpillai about how it measures up against other releases from James Gunn’s DC Universe. 

Plus, CBC Books’ Talia Kliot talks about the five books on the Giller shortlist, and the changes to the Giller Prize jury this year.

Film critics Adam Nayman, Hanna Flint, and Kaiya Shunyata join guest host Rad Simonpillai to discuss the new Tom Cruise political satire ‘Digger,’ the erotic thriller ‘Verity’ starring Anne Hathaway and Dakota Johnson, and Netflix’s new miniseries adaptation of John Steinbeck’s ‘East of Eden.’

The new animated film Forgotten Island follows a pair of best friends who, right as they’re about to begin the next chapter of their lives post-high school, find themselves pulled into a mythical world full of monsters. Set in the Philippines in the ’90s and 2000s, the film puts Filipino culture and folklore front and centre. Filmmaker and musician Romeo Candido and film critic Kristy Puchko join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review the coming-of-age adventure, and whether it could be the next KPop Demon Hunters.

Plus, with calypso lovers across the world mourning the death of the Mighty Sparrow, Juno-nominated musician and calypso history archivist Jesse Ryan discusses the legacy of the undisputed King of Calypso.

We're seeing new public works from Indigenous artists pop up all over Canada. They're big, outdoor installations from artists like Cheyenne Rain LeGrande, Brain Jungen and Kent Monkman. Celina Yellowbird and Reneltta Arluk join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about these works, and how public art can help further reconciliation.

Media giant Black Entertainment Television has deleted all of its digital articles from its website as part of its move to prioritize video content. Journalist Dalton Higgins and hip-hop broadcaster Jay Smooth join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to react to the news and its larger ramifications for the preservation of Black pop culture. 

Plus, film critic David Ehrlich talks with guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about the Resident Evil movie and what makes it a successful video game adaptation.

The new Netflix reality series 'Wonka's Golden Ticket' is based on the Charlie and the Chocolate Factory universe and features an A.I. recreation of the voice of the late Gene Wilder, who played Willy Wonka in the original 1971 film version. TV critics Alison Herman and culture writer Anne T. Donahue join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss why the series may be a new low for reality competition shows.

Plus, the new book ‘Save A Seat For Me: Notes on Black Fatherhood’ dedicates a chapter to Black TV dads. Author Mark Anthony Neal looks at some of the noteworthy portrayals of Black fatherhood on the small screen over the past 50 years.

Elamin is joined by film and TV critics Jackson Weaver, Sarah-Tai Black and Roxana Hadadi to discuss the growing buzz and critical acclaim surrounding the feature film and directorial debuts from Lance Oppenheim (Primetime) and John Wilson (The History of Concrete).

The Tamil Canadian actor Maitreyi Ramakrishnan's career has been on a roll since her breakout performance in Never Have I Ever. Now she’s starring in the new Netflix movie Best of the Best. And while many critics like the movie, some Sri Lankans are mobilizing to review bomb it – and everything else she’s been involved with. Nedra Rodrigo, founder of the Tamil Studies Symposium at York University and CBC journalist Joyita Sengupta join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to explain the controversy, and the consequences.

Angine de Poitrine is the winner of this year's Polaris Music Prize. The polka-dotted duo took home the 30-thousand dollar best-album prize at last night’s gala in Toronto. The annual award is given to the best Canadian album of the year as selected by more than 200 music journalists and broadcasters, and it's based solely on artistic merit. Angine de Poitrine also won the 10-thousand dollar best-song prize for 'Fabienk.' Music journalist Emilie Hanskamp joins Elamin to talk about the win, who she was rooting for, and to weigh in on how Canadian music has changed over the years.

Plus, it almost feels like an understatement to say that Heated Rivalry and Off Campus exploded the sports romance genre on TV. Now, a new show about a queer softball beer league called Slo Pitch is putting a comedic spin on playing the field. But is the series a home run? Culture critic Riley Yesno and journalist Allie Graham stop by Commotion to give Elamin their reviews of Crave's Slo Pitch.

Neil Peart is arguably one of the greatest drummers of all time. And now, a new documentary about the legendary Rush drummer and lyricist is coming to CBC Gem. Drummer Marek Tyler and music journalist Maura Johnston join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about 'Neil Peart: No One’s Disciple,' and how it captures Peart and his legacy. Plus, Ed Sheeran returned to the stage for the first time since the Macklemore controversy. Culture critic David Dennis Jr. unpacks what happened at the show and the reaction from his fans and critics. 

The Toronto International Film Festival is over for another year. But some of the biggest films out this fall aren’t coming out on the festival circuit. Teri Hart and Radheyan Simonpillai get into why that is, and look back at the highlights, award winners, and controversies that made this year’s TIFF what it was.  

