Staff Directory 6370468

Neal Justin

Critic / Reporter | Culture
Phone: 612-673-7431

Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.


Neal Justin is the pop-culture critic, covering how Minnesotans spend their entertainment time. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin previously served as TV and music critic for the paper. Before coming to Minnesota, he was a crime reporter for the Rockford Register Star and graduated from Northwestern University. He is the co-founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms. He is the former president of UNITY and former governing board member for the Asian American Journalists Association. He is an adjunct professor at the University of St. Thomas.
Recent content from Neal Justin
Tires Plus co-founder and star of the new documentary “Confessions of a CEO” Tom Gegax with his wife Mary Wescott, also a producer of the film, at

Minneapolis resident and Tires Plus founder Tom Gegax isn't a car guy

The Minnesota Interview: Gegax is the subject of the film "Confessions of a CEO."
Actor Scott Wolf gets to skate on the ice as he tours 3M Arena at Mariucci during a publicity stop in Minneapolis to promote his Fox show, "Doc."

Justin: 'Party of Five' actor Scott Wolf gets his first taste of Minnesota

His latest series, Fox's "Doc," is set in Minneapolis
Beyoncé (Maya Rudolph) and Prince (Fred Armisen) helped set the stage for a weekend of "Saturday Night Live" memories during Friday's homecoming conc

Review: The greatest moments from 'SNL50: The Anniversary Special'

Prince gets a couple of shoutouts during a weekend of celebration.
Sebastian Maniscalco stops in St. Paul Friday as part of his latest tour.

Comedian Sebastian Maniscalco will be ready for a workout when he hits Xcel Energy Center

The Minnesota Interview: The comic and actor will be in St. Paul for Valentine's Day.
The female contestants for the Twin Cities version of "Love Is Blind" are (L to R) Brittany Dodson, Lauren O'Brien, Virginia Miller, Amanda Burke, Mon

Everything you need to know before watching the Minneapolis edition of 'Love Is Blind'

The season starts streaming Friday on Netflix.
Cy Amundson gets ready to take the stage at Acme Comedy Co. after years of being sidelined by disease.

Justin: Minnesota comic Cy Amundson makes a comeback while fighting autoimmune disease

The brilliant stand-up returns to his former home base, Acme Comedy Co.
Former senator and comedian Al Franken this past January at New York City's 30 Rockefeller Center, home for "Saturday Night Live."

'Saturday Night Live' is turning 50. How was it influenced by Minnesotans?

Former "SNL" writer (and senator) Al Franken played a significant role, but the show also has ties to Minneapolis' Brave New Workshop.
Craig T. Nelson stars as a Packers fan in the movie "Green and Gold."

'Coach' star Craig T. Nelson returns to Midwest and football in 'Green and Gold'

The Emmy winner stars as a Green Bay Packers fan in the new film.
The future of TikTok is unclear; young people's obsession with the app is not.

Justin: Minnesota teens defend their love of TikTok

Students at St. Paul Academy share their thoughts on the app's appeal.
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Review: Nikki Glaser follows Golden Globes gig with raunchy return to Minnesota

The red-hot comic has sold out two shows at Mystic Lake Casino.
Chef Sean Sherman, here at his restaurant Owamni in Minneapolis, will be featured Tuesday on PBS' "Finding Your Roots."

Owamni chef Sean Sherman discovers family secrets on PBS' 'Finding Your Roots'

The long-running series will also feature José Andrés.
Adam Bevis, co-owner of Jaxen Grey clothing stores, will be looking for a soulmate in the new season of "Love Is Blind."

You may recognize some contestants on the Minneapolis version of 'Love Is Blind'

The new season of the Netflix series debuts Valentine's Day.
This image released by NBC shows host and musical guest Timothée Chalamet during promos for "Saturday Night Live" on Jan. 21 in New York.

