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
Al Franken returned to his late-night comedy roots when he guest hosted “The Daily Show.”

Review: Al Franken was good enough, smart enough as host of 'The Daily Show'

The former Minnesota senator had some memorable moments during his week on the program.
From left, Kieran Culkin, Sarah Snook and Jeremy Strong in HBO’s “Succession.”

TV shows to watch this week: 'Succession' sets the table for an epic finale

Neal Justin also recommends "CSI: Vegas," "Reggie" and "Waco."
Greg Gutfeld

Why Fox News' Greg Gutfeld is the king of late-night TV

The host has the timing and delivery of a veteran stand-up.
Marney Gellner said she wanted to share the news to inspire other women to schedule their annual mammograms.

Bally Sports North's Marney Gellner reveals she has breast cancer

The 49-year-old broadcaster, well known to local sports fans, shared the news Tuesday on KFAN's "The Power Trip" show. Gellner's surgery is scheduled for next month.
Lindsey Graham and Al Franken on “The Daily Show.”

Al Franken spends his first night as 'Daily Show' host making nice with Lindsey Graham

The former Minnesota senator will be anchoring through Thursday.
“The Magician’s Elephant” is about an orphaned boy who longs for a family. The Netflix movie is adapted from famed Minneapolis author and Newber

TV shows to watch: Adaption of Kate DiCamillo's 'Magician's Elephant' is a roaring success

Neal Justin also recommends next week's "Daily Show," which will be hosted by Al Franken.
Kareem Rahma goes on food adventures with cabdrivers in New York City for his TikTok series, “Keep the Meter Running.”

Minnesota-raised comic Kareem Rahma is taking the internet by storm

The U of M grad has incorporated pizza, cabbies and George Floyd's death into his various projects.
Nick Mohammed and Jason Sudeikis square off while Anthony Head looks on in “Ted Lasso.”

TV shows to watch: 'Ted Lasso' sticks to familiar game plan for another winning season

Neal Justin also recommends "Chang Can Dunk," "Real Madrid" and "Sin Eater."
Kerry Washington is a single mother who finds herself living with her estranged father (Delroy Lindo) after he’s released from prison in “Unprison

New Hulu series has some major Minnesota connections

Kerry Washington plays a therapist in Hulu's "Unprisoned," created by former Minnesotan Tracy McMillan.
Netflix’s live Chris Rock special will feature pre- and post-show appearances by celebrities.

TV shows to watch this week: Chris Rock gets ready to go live on Netflix

Neal Justin also recommends "Daisy Jones," "Marlon Wayans" and "Glitch."
Ike Barinholtz in “History of the World, Part II.”

'History of the World, Part II' reminds us that Mel Brooks is one of our greatest court jesters

The long-awaited sequel drops on Hulu from Monday through Thursday.
The barbershop at St. Olaf College is featured in the documentary “Crown.”

TV shows to watch this week: St. Olaf College's barbershop featured in doc

Neal Justin also recommends movie on the legendary Bill Russell, "Survivor" and PBS' "Spirituals."
Steve Howey and Ginger Gonzaga in “True Lies.”

Review: 'True Lies' reboot owes more to Remington Steele than Arnold Schwarzenegger

The new CBS series premieres Wednesday.
A centerpiece tribute to Louie Anderson for his memorial at New Hope Cinema Grill.

Local comics pay tribute to Louie Anderson in a laugh-packed memorial

Mary Mack and Tim Harmston were among the stand-ups who shared their memories.
From left, Belinda Jensen, Chris Reece, Ian Leonard, Chris Shaffer

Twin Cities' favorite TV meteorologists swap weather stories in Star Tribune forum

Belinda Jensen, Chris Reece, Ian Leonard and Chris Shaffer open up about hate mail, climate change and winter survival tips.
Chad Daniels at his Fergus Falls home.

Why one of the top comics in the U.S. makes his home in Fergus Falls, Minn.