Culture writer Mel Woods, author/rapper Rollie Pemberton aka Cadence Weapon, and Exclaim editor Megan LaPierre join the Group Chat to discuss B.C. pop star Carly Rae Jepsen’s long-awaited double-album return; how Drake’s new short film factors into his current comeback campaign; and why this year’s Emmy Awards telecast felt a lot more Canadian than usual.

On Monday, news broke that Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s North American tour after the rapper made pro-Palestinian comments on stage. Multiple venus dropped Macklemore. In a statement, Sheeran said he is "appalled by the conflict between Israel and Palestine," calling the suffering on "both sides" a "human tragedy," but defended his choice not to take a public stance. In response, every other musician on the tour, including Sheeran’s backing band, have pulled out. Culture critics Jay Smooth, Sara Yasin, and Niko Stratis join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to break down what happened and what it says about this moment. 

Just as Stella Lefty’s music career started to go right, things took a turn. The up-and-coming singer-songwriter’s hit song Boston has been unavoidable this summer, but so has the criticism about her billionaire father, her country sound despite being from Chicago, and her biggest song’s similarities with Noah Kahan’s Stick Season. The New York Times culture reporter and Popcast co-host, Joe Coscarelli and Vulture writer Fran Hoepfner explain who Stella Lefty is exactly, and why she’s turning so many heads.

Plus, Elamin is joined by C.T. Jones to discuss season 1 of the Netflix reality series ‘Earle Meets World’ about the life of a Gen Z influencer. C.T. gets into whether the series offers anything new to the celebrity family reality show format.

For years, parents have relied on Netflix as a source for quality children’s-television programming, particularly as YouTube has become increasingly dominant in the kids-media space with influencer-driven content. However, now some of that YouTube-spawned content is turning up in Netflix’s menu of kids programming, and TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk and digital policy analyst Vass Bednar explain why parents are seriously upset by this shift.

Plus, Justin Trudeau recently announced he's starting up a new production company called Hope & Hard Work, focusing on Canadian content. Culture critic Nicholas Quah joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the former Canadian Prime Minister’s new venture, and what lessons can be learned from similar media companies created by Barack and Michelle Obama, and Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, the Duke and Duchess of ‌Sussex. 

For a while it seemed like Celine Dion might never sing again. She was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition four years ago. But she is SO back – and what a time it is to be a Canadian cultural icon with a comeback story for the ages. Elamin Abdelmahmoud meets up with Eugénie Lépine-Blondeau, host of Radio-Canada's Admission Générale podcast and Benjamin Locoge, Editor In Chief for Culture of Paris Match, the morning after Celine Dion’s first concert in Paris. 

The Toronto International Film Festival is back! Filmmaker Atom Egoyan, and critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Sarah Hagi join guest host Amil Niazi to preview the 2026 festival and reflect on the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

As Ryan Murphy’s television adaptation of Bret Easton Ellis’ novel The Shards reaches its season finale, television critics Kaiya Shunyata and Alison Herman discuss whether this tale of rich teens terrorized by a serial killer in 1980s Los Angeles is irresistibly trashy or irredeemably tacky.

Plus, the new alien invasion thriller 'Hope' has already been a huge hit in Korea. It's the latest film from Na Hong-jin, the director who brought us The Wailing. East Asian Studies professor Michelle Cho joins Amil Niazi to talk about some of the themes explored in the movie.

Film & culutre critics Roxana Hadadi, Riley Yesno, and Jackson Weaver join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the new season of North of North and other shows on their radar this Fall.

SubwayTakes, the YouTube talk show featuring people sharing their hot takes while riding the New York City subway, is not only all over your algorithm, it’s also up for an Emmy this year. Critics Kathryn VanArendonk and Jay Smooth join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the popularity of SubwayTakes, and what it says about our viewing habits in 2026.

Plus, a new indie film out of mainland China is set to take the world by storm. 'Dear You' is a family drama about a young man from China who travels to Thailand to find his grandfather, and uncovers a family secret he never expected. Film critic Rachel Ho joins host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review the Teochew-language film and talk about its surprise success at the box office.

Going to the cottage in the summer is a beloved Canadian pastime, but with hit shows like Heated Rivalry, Sterling Point and Every Year After, it seems like the world is newly seduced by our trees, lakes and isolated retreats in the woods. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk (Vulture), who coined the genre “sexy feelings by a Canadian lake,” as well as Canadian culture critics Amil Niazi (The Cut) and Sadaf Ahsan (Frequencies) to talk about how Canadian cottage country got a titillating makeover on TV.

Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critic El Jones, film critic Radheyan Simonpillai, and comedian Marlon Palmer to discuss the backlash to the return of Sacha Baron Cohen’s character Ali G in the upcoming film Ali G: Who Iz I? They also review the new Netflix doc on Australian breakdancer Raygun, who made headlines around the world at the 2024 Summer Olympics.