'SNL' host Timothée Chalamet tackles Bob Dylan songs that are almost completely unknown

The actor found an odd way to celebrate his recent Oscar nomination for "A Complete Unknown."
Lakeville native Lucie Lyon played a significant role in bringing "The Wild Robot" to the screen.

Lakeville native helped assemble Oscar nominee 'The Wild Robot'

The Minnesota Interview: Lucie Lyon picks the animated movies she loves best.
Martin Lawrence, of "Bad Boys" movie franchise fame, performs at Mystic Lake Casino in May.

Martin Lawrence is coming to Mystic Lake Casino

The "Bad Boys" franchise star is on a nationwide comedy tour.
Ian Parnell, and his mom Aime Zick, in background, playing pinball Wednesday at Can Can Wonderland in St. Paul.

Justin: Pinball bounces back in Twin Cities

Arcade bars like LITT and Can Can Wonderland are helping feed an age-old obsession.
Comedian Nate Bargatze will perform July 26 and July 27 at Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul.

Nate Bargatze is returning to the Twin Cities with two Xcel shows

The comedian will be at Xcel Energy Center in July.
Nick Swardson catered to a home town crowd with homages to living as a transplant on the west coast, the torment of being a Minnesota sports fan and m

Review: Nick Swardson celebrates his Minnesota roots with help from a Vikings starter and a local rock star

The comedian will appear in "Happy Gilmore 2″ later this year.
Former Vikings running back Ed Marinaro signs autographs for fans Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025 at The Dugout Bar in Mahtomedi, Minn.

Justin: Vikings veterans Ed Marinaro and Chuck Foreman offer fans more than autographs

Sports Legends USA provides memorable moments with Minnesota stars.
Aaron Brown prepares to anchor CNN's "Newsnight" from St. Paul in 2002.

Justin: Why Hopkins native Aaron Brown, who died Sunday, was such a memorable broadcaster

Critic Neal Justin remembers how the former CNN star opened up during one of the country's darkest days.
Davina Sowers, lead singer of Davina and the Vagabonds, performs with her group at the Dakota in Minneapolis on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.

Justin: What it's like to work New Year's Eve in Minnesota

Five veterans brace themselves for Tuesday night's festivities.
Patrick Casey (top) and Josh Miller are the Minnesota team that helped make "Sonic the Hedgehog" a blockbuster movie franchise.

Justin: The Minnesota writers behind the 'Sonic the Hedgehog' series embrace making silly movies

Bloomington natives Pat Casey and Josh Miller also have a "Violent Night" sequel in the works.
Minnesota's Chloe Radcliffe grills friends in the new YouTube series "In Tandem."

Minnesota's Chloe Radcliffe goes from writing for Jimmy Fallon to taking famous comedians on bike rides

The Minnesota Interview: Fast-rising comic is performing at Comedy Corner Underground.
Actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sinbad worked on a scene during shooting of "Jingle All The Way" in Minneapolis in 1996.

Justin: 'Jingle All the Way' is more fun when you know secrets behind the Twin Cities shoot

Key players share memories of working with Arnold Schwarzenegger at the height of his fame.
Dan Jasper, a vice president at the Mall of America, poses for a picture with his elves while playing Santa at the Candy Cane Institute at the mall in

Santa speaks! MOA's jolliest St. Nick reveals how he deals with both the naughty and nice.

The Minnesota Interview with the holiday's busiest celebrity.
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Justin: Which superstars should come to Minnesota stages?

Jodie Foster and Viola Davis are among the dream recruits for local directors.
Sarah Silverman is bringing her "Postmortem" tour to Mystic Lake Casino.

What Sarah Silverman will probably be watching when she checks into Mystic Lake Casino

Minnesota Interview: The popular comic shares her road comforts ahead of her Twin Cities show.
Russell Peters, performing in his 2020 special, "Deported," was at Treasure Island Casino on Friday.