When Chad Daniels' career started to catch fire, he refused to leave his hometown.
“PT 109” with Cliff Robertson

TV shows to watch: 'Animal Control,' the POTUS film trilogy

What we're watching this week.
Rory McIlroy

TV shows to watch: 'Full Swing' takes you inside ropes of pro golf

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Cedric the Entertainer (l) and Max Greenfield

CBS' 'The Neighborhood' misses chance to be home for serious talk about race

The long-running sitcom plays it too safe.
KARE

KARE-11 wins prestigious duPont-Columbia Award for series on mental illness

The duPont-Columbia award is one of the highest honors in TV journalism.
Medaria Arradondo

Ex-Police Chief Medaria Arradondo will appear on 'Real Time With Bill Maher'

He'll be interviewed Friday on the long-running HBO series.
Jimmy Kimmel and James Adomian

Review: James Adomian proves at Acme comedy show that he's more than the Mike Lindell impersonator

The comic will be performing in Minneapolis through Saturday.
Connie Britton, left, and Audrey Corsa in “Dear Edward.”

TV shows to watch this week: If you loved 'Friday Night Lights,' try 'Dear Edward'

Neal Justin also recommends the Leonard Cohen documentary 'Hallelujah' and the sitcom 'Not Dead Yet.'
R.J. Cutler

Filmmaker R.J. Cutler went from profiling Billie Eilish to spending time with a jewel thief

The documentary, "Murf the Surf," premieres this week on MGM Plus.
The 18 new “Survivor” contestants include three with Minnesota roots.

3 Minnesota natives will compete in the next season of 'Survivor'

The new season starts March 1.
Review: 'Cinema Speculation' by Quentin Tarantino

Review: 'Cinema Speculation' by Quentin Tarantino

Books in brief
Harrison Ford plays a down-to-earth therapist in “Shrinking.”

TV shows to watch this week: 'Ted Lasso' fans will love new sitcom 'Shrinking'

Neal Justin also recommends "Poker Face," Jimmy Kimmel's special and "The Ark."
Chuck D of Public Enemy celebrates how hip-hop impacted the world in “Fight the Power.”

Neal Justin: Seven TV shows to watch during Black History Month

A guide to new programs that cover everything from hip-hop to Al Sharpton.
Last August, Al Franken became the first former U.S. senator to host “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” He will be among the guest hosts of “The Daily Show”

TV to watch this week: 'Daily Show' makes mistake using big names like Al Franken as substitute hosts

Neal Justin also recommends "'90s Show," Roberta Flack doc and "Bling Empire."
Marlee Matlin

Neal Justin: Why Marlee Matlin and Billy Porter slid into the director's chair for Fox's 'Accused'

The new anthology series offers a twist on the "Law & Order" formula.
Review: 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,' by Matthew Perry

Review: 'Friends, Lovers, and the Big Terrible Thing,' by Matthew Perry

Books in brief
TV journalist Boyd Huppert taught an online class to reporters and videographers from his home office in 2021.

KARE 11's Boyd Huppert to receive lifetime achievement award

He'll be honored in March by a broadcast organization in Washington, D.C.
Nick Kyrgios is among the tennis stars featured in Netflix’s “Break Point.”

TV shows to watch this week: 'Break Point' serves up the tennis world's underdogs

Neal Justin also recommends the rebooted "Night Court" and a naughty "Velma."
Barbara Walters

Minnesota TV journalists pay tribute to Barbara Walters

The legendary news anchor's early contributions were monumental.
Tom Barnard bid farewell to his KQRS morning show after 37 years on Dec. 22, 2022.

Longtime KQRS Radio host Tom Barnard announces plans for new morning show

The radio legend is returning to the Hubbard radio family.
Michelle Yeoh won her first Golden Globe Tuesday for “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” It’s been an amazing journey, an incredible fight to b

Golden Globes tries proving it has turned over a new leaf

Michelle Yeoh and Steven Spielberg were among the big name winners.
Steve Gorman said he fell in love with the Twin Cities in the early 1990s, when The Black Crowes first started playing here.

Black Crowes' ex-drummer Gorman replaces Barnard on KQRS morning show

Gorman has moved to the Twin Cities for the new radio gig.
For the first time, “NCIS,” “NCIS: Hawaii” and “NCIS: Los Angeles” will unite for a special crossover event Monday, starring, from left, W

TV shows to watch this week: 'NCIS' agents trade gunfire and gags in crossover event

Neal Justin also recommends a yacht rock doc, police procedural with Scott Cann and "Boys in Blue."
Melissa Peterman and Reba McEntire star in “The Hammer.”

Reba McEntire and Minnesota's Melissa Peterman just can't quit each other

The two open up about their new Lifetime movie and enduring friendship.
Vanessa Lachey and Wilmer Valderrama teamed up for a “NCIS” crossover show in September 2022.

