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
Chad Daniels says he’s comfortable staying put in Fergus Falls and not relocating to a major city even as his career grows.

TV shows to watch: Minnesota's Chad Daniels roasts both sides of political fence

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Candace Cameron Bure and Gabriel Hogan in “My Christmas Hero.”

All the ingredients you need to make a TV Christmas movie

Great American Family has 20 new films that follow in the Hallmark Channel tradition.
Michael Jackson and Quincy Jones celebrated their big haul at the 1984 Grammys.

TV review: Documentary looks at how Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' set the stage for Taylor Swift

The Showtime film looks back at the King of Pop's greatest triumph.
Donna Mills and Loni Anderson play soap opera stars who come together to film the last Christmas episode of their popular series in Lifetime’s “La

Minnesota native and TV star Loni Anderson tells of her stand-up comedy past

The "WKRP in Cincinnati" favorite stars in the new Lifetime movie "Ladies of the '80s."
Security guards keep an eye on contestants in “Squid Games: The Challenge.”

TV shows to watch: 'Squid Games: The Challenge' laughs in the face of fake death

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Hannah Waddingham rings in the holidays in her “Home for Christmas” special.

TV review: Hannah Waddingham's Xmas special turns into 'Ted Lasso' reunion

The Emmy-winning star leans on some famous friends to bring in the holidays.
David Rysdahl says an actor needs to play to the camera and not to the crew when making a movie.

New Ulm native David Rysdahl helped 'Fargo' co-stars nail the accent

The actor also didn't want "Minnesota Nice to come across as silly."
Jon Hamm plays a pompous sheriff from North Dakota’s Stark County in Season 5 of “Fargo.”

'Fargo' TV series returns to its Minnesota-North Dakota roots

How the behind-the-scenes team went the extra mile to make Canada's Calgary look like the Upper Midwest.
Sarah Lancashire and David Hyde Pierce in “Julia.”

5 TV shows to watch: Julia Child is the least interesting person in new season of 'Julia'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Leighton Meester and Robbie Amell in “EXmas.”

TV review: 'EXmas' depicts Minnesota as the ultimate home for the holidays

The new Freevee movie is the latest to use the Midwest as the place to spend Christmas.
Phoebe Cates and Rik Mayall in “Drop Dead Fred.”

'How Did This Get Made?' podcast pays tribute to its favorite Minnesota movie: 'Drop Dead Fred'

Comedian Paul Scheer made a surprise visit to the shooting location of the Phoebe Cates film.
Olivia Swann and Todd Lasance in “NCIS: Sydney,” an Australian spinoff of the long-lasting crime drama.

5 TV shows to watch: 'NCIS: Sydney' sticks to familiar American formula

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Trevor Noah displayed his sharp wit and commentary in his Off the Record Tour stop in Minneapolis.

Review: Trevor Noah proves he's king of comedy during four-night stand in Mpls.

The former "Daily Show" host promised to try a Juicy Lucy during his time in Minnesota.
“Big Mouth” writer Emily Altman’s newest project is a hilarious book on how to be sane.

'Big Mouth' writer Emily Altman grew up in the Guthrie green room

The former Minnesotan's new book deals with "How to Be Sane."
Kristine Frøseth in “The Buccaneers.”

TV review: 'The Buccaneers' invites 'Bridgerton' fans to a second-class ball

The adaptation of Edith Wharton's novel isn't quite bold enough.
Paul Magers was a longtime KARE-TV anchor who went on to make his mark in Los Angeles.

TPT is making a film on Minnesota's most beloved news anchors

Cathy Wurzer has been interviewing local favorites.
Nell Sutton and Mark Ruffalo in “All the Light We Cannot See.”

5 TV shows to watch: 'All the Light We Cannot See' is an eye-opening epic

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Rory Scovel

Rory Scovel shares why he's the latest comic to shoot a TV special in Minneapolis

The comedian will tape his "Last Tour" at Cowles Center on Nov. 11.
Pete Holmes at Minneapolis’ Varsity Theater.

