Mary Beard dissecting pop culture like a Roman ruin? Icon behavior.
30 minSeason 5 • Episode 5
LatestMary Beard brings her trademark wit and probing curiosity to an interview with a very special guest - Booker-nominated British-Turkish novelist Elif Shafak.
How does the art we consume reflect the times we live in? A topical look at the latest film, TV, music, books and theatre - through the eyes of their creators and their audiences.
Acting
Mary Beard's unapologetic enthusiasm is the entire show.
Production
Intimate sets that feel like eavesdropping on brilliant friends.
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
Beard's presence bridges BBC Four's high-art past and streaming's democratized future—rare institutional credibility that doesn't condescend.
The show's 'audience first' framing deliberately inverts traditional criticism, positioning everyday viewers as legitimate interpreters rather than passive consumers.
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