Paranoia Agent, now streaming on Crunchyroll, is industry legend Satoshi Kon’s 2004 anime about the fallout of a bizarre assault and the panic that follows. Tsukiko Sagi is a character designer suddenly thrust into the spotlight after creating an immensely popular cartoon dog. Facing debilitating burnout and under pressure from her manager to achieve greater success, she walks home alone at night. She’s stressed out, and her dazed, anxious state has already caused several accidents. After breaking down in a parking lot, discarded drafts are strewn about… Klunk! A bent, gold softball bat clobbers the poor woman. At the hospital, she describes the assailant to the detectives: a small boy wearing shorts and a baseball bat, shredding across the city streets on golden inline skates. A figure the panicked city calls Shōnen Batto, or Lil’ Slugger.

Straight-up horror anime are less prevalent than ones with general gothic or supernatural themes, and genre blends that delve into the frighteningly subversive. This was the only long-form series Kon made before his untimely death in 2010, but it combines the best of his work before and after it. While considered a more psychological thriller than a horror show, there is something about Paranoia Agent that insidiously wriggles in your mind, tapping into the dread and anxiety prevalent in the modern world. With the long-delayed release of the Uzumaki adaptation soon upon us, it’s a good time to bring up more horror anime, and even 20 years later, Paranoia Agent is undoubtedly one of them.

‘Paranoia Agent’ Shows a City in an Existential Crisis

Even in Kon’s more lighthearted work, like Tokyo Godfathers, he always presents life in contemporary Japan with grit and cynicism, a dreary place many seek an escape from, a place that seeks to destroy its inhabitants. Everyone struggles to get by with a roof over their heads, and those with jobs are about to crack under the pressure to perform sufficiently. In Paranoia Agent, that escape comes not only from the characters’ separate fantasies and delusions but also from the increasingly violent attacks of Lil’ Slugger. Maybe, like Tsukiko, they’re looking to catch a needed break from a stressful job, or they’re seeking to forget something terrible they’ve discovered, or even just to clear the suspicions that they are Lil’ Slugger. The mysterious boy serves as this sick, saving grace. With a swing of the bat, his victims are completely unburdened, or so it would seem.

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There aren’t any curses or death games in this show, with the horror being more social and supernatural. With Lil’ Slugger being a saving grace, the victims are the ones who unsettle you in various ways. Some are reprehensible, like a lecherous, corrupt cop who sees himself as an anti-hero. Others put you right in their shoes, back into an isolating situation you’ve been in before, being burnt out, ostracized by your peers, or lost in your world. At some point, everyone feels like the world is going mad, and you’re the only one who’s fine, or you’re breaking down, and everyone else is okay. Everyone seeks that release, even if it means self-destruction, and that’s when you hear the rollerblades.

With each attack, the mythos of Lil’ Slugger grows; with each episode, not only the victims but investigating officers and even copycats get lost in their unreality. As the story continues, the attacks make less and less sense, the connections between victims are tenuous, and Lil’ Slugger seems to attack without rhyme or reason. With so much unknown about him, it leaves more room for people to speculate. It’s with this idea that, only a few short years before the explosion of social media changed the world forever, Paranoia Agent predicted the future.

How ‘Paranoia Agent’ Predicted a Horrific Future

In recent years, it is worryingly clear that we’ve come into the age of misinformation. That, regardless of its credibility, if something is stated often and loudly enough, a lot of people will just kind of believe it. People can create their own echo chambers and become completely lost in fantasy or conspiracy. We could bring up all kinds of inflammatory real-life examples, but to bring it back to Paranoia Agent, the audience soon learns what some may have suspected is true: there was no Lil’ Slugger. Tsukiko hurt her own leg and created the character as a scapegoat to take the pressure off her.

At its core, Paranoia Agent is a show about mass hysteria in the modern age. As the media and the very early internet perpetuate the story of Lil’ Slugger, people continue to talk about it, and no one comes any closer to finding the truth. That the initial attack was self-inflicted brings those seeking the truth no comfort as people continue to get attacked, and more ferociously. There are copycats of copycats perpetrating the crime, regardless if Lil’ Slugger is real or not. Despite being fabricated at first, the city-wide panic made Lil’ Slugger real, with everyone’s pent-up anxiety and inner demons all creating this violent, deluded burst.

