The Daily

This episode begins with an introduction to the New York Times' new Wordle Archive feature, followed by a deep dive into Republican midterm strategies. Reporters discuss how the party is leveraging massive financial advantages and voter mobilization efforts to protect Senate majorities despite low presidential approval ratings. The discussion explores how candidates are balancing support for Donald Trump with local economic concerns across states like Iowa, Maine, and Michigan. The episode also examines aggressive campaign tactics in Texas, including character attacks, disinformation campaigns, and the use of AI-generated content, before concluding with news regarding a satellite internet outage affecting Ukraine.

The episode examines the Trump administration's recent reversal in U.S. energy policy, specifically the decision to purchase billions of dollars in Russian diesel to lower domestic fuel prices. This shift toward using economic incentives and potential sanctions relief—such as Lukoil asset purchases—as a 'down payment' for peace is analyzed alongside its impact on relations with U.S. allies and Ukraine. Additionally, the program covers news regarding Kimberly Guilfoyle's resignation as U.S. ambassador to Greece, an update on the Pope's health, and Cornell University's ban on fraternity parties.

Mathematician Steven Strogatz discusses the profound impact of AI on mathematics, noting how AI has begun solving complex problems with unexpected elegance. The conversation explores the emotional toll and existential dread felt by mathematicians as they face the potential for superhuman intelligence to render human discovery obsolete. The episode also reflects on the legacy of Paul Erdős and concludes with a discussion on finding meaning in an age of automation, followed by news headlines regarding Elon Musk's political donations and a Homeland Security search at Representative Ilhan Omar's home.

Host Natalie Kittreweff and guest Elizabeth Vincentelli explore the career evolution of Celine Dion, tracing her journey from a critically dismissed singer to a beloved global icon. The discussion examines how her authentic personality and the rise of digital media helped reshape her public perception. The episode also delves into Dion's recent health struggles following her diagnosis of stiff person syndrome, detailing the physical impact on her voice and her vulnerable return to the stage. From her iconic performance at the Paris Olympics to her emotional connection with fans during recent shows in Paris, the conversation highlights her resilience and enduring stage presence.

Lulu Garcia-Navarro interviews Mirjana Spojadic, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), regarding the increasing complexity and frequency of global conflicts. The conversation covers the importance of upholding the rules of war, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the challenges of accessing detainees, and the psychological impact of warfare on both victims and perpetrators. The discussion further explores Spojadic's personal history with war, the vital role of gender in conflict zones, and the necessity of neutrality for humanitarian access. The speakers also address the erosion of diplomatic language, the fragility of the post-World War II international order, and the urgent need to rebuild a positive narrative centered on humanity and peace.

This episode explores the profound economic crisis facing the American restaurant industry, driven by rising labor costs, food inflation, and increasing transaction fees. We trace the industry's decline from the affordable, chef-driven era of the 1970s to a post-pandemic reality where traditional business models are becoming unsustainable. To survive, restaurateurs are adopting new strategies, such as simplified menus and counter-service concepts, to reduce specialized labor needs. The episode also follows the evolution of a Minneapolis restaurant that transitioned from a 'pay-what-you-can' experiment back to a low-margin pricing model to balance community mission with financial sustainability.

In this episode of The Daily on Sunday, hosts Natalie Kittroweck, Gilbert Cruz, and James Ponowozik analyze The New York Times' list of the 100 best TV shows of the 21st century. The conversation explores various rankings, from the dense humor of '30 Rock' and the 'cringe comedy' of 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' to the intense character dynamics in 'Succession' and the systemic complexity of 'The Wire'. The hosts also reflect on the psychological depth of shows like 'Mad Men' and the moral transformations in 'Breaking Bad'. The discussion concludes by addressing the profound legacy of 'The Sopranos' on the era of prestige television and discussing notable omissions from the list.

This episode explores the historical significance and recent return of the Bayeux Tapestry to the United Kingdom. The discussion covers the distinction between tapestry and embroidery, the epic narrative of the 1066 Norman Conquest, and the political complexities surrounding its loan from France. The conversation also details the extraordinary logistical and technological efforts required to transport the artifact, including specialized earthquake-resistant crates. Finally, the speakers discuss how the tapestry's ancient and ambiguous history serves as a canvas for modern personal and political projections.