Review: Russell Peters shows why he's a global superstar during Treasure Island Casino show

The ground-breaking comic made a rare appearance Friday in Minnesota.
Comedian and St. Paul native Josh Blue performs at the Fitzgerald Theater in St. Paul on Friday and at the Diamond Jo Casino, Northwood, Iowa, on Satu

Comedian Josh Blue returns to his former St. Paul home, just in time for his birthday

Minnesota Interview: The "Last Comic Standing" winner pitches his own nature show.
Cynthia Erivo, left, as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda in “Wicked.”

Justin: Why 'Wicked' is one of the most important films of all time

Minnesotans weigh in on the impact of the blockbuster movie.
Ron Magers, seen here broadcasting in 1980, was one of the most popular anchors in Twin Cities history.

Justin: 'Broadcast Wars' recalls when local anchors were royalty and at each other's throats

Cathy Wurzer's TPT documentary includes interviews with local legends like Cyndy Brucato, Diana Pierce and the Magers brothers.
Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz in the season opener of "Saturday Night Live."

Jim Gaffigan says his Tim Walz impression was really a tribute to his brother

The comedian was on 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' promoting his new Hulu special.
Magician Justin Willman tries to impress his son, Jackson.

Review: Magician Justin Willman does more than dazzle while taping Netflix special in St. Paul

The talented performer wowed Fitzgerald Theater crowd with mind tricks.
Minnesota Lynx guard Kayla McBride celebrates a three-point shot during a playoff game in October.

Lynx star Kayla McBride on her favorite beaches and local restaurants

Don't be surprised if you spot the WNBA standout jamming at Twin Cities concerts.
Louisa Schoenborn and her furry friend Getty enjoy music from pianist Nate Hance at the MSP.

Justin: Friendly dogs, concerts, movies — and other free ways to kill time at MSP Airport

A mix of pop culture treats are available at the airport, where you least expect them.
Writer Benjamin Percy checks out Northfield's Cannon River in 2022.

Writer Benjamin Percy, Minnesota's best link to the Marvel Universe, picks his favorite superheroes

The Northfield-based artist is guiding the launch of "Deadpool/Wolverine," which hits stands on Jan. 1.
Wade Olson shows off his Richard Widmark Museum in Sunrise, Minn.

Justin: Minnesota man keeps Old Hollywood alive with Richard Widmark Museum

Wade Olson's tribute to an almost-forgotten film legend is a labor of love.
Marshall Fine

Twin Cities native has been a critic, director and now a novelist. He picks the quintessential Minnesota movie.

The Twin Cities-raised writer and director has just published his first novel.
Billie Eilish fans Anna Barbes, 16, Vivian Rodriguez, 17, and Genevieve Arvold, 14, all of Minneapolis,  Oct. 26 at Style Society vintage shop in St.

Justin: Why Billie Eilish is more important than Taylor Swift

Her fans weigh in ahead of the 22-year-old artist's two upcoming shows in St. Paul.
Woodbury natives Adam Schindler, left, and Brian Netto are co-directors of Netflix's "Don't Move."

Minnesota natives who made Netflix thriller pick favorite horror films

"Don't Move" co-directors Brian Netto and Adam Schindler were part of the Twin Cities Film Festival.
Paula Poundstone, performing in Red Wing this weekend, is still hanging in there.

Why you might find Paula Poundstone hanging out in a Red Wing parking lot

The veteran comic is best known these days as a panelist on "Wait Wait ... Don't Tell Me!"
From left, Vyenna Vue, Toua Lee, and Goa Lor go crazy during a Katseye performance Oct. 19 at Mall of America in Bloomington.

Justin: It's OK that your kid screamed their lungs out for Katseye at MOA

Thousands embraced the new K-pop style group, despite the fact that it doesn't have a hit single.
Mike Birbiglia, pictured here in 2012, performs at the State Theatre in Minneapolis this weekend.