However, Lil’ Slugger isn’t some impervious entity. As dark and confronting as Kon’s stories are, they’re never entirely hopeless. The solution is the clearest and yet the most difficult. There’s a way for each victim to save themselves. Confronting the harsh reality of one’s situation is something people avoid. There’s always someone to blame, some big conspiracy that the whole world is against you, that you’re the hero of the story who’s trying to do what’s right. While a blow to the head feels like a clean slate for the victims, the things they’re running away from will still be there. It’s only by facing the truth and confronting who they are that they’ll truly be free.

Paranoia Agent is available to stream on Crunchyroll.

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Paranoia Agent

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Release Date

2011 – 2005-00-00

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Directors

Satoshi Kon

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Writers

Seishi Minakami

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Paranoia Agent

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Sheeshhh, y’all… Kelly Rowland is reminding us why she’s always been a forever foineee queen. A new clip has hit social media, and let’s just say it’s giving all the jaw-dropping, stop-and-stare energy. From her hair to her outfit, Kelly is serving looks and the internet is definitely in their feelings. 

RELATED: Been THAT Girl! Kelly Rowland Pops Out Serving Effortless Beauty & The TL Can’t Breathe (VIDEO)

Kelly Rowland Just Shut Down The Internet—Again

Stop everything—Kelly Rowland is out here reminding fans why she’s always been iconic. In a clip making its rounds on social media, Kelly is serving serious queen vibes with a blonde side-part bob and a sleek black silk gown draped perfectly to show off her toned chest, complete with a solid gold metallic bra piece that is pure shine goals. Add in her matching gold earrings, a radiant smile, and waves to the camera, and it’s basically impossible not to be in awe. Chef’s kiss!

Fans Can’t Handle Kelly’s Glow

Fans ran straight to TSR’s Instagram comment section, leaving fire emojis, “forevaaaaa foineeee,” and everything in between. Some confessed they’re starting their workouts tomorrow, while others said they already know Kelly smells good, and plenty more agreed she’s as fine as it gets. 

One Instagram user @monicadenise said, “Yeahhhhh KELLYYYY🔥🔥❤️❤️”

This Instagram user @waddy_ricch added, “The prettiest of em all 🔥🔥😍😍🥰”

And, Instagram user @sugarbombbakery.co wrote, “One of the finest women alive. 😍”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @yooohypemommy shared, “Can’t nb rock a short bob like Kellllyyyyyy 😍😍😍😍😍😍”

While Instagram user @fortgreene_bull commented, “I know she smells so good.“

Finally, Instagram user @carishathediva said, “I’ll def be working out tomorrow 😭😭”

Even Beyoncé Can’t Handle Kelly Rowland’s Glow

Something went completely sideways for our hearts at the LA stop of ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour. Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland were both serving looks so fire, social media collectively melted. In a carousel shared by Beyoncé, she wrote: “Drip broke the levee when my Kelly’s roll in,” and honestly? We see why. The clip gave fans a peek at Kelly on stage, backstage passes, and the two friends embracing—the real magic of the night was their bond, but let’s be real… Kelly’s glow might have stolen the show.

RELATED: Bestie Behavior! Beyoncé Has Kelly Rowland’s Back At ‘The Boy Is Mine’ Tour & Fans Are Here For It (VIDEO)

Roommates, you already know Boosie never backs down from speaking his mind. He’s doing just that after folks online dragged him for asking Donald Trump for a presidential pardon. If y’all recall, Boosie first asked Trump for a pardon in January 2025, after he got hit with another gun charge even though San Diego had dropped the case.

RELATED: Boosie Shares Health Results After Experiencing Recent Heart Scare (UPDATE)

Boosie Responds To Criticism After Asking Donald Trump For Presidential Pardon

On Sunday, March 15, Boosie hopped on X (formerly Twitter) and dropped a lengthy post addressing the backlash over his decision to ask Donald Trump for a presidential pardon. The New Orleans rapper said the reactions caught him off guard, and he feels like folks are throwing shade because some people want to see him behind bars or they’re just jealous of his success.

“I CANT BELIVE PEOPLE MAD AT ME FOR ASKING TRUMP FOR A PARDON WHEN I ASKED KAMALA SEVERAL TIMES ON TWITTER FOR A PARDON THIS SHOWS THESE THINGS

1. YOU’RE A RACIST

2. YOU JUST WANT ME LOCKED UP

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3. YOU’RE JEALOUS OF ME N MY SUCCESS

4. ALL OF THE ABOVE” 

On top of that, Boosie pointed out that nobody kept that same energy when Joe Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden for the same charge.