Rachel Abrams and Maya Salam explore the concept of 'good-bad' movies—films that are technically flawed or absurd yet remain highly watchable and nostalgic. The discussion delves into how these films provide low-stakes debate and emotional impact in a fragmented pop culture landscape. The hosts transition from discussing the campy nature of Grease 2 and the aesthetic-driven cyberpunk world of Hackers to analyzing how time can transform criticized films into cult classics. They conclude by recommending Face Off as a quintessential example of the genre's wild, unhinged storytelling.

This episode explores the rise of conductor Gustavo Dudamel, tracing his journey from Venezuela's El Sistema music education program to international stardom and his appointment as the new musical director of the New York Philharmonic. The discussion examines how his celebrity and energetic approach aim to revitalize classical music. The episode also delves into Dudamel's tenure with the L.A. Philharmonic, highlighting his ability to connect with diverse audiences through pop culture collaborations and his technical evolution as a conductor. Finally, it discusses the strategic recruitment efforts used to bring him to New York and his unconventional programming vision for the future of the orchestra.

Host Natalie Kittrow-Feth interviews Matthew Futterman about the upcoming U.S. Open and the evolving landscape of professional tennis. The discussion explores the transition from era-defining legends like Serena Williams, Roger Federer, and Rafael Nadal to a new generation of stars including Coco Gauff, Iga Swiatek, and Novak Djokovic. The episode also profiles rising American talents such as Ben Shelton and Frances Tiafoe, examining their physical training and playing styles. Beyond the court, the conversation delves into the mental discipline required for greatness, focusing on the importance of maintaining focus and separating one's identity from match results.

This episode explores the phenomenon of the Savannah Bananas, a highly popular baseball team that utilizes 'Banana Ball' rules to prioritize entertainment through skits, dancing, and fast-paced gameplay. Host Natalie Kittrolev and reporter Jonathan Abrams discuss the team's massive popularity and unique approach to the sport, contrasting their fan-first strategy with traditional Major League Baseball. The conversation further examines the trade-off between maximizing fan entertainment and maintaining the high stakes of professional sports. The speakers explore how modern trends toward shorter attention spans and instant gratification are influencing leagues like baseball, golf, and the NBA to prioritize faster pacing over the deep, psychological tension found in traditional games.

In this episode of The Daily on Sunday, host Natalie Kittroweff interviews thriller expert Sarah Lyle about The Book Review's list of the 50 best thrillers of the century. They discuss the criteria for the list, the defining characteristics of the genre, and highlight standout works ranging from massive hits like 'Gone Girl' to literary masterpieces. The episode continues with an interview with author Tana French, who discusses her 'messy' writing process, her use of the mystery framework to maintain character integrity, and her approach to character development in the Dublin Murder Squad series. French also explores the intersection of genre and literary fiction while sharing book recommendations and news about her upcoming novel.

This episode explores the growing tension in France between traditional, rule-based parenting and the rising influence of American-style 'gentle' or 'positive' parenting. The discussion highlights a national debate driven by figures like Caroline Goldman, who argues that a lack of boundaries leads to behavioral issues, contrasting with new government guidelines aimed at preventing 'educational violence.' The episode further examines the broader societal implications of these shifts, including the rise of 'parental pessimism' and the impact of declining birth rates. By comparing the French experience with more supportive infrastructures like Sweden's, the report delves into how systemic support and changing cultural values shape the modern landscape of French parenting.

In this episode of The Daily, columnist Yawande Komalafe discusses her experience living with sickle cell disease and the medical crisis that led to multiple amputations. She describes the physical nature of the disease, her background in the culinary industry, and how she navigated a six-week coma and subsequent recovery through the lens of food. The segment follows Komalafe's journey of recovery and adaptation after her coma, focusing on her sensory reintroduction to food and the emotional weight of her new physical reality. She describes how she has learned to use prosthetics and collaborate with an assistant to continue her passion for recipe development and cooking.

Ellen Berry discusses her father's decline following a serious head injury that led to accelerated vascular dementia, characterized by bizarre delusions and an impulsive, restless urge to travel. The episode explores the neurological basis for his profound memory loss and disorientation. Through brain scans, researchers identify how a bleed in the right hippocampus caused his inability to recognize his home, while noting how high-intensity memories remained preserved via the thalamus.