Gloria Steinem - feminist, author, activist and pop culture icon -- has died. She was 92. Culture writer Elizabeth Renzetti joins Elamin to talk about the life and legacy of Gloria Steinem, and how her feminism crossed over to pop culture.

Also, musician Donovan Woods and journalist Elizabeth Renzetti talk about how U.S. President Donald Trump’s call to rebrand Lake Ontario as Lake America—in retaliation to stalled trade talks between Canada and the U.S.—has galvanized Canadians to express an even greater degree of national unity, and prompted expressions of solidarity from artists near and far.

This week, a jury found Duane 'Keffe D' Davis guilty of orchestrating the 1996 killing of Tupac Shakur. Journalist Taryn Finley talks to Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the trial and what the verdict could mean for another case that has captivated hip hop fans for years -- the murder of Notorious B.I.G.

Plus, there's a new album from English R&B singer Cleo Sol, and it might be one of the chillest ones of the year. Fusing soul and gospel underneath Sol’s chiming falsetto, Gentlewoman is a comforting listen that may just lower your blood pressure. Veteran hip hop broadcaster Jay Smooth joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the album, and why we could all use a little comfort music right now. 

With the release of ‘Before The World Blows’ the firs full-length album from Erykah Badu in more than a decade - Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Jamilah Lemieux, Naila Keleta-Mae, and Mark Anthony Neal to discuss the new album and Erykah’s influence on pop culture up to this point.

After an AI-generated cover of a Madonna track topped the national airplay chart in Australia, the music industry has responded by banning AI-created songs from its charts. The move comes as rappers like Tyga and Fenix Flexin are openly admitting to using A.I. in their work, while industry titans like Dr. Dre and Rick Rubin endorse the technology. Music journalist Maura Johnston and writer/rapper Cadence Weapon take stock of how the AI music landscape is shifting.

Plus, Pope Leo XIV has been making international best dressed lists from Vanity Fair to Vogue to the New York Times. How did the American Pontiff manage to put his own spin on the traditional wardrobe worn by the head of the Catholic church — and what message is he trying to communicate? Fashion critic Vanessa Friedman (New York Times) talks about how Pope Leo caught the fashion world’s attention, and reacts to the Met Gala's breaking news about John Galliano.

Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by Black pop academics Professor Mark Anthony Neal, DJ Lynnée Denise and Huda Hassan to look back on the influence of Aaliyah, the singer and actor who occupied multiple worlds and left us with a profound artistic legacy after her tragic death 25 years ago.

We’re used to hearing about things like the auto industry and liquor being sticking points in the Canada-US trade war, but one of the reasons the recent trade talks collapsed was about something less tangible. U.S. negotiators demanded that Canada drop the requirements for streaming companies like Netflix to promote Canadian content. Tech and public policy expert Vass Bednar chats with guest host Amil Niazi about why CanCon ended up being one of Canada’s dealbreakers. 

Plus, there has been so much anticipation about Coyote vs. Acme, and a lot of that has to do with the fact that it nearly didn’t make it to theatres. Despite being shelved by Warner Bros. Discovery for a tax break a few years ago, the critically acclaimed movie is finally out this week. Today, film critic Adam Nayman and journalist Paul Thompson gives us the lowdown on the film, its characters – Wile E. Coyote and Road Runner, and the lore behind it.

Dolly Parton was one of those artists who transcended generations. She gave us hits like Jolene, I Will Always Love You, and Coat of Many Colors. We’ve gathered musician Allison Russell and country-music aficionados Marissa R. Moss and Sarah Boesveld for a group chat with guest host Amil Niazi about the life and legacy of the country-music icon, who died yesterday at the age of 80.

Everywhere you look, news stories and studies suggest people aren’t reading like they used to. At the same time, graphic novels have surged in popularity since the pandemic. Authors Jael Richardson and Arizona O’Neill join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss why people gravitate to graphic novels over text-only books.

Plus, there’s a new play out of Stratford from Canadian playwright Jovanni Sy, and it’s called The Tao of the World. It’s a riff on both the Restoration comedies of the 1700s and modern-day Asian rom-coms. Theatre critic Joshua Chong talks about how this new play updates a centuries-old genre with contemporary guile.

There has never been a post-political life like Justin Trudeau’s. He was Canada’s first real influencer prime minister – a politician whose political fortunes were tied to his celebrity and his pop-cultural currency. And while most former political leaders write a memoir or join a think tank – Justin Trudeau is leaning in hard to fun – travelling the world with his girlfriend Katy Perry, hyping his son’s music career, and doing it all very publicly online, for all of us to see.