TV review: Pete Holmes' stand-up special celebrates Minneapolis

The comedian incorporates the Twin Cities into his first Netflix special.
Annette Bening plays Diana Nyad, the first person to swim from Cuba to Florida without a protective cage, in “Nyad.”

Review: Mankato native Jimmy Chin's 'Nyad' might get Annette Bening her first Oscar

The Netflix film chronicles the stubborn spirit of swimmer Diana Nyad.
Matthew Perry played a small town educator who relocates to New York City in “The Ron Clark Story.”

Matthew Perry's five greatest performances (that weren't Chandler Bing)

The "Friends" actor made more of a mark on TV than he did in movies.
From left, Tyler Dean Flores, Jordan Mendoza and Emma Ferreira in “Neon.”

TV review: 'Neon' applies 'Entourage' formula to the world of reggaeton music

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
From left, Regina Taylor, John Aaron Bennett, Sam Waterston, Jeremy London and Ashlee Levitch in “I’ll Fly Away.”

Neal Justin: 'I'll Fly Away,' one of the all-time greatest TV series, deserves another look

The short-lived NBC drama has never gotten its due.
Christine Baranski plays an elitist snob in “The Gilded Age.”

TV review: 'The Gilded Age' is losing some of its luster

Julian Fellowes' series about 1880s New York returns to HBO.
Dancer-turned-judge Derek Hough will feature an array of styles in his “Symphony of Dance” at Minneapolis’ State Theatre on Monday.

Derek Hough has a date with Minneapolis fans before the next round of 'Dancing With the Stars'

The Emmy-winning choreographer is bringing "Symphony of Dance" to the Twin Cities.
Gary Gulman, shown in 2019.

Review: Comedian Gary Gulman takes a groovy trip back to the '70s in St. Paul show

The comic is touring in support of his new memoir.
Nick Offerman at the Mark Twain House & Museum in Hartford, Conn in May 2018.

Review: Nick Offerman shows off his silly side at Mystic Lake Casino show

The "Parks and Recreation" star shared goofy songs and Minnesota references.
John le Carré in “The Pigeon Tunnel.”

Review: John Le Carré reveals final secrets in Errol Morris' 'Pigeon Tunnel'

The film captures the spy novelist's final interview.
Bill Burr in “Old Dads.”

Review: Bill Burr's 'Old Dads' is all bark, not enough bite

The red-hot comic makes his directorial debut.
Craig Ferguson brings his politics-free Fancy Rascal Tour to the Pantages Theatre on Nov. 4.

Neal Justin: Craig Ferguson might pop into a Minnesota antique shop next month

The former late-night host will perform Nov. 4 at the Pantages Theatre.
Alfonso Ribeiro congratulates Adrian Peterson and Britt Stewart on “Dancing With the Stars.”

Adrian Peterson is eliminated from 'Dancing With the Stars'

The former Vikings star didn't get enough fan support.
Jordan Jensen was as vicious as she was hilarious at the 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival.

Five stand-ups from Minneapolis comedy festival that could be the Next Big Thing

The 10,000 Laughs Comedy Festival featured some of the most promising new talent in the country.
Doug Wieder has been in the broadcast field for 25 years.

KARE 11 names Doug Wieder as new general manager and president

The Georgia native starts Oct. 30.
Pete Davidson, who was a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” for eight seasons, hosted the show for the first time Saturday.

Pete Davidson is coming to Mystic Lake Casino

The comedian will take the stage Dec. 10.
Brie Larson in “Lessons in Chemistry”

4 TV shows to watch: Brie Larson is marvelous in 'Lessons in Chemistry'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
“The American Buffalo” traces the intertwined fates of the bison and the people who depend on them.

Neal Justin: Ken Burns' 'The American Buffalo' reveals how men can be beasts

The four-hour documentary premieres Monday on PBS.
Jack Cutmore-Scott and Kelsey Grammer.

Review: 'Frasier' is back in Boston in a wicked smart reboot

Kelsey Grammer hasn't lost his touch.
Eric André and his sidekick, the Fridge Keeper, performed Saturday at Palace Theatre in St. Paul.