Review: Mike Birbiglia's Minneapolis show was designed to rock the funny bone — and touch the heart

The acclaimed comic is at the State Theatre through Sunday.
Reba McEntire, left, and Melissa Peterman present the award for outstanding scripted variety series during the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards on Sept. 15,

Actor Melissa Peterman maintains her Twin Cities ties — even while shopping for the Emmys

The Minneapolis native is back together with Reba McEntire for NBC's "Happy's Place."
Jon Stewart will grill Tim Walz on Monday's episode of "The Daily Show."

Gov. Tim Walz to appear Monday on 'The Daily Show' with Jon Stewart

"The Daily Show" is the latest stop on the media tour for the vice-presidential candidate from Minnesota.
Don Shelby, left, and Nancy Nelson rehearse for “A Minnesota Frankenstein” radio play at the Pavek Museum in St. Louis Park.

Justin: Don Shelby, Eric Eskola and other broadcast legends bring 'Frankenstein' back to life

Some familiar faces are taking a trip down memory lane.
Minnesota native Geoffrey Asmus makes a triumphant return home at Parkway Theater, part of the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival.

Justin: Minnesota's best comedy festival proved stand-up is as outrageous as ever

Atlanta comics shined at the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival.
Kathy Griffin in a 2021 interview with ABC News.

Kathy Griffin picks her favorite Minnesota politician — and the one she can no longer stand

The Emmy-winning comic returns to Minneapolis for a marathon stand-up show.
Erin Lee Carr's latest documentary is largely set in Minnesota.

Director Erin Lee Carr came home to profile 'Killer Grandma,' one of Minnesota's most unlikely murderers

Her HBO documentary includes the first interview with Blooming Prairie's Lois Riess.
Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz in the season opener of "Saturday Night Live."

Justin: What's so funny about being a Minnesotan?

Why it's OK to laugh at all those Tim Walz jokes.
Mickey’s Diner is back in business.

How much do you love Mickey's Diner?

See how you score on our pop culture quiz about the iconic spot.
Kimberly Jurek-Valanzasca at her Minneapolis boutique, The Fitting Room.

Is it OK to wear sweatpants while walking the dog? This Minnesota designer has some thoughts.

The owner of the Fitting Room in Minneapolis shares her pop culture influences.
Ahead of Tuesday's vice presidential debate between Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance, host Jimmy Kimmel poked fun of the vice presidential hopefuls.

'Jimmy Kimmel Live' imagines showdown between Tim Walz and Mike Lindell

Andy Richter is the latest comic to portray the Minnesota governor.
Justin Johnson, also known as Lefty Crumpet, performs a comedy routine that includes a song about Minnesota during a show at St. Paul's Gambit Brewing

Justin: It's time for a new Minnesota state song

Comedian Lefty Crumpet may have written the perfect anthem.
Maya Rudolph as Kamala Harris and Jim Gaffigan as Tim Walz in the season opener of "Saturday Night Live."

Jim Gaffigan wins role of Tim Walz on 'Saturday Night Live'

Popular comic Jim Gaffigan was one of several big-name guest stars on late-night series 'SNL.'
Riley Andersen raises her arms in celebration in Pixar's "Inside Out 2."

'Inside Out 2′ director dishes on the blockbuster's Twin Cities roots

Kelsey Mann fell in love with movies and drawing while growing up in the Minneapolis suburbs.
Ellen DeGeneres wrapped up her stand-up career at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis. Her final stand-up comedy show now is available on Netflix.

Review: Ellen DeGeneres' historic Minneapolis show, now on Netflix, is too much of a pity party

The legendary comic's final stand-up show is now streaming.
Timothy Busfield, Luke Edwards and Ken Griffey Jr. take a breather in the Metrodome during the filming of 1994's "Little Big League."

Justin: Baseball flick 'Little Big League' deserves more Minnesota love

The cult classic is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year.
Emma Dalenberg sitting on grassy lawn bouncing metallic ball.