Plus, Rachel Cusk, called the “queen of autofiction” by The New Yorker, has a new novel out called ‘Life of M.’ The novel has two main characters, a writer who resembles Cusk and an actor whose resume appears identical to Natalie Portman’s. Montreal writer Heather O’Neill dives into the publishing intrigue around ‘Life of M,’ and how it interrogates fame and anonymity in the lives of two artists.

Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by culture critics Pablo The Don, Reanna Cruz and Jay Smooth to discuss Prince Harry & Meghan Markle's return to the U.K., what the new blockbuster ‘End Of Oak Street’ brings to the dinosaur movie sub-genre, the new album from producer Benny Blanco and the controversy surrounding it - plus the Neutrogena consumer backlash in the wake of the death of actor Hayden Panettiere.

Today marks ten years since The Tragically Hip bid farewell after their final concert in Kingston, Ontario. Music journalist Vish Khanna and music critic Niko Stratis join guest host Amil Niazi to reflect on the Hip’s final performance, and their legacy as one of the most prolific bands in Canadian history. 

Also, writer-director Jane Schoenbrun’s latest film is – Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma. The film is about an independent film director who is rebooting a slasher franchise, and becomes obsessed with casting the original film’s ‘final girl.’ The film is provocative and fantastical, and film critic Kaiya Shunyata joins guest host Amil Niazi to talk about how the film brings a new twist to the slasher genre and whether it lands. 

If you’ve noticed more celebrities wearing those AI glasses or wondered why Palantir – the software company ICE uses to help identify people for deportation – is dropping exclusive fashion items, there’s a new name for that: ‘surveillance chic’. Culture critics Cat Zhang and Kate Lindsay join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss why Big Tech has gone high fashion.

Plus, Caitlin Clark is the most famous women’s basketball player in the world, and Tuesday night she made her Canadian debut against the Toronto Tempo at a sold out arena. Culture critic and professor El Jones talks about why Caitlin Clark is such an exciting player to watch and the growth of women's sports in North America.

With Sade being inducted into this year’s Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, Elamin is joined by Professor Mark Anthony Neal, DJ Lynnée Denise & Sade superfan Tola Ositelu to discuss the pop legacy of the band’s lead singer and why her music continues to resonate with so many fans to this day.

The group chat dives into Emily McBride's debut novel Queen Mab, a story about a new mom who becomes convinced her baby has been replaced by a changeling. Culture critics Sarah Wheeler (The Cut) and Martha Schabas (Globe and Mail) talk to guest host Amil Niazi about why the book feels so timely, especially as Lindsay Clancy's trial puts postpartum psychosis at the centre of a tough public conversation.

Plus, Vogue revealed the cover for its highly-anticipated September 2026 issue featuring Kaia Gerber and Homer Gere. It's the first September issue without Anna Wintour at the helm, and critics are likening it to a "back-to-school" catalogue. Culture critic Joan Summers talks about backlash and what it says about the current state of fashion.

Anthony Bourdain was a hero of the hole in the wall. The celebrity cook and TV host reached cult status for exposing people to kitchen culture, new cuisines and a different way of seeing the world. Canadian filmmaker Matt Johnson's new biopic Tony aims to show a lesser known side of Bourdain: his first summer in the kitchen as a 19-year-old who thought he knew everything. Food writer and former line cook Ivy Knight, Globe and Mail film critic Barry Hertz and TV host Michelle Jobin join guest host Amil Niazi to discuss what director Matt Johnson’s latest film serves up.

Two new movies, One Night Only and I Want Your Sex, are generating a lot of conversation about Gen Z and sex right now. Both filmmakers, Will Gluck and Gregg Araki, say they were inspired by studies indicating that Gen Z is having less sex than previous generations. Gen Z sex educator Megan Wallace and culture critic Lux Alptraum join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to talk about what these films are missing, and what they get right.

Plus, Mark Zuckerberg, CEO of Meta, just released a lengthy 6500-word manifesto about AI. Tech and public policy expert Vass Bednar chats about the AI future that Zuckerberg is envisioning for us.

Sterling Point is a new drama from Amazon Prime about a group of teenagers spending a summer in cottage country. Culture critics CT Jones and Jackson Weaver join guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the hype around the show, why Muskoka is essential to the story and what creator Megan Park gets right about writing teenagers. 

Plus, the Canadian Museum of History has just implemented MUSEO, an AI-powered chatbot built on in-house data for guests to ask questions to. Ottawa Citizen journalist Michael McBean explored the museum with the chatbot and gives his review of the experience.

A sign declaring “no influencers” in a Nantucket store recently unlocked a lot of strong feelings online around influencer fatigue. Internet culture reporters Madison Malone Kircher and Kat Tenbarge join guest host Amil Niazi to talk about the reaction, and whether the age of the influencer is over.