Eric André makes a big mess at his St. Paul show

The Adult Swim star made sure his biggest fans got dirty.
Bruce Willis and Cybill Shepherd

5 TV shows to watch: 'Moonlighting' is now the best reason to get Hulu

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week
Nate Burleson joined “CBS Mornings” as a co-host in September 2021.

How former Vikings star Nate Burleson became a first-string broadcaster

Burleson has become an integral member of the "CBS Mornings" team.
Arnold Schwarzenegger talked with Jimmy Kimmel on Monday on Kimmel’s late-night show.

Neal Justin: Late-night TV hosts relish their return to the airwaves

It's back to business for Jimmy Kimmel and his rivals.
Ubah Ali

WCCO makes Ubah Ali the first Somali-American reporter in the Twin Cities TV market

The Rochester native was an intern at the CBS affiliate in 2017.
Adrian Peterson and Britt Stewart

Adrian Peterson (barely) dodges elimination on 'Dancing With the Stars'

The former Viking landed in the Bottom Two.
Lea Thompson, left, and Stacey Farber solve cases as a mother and daughter team in “The Spencer Sisters.”

5 TV shows to watch: 'The Spencer Sisters' gives Minnesotan Lea Thompson juiciest role in years

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Eve Hewson is a struggling single mom who finds a way to forge a relationship with her teenage son in “Flora and Son.”

Review: Bono's daughter Eve Hewson hits all the right notes in 'Flora and Son'

The "Once" director scores again in this delightful movie musical.
Josylnn Rose’s performance Monday sparked a three-chair turn on “The Voice.”

Minnesota teenager wows judges on 'The Voice'

Joslynn Rose will be a member of Gwen Stefani's team.
Mike Mulcahy, the longtime host of “Politics Friday,” is stepping down after 38 years with Minnesota Public Radio.

MPR's Mike Mulcahy retiring after nearly four decades of covering Minnesota politics

His last day at the public radio station will be Friday.
Comedian Dave Chappelle, shown in August performing at Madison Square Garden in New York during his 50th birthday celebration week.

Review: Dave Chappelle alternates between shock and sweetness in his official St. Paul debut

The comic offered something for everyone at Xcel Energy Center.
Everly Carganilla and Connor Esterson are too cool for school in “Spy Kids: Armageddon.”

5 TV shows to watch: 'Spy Kids: Armageddon' is the perfect action flick for 13-year-olds

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
The Green Giant in Blue Earth, Minn., is among landmarks that will wrapped in “Survivor’s” signature bandana.

Blue Earth's Jolly Green Giant helps promote new season of 'Survivor'

The new season kicks off Wednesday.
From left, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, Naomi Campbell and Christy Turlington in “The Super Models.”

Neal Justin: 'The Super Models' emphasizes brains over beauty

Docuseries is the latest to give modeling a makeover.
Kelsey Grammer is returning as Frasier Crane this fall on Paramount Plus.

Top 10 must-see TV shows this fall

A rebooted "Frasier," Upper Midwest-set "Fargo" and "The Crown" finale are on tap.
Michelle Wolf  riffs on nude beaches and the serial killer gender gap in the three-part special, “It’s Great to Be Here.”

TV review: Why Michelle Wolf should take over 'The Daily Show'

The comedian shows off her immense talent in the new Netflix special.
Looking back on his TV career, Tom Lyden says he has replaced anger with calmly hammering away questions.

Tom Lyden is leaving Fox 9 after 30 years

His last official day on air is Thursday.
Benjamin Evan Ainsworth and his show, “Son of a Critch,” are trying to find a place in American homes.

Canadian TV shows hope to copy the success of 'Schitt's Creek'

Stateside viewers will be getting more international sitcoms and dramas this fall.
Margaret Cho says she is proud to have inspired a whole new generation of comedians.

Margaret Cho is bringing a special friend to her St. Paul show

The comedy legend is part of this fall's hottest night of stand-up.
Former “Daily Show” host Trevor Noah brings his Off the Record Tour to Orpheum Theatre in November.