Natalie Kittreweff and reporter Tarek Panja recap the conclusion of the World Cup, highlighting the upcoming final between Spain and Argentina. The episode reflects on the tournament's greatest underdog stories, such as Cape Verde and Norway, while addressing controversies involving US government intervention in disciplinary rulings and the impact of VAR technology. The discussion further compares the contrasting footballing philosophies of the two finalists. It explores Spain's systematic, process-driven approach centered on possession and youth development against Argentina's star-centric model built around the legendary Lionel Messi.

In this special episode, Emily Wilson and Madeline Miller join the hosts to discuss the upcoming film adaptation of The Odyssey and the creative processes behind translating and retelling this ancient epic. The conversation explores Wilson's use of iambic pentameter to replicate the original Greek rhythm and Miller's focus on providing a female perspective through the character of Circe. The discussion delves into the psychological depth of Odysseus, Penelope, and Telemachus, examining themes of trauma, agency, and identity. The speakers also address the inevitability of adaptation in storytelling, reflecting on Christopher Nolan's upcoming film and the enduring importance of universal themes like hospitality.

In celebration of America's 250th birthday, The Daily features various New York Times journalists sharing what they consider the most 'American' things within their respective beats. The discussion spans a wide range of cultural touchstones, including classical music, fashion, technology, reality TV, and even the history of M&Ms. Critics also dive into works of art, literature, and food that define the American experience. The conversation explores everything from the agricultural influence of candy to deep dives into American literature, film, video games, poetry, and dance, ultimately reflecting on both the ideals and the uncomfortable realities of the nation.

The podcast series 'The Last 12 Weeks' follows death penalty lawyers fighting to stop the execution of David Wood in Texas. The investigation explores allegations that witnesses fabricated testimony and examines the discovery of multiple bodies in the El Paso desert that led to Wood's conviction. Defense attorney Greg Warchuk is currently attempting to secure DNA testing to prove innocence, despite facing resistance from the incoming El Paso District Attorney. As the execution date approaches, the legal team faces significant hurdles, including the loss of potential media leverage and the need for new investigations.

In this episode of The Daily, Michael Barbaro interviews writer Tom Juneau about his new book, which explores the complex relationship between Juneau and his father, Lou. Juneau describes his father as a charismatic man who modeled his masculinity after 1930s movie stars, but also delves into the tension created by the secrets, including infidelity and hidden behaviors, that Juneau discovered growing up. The conversation follows Juneau's journey from uncovering his father's hidden life of pornography to investigating the potential existence of a secret sibling. He reflects on the emotional process of contacting potential siblings and meeting his sister, Lizanne, ultimately expressing a deep-seated love and gratitude for his father's influence despite the profound betrayals revealed by his father's secret life.

Almost 50 years ago, Steven Spielberg directed “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” the story of an average man who discovers that humanity may not be alone in the universe. Over the decades, Spielberg has directed several movies about what would happen if humanity made contact with aliens. Would the aliens be kind like the title character in “E.T. the Extra Terrestrial”? Would they be cruel like the murderous aliens of “War of the Worlds”? And regardless of what the aliens were like, would we humans be ready to receive them? Spielberg returns to the question of whether we’re alone in the universe, and what it might mean if we’re not, with his new film “Disclosure Day.” Today, he sits down with Rachel Abrams, a host of “The Daily,” to talk about the film, and about what he has learned over five decades of making movies about aliens.

The 2026 World Cup is about to descend on North America — spread across three countries, with 48 teams, and 104 games, and with billions of fans across the globe tuning in to watch the biggest sporting event on the planet. Today, Tariq Panja, global soccer correspondent for The New York Times, breaks down everything you need to know about this year’s tournament — the arrival of historic first-timers, like Curaçao, the aging legends like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo, who are making their final appearances, and the eye-watering ticket prices that are driving fans to financial extremes just to book a seat.

Olivia Rodrigo sat down with Joe and Jon for her first in-depth conversation about her new album, “you seem pretty sad for a girl so in love,” out June 12. She discussed the many ways her creative process intersects with the extracurricular noise of pop superstardom, whether its managing relationship drama, being targeted for the way she dresses; accusations of pilfering songwriting gestures from Taylor Swift, her onetime idol, or her willingness to speak up about political and social causes in a way many of her peers won’t.

