Pass the Popcorn, Holiday Movies with Pat Hazell

December 18th, 2025

When winter settles in and the nights grow longer, the search for the perfect holiday movie begins. You could scroll endlessly through streaming platforms, search for whatever is trending, or you could turn to someone who knows movies from the inside out.

For Pass the Popcorn on KVNO’s Arts Today, filmmaker and screenwriter Christine Burright, a graduate of UNO’s MFA in Screenwriting program, is joined by Pat Hazell, a comedian, playwright, and television writer whose career includes work on Seinfeld and The Tonight Show.

With more than three decades of experience in the entertainment industry, Hazell brings a seasoned perspective to the conversation. He understands not only how movies are made, but why certain films endure, especially during the holidays.

In their conversation, Hazell reflects on the unique role holiday movies play in our lives. These are films we return to year after year, not just for comfort, but for connection. They mark time, spark memories, and often bring families together in ways few other traditions can.

Hazell also speaks about how comedy, storytelling, and timing come together in successful holiday films. Whether it’s a classic we grew up watching or a newer favorite, the best seasonal movies balance humor, heart, and familiarity, creating an experience that feels both festive and personal.

For Burright, the discussion is also a reminder that great storytelling transcends format. Whether on stage, television, or the big screen, strong writing remains at the heart of every memorable movie.

As the holidays approach, Pass the Popcorn offers listeners something better than an algorithm, a thoughtful, human recommendation from artists who love film and understand its power.