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
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.
Sterlin Harjo, co-creator and showrunner of "Reservation Dogs," will be at Walker Art Center Wednesday.

'Reservation Dogs' director: 'I can feel the change in Native communities'

Acclaimed director Sterlin Harjo will talk about his career at Walker Art Center in Minneapolis.
Mae (Amandla Stenberg) gets ready for battle in "The Acolyte."

Review: 'Star Wars' shows like 'The Acolyte' need to take a hiatus from the TV galaxy

The latest saga is proof that the Force is no longer with the franchise.
Kendall Mark and Jason Matheson prep for "The Jason Show" last year at the Fox 9 studio in Eden Prairie.

Kendall Mark leaves 'The Jason Show' to help take over the 'Lori & Julia' radio show

The Fox 9 traffic reporter will be teaming up with Brittany Arneson on MyTalk.
Bisi Onile-Ere said her six and a half years at Fox 9 "had gone by so fast."

Bisi Onile-Ere has left the anchor desk at Fox 9

The Minneapolis native had been at the station since 2017.
At the height of the disco era, fans gathered in nightclubs such as Studio 54, which was the place to be and to be seen. Studio 54 is featured in "Dis

TV to watch: Disco's good times are remembered in new PBS documentary

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Jane Seymour buckles up for another wild ride in Acorn TV's "Harry Wild."

Jane Seymour desperately wants to bring back Dr. Quinn

The star of "Harry Wild" looks back at a stellar career.
FILE - Host Ellen Degeneres appears at a taping of "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" in Burbank on Oct. 13, 2016. DeGeneres says the 19th and final season of

Ellen DeGeneres plans to end her stand-up career in Minneapolis

The former talk show will hit a 27-city tour with "Ellen's Last Stand...Up."
Jessica Lange takes a well-deserved bow in "The Great Lillian Hall."

TV review: 'Lillian Hall' confirms that Jessica Lange is the greatest Minnesota actor of all time

The former Stillwater resident shines in new HBO movie.
The new Disney+ documentary on The Beach Boys includes stories about their humble family beginnings.

What to watch: Beach Boys documentary is fun, fun, fun

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Laura Jarrett and Poppy Harlow promoted their new children's book on the "Today" show earlier this month.

Minnesota's Poppy Harlow follows her CNN exit with a plea for love

The former morning show host's new children's book celebrates how love comes in different colors and forms.
Shay Mitchell is dressed for drinking in "Thirst With Shay Mitchell."

TV review: Shay Mitchell's cocktail series doesn't have enough punch

"Thirst With Shay Mitchell" debuts on Max Thursday.
Minneapolis native Roxanne Rosedale on "Beat the Clock."

Twin Cities native Dolores Rosedale, glamorous '50s TV model and actress, dies at 95

The Minnesota native also had a memorable scene in "The Seven Year Itch" and had a doll named after her.
Rob Schneider shared his take on life and love in his 2020 Netflix comedy special, "Rob Schneider: Asian Momma, Mexican Kids."

Review: Rob Schneider shows Mystic Lake crowd there's humor outside the liberal bubble

The "Saturday Night Live" alum lived up to his controversial reputation.
Mary Lucia in 89.3 the Current's studio.

Former Current DJ Mary Lucia joins Radio K team

Lucia will serve as a program adviser for the University of Minnesota station.
Emily Saliers, left, and Amy Ray look back at their musical contributions in "Indigo Girls: It's Only Life After All."

TV review: Indigo Girls get joy from their music, and Minnesota, in new documentary

Amy Ray and Emily Saliers reflect on their career and impact.
Melissa McCarthy and Jerry Seinfeld are both employees at Kellogg's in the comedy "Unfrosted."

TV to watch: 'Unfrosted,' Jerry Seinfeld's cereal-war comedy, needs more snap, crackle and pop

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Hannah Einbinder and Jean Smart tee up for a new season of "Hacks."

Neal Justin: 'Hacks' is TV's best buddy sitcom

The Emmy-winning series returns after a nearly two-year break.
Tomoaki Hamastu celebrates a sweepstakes win in "The Contestant."

TV review: 'The Contestant' peels curtain back on the worst reality show of all time

The Hulu film exposes secrets behind a horrible hit.
Poppy Harlow and her daughter, Sienna, on Lake Minnetonka.

Minneapolis native Poppy Harlow parts ways with CNN

She was a former co-host of the network's morning show.
Frank Marshall's documentary on Dan Rather, which first premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival last June, will land Wednesday on Netflix.

TV to watch: Dan Rather documentary is second-rate journalism

What TV critic Neal Justin is checking out this week.
Paul Blume (left) and his daughter, Beatrice, alongside Lou Raguse and his daughter, Violet, after their team won a championship.

Caitlin Clark helps KARE 11 and Fox 9 reporters bond with their daughters

Lou Raguse and Paul Blume teamed up to coach a winning basketball team.
"Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story" follows the band's 40-year journey and the frontman shares his most vulnerable moments.

TV review: Bon Jovi documentary goes down in a blaze of boredom

The four-part docuseries never digs deep enough.
Fred Armisen will almost certainly show off his drumming skills when he performs Sunday at Fillmore Minneapolis.

Some of comedy's biggest names converge on the Twin Cities this weekend

National headliners will hit theaters, clubs and casinos throughout the metro area.
Daniel Whitney, better known as Larry the Cable Guy, said he was once doing 287 shows a year but it is now down to under 25.

Larry the Cable Guy would rather hang out on his Midwest farm

The "Git-R-Done" comedian performs Saturday at Treasure Island Casino.
Rick Harrison, left, enjoys beer and pizza at St. Paul Brewing with Corey Harrison and Austin "Chumlee" Russell for an episode of "Pawn Stars Do Ameri

Bob Dylan and Kirby Puckett collectibles pop up when 'Pawn Stars' do Minneapolis

The History Channel series also visited the Minnesota State Fair and Matt's Bar during its local shoot.
Real estate scion Robert Durst stands trial in "The Jinx 2."

What to watch: 'Jinx 2′ assumes we haven't had enough of convicted murderer Robert Durst

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
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.