Plus, there’s been a pretty gross trend emerging at some of the biggest concerts over the past few years: fans wearing diapers, and often using them, to ensure they remain at the barricade and as close to their idols as possible. Music journalist Megan LaPierre talks about this nasty epidemic and if concert culture has really gone down the toilet.

The crime drama Furious follows two women: a serial killer targeting powerful men from her past and the FBI agent tasked with tracking her down. TV critics Roxana Hadadi and Alison Herman join Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to discuss why this show about female rage has turned into such a hit.

Plus, when a trove of art popped up at Value Village in Penticton, B.C., people quickly discovered it had been donated by the Penticton Art Gallery. It was all art that had been donated to the gallery for fundraising purposes. Art critic and curator Charlene K. Lau talks about the backlash to the gallery's decision to drop it off at Value Village where it says it would get "maximum exposure."

Commotion guest host Amil Niazi is joined by music critic Pablo The Don, and culture critics Scaachi Koul and Syrus Marcus Ware to discuss ‘Petal,’ the brand new album from Ariana Grande, along with the polarizing debate around Ariana’s body and health, and where a celebrity’s right to privacy sits within that conversation.

We've known for a while now that reading for pleasure has been on the decline. But in her essay for The Atlantic, Rose Horowitch argues that we are entering into an age of post-literacy, with enormous implications for life as we know it. Rose Horowitch joins Commotion guest host Amil Niazi to explain what she now understands about why reading matters as much as it does – and what happens when we stop. 

Plus, ever since the pandemic, an emerging genre of multiplayer video games has taken off: Friendslop. These are games made by small independent studios working on smaller budgets, and they focus on cooperation and socialization rather than combat. Today on Commotion, digital journalist Jonathan Ore talks with guest host Amil Niazi about Big Walk, a game that seems to be taking the genre in a different direction.

'Ted Lasso' started out strong – winning awards, massively loyal audiences, and critical acclaim. But later seasons struggled to capture the same magic. Now season 4 is here, with Ted, played by Jason Sudeikis, taking on the challenge of coaching a women's football team. Commotion guest host Amil Niazi chats with TV critic Roxana Hadadi and sports journalist Signa Butler about the legacy of 'Ted Lasso,' and if this latest season recaptures the show's glory days.

Plus, BTS have decided they won’t submit their comeback album, ARIRANG, for the 2027 Grammy Awards. They released a statement that said, “We hope our music can be heard and loved for what it is, rather than being divided by region or language.” Many critics saw this as a rejection of the Grammys newest category: Best Asian Pop Music Performance. Professor Michelle Cho talks about the delicate identity politics surrounding this story, and why fans are standing behind the seven-member K-pop group.

With each summer comes the race to crown the definitive song of the season. But when you look at the songs dominating the discourse this year—from Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas” to Olivia Rodrigo’s “the cure” to Charli xcx’s “SS26”—the vibe is not very fun-in-the-sun. Music journalists Emilie Hanskamp, Carl Wilson, and Reanna Cruz explain why, in the world of pop music, this summer has been a real bummer. 

There’s a month of summer vacation left, which means there’s still time for a good old Canadian road trip. Who’s in the car, where are you going and, most importantly, what audiobook are you listening to? Audiobook enthusiasts Jael Richardson, Arizona O’Neill and Nathan Maharaj share their suggestions with host Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

Film critics Rad Simonpillai and Kristy Puchko, and culture writer Maura Johnston chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about Tom Holland’s latest turn as Spider-Man, the return of Johnny Depp to the Hollywood spotlight after years of scandal and controversy, and the career of musician Glen Hansard who died this week at the age of 56.

It’s not often you hear someone call director Christopher Nolan’s screenwriting “abysmal.” And that’s just one of many critiques translator Emily Wilson had for Nolan’s adaptation of The Odyssey. Her review has caused quite a stir online, partly because Nolan credits her work with helping him write the adaptation. Adam Nayman and Soraya Nadia McDonald join Elamin Abdelmahmoud on Commotion to discuss what Emily Wilson’s gets right and wrong about Christopher Nolan’s work.

Plus, Montreal’s Fantasia Film Festival is considered to be the largest genre festival in North America - and this year it celebrates its 30th anniversary. Elamin is joined by Montreal film critic Justine Smith - who is also one of the festival’s programmers - to briefly look back on the legacy of Fantasia Fest and some of the big Canadian films premiering at the event this year.

The Polygamist is a new Zulu-language show that follows the life of a wealthy married couple in South Africa as they deal with the pressures of infidelity. It’s currently one of Netflix’s most watched shows. You’ll hear why it has captivated audiences around the world and the conversations it has opened up with culture critics Tayo Bero in Lagos, Nigeria and Zanele Mji in Johannesburg, South Africa.

