Staff Directory 6370468

Neal Justin

Columnist/Reporter | Media
Phone: 612-673-7431

Neal Justin covers the entertainment world, primarily TV and radio. He also reviews stand-up comedy. Justin is the founder of JCamp, a non-profit program for high-school journalists, and works on many fronts to further diversity in newsrooms.


Justin is currently president of UNITY, co-chair of the Star Tribune News Guild and teaches at Minnesota State University. He is a former governing board member of the Asian American Journalists Association and Minnesota chapter president for AAJA.
Recent content from Neal Justin
Conan O'Brien hits the road for Max's "Conan O'Brien Must Go."

Neal Justin: Why Conan O'Brien is a national treasure

His latest series, "Conan O'Brien Must Go," inspired us to look back at his greatest road trips.
David (Mason Blomberg) bonds with a baby panda in "Jane."

TV review: 'Jane' is the best heroine for families prepping for Earth Day

The Apple TV+ series continues to shine in its second season.
Billy Joel's 100th consecutive performance at New York City's Madison Square Garden aired Sunday night on CBS.

CBS will turn the lights back on for Billy Joel concert

The network triggered an online firestorm when it cut his concert short.
Billy Joel performs at New York City's Madison Square Garden in March 2024.

TV to watch: Billy Joel offers concert for those of us who aren't big shots

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Michael Douglas comes on board as Benjamin Franklin in Apple TV+'s limited series "Franklin."

Justin: 10 TV shows about the Founding Fathers that are more fun than Apple's 'Franklin'

Michael Douglas can't save this limited series about Benjamin Franklin's time in Paris.
Hoa Xuande, left, and Robert Downey Jr. discuss business in "The Sympathizer."

TV review: Robert Downey Jr. spoils 'The Sympathizer'

The Oscar winner plays a number of different roles in the HBO limited series.
CURB YOUR ENTHUSIASM: Larry David, Jerry Seinfeld. photo: Doug Hyun

Justin: 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' ends by re-making 'Seinfeld' finale

Larry David's long-running HBO show goes out on a defiant note.
Lee Siegfried, known to radio fans as Crazy Cabbie, dies at age 55.

Former 'KQRS Morning Show' prankster Lee Siegfried, aka Crazy Cabbie, dies at 55

He was behind a fake Brett Favre story that made national news.
Andrew Scott plays Tom Ripley in Netflix's new limited series "Ripley."

TV to watch: 'Ripley' revisits one of literature's greatest villains

What TV critic Neal Justin is checking out this week.
Larry David, left, and Jeff Garlin whine their way through the final season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

Neal Justin: 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' made it OK to feel lousy

Larry David's legendary series ends on Sunday.
Michael Burnham, played by Sonequa Martin-Green, kicks up dust in final season of "Star Trek: Discovery."

TV review: 'Star Trek: Discovery' ends its disappointing voyage

The series was one of the worst in the franchise's history.
Patrick Duffy and Linda Purl fell in love during the pandemic, keeping in touch online for months and "overcoming all that initial relationship stuff.

'Dallas' star Patrick Duffy and 'Happy Days' fave Linda Purl make beautiful music together

Purl performs at Fridley's Crooners Supper Club on Saturday.
Steve!’ (Martin): A Documentary in 2 Pieces" is a two-part documentary about comedian Steve Martin's career.

TV to watch: Steve Martin documentary presents a mild-and-savvy guy

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Minnesota Twins Joe Mauer before entering his retirement press conference at Target Field. ] CARLOS GONZALEZ ï cgonzalez@startribune.com ñ N

Joe Mauer makes brief appearance on 'The Kelly Clarkson Show'

The Hall of Famer plugged his new book alongside co-author Joe Schmit.
This image released by NBC shows host Jerrod Carmichael during his monologue at the 80th Annual Golden Globe Awards held at the Beverly Hilton Hotel o

Review: Jerrod Carmichael offers up TV's most authentic reality show

The comedian continues to push the envelope in his new HBO series.
Minnesota dairy farmer Juliette Albrecht in PBS' "Greener Pastures."

What to watch: Minnesota farmer shares her battle with alcoholism in PBS documentary, 'Greener Pastures'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Julia Duffy and Kristen Wiig play country-club regulars in Apple TV+'s "Palm Royale."

Julia Duffy tapped into her Minnesota roots to play snooty socialite in 'Palm Royale'

The Emmy-nominated actor holds her own with Kristen Wiig and Carol Burnett.
Wes McKane will join the KS95 morning show team April 8.

