Commotion with Elamin Abdelmahmoud

With the recent release of The Tragically Hip docuseries ‘No Dress Rehearsal’ and a new, band-authorized coffee table book, ‘This Is Our Life,’ out this month, music journalists Michael Barclay, Vish Khanna, and Lisa Christiansen discuss how the legendary Canadian rock band is preserving their legacy, and how these new releases are changing the way we think about the Hip.

'Dunya' is the debut album from acclaimed Toronto musician Mustafa.You'll hear why his laser focus on his Regent Park community has made him one of the most important artists of his generation.

As we reflect on what happened on October 7, we ask Jewish creators how art can be of service, making sense and giving shape to a very dark day, and how their lives have changed. Elamin speaks with writer Emily Tamkin and artist Dina Goldstein. Plus, Elamin chats with Israeli filmmaker Yariv Mozer about his new Paramount+ documentary, ‘We Will Dance Again.’

The film 'Saturday Night' looks back on the origins of the long-standing sketch comedy show, created by Lorne Michaels, just as it starts its 50th season. Critics Eric Deggans, Adam Nayman and Cassie Cao discuss SNL’s legacy, and where it stands in today’s political climate.

Elamin is joined by podcasters Damian Abraham and Pablo The Don to talk about the new docuseries on Netflix, ‘Mr McMahon,’ and how it tackles the legacy of World Wrestling Entertainment and the controversy surrounding its former chairman and CEO Vince McMahon. Plus, Elamin chats with Sonya Ballantyne, the co-director of the documentary ‘The Death Tour.' It's a wrestling tour that is legendary for giving wrestling stars like Chris Jericho their start, but also highlights the intense love remote Indigenous communities have for wrestling.

With the release of Ellen DeGeneres’ first Netflix comedy special since the controversial end of her talk show, Elamin is joined by comedian Ashley Ray and culture critic Niko Stratis to discuss the special and other questions around her legacy. Plus, the trailer for Doctor Odyssey starring Joshua Jackson set a record for being the most-watched trailer for a new broadcast TV show ever. Now that the first episode is out, Elamin speaks with TV critic Kathryn VanArendonk for her review.

'So Long, Marianne' tells the story of Leonard Cohen’s relationship with Marianne Ilhen on the Greek island of Hydra during the early 60s. The new series on Crave gives shape to a transformative period in the poet’s life, but also illuminates the woman who was so much more than his muse. Filmmaker Brian D Johnson and Commotion regular Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about whether the series holds up even if you’ve never heard of Leonard Cohen. Plus, The Juno Awards have added a new prize for 2025 - South Asian Music Recording of the Year. Jeevan Sangha, whose been covering the rise of Punjabi hip hop in Canada, discusses what this new award means to the music community.

On this special episode of Commotion airing on the National Day For Truth and Reconciliation, musician Marek Tyler, writer Waubgeshig Rice, and visual artist Susan Blight discuss how the concept of Indigenous Futurism inspires artists across all disciplines, and how its forward-thinking philosophies reimagine narratives and promote Indigenous self-determination.

Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola has made what might be his most divisive film yet. ‘Megalopolis’ is a sprawling science fiction epic that took Coppola 40 years to finish. Elamin chats with critics Rachel Ho, Kathryn VanArendonk and Jackson Weaver about what makes this film so polarizing. Also, they talk about the return of George Clooney and Brad Pitt in 'Wolfs.'

Commotion guest host Ali Hassan is joined by culture critics Kathleen Newman-Bremang and David Dennis Jr., to react to the latest news around the Sean 'Diddy' Combs case, and the response from within the hip-hop community. Plus, Montreal illustrator and avid The Wild Robot enthusiast Arizona O’Neill checks in to discuss whether the DreamWorks’ adaptation of the popular children’s book lives up to expectations.

Culture critics Niko Stratis and Mel Woods talk about the Netflix documentary Will & Harper. The film follows actor Will Ferrell and former SNL head writer Harper Steele on a road trip across the U.S. as Harper navigates her new reality living out as a trans woman. Plus, Elamin chats with journalist and book critic Michelle Cyca about why Sally Rooney is the 'it' author of the moment, now that her latest book 'Intermezzo' is out.

