The Case for “Perry Mason” and “Columbo” (S7-E50, Paula Marantz Cohen)

Throughout the pandemic, nostalgia brought audiences back to classic television shows—from "Andy Griffith" to "The Sopranos." Two particular TV series from decades past—"Perry Mason" and "Columbo"—wrapped us in a warm narrative blanket and proved to be uncontested classics. It’s no mystery why they’re so beloved by viewers across generations, given their charismatic lead characters and riveting writing. For a very special 50th "Pop, the Question" episode, Host Dr. Melinda Lewis teams up with Pennoni Honors College Dean and Distinguished Professor of English Paula Marantz Cohen to investigate the longevity and brilliance of "Perry Mason" and "Columbo," exploring what makes these two cultural icons so impactful and ever-relevant to contemporary audiences in an age of streaming and binge-watching. "Pop, the Question" is a production of Marketing & Media in Pennoni Honors College at Drexel University. Recorded March 16, 2023 in 157 Bentley Hall, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA, USA). Featured Guest: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD (Dean, Pennoni Honors College, Drexel University; Drexel Distinguished Professor of English, Department of English & Philosophy, College of Arts and Sciences) Host and Producer: Melinda Lewis, PhD (Director of Strategy) Dean: Paula Marantz Cohen, PhD Executive Producer: Erica Levi Zelinger (Director, Marketing & Media) Producer: Brian Kantorek (Associate Director, Marketing & Media) Research and Script: Melinda Lewis, PhD Audio Engineering and Editing: Brian Kantorek Original Theme Music: Brian Kantorek Production Assistance: Noah Levine Social Media Outreach: Ka’Neisha Davis and Olivier Jacques Graphic Design: Felicia Wolfer Logo Design: Michal Anderson Additional Voiceover: Malia Lewis The views expressed in this podcast are not necessarily those of Drexel University or Pennoni Honors College. Copyright © 2023 Drexel University