St. Paul native Wes McKane to replace Ryan Roos on KS95 morning show

The last day for Roos is March 29.
Jess Hong and John Bradley have a good seat for the end of the world in Netflix's "3 Body Problem."

TV review: '3 Body Problem' lives up to out-of-this world expectations

The team behind "Game of Thrones" has created another stupendous series.
Danai Gurira returns to the role of Michonne in "The Walking Dead: The Ones Who Live."

Macalester grad Danai Gurira breaks down that game-changing 'Walking Dead' spinoff episode

The drama's survivalist, who's also a Tony-nominated playwright, talks about returning to the role of Michonne.
Comrade Tripp during his opening set as co-host of Uproar Comedy Open Mic. Comrade Tripp is among a generation of stand-up comics who are opening up o

Comedians are more than happy to dive into depression

Minnesota and national stand-ups are turning their gigs into therapy sessions.
Stormy Daniels arrives at federal court in New York, Monday, April 16, 2018, to attend a court hearing where a federal judge is considering how to rev

What to watch: Stormy Daniels pleads her case in intimate documentary

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Renée Elise Goldsberry as Wickie in "Girls5eva."

Review: 'Girls5eva,' TV's most laugh-packed sitcom, moves to Netflix

The Tina Fey-produced comedy deserves more attention.
Melanie Marnich on the set of "Apples Never Fall" in Australia in 2023.

Duluth native Melanie Marnich rises to the top for Peacock's 'Apples Never Fall'

The mystery-drama series based on Liane Moriarty's novel stars Annette Bening and Sam Neill.
Host Ken Jennings and "Jeopardy!" contestant Emily Sands.

Chanhassen contestant eliminated from 'Jeopardy' Tournament of Champions

Emily Sands blew it on a potentially game-changing Daily Double.
Host Ken Jennings and "Jeopardy!" contestant Emily Sands.

Can Chanhassen contestant make it to the 'Jeopardy' tournament finals?

Emily Sands' round airs at 4:30 p.m. Friday.
Theo James stars in Netflix's "The Gentlemen."

What to watch: 'The Gentlemen,' Guy Ritchie's first TV series, is 'The Godfather' on drugs

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Randy Shaver prepares to give a sports update on the 10pm News at the KARE 11 studio in Minneapolis on Friday, Nov. 2, 2018. ] Kevin Martin • k

Randy Shaver announces he's leaving KARE 11

The longtime anchor says he's burned out on depressing news.
"Northern Exposure," which premiered on CBS in 1990 and ended after five seasons, is now streaming on Prime Video.

Neal Justin: Why it's time to revisit 'Northern Exposure'

The Emmy-winning series is now streaming on Prime Video.
Nick Swardson catered to a hometown crowd with homages to living as a transplant on the West Coast.

Minnesota comic Nick Swardson responds to being booted off Colorado stage for intoxication

The "Reno 911!" star calls the incident "the dumbest non-story ever."
Rory McIlory came from behind to win the 2022 Tour Championship in Atlanta.

TV review: 'Full Swing' is the golf series for those who know nothing about golf

The backdrop for Season 2 is the battle between the PGA and LIV.
Richard Lewis and his wife Joyce Lapinsky at the MusiCares Person of the Year event in Los Angles in 2015.

Comedian Richard Lewis laid to rest in Roseville

The 76-year-old entertainer died Feb. 27 after a heart attack.
Kate WInslet soaks up power in HBO's "The Regime."

5 TV shows to watch: Kate Winslet can't save 'The Regime'

What critic Neal Justin is checking out this week.
Carrie Preston plays the quirky defense attorney Elsbeth Tascioni in CBS' "Elsbeth"

'Elsbeth' star Carrie Preston reflects on her Guthrie debut

The actor shines in the new CBS procedural.
Carrie Preston takes liberties in the police drama "Elsbeth."

Review: 'Elsbeth,' a spin-off of 'The Good Wife,' is the most promising network drama since 'This Is Us'

Carrie Preston's character is kookier and more compelling than anyone tackling crime on "Law & Order."
Matt Rife's "Natural Selection" was filmed at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., and launched on Netflix last year.