'NCIS' agents trade gunfire and gags in crossover event

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
The cast of “Encanto at the Hollywood Bowl,” a special live-to-film event that begins streaming Thursday on Disney Plus.

TV shows to watch this week: 'Encanto' comes to life in holiday special for the whole family

Neal Justin also recommends the Dionne Warwick doc and PBS' "Lie Detector."
Jenna Ortega choreographed the dance in “Wednesday” that went viral.

Neal Justin: Wednesday's dance and Boyd Huppert's return among TV highlights of 2022

Neal Justin looks back at the most outstanding performances of the year.
Retired TV sportscaster Mark Rosen is now on KFAN’s “The Power Trip” and “The Common Man.”

Mark Rosen announces engagement to Vikings exec Karin Nelsen

By coincidence, KFAN personality Paul Lambert proposed to girlfriend Kelly Kristo on the same day.
Millie Bobby Brown and Matthew Modine of “Stranger Things.”

What were the best TV shows you watched in 2022? Our critic names his top 10

"Lost Ollie," "Pam & Tommy" and "Jerrod Carmichael: Rothaniel" were among the standouts.
Miley Cyrus will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party on NBC.

How to party on New Year's Eve with Miley Cyrus and Lizzo

Here's a guide to what to watch on TV to ring in 2023.
Former KSTP-TV reporter Steve Hartman visits the Twin Cities for the CBS special “The Gift: Kindness Goes Viral.”

TV shows to watch this week: Steve Hartman returns to Minnesota for a heartwarming special

Neal Justin also recommends "Kennedy Center Honors," "Tom Papa" and "Le Pupille."
Radio host Tom Barnard recorded one of his final morning shows for KQRS Monday in a private studio in St. Louis Park.

Tom Barnard says he got the boot from KQRS for complaining too much

The radio legend plans to focus on podcasts with his family after Friday.
Harrison Ford in “1923.”

Neal Justin: Harrison Ford shows his age in '1923'

The "Yellowstone" prequel is the first TV series for the Hollywood bigwig.
Simon Le Bon and John Taylor of Duran Duran with Sandra Oh in “Carpool Karaoke: The Series.”

TV shows to watch this week: Wilco and Duran Duran help make 'Carpool Karaoke' a joyride

Our critics also recommend "Beauty and the Beast," "Pelosi," "Emancipation" and "Pinocchio."
Denise Nicholas, left, who played a guidance counselor in “Room 222,” with Aretha Franklin.

Why the 1970s TV show 'Room 222' is still worth studying

The groundbreaking TV series, which aired from 1969 to 1974, shows that little has changed about issues.
Mary Mack in 2020

Minnesota comic Mary Mack appearing Friday on 'Tonight Show With Jimmy Fallon'

The episode will also feature Miley Cyrus.
Hanad Abdi, left, and Faysal Ahmed in “Little America” on Apple TV Plus.

TV shows to watch: Minnesota State Fair makes hilarious backdrop for Apple TV's 'Little America'

Shows and movies our critics watched on TV this week.
Dolly Parton’s two-hour holiday special includes her sisters, nieces, nephews and singers Willie Nelson and Miley Cyrus.

TV shows to watch this week: Dolly Parton saves Christmas special with old-time religion

Neal Justin also recommends "George & Tammy," "Mary Hanson Show" and "Stutz."
Jason Hackett is moving as a morning show anchor from Oklahoma City to the Twin Cities.

Jason Hackett to join KARE's 'Sunrise' team

He will co-anchor the morning show along with Alicia Lewis and Guy Brown.
Jeff Foxworthy’s comedy special, “The Good Old Days,” was taped at Minneapolis’ Pantages Theatre in 2021.

Foxworthy explains how he coined 'blue-collar' comedy and why he loves Minnesota

The stand-up will appear Thursday at Mystic Lake Casino.
Jenna Ortega plays the cynical Wednesday character in the new “Addams Family” series.

Review: 'Wednesday,' new 'Addams Family' series, is an ooky-spooky delight

The eight-part series marks Tim Burton's triumphant return to form.
Aaron Motacek of Fargo needs to choose between finding love and leaving his close-knit family in “Love Without Borders.”