Reporter Justin Ling and writer Amil Niazi join Elamin to talk about Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's appearance on 'The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,' and whether the PM's appearance could move the dial on his popularity, and up his pop-cultural currency. Plus, TV critic Rafaela Bassili talks about 'My Brilliant Friend' on Crave, and what makes the TV adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s lauded novels so successful.

Mr Beast is currently filming the largest reality show in history, with at least 2 thousand contestants competing for 5 million dollars. Now the production is the subject of a class-action lawsuit, with contestants alleging unsafe work conditions. Elamin Abdelmahmoud speaks with Steven Asarch, a reporter who has spoken with dozens of contestants and crew members. Plus, Elamin is joined by writer and book critic Maris Kreizman to talk about how more than half of the books longlisted for The Giller Prize and the National Book Awards for Fiction this year are published by one publisher, Penguin Random House.

Culture critics Amil Niazi, Mel Woods and Sarah-Tai Black discuss Demi Moore’s powerful performance in the body horror film 'The Substance,' and talk about the cursed roll out of Katy Perry’s album '143'.

‘Paid In Full’ is a new CBC/BBC docuseries that looks at the ways Black artists have been exploited by the music industry over the decades. Elamin is joined by music critic MK Asante and musician Cadence Weapon to discuss the new doc and what it says about the state of the industry today. Plus, at this year's VMAs many stars channelled iconic looks made famous by celebrities like Britney Spears and Madonna. Elamin speaks with Joan Summers from Paper Magazine about why we’re seeing so much deja vu on the red carpet.

Film and TV critics Roxana Hadadi and Rad Simonpillai join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about The Penguin, and whether it lives up to the hype. The miniseries is yet another Batman spin-off, but it looks more like a sequel to The Sopranos than anything in the bat-verse. Plus, music critic A.Harmony talks about LL Cool J’s latest album, The Force.

Music journalists Suzy Exposito and Maura Johnston discuss last weekend’s dramatic onstage fight between members of legendary L.A. alternative rock band Jane’s Addiction and the subsequent cancellation of their remaining North American tour dates. Plus, with news of Australian breaker Raygun’s new ranking as the top female breaker in the world, Elamin is joined by pioneering B-boy Crazy Legs to talk about the Raygun controversy and the larger cultural issues it seems to have exacerbated.

'Shogun' and 'The Bear' were both big winners last night at the Emmys. Meanwhile, at the end of the Toronto International Film Festival, 'The Life of Chuck' was the surprising winner for the People's Choice Award. Today on the show, you're going to hear all the highlights of the Emmy Awards and everything you need to know, now that TIFF is over.

It's the final episode of TIFF in 12, and we're wading into a controversy at the festival -- we're talking about the festival's decision to pause screenings of 'Russians at War' due to 'significant threats' to festival operations and public safety. Elamin is joined by film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart to talk about the film, and the fallout from TIFF's decision.

Elamin is joined by culture critics Pablo The Don, Reanna Cruz and artist Cadence Weapon to talk about Beyoncé’s nomination snub at this year’s Country Music Association Awards, the backlash to the announcement of Kendrick Lamar as the headliner for the Super Bowl Halftime show, and the controversy behind Linkin Park’s new lead singer Emily Armstrong.

In the wake of news that the Juno Awards would be dropping the reggae and children’s music categories among others, music journalist Dalton Higgins and Taes Leavitt of Juno Award-winning children’s music group Splash N Boots discuss how the loss of these awards will impact their communities, and what their elimination says about the future of these genres. Plus, TV critic Roxana Hadadi talks about Netflix’s latest hit, The Perfect Couple, a murder mystery and comedy starring Nicole Kidman, set in a wealthy enclave of Nantucket.

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about standing ovations, Nicole Kidman's performance in the erotic thriller 'Babygirl,' and where Canadian films belong at the festival.

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about their favourite moments at TIFF, and how body horror shows up in films like Nightbitch, The Substance, and David Cronenberg's The Shrouds.

Donald Trump has long been known as the presidential candidate that TV created - but now Kamala Harris might be beating him at his own game. The morning after the debate, The New Yorker’s Vinson Cunningham and Tyler Foggatt join Elamin Abdelmahmoud to talk about how the political showdown made for great television, and Taylor Swift's surprise endorsement.