Comedian Matt Rife arrives in Minneapolis for four sold-out shows with plenty of heat and haters

Controversy is nothing new in the comedy world. Just ask Katt Williams, Shane Gillis, Kathy Griffin or Dave Chappelle.
KARE 11 host Belinda Jensen, left, and Lee Valsvik take a moment to chill. Jensen said "there is no one that does live reporting like Lee,” adding t

Lee Valsvik says farewell to KARE 11

The Hall of Fame broadcaster will remain on KOOL 108 radio.
Britney Spears from her 2017 show at Planet Hollywood in Las Vegas.

TV to watch: CNN's docuseries on Las Vegas examines the sins of Sin City

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Michael Kosta interviewed Duluth environmentalist Jamie Alexander for "The Daily Show."

'The Daily Show' gives Duluth some northern exposure

The Comedy Central series visited Minnesota for a segment that aired earlier this week.
Hiroyuki Sanada is Lord Yoshii Toranaga in  “Shōgun.”

Neal Justin: Newest version of 'Shōgun' is a small-screen masterpiece

The FX miniseries shows just how far TV and audiences have come.
Jennifer Lopez in a scene from "This Is Me...Now: A Love Story."

TV review: Jennifer Lopez musical fails to make 'Lemonade'

"This Is Me ... Now" is mostly a collection of uninspired music videos.
Host Ken Jennings and "Jeopardy" contestant Emily Sands.

Chanhassen contestant competes in 'Jeopardy' championship

Emily Sands' chance at the title starts airing Friday
A two-part documentary on James Brown explores the cultural and musical impact the singer had.

What to watch: New documentary makes the case that James Brown belongs on Mount Rushmore of music

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Shantel VanSanten (Nina Chase) and Dylan McDermott (Remy Scott) team up in "FBI: Most Wanted."

'FBI: Most Wanted' star Shantel VanSanten has fond memories of growing up on Minnesota dairy farm

The Luverne native has joined one of network TV's most popular dramas.
Charlie Brown finds a new friend in Franklin Armstrong in “Snoopy Presents: Welcome Home, Franklin."

TV review: 'Peanuts' special finally spotlights its first Black character

'Welcome Home, Franklin' is the latest in a more ambitious slate of Charlie Brown adventures.
FILE - In this May 20, 2016 file photo, actress Meghan Markle poses at P.S. Arts' "the pARTy!" in Los Angeles. Markle has been an actress for more tha

Meghan Markle to host new podcast for Minneapolis-based company

Lemonada Media also will pick up the Duchess of Sussex's "Archetypes" that debuted on Spotify in 2022.
Jon Stewart is back hosting "The Daily Show," but only on Monday nights.

Review: Jon Stewart makes a triumphant return to 'The Daily Show'

The comic still is on his A-game when it comes to throwing punches at politicians.
Jared Piepenburg from his meteorologist days at WDAY-TV in Fargo.

Meteorologist Jared Piepenburg joins the Fox 9 News morning team

The former North Dakota broadcaster will work weekends.
In "Tracker," Justin Hartley is a mystery-solver who helps private citizens and the police to crack cases.

TV to watch: 'This Is Us' star Justin Hartley can't save 'Tracker'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Nick Lorch shared stories about his grandfather, Kenneth Lorch, who is portrayed in the Apple TV+ mini series, "Masters of the Air." The propeller beh

'Masters of the Air' celebrates heroism of Minnesota pilot in World War II

Kenneth Lorch is one of the characters in the Apple TV+ series.
Erica Campbell co-hosts "Gospel Live," a PBS special Friday that honors the legacy and influence of Gospel music in America. It's a companion program

TV review: PBS stirs the soul with documentary on gospel music

'Gospel' traces the genre's journey from the church to the pop charts.
Olivia Oltmanns of Shakopee plays Elsa from "Frozen II" in "Disney On Ice."

Three Minnesota skaters return home for 'Disney on Ice' spectacular

They will play Raya, Elsa and Snow White at the Target Center show.
Babe Paley (Naomi Watts) and Truman Capote (Tom Hollander) toast to their friendship in "Feud: Capote vs. The Swans."

Diane Lane and Naomi Watts lead pack of mean girls in 'Feud: Capote vs. the Swans'

The latest installment of Ryan Murphy's "Feud," about Truman Capote, features big stars playing small-minded people.
Larry David, left, and Jeff Garlin whine their way through final season of "Curb Your Enthusiasm."

TV shows to watch: 'Curb Your Enthusiasm' goes out kicking and screaming

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Michael Jackson and Bob Dylan record their parts at a Los Angeles studio for the charity single "We Are the World" in 1985.