Andy Isaacson is a writer and photographer. His work for The Times has taken him to every corner of the world, and he has transmitted what he’s experienced through his images. But recently, Isaacson took a trip unlike any he’d taken before. Not because of where he traveled, but because of how he traveled. Paired with a set of unlikely travel companions, he put down his camera and experienced the word through touch, smell and sound. On today’s episode of “The Sunday Daily,” Isaacson talks with Host Michael Barbaro about a trip that forever changed the way he travels.

For Mother’s Day, we asked you about your “Mom mantras”: the oft-repeated mottos or go-to expressions that your moms have said over the years. In partnership with the Well desk, we received thousands of submissions, full of sayings that ranged from wise to funny to profound. In today’s episode of “The Sunday Daily,” we feature your “Mom mantras,” and the host Rachel Abrams calls her mother to ask about hers.

Roughly a year ago, a team at The New York Times Magazine set about tackling a nearly impossible task: creating a list of the greatest living American songwriters. But how to take the tens of thousands of songwriters working in this country and narrow them down to a digestible list? The answer involved thousands of voting ballots, hundreds of music industry insiders and a series of closed-door meetings among a small group of music experts. The result, The Times’s list of the 30 greatest living American songwriters, was published this week. Today, Michael Barbaro talks with Sasha Weiss, a deputy editor of The Times Magazine, who oversaw the project, as well as Joe Coscarelli and Jody Rosen, two members of the cadre of critics assigned with compiling the final list. They discuss the list-making process, what defines a great songwriter and why Billy Joel didn’t make the final cut. We also hear from some of the songwriters featured on the list, including Taylor Swift, Nile Rodgers and the songwriting team of…

With war, political wrangling and price hikes jockeying for headlines, it’s a rare thing to sit for an hour with a large group of strangers and focus on the small pleasures in life. But that’s what the show “Every Brilliant Thing” is all about. Since 2013, Duncan Macmillan’s audience-participation-heavy play has been performed in dozens of languages in hundreds of locations across the globe. It revolves around a central character who writes a list of all the good things in life for a depressed parent. And while it tackles dark subject matter — including frequent mentions of a loved one’s suicide — it may be one of the funniest shows about depression, ever. In this episode of “The Sunday Daily,” Michael Barbaro talks with Daniel Radcliffe, who currently stars in a Broadway production of the show, and Mariska Hargitay, who will step into the role in a few weeks. We’ll also hear from the playwright and several other actors who have performed the play on stages, in living rooms, on basketball courts and aircraft…

The reality show “Love on the Spectrum” — which just released its fourth season — has become a big hit; it’s currently one of the most watched shows on Netflix in the United States. The show follows autistic adults as they search for love. “Love on the Spectrum” is unlike much of reality television — a genre known to subject its cast members to drama and humiliation for entertainment’s sake. Instead, the show captures a dating world that has more heartwarming moments than histrionics, and is sensitive and nuanced in its portrayal of neurodivergent people. On today’s episode of “The Sunday Daily,” Rachel Abrams talks with Anna Peele, a contributing writer for The New York Times, about the show’s origin story and why it has resonated with so many people.

The first time Robert Draper heard about the psychedelic drug ibogaine, it was from an unlikely source: the retired U.S. senator Kyrsten Sinema. As a political reporter for The New York Times, Draper often talks to figures like Ms. Sinema. But on this occasion, he said, she wanted to tell him about how she had tried ibogaine, which is illegal in the United States. She’d become such a believer in the drug that she was pushing her home state of Arizona to fund clinical trials for veterans with combat-related trauma. Draper found that Ms. Sinema wasn’t the only politician to take up the cause. Rick Perry, the former Texas governor, Republican presidential candidate and Trump energy secretary, has also advocated for research into ibogaine in recent years and taken the drug himself. In 2025, because of Mr. Perry’s efforts, Texas became the first state to dedicate public funds to ibogaine research with veterans. Recent studies of ibogaine at Stanford University and elsewhere suggest that it might prove effective…

Lise Davidsen is one of the greatest opera singers of our time — a soprano with a voice so rare, critics reach back a century for comparison. This spring, she has been starring in a sold-out new production of Wagner’s “Tristan und Isolde” at the Metropolitan Opera. But she’s also at a crossroads: Her first performance as “Isolde” on the Met stage came just nine months after giving birth to twins. Today on The Sunday Daily, Natalie Kitroeff talks with the Times writer Zachary Woolfe about his recent conversation with Davidsen, and the unexpected emotional weight she felt while returning to the stage as a new mother. They discuss how a production centered on birth, death and renewal gave Davidsen a way to work through this seismic shift in her life, all while tackling the role of a lifetime.