TV shows to watch this week: Fargo man searches for true love in new dating series

Neal Justin also recommends "Love, Lizzo," Groban's Radio City show and Stern's interview with the Boss.
Colleen Lindstrom said she’ll be popping up as a fill-in from time to time.

Colleen Lindstrom leaving MyTalk's 'Colleen and Bradley Show'

The radio host wants to spend more time with her family.
Claire Danes

Neal Justin: Why Claire Danes is one of our all-time great TV actors

Hulu's "Fleishman Is in Trouble" gives the Emmy winner another chance to shine.
NFL Hall of Famer John Randle and his young friends make Thanksgiving decorations for the Vikings-Patriots game opening.

See John Randle welcome viewers in NBC's special opening for 'Thursday Night Football'

The Vikings legend has some fun for the big game.
Ron White first rose to fame as the cigar-smoking, scotch-drinking comedian on the Blue Collar Comedy Tour.

Review: Comics Ron White and Kathleen Madigan show why they're working-class heroes

The two veterans performed at Treasure Island Casino.
Tituss Burgess creepily hosts “Best in Snow” on Disney Plus.

TV shows to watch this week: Minnesotans are 'Best in Snow'; Netflix asks 'Pepsi, Where's My Jet?'

Neal Justin also recommends Tim Allen's "The Santa Clauses" and "Is That Black Enough for You?!?"
Mayim Bialik and Eric Ahasic

Minnesota meteorologist's 'Jeopardy' run comes to an end

Eric Ahasic failed to qualify for the Tournament of Champions final
The new series “Mammals” is one of the reasons James Corden left “The Late, Late Show.”

TV shows to watch this week: James Corden shines in six-part 'Mammals'

Neal Justin also recommends "Enola Holmes 2," "Taken Hostage" and "Mind Your Manners."
Sylvester Stallone

Neal Justin: Sylvester Stallone tries to prove he's still Hollywood royalty with TV's 'Tulsa King'

The Oscar-nominated actor commits to his first scripted series.
Mayim Bialik an Eric Ahasic

Minnesota meteorologist moves on in 'Jeopardy' Tournament of Champions

Eric Ahasic's big chances helped him qualify for the semis.
Quinta Brunson as Oprah Winfrey and Daniel Radcliffe as Weird Al Yankovic in “Weird: The Al Yankovic Story.”

TV shows to watch this week: Weird Al Yankovic 'biopic' offers big stars the chance to have big fun

Neal Justin also recommends "Spector," "Willie Mays" and "CMA Awards."
“Louis Armstrong’s Black & Blues” on Apple TV Plus is packed with many high notes.

TV shows to watch this week: Doc gives jazz legend Louis Armstrong the tribute he richly deserves

Neal Justin also recommends "Tony Dungy," second season of "White Lotus" and "Good Fortune."
Chris Reece began his meteorology career as a college student in Bowling Green, Ky.

KSTP-TV's new weather forecaster may be a little too excited about Minnesota winters

Chris Reece joins the ABC affiliate at the end of November.
Poppy Harlow and her daughter, Sienna, on Lake Minnetonka. Harlow will be a co-host on CNN’s “This Morning.”

Minnesota's Poppy Harlow vows Midwest will be well represented in new CNN morning show

Harlow is one of three anchors launching "This Morning."
Host Ken Jennings, left, and sportswriter Do Park on “Jeopardy.”

Minneapolis sportswriter fails to sneak into 'Jeopardy's' Tournament of Champions

A Minneapolis meteorologist will compete in next week's big event.
Zoe Saldana in “From Scratch.”

TV shows to watch this week: Zoe Saldana takes a back seat to Italy in 'From Scratch'

Neal Justin also recommends "Cracker," "Tree of Life," "Inside Amy Schumer" and "Life of Mrs. Rosa Parks."
Samantha Bee’s “Full Frontal With Samantha Bee” aired on TBS from 2016 through July 2022.

Who should take over for Trevor Noah and James Corden?

Here are seven entertainers who could thrive on the late shift.
Barney the Dinosaur

TV shows to watch this week: 'I Love You, You Hate Me' will make you feel guilty about hating Barney

Neal Justin also recommends "Shantaram," "Annika" and "High School."
Fred Armisen, left, and Bill Hader in “Documentary Now!”

Neal Justin: Seth Meyers and his famous friends find time to keep making 'Documentary Now!'

New season sends up "My Octopus Teacher" and "When We Were Kings."