Elamin is joined by film critic Sarah-Tai Black and culture critic David Dennis Jr. to review the new Netflix cop thriller film ‘Rebel Ridge’ and how well it lands its mining of the historic tensions between law enforcement and Black communities. Plus, Elamin speaks with Canadian film producer Daniel Bekerman about ‘The Apprentice,’ a dramatized depiction of Donald Trump’s rise in the 1970s and ‘80s. The film premiered last spring at Cannes, but has faced a number of roadblocks to securing North American distribution.

Film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart join Elamin to talk about the Toronto International Film Festival - the captivating performances in the musical film Emilia Pérez, starring Selena Gomez, Karla Sofía Gascón, and Zoe Saldaña. Plus, Rad talks about 'The Bibi Files,' a documentary that uses leaked police interrogation footage of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and how it made its debut at the festival.

APTN celebrates its 25th anniversary as a national broadcaster with the launch of APTN Languages, a channel dedicated to programming in 18 different Indigenous languages. APTN co-founder Jim Compton, musician Marek Tyler and culture critic Riley Yesno join Elamin to talk about the legacy of APTN and how its new channel can contribute to revitalizing languages.

Elamin is joined by film critics Radheyan Simonpillai and Teri Hart to talk about opening weekend at TIFF, and two films getting a ton of buzz - 'Anora' and 'Paying For It'.

Commotion regulars Teri Hart and Radheyan Simonpillai tell you how Tim Burton’s new Beetlejuice sequel measures up to the iconic 1988 original, and they’ll also give you a preview of the biggest, buzziest movies premiering this week at the Toronto International Film Festival.

ELLE Canada recently published an article celebrating 8 influential Canadian women. However after getting some backlash, they made changes to the piece online, and those changes are not sitting well with a lot of people. Elamin chats with Niko Stratis, Michelle Cyca, and Matt Amha about the controversy.

Culture critics Rad Simonpillai and Mel Woods talk about the surprise fall hit The English Teacher, a comedy starring Brian Jordan Alvarez as a high school teacher navigating wokeness and teenage malaise in a modern day classroom. Plus, writer Rachel Handler talks about the cinematic trend of hot moms on the big screen in 2024.

Film critic Rachel Ho and Korean media professor Michelle Cho discuss the Apple TV+ series Pachinko, which follows the hopes and dreams of a Korean family in the grips of Japan's occupation. Plus, Elamin's joined by Matt Hart to talk about the legendary face off between Joey Chestnut and Takeru Kobayashi on a live hot dog eating contest on Netflix.

There’s a lot of TV coming out over the next few months, more than 100 shows! Elamin chats with TV critics Saloni Gajjar, Emily Longeretta and Kathryn VanArendonk about what to watch for this fall.

Elamin is joined by film critics Rachel Ho, Radheyan Simonpillai and Adam Nayman to discuss the new biopic Reagan, the return of ‘Only Murders in the Building,’ and the Winnipeg-set comedy ‘Universal Language’ being named as the Canadian entry for Best International Feature at next year’s Oscars.

Paralympic athlete John Loeppky will join Elamin to talk about the opening ceremonies of the Paralympic Games in Paris 2024 and his one big hope for the games: That the athletes who are competing don’t get described as inspiring. Plus, Niko Stratis and Alison Herman discuss Netflix’s new true crime docu-series Worst Ex Ever.

Culture critics Bee Quammie and Julianne Escobedo Shepherd track the rise and fall of Bennifer 2.0, and what our cultural fascination with their relationship tells us about our hopes for love. Plus, music journalist Christoph Dallach discusses his new book Neu Klang, which documents the surprising political history and cultural influence that arose from the ‘70s German subgenre, Krautrock.

Almost 15 years to the day since Oasis broke up, Noel and Liam Gallagher have announced a reunion. Culture critics Rich Pelley, Maura Johnston, and Oasis cover band member Alex Spears join Elamin to talk about whether the brothers can put their differences aside and pull off a reunion that most fans believe could never happen.

It's not just a stereotype, there's hard data out there that shows men don't read a lot of fiction. Elamin chats with Nathan Maharaj, director of content marketing at Rakuten Kobo and Pavan Sodhan, who reviews every non-fiction book he reads, about why men aren’t picking up novels. Plus, New York Times theatre critic Houman Barekat talks about two plays at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival based on Gwyneth Paltrow’s ski trial last year, and how the courtroom drama comes to life on stage.