“Love Story,” the FX limited series about John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette’s relationship, has taken audiences by storm. Its unstoppable wave of ’90s nostalgia has swept through the world of fashion, revitalized iconic New York landmarks and set off a yearning for simpler days before smartphones and dating apps. The series has also drawn significant backlash, with criticism ranging from bad reviews to accusations of inaccuracy and even harm. Today, Rachel Abrams talks to Alexandra Jacobs, a critic for The New York Times Book Review, about why America can’t seem to look away from “Love Story.”

If you’ve spent any time on social media recently, you’ve probably come across a video of a young, square-jawed influencer calling himself Clavicular. He has become the face of an internet subculture called looksmaxxing, in which men do almost anything — like taking steroids and hormones or bashing their jaws with a hammer — to try to become more handsome. In this episode, Natalie Kitroeff talks with reporter Joseph Bernstein about the world of looksmaxxing and how what might seem like a fringe phenomenon is actually the culmination of a digital culture that rewards physical perfection with status and algorithmic power.

For 12 years, Pete Wells had his dream job: working as the chief restaurant critic for The New York Times. The job’s journalistic mission required Wells to eat out most nights and taste nearly everything on any given restaurant’s menu. He didn’t realize it at the time, but the excessive eating had taken a toll on his body. Then came a health crisis, followed by his doctor’s advice to “stop doing what you’re doing right now.” In 2024, Wells gave up his post as restaurant critic and set out to remake his entire relationship with food. On today’s episode, Michael Barbaro speaks with Wells about the realities of life as a restaurant critic, and what he’s learning about the joys of home cooking, mindful eating and grocery shopping for the diet he intends to follow.

Today on “The Sunday Daily,” The Times’s chief movie critic, Manohla Dargis, talks with the “Daily” host Michael Barbaro about this year’s batch of Oscar nominees, which — according to her — are uncommonly good. They discuss the performances that Dargis believes deserve to win, the dark horses that might pull off upsets, and the ambitious films that give her hope for Hollywood’s future.

In 2012, Tinder revolutionized dating apps with its swipe feature. With the flick of a finger, singles could accept or reject a potential mate. While this innovation has worked for many, some have grown weary of the simple swipe, and long for a more nuanced way to find love. Today on “The Sunday Daily,” Rachel Abrams examines two dating tends on the rise: in-person mixers that are far from old-fashioned, and emerging A.I. technology that promises singles a ‘soul’ match. Rachel speaks with The New York Times’s dating columnist Gina Cherelus; Luke Vander Ploeg, a producer on the “Daily”; and Amanda Hess, a writer at large at The Times.

In this episode of “The Sunday Daily,” the host Rachel Abrams is joined by her New York Times colleagues Motoko Rich, Shawna Richer and Juliet Macur, who are all covering this year’s Olympic Games. They discuss how the geopolitical climate may or may not be influencing the competition, and talk about some of the extraordinary athletes who are pushing the limits of physical achievements.

At the Grammy Awards tonight, the Puerto Rican pop sensation Bad Bunny is the first Spanish-language artist to be nominated for album, record and song of the year simultaneously. For most artists, this would be the high point of their year, if not their career. For Bad Bunny, this is just an appetizer for what’s in store for him next week. Next Sunday, he will headline the Super Bowl halftime show. His performance comes in the middle of a nationwide crackdown on immigration — an issue he’s been vocal about — and follows a backlash against the N.F.L. for booking him in the first place. Jon Caramanica and Joe Coscarelli, the hosts of The Times’s pop music show “Popcast,” discuss Bad Bunny’s rise to the heights of pop stardom, and explore what it means for a Puerto Rican artist to headline the world’s biggest stage.

Pop culture has not been kind to the Neanderthal. In books, movies and even TV commercials, the species is portrayed as rough and mindless, a brutish type that was rightly supplanted by our Homo sapiens ancestors. But even 40,000 years after the last Neanderthals walked the earth, we continue to make discoveries that challenge that portrayal. New research suggests Neanderthals might have been less primitive — and a lot more like modern humans — than we might have thought. The Times science reporters Carl Zimmer and Franz Lidz discuss recent discoveries about Neanderthals, and what those discoveries can tell us about the origins of humanity.