10 very best stand-up comics coming this fall

The packed comedian schedule promises talented names on the national and local circuit.
Jenna Coleman in “Wilderness.”

TV to watch: New Taylor Swift song isn't the only reason to explore 'Wilderness'

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Former St. Paul Saints co-owner and president Mike Veeck last month at CHS Field.

Neal Justin: Saints legend Mike Veeck plays his own dad in new documentary

"The Saint of Second Chances" starts streaming Tuesday on Netflix.
Adam Sandler

Adam Sandler is returning to the Twin Cities with Target Center show

It's been six years since his last performance in the area.
Adrian Peterson with his “Dancing With the Stars” partner Britt Stewart.

Former Vikings standout Adrian Peterson will compete on 'Dancing with the Stars'

The popular series has attracted many former NFL players.
Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston in “The Morning Show.”

TV review: 'The Morning Show' leads with melodrama in nutty new season

Jon Hamm joins Reese Witherspoon and Jennifer Aniston for this all-star soap.
The late television broadcaster Barry ZeVan, left, with John Wanamaker in 2018.

Veteran newscaster John Wanamaker is leaving MPR

The veteran newscaster is moving to Des Moines.
Jerry Seinfeld is performing four shows in Minneapolis this weekend.

Review: Jerry Seinfeld graces Minneapolis audience with an iconic 'Seinfeld' line

The comic was as cranky as ever in the first of four local shows.
Students fought outside Boston’s Hyde Park High School in 1975. That unrest is featured in PBS’ “The Busing Battleground” Monday.

5 TV shows to watch: PBS docs teach important lessons on school integration

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Norman Reedus in “The Walking Dead: Daryl Dixon.”

TV review: It's time to kill 'The Walking Dead' spinoffs

A new series featuring the Daryl Dixon character debuts Sunday.
Jerry Seinfeld talked about texting, bad buffets and Pop Tarts in his 2020 stand-up special, “23 Hours to Kill.”

Before seeing Jerry Seinfeld in Minneapolis, take our ultimate fan test

Tickets are going fast for the comic's four shows at the Orpheum Theatre.
Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) takes on all comers in “One Piece.”

5 TV shows to watch: Much of the world has discovered 'One Piece'; now it's America's turn

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
The Netflix animated series “Disenchantment” ends with its fifth installment.

TV review: 'Disenchantment' provides a happy ending for strong, independent women

The animated series drops its final episodes Friday.
Actor Josh Duhamel visited the Minnesota State Fair to promote his upcoming CBS show, “Buddy Games.”

'Transformers' star Josh Duhamel may be the face of North Dakota, but he's also proud of Minnesota ties

The actor was at the State Fair promoting his new CBS series "Buddy Games."
Julianna Margulies plays the enigmatic, shrewd and controlled Alicia Florrick in “The Good Wife.”

Neal Justin: 8 fun TV shows you didn't know you could stream for free

Great sitcoms, variety shows and dramas await the adventurous.
Actor James Caan posed on the set of the NBC series “Las Vegas,” in Culver City, Calif., on Dec. 10, 2003. 

Viva 'Las Vegas': How a show with a million-to-one shot hit the jackpot

NBC's gamble on the James Caan-led show has paid off.
Adam Sandler takes a back seat to his daughters Sadie and Sunny Sandler in “You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah.”

Review: Is Hollywood's most versatile talent Adam Sandler?

The comedian's latest movie, "You Are So Not Invited to My Bat Mitzvah," is a family affair.
Zara Kahn (Natalie Dew) joins Sterling Archer (H. Jon Benjamin) on the last season of “Archer.”

5 TV shows to watch: 'Archer' wraps up a 14-year run by returning to its roots

What TV critic Neal Justin is watching this week.
Author Dan Buettner, center, Afianes Wines founder Nikos Afianes, right, and his son Konstantinos Afianes drink to their health in Ikaria, Greece, in

Neal Justin: Albert Lea experiment is revisited in Netflix's 'Live to 100'

Minnesotan Dan Buettner is front and center in the docuseries about longevity and lifestyle.