Culture writers Liisa Ladouceur, Kristy Puchko and Jackson Weaver join the Group Chat to discuss the reboot of the cult-classic gothic thriller ‘The Crow’ and the lingering legacy of the original 1994 version; how music became a big part of the messaging at this week’s Democratic National Convention; and whether Sabrina Carpenter’s new album can keep her Hot Espresso Summer going into the fall.

Writers Tajja Isen and Jael Richardson join guest host Ali Hassan to talk about how book cover designs can be fraught for racialized authors. Plus, the huge success of 'Tiger King' put the director of the series, Eric Goode, in the spotlight as an animal rights activist. So in order to get the access he wanted with his interview subjects for his next project “Chimp Crazy,” he hired someone else to pretend to be the director. Sam Adams, writer and senior editor at Slate, discusses the ethical issues the new HBO docuseries raises.

Chappell Roan is the latest celebrity to call out fans for crossing the line, for getting too personal in the comments section and invading her privacy in public, stuff that many people believe is just the price of fame. Culture critics Niko Stratis and Tyler Foggatt along with musician Eliza McLamb weigh in – on what is normal fan behaviour, and what - if anything - artists can do about it.

Film critic Teri Hart and author Devin Gordon join Elamin to unpack the legacy of talk show icon Phil Donahue, who died this week at the age of 88. Plus, Slovakia’s right-wing government recently ousted the directors of its national art gallery and theater in a move that critics are calling a politically motivated purge. Musician and Eastern European historian Gregor Kwiatkowski explains why far-right governments in the region are clamping down on cultural institutions.

Culture critic Fran Hoepfner talks about Anna Marie Tendler’s new memoir Men Have Called Her Crazy, from the raw and vulnerable scenes from her hospitalization to the absence of her ex-husband John Mulaney from the book. Plus, film critic Rad Simonpillai talks to Elamin about whether Alien: Romulus lives up to the mantle of the iconic franchise.

Music writers Niko Stratis, Rosie Long Decter, and Rollie Pemberton join the Friday Group Chat to talk about Post Malone’s new country album, Ice Spice running full-length commercials at her concerts, and the fallout from the foiled plot to attack the Taylor Swift show in Vienna, as her Eras tour continues.

Canadian union actors are angered after watching U.S. actor John Krasinski appear in a new Rogers ad. The frustration stems from a two year labour dispute between some actors and Canadian ad agencies. Actor and screenwriter Fiona Highet joins Elamin to explain why the Krasinski commercial is so controversial. Plus, culture critic David Dennis Jr. discusses the critical reactions to ‘Divorce in the Black’, the latest movie from Tyler Perry -- and the long standing criticisms that have surrounded his films.

A new biopic explores the rise and fall of Miss Cleo, the controversial queen of the psychic hotline era. Podcaster and comedian Ashley Ray joins Elamin to talk about whether the backlash against her was appropriate -- and Miss Cleo's place in popular culture. Also, Dublin-based culture critic Louise Bruton talks about the political and cultural influence of hip-hop trio Kneecap, who rap primarily in Irish, and the new film that retells their origin story. .

Sadaf Ahsan and CT Jones join Elamin to discuss the box office hit It Ends With Us, starring Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni, based on Colleen Hoover’s bestselling novel. Plus, culture writer Kathryn Van Arendonk talks about the hype surrounding the third season of HBO’s Industry, a fast-paced show about young professionals in the finance business.

The Summer Olympics in Paris had something for everyone – even if you couldn’t care less about sports, the memes were golden and the celebrities were out in full force. The group chat wraps up the Olympics in Paris.

Culture critics Dalton Higgins and Danae Peart and DJ and MC Walshy Fire join guest host Rad Simonpillai for a conversation about one of dancehall music's greatest names - Vybz Kartel. The group chat discusses his recent release from prison, his music and cultural influence.

Celebrities are lining up to show their support for Kamala Harris, but will those endorsements translate into votes? Brea Baker joins Commotion guest host Rad Simonpillai to talk about the celebrity glow emanating from Kamala’s campaign – and whether there could be a downside on election day . Also, film critic Sarah-Tai Black & CBC Entertainment reporter Jackson Weaver review the prison drama ‘Sing Sing,’ based on the real-life rehabilitation theatre program at the Sing Sing Correctional Facility.