Plus, stand up comedian Mary Beth Barone is known for her dead pan humour, her podcast Ride with comedian Benito Skinner, and her leading role on the college comedy, Overcompensating. Now, her new standup special, Galaxy Brain, is out. Comedian Ashley Ray joins Commotion to discuss if Barone’s Netflix debut lives up to the hype. 

With the passing of legendary Canadian jazz pianist Oliver Jones, Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by principal Montreal Jazz Festival programmer Modibo Keita, jazz educator DJ Andy Williams, and Juno-award winning singer Molly Johnson to look back on Oliver Jones’ legacy and where they see it living on in today’s landscape.

Restaurant Impossible aired for 22 seasons on the Food Network before it was cancelled in 2023. Now it’s back, with Toronto restaurateur Jen Agg and celebrity chef Aarón Sánchez helping struggling restaurants across North America makeover their spaces and menus. Line cook Grace Onasanya and Michelle Jobin, former host of Toronto Dining, chat with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about how this restaurant reality show reboot lands during a time when the food industry landscape has changed so much because of the pandemic.

Plus, when Tyla’s single Water came out in 2023, she rose to fame globally, and was credited with introducing many fans to amapiano, a style of South African electronic music. Now, she’s just released a new album. It’s called A*Pop. Elamin is joined by culture critic Matt Amha to discuss the new album and the discourse surrounding Tyla’s rise in North America.

CBC Music correspondent Natalie Harmsen, Exclaim editor Megan LaPierre, and culture writer Joan Summers join Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a group chat digging into the highly anticipated new albums from the queen of Canadian country – Shania Twain, pop provocateur Charli XCX, and indie-sleaze icons The Strokes!

Climate change isn't a new subject for Canadian musicians to sing about, going back to Neil Young and Bruce Cockburn all the way up to Tanya Tagaq, The Weather Station, Kaeley Jade and many others. In the face of forest fires raging across the country, what is the place of music right now? Culture critic Riley Yesno and musician Tamara Lindeman AKA The Weather Station join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss.

Esther Perel has built an empire around helping people navigate relationships through her podcast and bestselling books. She recently served as a consultant on Olivia Wilde's couple's comedy The Invite, and was even a major inspiration for Penelope Cruz's character in the film. Culture writers Rebecca Jennings and Marisa Meltzer join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to discuss how a couple's therapist infiltrated pop culture and why her ideas are resonating so widely today.

Director Clement Virgo says his latest film Steal Away is his most ambitious yet. Film critic Sarah-Tai Black talks about how the movie applies many different genre lenses -- Afrofuturism, horror and political allegory -- on a story rooted in Black Canadian history.

Thanks to popular social-media accounts like Track Star, to be a music fan online these days is to be inundated with quick-hit clips of musicians being quizzed on their music knowledge, or being asked to name their Top 10 albums. Music critics Emilie Hanskamp and Rollie Pemberton a.k.a. Cadence Weapon chat about the rise of this content with Elamin Abdelmahmoud.

Plus, Variety TV critic Aramide Tinubu shares her thoughts on Anya Taylor Joy's new thriller ‘Lucky’ on Apple TV. Based on a bestselling novel by Toronto author Marissa Stapley, the show follows the highly resourceful con-woman Lucky who is constantly on the run from FBI agents, mob bosses and her father's criminal legacy.

The 2026 World Cup is over. It took over five weeks, 48 countries and we finally have a winner! Who were the heroes and villains of this World Cup? And what kind of legacy does this tournament leave for Canadian soccer? CBC Sports contributors Shireen Ahmed and Morgan Campbell, and culture critic Matt Amha join Elamin Abdelmahmoud for a look back at this year’s World Cup.

Film critics Hanna Flint, David Ehrlich and Radheyan Simonpillai join host Elamin Abdelmahmoud to review Christopher Nolan’s epic adaptation of The Odyssey.

Wildfires, heatwaves, and flood risks are becoming increasingly more common across Canada, and many arts and culture festivals are being forced to adapt and prepare for multi-level climate emergencies. Festival organizers Julie Fowler, Troy Greencorn and Adi Winterbourne join Elamin to describe the challenges festivals are facing, and the types of changes they’ve had to make.