There’s a lot of anxiety about artificial intelligence invading Hollywood; the general mood there right now could be called “doom and gloom.” But speculation about a future where A.I. actors perform A.I. scripts in A.I.-generated movies often obscures the role A.I. is currently playing in the industry. In this episode, the host Michael Barbaro talks with the Hollywood reporter Brooks Barnes and the movie critic Alissa Wilkinson about the ways that A.I. is already showing up in our movies and television today, and how they see it contributing to — and complicating — the future.

As 2025 comes to an end, The Sunday Special is looking back on the year in culture. This week, on our final episode of the podcast, we’re talking about movies. The potential acquisition of Warner Brothers by Netflix has dominated entertainment news in recent weeks, but the year in movies has been about a lot more than corporate mergers. Alissa Wilkinson, a movie critic for The New York Times, and Nicole Sperling, a culture reporter based in Los Angeles, join Gilbert Cruz to talk about what really matters: the movies we loved this year. Movies discussed in this episode include: “One Battle After Another” “Sinners” “A Minecraft Movie” “Superman” “Weapons” “Wicked: For Good” “Zootopia 2” “Avatar: Fire and Ash” “Marty Supreme” “It Was Just an Accident” “The Testament of Ann Lee” “Come and See Me In the Good Light” “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning”

In these final weeks of 2025, The Sunday Special is looking back at the year in culture. Today, we’re talking about the TV we watched this year — the best shows, the most popular ones and the ones that allowed us to just enjoyably veg out. Gilbert Cruz talks with the TV critic James Poniewozik and the culture reporter Alexis Soloski about the year in television. TV shows discussed in this episode: “Severance” “Common Side Effects” “Too Much” “Nobody Wants This” “Dying for Sex” “The Hunting Wives” “The White Lotus” “Dr. Odyssey” “Long Story Short” “Heated Rivalry” “Andor” “The Lowdown” “Platonic” “Pluribus” “The Pitt” “Adolescence”

As 2025 comes to an end, The Sunday Special is looking back on the year in culture. This week, we’re listening to the songs and albums that defined the year, for better or worse. Gilbert Cruz is joined by Caryn Ganz and Lindsay Zoladz from The Times’s pop music desk to discuss some of the biggest and best releases of 2025.Albums and songs mentioned in this episode: Bad Bunny, “Debí Tirar Más Fotos” Lady Gaga, “Mayhem” Justin Bieber, “Daisies” Chappell Roan, “The Giver” and “The Subway” Sabrina Carpenter, “Manchild” Doechii, “Alligator Bites Never Heal” Taylor Swift, “The Life of a Showgirl” Morgan Wallen, “I’m the Problem” Ghost, “Skeletá” Dijon, “Baby” Geese, “Getting Killed” Water From Your Eyes, “It’s a Beautiful Place” PinkPantheress, “Fancy That” Lily Allen, “Tennis” Ella Langley, “Choosin’ Texas” Sleigh Bells, “Bunky Becky Birthday Boy” Hayley Williams, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party” Turnstile, “Never Enough”

The first week of December at The New York Times is known as “Cookie Week.” Every day, for seven days, our cooking team highlights a new holiday cookie recipe. This year’s batch features flavors that aren’t necessarily traditional holiday ones — or even, for that matter, flavors. Instead, they draw inspiration from family night at the movies, drinks like Vietnamese Coffee, and perhaps most surprisingly, an Italian deli meat. In this edition of the Sunday Special, Gilbert Cruz talks with Melissa Clark and Vaughn Vreeland from New York Times Cooking about this year’s cookies, and they answer questions from readers about how to navigate cooking and baking during the holidays.