This Minneapolis comic is ready to make it in New York

The fast-rising stand-up is jamming in a lot of Twin Cities gigs before the big move.
Taris Caudron visits the media section at the George Latimer Central Library in St. Paul.

Justin: Minnesota libraries offer a treasure trove for pop culture hunters

You might be stunned at what you find beyond the bookshelves.
Actor, comedian and podcast host Kumail Nanjiani in Griffith Park in Los Angeles, April 17, 2017. Nanjiani and his wife, Emily Gordon, co-wrote the ro

Top 10 comedy performances in Minnesota you have to see this fall

Both established favorites and promising newcomers are making stops in the Twin Cities.
Russell Peters, performing in his 2020 special "Deported" will be at Treasure Island Casino in November.

Comedian Russell Peters can't afford to take a vacation

His Treasure Island Casino appearance is part of his never-ending quest to pay the bills and get respect.
Sydney Adamu (Ayo Edebiri) whips up an omelet in season two of "The Bear."

TV dinners: Try these recipes from your favorite shows

Win over your boss with Ted Lasso biscuits, impress like Julia Child and whip up the omelet from "The Bear."
PBS North's Patricia Mester has been with the station for seven years.

The Minnesota Interview: PBS North President Patricia Mester wants 'Antiques Roadshow' in Duluth

The station celebrates its 60th anniversary this weekend with a free concert.
Sam Bondhus performs in the Funniest Person contest Tuesday at Gambit Brewing in St. Paul. Bondhus won the competition.

Amateur Minnesota comics take big leap forward by winning stand-up contests

Acme Comedy Co. and Gambit Brewing Co. showcase impressive new talent.
Alix Kendall

The Minnesota Interview: Alix Kendall's next stop might be Hollywood

The longtime morning anchor is working on a screenplay about her family.
Nate Bargatze from his stand-up special "Hello World."

Review: Nate Bargatze should become a State Fair tradition

The red-hot comic performed in front of a sold-out audience in the grandstand.
John Legend and Sheila E. perform on the third night of the Democratic National convention on Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024 in Chicago.

John Legend leads a Prince tribute before Gov. Tim Walz speaks at the DNC

The Grammy winner and Sheila E. performed "Let's Go Crazy."
Ellen DeGeneres in her 2018 Netflix special, "Relatable."

Oprah Winfrey and Gayle King attend Ellen DeGeneres' historic show in Minneapolis

Saturday's performance at the Orpheum Theatre was supposedly the last of DeGeneres' stand-up career.
"Homicide: Life on the Street" chronicles a fictional version of the work by Baltimore Police Department's homicide unit.

TV this week: 'Homicide: Life on the Street' is finally available for streaming

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Anna Sawai and Hiroyuki Sanada are riding into the Emmys as favorites to win.

Neal Justin: 'Shogun' will dominate the upcoming Emmy Awards

Our TV critic predicts who will come out on top during TV's biggest night.
Tonia Haddix shares a moment with her best friend Tonka in HBO's "Chimp Crazy."

TV review: 'Chimp Crazy' may be even more bananas than 'Tiger King'

The HBO docuseries spotlights pet owners who go overboard to show their love.
Ellen DeGeneres in her 2018 Netflix special, "Relatable."

Minnesota comics honor Ellen DeGeneres before she says farewell to stand-up in Minneapolis

The three shows Thursday through Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre are being recorded for a Netflix special.
Boyd Huppert walks outdoors whenever he can, here on the trails at at Bredesen Park, Monday, Jan. 3, 2022, Edina, Minn.    ] GLEN STUBBE • glen.stub

Boyd Huppert takes another leave of absence from KARE 11 to battle cancer

The award-winning reporter is expected to be off the air for the rest of the summer.
Melanie Martinez, who performed at New York's Madison Square Garden in May, will take the stage Sunday at Lollapalooza 2024 in Chicago’s Grant Park.

What to watch: How to enjoy Lollapalooza from the comfort of your home

What TV critic Neal Justin is checking out this week.