Canadian actor Brittany Allen gave one of The Pitt’s most heart-wrenching performances of season 2 as the terminally ill mother Roxie Hamler. So when HBO decided not to submit her for Emmy consideration, Brittany submitted herself and is now a nominee in the category of Outstanding Guest Actress in a Drama Series. Brittany joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about her performance and why she decided to submit herself for Emmy consideration. Plus - Canadian music has a brand new prize .. and it was announced at the same time as the Polaris prize revealed its shortlist for this year. But unlike the Polaris – the Meridian prize is ONLY open to artists from the North and Western Canada. Elamim Abdelmahmoud talks with CBC music journalist Natalie Harmsen

The World Cup has a way of bringing us together, but also highlighting our divisions and the colonial histories that brought us to this moment. CBC Sports’ Shireen Ahmed joins Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the racism called out at this year’s tournament, and how people are responding to it. Plus, "Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass” is the latest comedy from David Wain, who also directed the classic “Wet Hot American Summer.” Vulture writer Fran Hoepfner chats with Elamin Abdelmahmoud about why this film is best appreciated in a movie theatre, with an audience.

The wait for the movie adaptation of the bestselling YA novel, Children of Blood and Bone, is nearly over. But the author and co-screenwriter, Tomi Adeyemi, says she will not be watching when it comes out in January 2027. Authors Jael Richardson and Catherine Hernandez talk to Elamin Abdelmahmoud about the story. Plus, with Jay-Z kicking off his ‘Jay-Z-30’ tour at Yankee Stadium in New York City to celebrate the 30th anniversary of his debut album ‘Reasonable Doubt’ - Elamin is joined by culture critic Ian Kamau, who attended two of the three NYC shows - to discuss the importance of Jay-Z’s debut album and this moment in Jay-Z’s touring history, as he officially transitions from touring to promote new material to touring to celebrate his legacy.

Film critics Corey Atad, Sarah-Tai Black, and Justine Smith join the Group Chat to talk about the new Canadian indie horror film Son of Sara: Vol. 1, and why the horror genre seems to be thriving in Canada right now. They’ll also weigh in on the nominations for the Primetime Emmy Awards, and pay tribute to Quebec screen star Marc Messier, who died this week at age 78.

Little House on the Prairie has been adapted countless times, and Netflix is adding their modern retelling into the Laura Ingalls Wilder canon. TV critics Johnnie Jae and Kathryn VanArendonk join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about what Little House on the Prairie has meant to the generations who grew up with it, and how much has changed with the representation of Osage characters in showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine’s version.

Also, Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai is joined by Vass Bednar to discuss the criticisms around Meta’s new AI glasses campaign featuring Kylie Jenner and what the rise of wearable technology means for how we understand privacy.

Have you ever been to a friend’s house for dinner and suddenly realized they were fighting with their partner right before you walked through the door? That’s where Olivia Wilde’s latest movie, The Invite, begins and the tension never lets up - but does it deliver? Adam Nayman and Teri Hart stop by Commotion to give us their take on the new relationship comedy-drama.

Plus, CBC sports reporter Morgan Campbell checks in to discuss the two major stories coming out of the Toronto Raptors camp this week: the return of star forward Kawhi Leonard to the team after seven years, and the retirement of Kyle Lowry, who, after a half-decade playing for other teams, is re-signing a one-day deal with the Raptors so that he can officially end his career with the team. 

The only large photochemical film lab in Canada is slated to close .. and film lovers are lobbying the owners to reverse their decision. Film professor Michael Yaroshevsky says that if MELS closes in Montreal – it’s not just the loss of an essential service … it’s going to weaken cinema in this country as we know it. 

Plus, Playstation announced it will discontinue making video games on physical discs by 2028. Jonathan Ore and Camille Salazar Hadaway join Commotion to discuss what this means for physical media and the future of gaming.

Canada is only one game away from the World Cup quarter-finals. All eyes will be on their match against Morocco this weekend. On Monday, CBC’s Shireen Ahmed and Zameer Karim join guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about this pivotal game for Canada, and reflect on Toronto and Vancouver’s experiences as host cities as their hosting duties officially wind down. Plus, Lainey Lui checks in her report on Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s epic all-star wedding at New York’s Madison Square Garden this past Friday: who was there, what went down, and how social media is reacting.

Music journalist Emilie Hanskamp, broadcaster Garvia Bailey, and culture writer Mel Woods join the Friday Group Chat to discuss Canada joining the Eurovision song contest; Madonna’s long-awaited new album Confessions II; and a documentary about trailblazing Canadian queer rock icon Carole Pope.

"Nirvanna the Band: A comedy about Matt and Jay, a duo unrelated to the legendary band Nirvana, who devise a ridiculous plan to build a time machine for a performance and travel back 17 years to when they first met" is the full translated title for the Korean version of the Canadian hit film "Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie." Michelle Cho talks with guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about how a Korean YouTuber brought the movie to South Korea. Plus, the acclaimed culinary drama, The Bear, just dropped its fifth and final season. Guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by former line cook and TV junkie Grace Onasanya and TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk to talk about if the series serves fans a Michelin-star ending.