The holiday season is here, which means it’s the time to think of great gifts for everyone on your list. While it can feel like a daunting task to choose thoughtful, personalized presents, we’ve got a fix for you: books. On this edition of The Sunday Special, Gilbert is joined by Joumana Khatib and Sadie Stein, editors at the Book Review, for a conversation about the best books to give your family and friends. Joumana and Sadie will share what excited them most this year and also provide recommendations for giftees in very specific categories. Books mentioned in this episode: “The Colony,” Annika Norlin“Perfection,” Vincenzo Latronico“Things: A Story of the 60s,” Georges Perec“The Bee Sting,” Paul Murray“The Loneliness of Sonia and Sunny,” Kiran Desai“The Director,” Daniel Kehlmann“Playworld: A Novel,” Adam Ross“A Marriage at Sea,” Sophie Elmhirst“Entertaining is Fun!,” Dorothy Draper“The Thursday Murder Club,” Richard Osman“The Mysterious Case of the Alperton Angels,” Janice Hallett“Roald Dahl’s Revolting…

“Wicked” was one of the biggest movies of 2024. It was culturally ubiquitous, a box office smash and an Oscar nominee for Best Picture. Now, a year later, “Wicked: For Good” arrives in theaters to finish the tale of the complicated friendship between Glinda the Good Witch and Elphaba, the Wicked Witch of the West. Can “Wicked: For Good” be the sensation that its predecessor was? Will it inject new life into a movie business that has suffered a historically bad business year? Will it satisfy the legions of “Wicked” fans who have been waiting to see their favorite musical brought to the big screen? Gilbert Cruz is joined by Kyle Buchanan, a pop culture reporter for The New York Times who profiled the stars of “Wicked,” and Madison Malone Kircher, a reporter for the Styles desk and affirmed “Wicked” fanatic, to discuss what “Wicked: For Good” means for the movies.

There was once a time when documentaries could be found only on public television or in art-house cinemas. But today, documentaries are more popular and accessible than ever, with streaming services serving up true crime, celebrity documentaries, music documentaries and so much more. On today’s Sunday Special, Gilbert is joined by The New York Times’s chief television critic, James Poniewozik, and Alissa Wilkinson, a Times film critic, to talk about the documentaries that are worth your viewing time. Discussed on this episode: “The American Revolution,” 2025, directed by Ken Burns “The Alabama Solution,” 2025, directed by Andrew Jarecki and Charlotte Kaufman “The Jinx: The Life and Deaths of Robert Durst,” 2015, directed by Andrew Jarecki “Making a Murderer,” 2015, directed by Laura Ricciardi and Moira Demos “The Yogurt Shop Murders,” 2025, directed by Margaret Brown “The Perfect Neighbor,” 2025, directed by Geeta Gandbhir “The Last Dance,” 2020, directed by Jason Hehir “Copa 71,” 2023, directed by Rachel…

This year has been a banner year for video games, with an abundance of surprise releases and unexpected hits. On this week’s Sunday Special, Gilbert Cruz talks with two fellow gamers — Zachary Small, a culture reporter, and Jason Bailey, an editor on The Times’s culture desk — about the state of the industry, the biggest releases and the games they loved playing in 2025. They also share their predictions for Game of the Year.

The only thing Gilbert Cruz loves more than celebrating Halloween is watching scary movies. And between the classic horror franchises that span decades and the prestige original films of the current moment, he has seen hundreds of them. On today’s episode, Gilbert puts his knowledge to use in conversation with his fellow horror aficionados Jason Zinoman and Erik Piepenburg. They comb through a century of spooks, frights and screams to crown the Top 10 franchises in cinema history. Horror franchises discussed on this episode: “A Nightmare on Elm Street” “A Quiet Place” “Alien” “The Amityville Horror” “Candyman” “Child’s Play” “The Conjuring” “The Exorcist” “The Evil Dead” “Final Destination” “Friday the 13th” “Halloween” The Hannibal Lecter films “Hellraiser” “The Hills Have Eyes” “Insidious” “Jaws” “Night of the Living Dead” “The Omen” “Paranormal Activity” “Phantasm” “Poltergeist” “Psycho” “The Purge” “The Ring” “Saw” “Scream” “Terrifier” “The Texas Chainsaw Massacre” The Universal monster films “V/H/S”

On Friday, “Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere” will be released in theaters. Rather than chronicling Bruce’s entire life, the film focuses on the making of his stripped-down 1982 album “Nebraska” and on his concurrent mental health struggles. This movie is the latest in a long history of musician biopics featuring stars like Bob Dylan, Loretta Lynn, Eminem and Elvis Presley. Hollywood clearly loves telling the stories of influential artists. In this episode, Gilbert Cruz chats with Lindsay Zoladz, a pop music critic for The Times, and Joe Coscarelli, a Times culture reporter, about the tropes of the genre and their favorite films that break the mold.