TV review: 'We Are the World' documentary contains juicy stories about Bob Dylan and Prince

"The Greatest Night in Pop" looks back at the 1985 recording of the bestselling ballad.
Larry "Moon" Thompson of KS95's "Moon & Staci" show yukked it up at the radio station.

Larry 'Moon' Thompson of KS95 dies after a long battle with MS

The witty broadcaster retired in 2019.
Austin Butler, left, and Callum Turner drive the action in "Masters of the Air."

TV shows to watch: 'Masters of the Air' dares to explore what 'Top Gun: Maverick' flew past

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Sofia Vergara delivers a game-changing performance in "Griselda."

TV review: Sofía Vergara could snag Emmy for her dramatic turn in 'Griselda'

The "Modern Family" star shows her Scarface side in new Netflix series.
Chrissy Teigen hits up the best restaurants in Los Angeles along with restaurateur David Chang in “Chrissy & Dave Dine Out.”

TV shows to watch: Chrissy Teigen's food series lets you break bread with Jimmy Kimmel

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
A young Joe Mauer befriends a blind classmate in the children’s book “The Right Thing to Do: The Joe Mauer Story.”

KSTP-TV's Joe Schmit transforms Joe Mauer into children's book hero

The sports anchor is behind 'The Right Thing to Do: The Joe Mauer Story."
Motorcycle enthusiast Jason Momoa travels the country chasing art and friendship in “On the Roam.”

TV review: Jason Momoa takes self-indulgent road trip in Max's 'On the Roam'

The "Aquaman" star is way too excited about his new travel series.
From left to right, Ted Danson, Rhea Perlman, Kelsey Grammer, John Ratzenberger and George Wendt reunited Monday at the 75th Annual Emmy Awards in Los

'Cheers,' 'Ally McBeal' casts reunite at the otherwise predictable Emmy Awards

'Succession' and 'The Bear' took top honors.
Gov. Jesse Ventura tours SE Minnesota visiting Farmington, Cannon Falls, Zumbrota, Rochester, Chatfield, Winona. --Gov. Ventura waves to a crowd of st

TV shows to watch: 'Jesse Ventura Shocks the World!' doc wrestles with the ex-governor's legacy

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Natasha Lyonne in “Poker Face.”

Neal Justin: Who I'll be rooting for during the 75th Annual Emmy Awards

"Succession," "Beef" and "The Bear" are heavy favorites.

TV review: Seth MacFarlane's 'Ted' is cuddlier and cuter than you might expect

The raunchy teddy bear has a heart of gold in the Peacock series.

Aaron Rodgers insists his comments about Jimmy Kimmel were misinterpreted

Rodgers also had problems with an ESPN executive's apology.

Jimmy Kimmel strikes back at Aaron Rodgers

The late-night host directed some harsh words toward the former Packers quarterback.

TV shows to watch: Michelle Yeoh relies more on humor than high kicks in 'The Brothers Sun'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Larry David stars as a fictionalized version of himself in “Curb Your Enthusiasm.”

The 10 most promising TV shows of 2024

Kate Winslet and Carol Burnett are among the big stars in high-profile projects.

TV review: 'Funny Woman' isn't as marvelous as 'Mrs. Maisel'

The PBS series is a showcase for Gemma Arterton.
Lizz Winstead shared stories from the past four decades in her routine Saturday night at the Parkway Theater.

Michael Stipe and Jon Hamm salute Lizz Winstead on 40 years of comedy in Minneapolis

The veteran stand-up will take the stage again Sunday night at the Parkway Theater.
Dyani White Hawk, left, and Kelsey Cook are Artist of the Year 2023 runners-up.

Artist of the Year 2023 runners-up: Dyani White Hawk and Kelsey Cook

Our Artist of the Year coverage wouldn't be complete without spotlighting these two artists, in very different fields, who drew national acclaim.
Rob Lowe is the host of a new Fox game show, “The Floor.”

TV shows to watch: Minnesota wrestler Darin Corbin grapples with trivia on 'The Floor'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Comic Joe Mande on stage, black and white photo.

Minnesota comic Joe Mande offers peek into writers' rooms for 'Hacks' and 'The Good Place'

The in-demand talent has worked for some of the best sitcoms of the past decade.
Vikings running back Cam Akers (31) scored a touchdown in the first quarter when the Minnesota team played the Packers in October in Green Bay.

DirecTV subscribers in Twin Cities may be blocked from watching Sunday's Vikings game

The dispute between TEGNA and the satellite dish company continues.