It's Canada Day, which means the first half of the year is over. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critics Jackson Weaver, Riley Yesno and Eugénie Lépine-Blondeau to look back on the Canadian artists making the biggest impact on pop culture this year so far (Hudson Williams! Drake! Charlotte Cardin! Matt Johnson! Angine de Poitrine!) and what they are most looking forward to in the next half of the year (North of North! Carly Rae Jepsen! Mico! Celine Dion! More Matt Johnson!).

Culture critics Matt Hart and Niko Stratis talk to Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai about the enduring appeal of the Jackass franchise, and what it teaches us about male friendship, vulnerability, and getting older. 

Plus, CBC senior contributor Morgan Campbell discusses ‘Overture,’ the first new album in almost 10 years from Canadian R&B artist Glenn Lewis.

Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by culture critic Sonya Ballantyne and CBC film critic Jackson Weaver to discuss 'Supergirl’ - the latest installment in James Gunn’s DC Universe franchise.

Also, the newly opened Museum of Animated Film in Annecy, France includes a permanent exhibition of works created by Canada’s National Film Board—including two works by Montreal-based Oscar-nominated animator Theodore Ushev, who will discuss the significance of having his work featured in the museum, the crucial role the NFB has played in the evolution of animation, and the importance of having a museum like this as AI infiltrates creative industries. 

With the CN Tower celebrating its 50th birthday today, culture writers Michael Barclay, Niko Stratis, and Dalton Higgins reflect on the various ways—from Drake to Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie—the tower has shown up in pop culture over the years, and how it remains a potent symbol of Canadian identity even for people far outside Toronto. 

Siphe November took his final bow as principal dancer at the National Ballet of Canada in Wayne McGregor’s adaptation of MADDADDAM this past weekend. As Siphe prepares to join the Dutch National Ballet as soloist, culture critic Syrus Marcus Ware and ballet critic Martha Schabas join Elamin to talk about his meteoric rise at the National Ballet and the pressure he’s faced as the second Black dancer to be made principal at the company.

Also, a public art piece featuring a floating convenience store has enchanted Torontonians and people around the world. Some have even swam and paddled up to it, hoping it might just be real. Elamin Abdelmahmoud chats with Charlene K. Lau, an art critic and public art curator, about the unexpected ways people engage with public art. 

Saint Jean Baptiste Day is the day when Quebec celebrates what makes it distinct. But this year, more young Quebecers are embracing the idea of an independent Quebec. Culture writers Eugenie Lepine Blondeau and Dominc Tardiff join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about the culture that’s coming out of the sovereignty movement.

Plus, Elamin is joined by pop culture academic Professor Mark Anthony Neal to look back on the 60-plus year legacy of pop music mogul Clive Davis who died this week at 94.

Following Canada’s resounding victory over Qatar Thursday, it’s safe to say World Cup fever has finally taken hold across the nation. In advance of this week’s match-up against Switzerland, CBC sports reporters Shireen Ahmed and Laurence Watt explain how the World Cup is resonating with Canadians at this moment, be it on the streets of the host cities or through viral social-media moments. 

Plus, The Globe and Mail reporter Josh O’Kane walks Elamin through the latest developments in a heist involving money that was intended to help independent Canadian musicians. While a settlement has been reached between FACTOR and Scotiabank, the thief – or thieves - are still at large.

With the release of Toy Story 5 Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai is joined by CBC film critic Jackson Weaver and Mashable film editor Kristy Puchko to review this latest installment in the popular franchise -- and how it holds up amongst past releases.

Is the culture really shifting away from smart phones? Are landlines becoming a thing again? Internet culture journalist Kate Lindsay joins Commotion guest host Radheyan Simonpillai to talk about the trend, and whether it has staying power.

Ahead of National Indigenous People’s Day, Cree radio producer Kaitlyn Swan, nêhiyaw musician Marek Tyler, and Anishinaabe writer Riley Yesno join the Group Chat to talk about the new album from Anishinaabe artist Zoon, and the Indigenous indie-rock artists experimenting with the noisy-yet-soothing sounds of 'moccasin gaze.' The group chat also shares their thoughts on the recently revealed Polaris Music Prize long list, and reflect on this week's passing of alt-pop star Oliver Tree and the bizarre conspiracy theories that have proliferated on the internet. 

After the New York Knicks won its first NBA championship in 53 years the city will celebrate on Thursday with a massive parade. Elamin Abdelmahmoud is joined by culture critic and New Yorker Jay Smooth to talk about what this win means to him as a fan. But also, the moment this win is landing in. Jay talks about the current political climate surrounding these big ticket sporting events, including the FIFA World Cup.

Also, the finale for one of the buzziest shows on TV right now drops on Wednesday (June 17). Film & TV critic Eric Marchen talks about the first season of 'Widow's Bay,' and why audiences are so drawn to a comedy that's packed with terrifying scenes.