What to watch, read and listen to this summer

In this episode, hosts and critics from The Guardian dissect the cultural highlights of summer 2025, offering recommendations across music, film, and literature. They start by sharing personal preferences for summer anthems, films, and books, creating an atmosphere of nostalgia and excitement. Music editor Ben Beaumont Thomas introduces a variety of artists likely to define the summer sound, highlighting tracks from artists like Alex G and Smurz, and setting the mood for a summer filled with indie vibes and dance anthems. Film critic Catherine Shord reviews this summer's movie releases, noting a trend of nostalgic reboots from the 90s with strong casts but uncertain potential. Literary critic David Sharamadari provides a selection of summer reads, discussing novels that explore deep themes, such as transformations in relationships and cultural settings. The episode also examines wider cultural trends, including a shift away from non-fiction following recent global crises, and urges audiences to be mindful of what summer selections reveal about contemporary culture. Overall, the podcast is a lively exploration of impending summer entertainment choices, reflecting personal tastes while engaging with larger cultural questions.