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
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.
The Dark Knight returns in "Batman: Caped Crusader."

Neal Justin: Batman returns, and we're thrilled

"Batman: Caped Crusader" proves the character still has a place in pop culture.
Elizabeth Taylor bares it all in the new HBO documentary, "Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes."

TV review: Elizabeth Taylor critiques her own career in revealing HBO documentary

"Elizabeth Taylor: The Lost Tapes" gives the late actor a chance to reflect on her life in her own words.
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

What to watch: Minnesota comic Nick Swardson proves he's the king of diarrhea jokes in new special

What TV critic Neal Justin is checking out this week.
Lisa Kudrow is Penelope in a new adaptation of "Time Bandits."

Neal Justin: 'Time Bandits' TV series takes another silly walk through history

The Apple TV+ adventure stars "Friends" favorite Lisa Kudrow.
The Fox and the Badger try to reignite relationships with old friends in "Brambletown."

TV review: Minnesota's Okee Dokee Brothers transform tunes into ponderous cartoon

The special on PBS will be followed by a Minneapolis concert.
In this handout photo courtesy of Solters & Digney PR, actress Julia Duffy, left, and actor Bob Newhart listen during an interview with the cast of th

Bob Newhart believed Minneapolis played a pivotal role in his comedy career

WCCO Radio helped put the comic on the map.
Gertrude Ederle (Daisy Ridley) is prepared for a long, cold swim in "Young Woman and the Sea."

What to watch: 'Star Wars' favorite Daisy Ridley is a force to be reckoned with in 'Young Woman and the Sea'

What TV critic Neal Justin is checking out this week.
Pete Rose lives up to his hustle reputation in more ways than one in HBO's "Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose."

Neal Justin: Pete Rose documentary isn't just for sports fans

"Charlie Hustle & the Matter of Pete Rose" probably won't do much to help the superstar get into Cooperstown.
Daredevil Angela Nikolau, who has made a career out of scaling some of the world’s tallest buildings, in "Skywalkers: A Love Story."

TV review: 'Skywalkers' will make your heart pound and your stomach churn

The documentary is one of the most visually arresting films you'll see this year.
The "English" class bone up on their lessons in a fast-paced exercise. From left to right, Nikki Massoud, Shadee Vossoughi, Pej Vahdat and Roxanna Hop

'English' gives Guthrie Theater audiences a different sort of immigrant story

The Pulitzer Prize-winning play offers challenging perspectives on the pluses and minuses of the American dream.
Garrison Keillor, who performed with singer-songwriter Heather Masse at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium in 2016, took the stage with her Friday night dur

Review: Garrison Keillor's marathon show in St. Paul suggests he can perform for another decade

The host looked upbeat, shared anecdotes and serenaded classics he has performed with past guests at the "50th Anniversary of Prairie Home Companion."
Comedian Chad Daniels of Fergus Falls enjoys trudging through the snow on wintry days in rural Minnesota.

TV shows to watch: Minnesota's Chad Daniels gets his first Netflix special

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Hiroyuki Sanada plays the skilled military and political strategist Lord Yoshii Toranaga in “Shōgun.”

Neal Justin: The best TV shows of 2024 (so far)

Andrew Scott, Jessica Lange and Jean Smart are among those who turned in memorable performances.
Performer Fred Newman rehearses at the State Theatre.

Garrison Keillor's sound-effects wiz reflects on 'A Prairie Home Companion' ahead of St. Paul shows

Fred Newman shares anecdotes about his early collaborations with stars including Justin Timberlake, "Doonesbury" creator Garry Trudeau and Muppets mastermind Jim Henson.
Malia Baker, left, and Kylie Cantrall team up for "The Descendants: Rise of the Red."

TV review: Disney fans deserve better than 'Descendants: The Rise of Red'

The latest edition of the popular franchise is far from a fairy tale.
Bill Maher says he has the goods to make people laugh with his points of view even when he turns 80.

Bill Maher explains why upcoming Orpheum Theatre show may be his last in Minnesota

HBO's "Real Time" host calls his book "What This Comedian Said Will Shock You" a labor of love.
Sha'Carri Richardson celebrates her win in the wins women's 100-meter run final during the U.S. Track and Field Olympic Team Trials in Eugene, Ore., o

What to watch: 'Sprint' is required viewing to prepare for 2024 Olympics

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson often attends Timberwolves games, as he did on April 20 during the playoffs.

Neal Justin: Netflix's 'Receiver' opens a window into the private life of Justin Jefferson

The series is the latest attempt to sharpen the public images of pro athletes.
Eddie Murphy tries explaining himself in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F."

What to watch: The heat is off in 'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F'

Eddie Murphy is getting too old for this stuff in new Netflix movie.
The St. Anthony Main Theatre and nearby restaurant.bestmn2012 bestmn2012

'Good Morning America' spotlights 'St. Anthony Main neighborhood' in Mpls.

The "Main Street USA" segment included some colorful characters from Minneapolis.
The Minnesota All-Stars take on the Philadelphia squad at Roy Wilkins Auditorium in 2017.

What to watch: 'Minnesota Mean' will bowl over roller derby fans

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Carmy (Jeremy Allen White)  cooks up words to live by in "The Bear."

TV review: 'The Bear' dishes out more love to restaurants in Season Three

New episodes of the Emmy-winning series are now streaming on Hulu.
KARE's Jason Hackett flashes a smile on "Sunrise," the show he co-anchors. In May, Hackett dedicated two minutes of airtime to telling viewers that he

KARE anchor Jason Hackett wanted to come out on air. Minnesota felt like the right place to do it.

In a viral moment, the morning anchor told "Sunrise" viewers he was gay: "I just wanted to be my authentic self."
Comedian Hannah Berner tries controlling a case of the giggles while hosting "Dream Date," a new TikTok series shot in Minneapolis.

In new TikTok series, Caribou Coffee and comic Hannah Berner help Minnesotans find love

"Dream Date: A Sip at Love," which features 12 Minnesota singles, debuts this week.
KARE 11's Randy Shaver tests a golf cart that was being given away during his June golf fundraiser in Maple Grove. Shaver retires this month after fou

Randy Shaver tees off on his profession as he retires from KARE

During his charity golf tournament, the longtime anchor and host of "Prep Sports Extra" reflected on his 41 years in the Twin Cities market. He leaves this week.
The new documentary "Power of the Dream" tells the story of WNBA players, including Atlanta Dream guard Renee Montgomery, who left the WNBA to be a fu

What to watch: 'Power of the Dream' doc makes the case that WNBA players are the toughest athletes around

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Let's Dance Gala emcees, myTalk 107.1's Julia Cobbs and Lori Barghini.

How MyTalk's 'Lori & Julia' show made its mark on Twin Cities radio

Devoted fans are saying goodbye to the popular radio program after two decades: "They've been a constant in my life."
Minneapolis comic Ali Sultan gets ready to show off his soccer skills in "Roots of Comedy With Jesus Trejo."

Minneapolis comic Ali Sultan kicks off PBS series on the secrets behind stand-up

The new show "Roots of Comedy With Jesus Trejo" will introduce you to talent from across the country, starting in Minnesota.
Author Dan Buettner, center, Afianes Wines founder Nikos Afianes, right, and his son Konstantinos Afianes drink to their health in Ikaria, Greece, in

St. Paul musician wins Emmy for his work on Netflix's 'Live to 100′

Steve Gernes had been nominated three times in the past.
Prince Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith) is just as depressed as his flying buddy in "House of the Dragon."

TV shows to watch: 'House of the Dragon' won't fire you up

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Mallory Weggemann, paralympic swimmer, gold medalist and Minnesotan, described what it means to her to be swimming back at the University of Minnesota

Eagan's Mallory Weggemann prepares to be first Paralympian to host NBC's Olympics coverage

The gold medalist is also continuing her swimming career.
Rusty Sabich (Jake Gyllenhaal) pleads his case in the TV series "Presumed Innocent."

TV review: 'Presumed Innocent' is guilty of being wildly different from the movie

Jake Gyllenhaal fills in for Harrison Ford in the limited Apple TV+ series.
Adria Arjona and Glen Powell steam up the screen in "Hit Man."

What to watch: 'Hit Man' is the sexiest movie of the month

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.