“DID U SAY ANYTHING TO BIDEN/KAMALA WHEN HE SAID HE WOULDNT PARDEN HIS SON BUT DID ANYWAY N WE HAD THE SAME CHARGE N HOW IS ASKING FOR A PARDON MAKE U NOT A REAL N***A? YALL THE MOST STUPID MFS N THE WORLD WHO WANTS TO GO JAIL BUT IF I DO GUESS WHAT IM NEVER ………………..,,,,,,,,,,, #populationbaby “

The Internet Shares Mixed Reactions To Boosie’s Pardon Request

Meanwhile, folks in The Shade Room’s comment section didn’t hold back when reacting to Boosie’s message. Some said asking the president for a pardon was wild all by itself, while others went in on him for trying to justify previously asking Kamala Harris back when she served as vice president during Joe Biden’s term. Peep some of the reactions below.

Instagram user @darealnplilb wrote, “Asking for a presidential pardon on twitter is wild!!! What world are we living in right now 😩🤦🏾‍♂️” 

Instagram user @amazingone14 wrote, “Government 101. The VP can’t pardon anyone. 👀🤦🏾‍♀️” 

While Instagram user @st.lawrence_born wrote, “Boosie sit this one out big dawg.” 

Then Instagram user @loveoflatifah wrote, “How was she gonna give you a pardon sir she wasn’t the president 😂” 

Another Instagram user @kalothe1 wrote, “call up Onika & ask to borrow her gold card 😂” 

Instagram user @ampharris wrote, “Why get in trouble to need a pardon🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️” 

Then another Instagram user @_rizzzy__ wrote, “How y’all mad he don’t wanna go to jail ? Lol.” 

While another Instagram user @ty.costello wrote, “Don’t do the crime if you don’t want to do the time 😭😭😭” 

Finally, Instagram user @magic_man127 wrote, “Honestly politics is a joke.” 

Boosie Reaches Out To Trump After 2023 Gun Case Resurfaces

In 2025, Boosie pleaded with Donald Trump to grant him a pardon after authorities revisited his gun charge. Federal agents arrested Boosie in June 2023 after they spotted footage from his instagram Live. According to documents obtained by TMZ at the time, authorities claimed he had a gun tucked in his wristband during a May 2023 video. The situation pushed him to reach out to Trump and ask for help reviewing his case. Boosie also argued that the U.S. Department of Justice under Joe Biden hit him with the charge again even after Biden pardoned his son Hunter Biden.

“Trump CHECK MY CASE OUT MY CASE WAS DISMISSED BUT BIDENS DOJ RECHARGED ME WITH THE SAME GUN CHARGE BIDEN PARDON HIS SON OF .I WAS TOLD I AM THE ONLY PERSON IN THE COUNTRY FACING THAT CHARGE NOW. PRESIDENT TRUMP,” Boosie wrote on X in 2025. 

RELATED: Cuteness Overload! Boosie & Rajel Nelson’s Daughter Sevyn Melts Hearts With Adorable Courtside Moment (PHOTO) 

As the world of television changes, so does the taste of people who consume it. And with the introduction of binge-watching and streaming content for as long as one’s heart desires, the need for such content to be more exciting and binge-worthy also increases. Finding a gripping series, particularly among K-dramas, can be challenging when you’re in the mood for something captivating.

The past few years, as K-dramas became streamers’ originals, have seen a rise in a remarkable collection of Korean shows that blend heart-pounding action, emotional depth, and twisty narratives designed for the binge-watching format. From revenge quests to medical heroics, these ten shows are the most exciting K-dramas to binge-watch, ranked.

10

‘The Silent Sea’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

The Silent Sea was based on director Choi Hang-yong‘s 2014 short film of the same name; this sci-fi thriller unfolds on a near-future Earth devastated by global warming, where water is rationed by career status. Captain Han Yun-jae (Gong Yoo) leads a team of astronauts and scientists—including scientist Song Ji‑An (Bae Doona)—on a dangerous mission to Balhae Lunar Research Station, a moon facility where all crew members died five years earlier under mysterious circumstances. Captain Han and the crew’s objective is to retrieve a vital research sample, which remains classified and unknown to researchers. What they discover inside the abandoned station is far more terrifying than they imagined.

The Silent Sea doesn’t waste time with typical K-drama tropes, instead jumping straight into the plot from episode one. The production design is among the most sophisticated in Korean sci-fi history, with spaceships, suits, and lunar landscapes depicted in exquisite detail. Twists arrive unpredictably, and the tension builds through genuine unknowns rather than cheap scares, taking a note from films like Alien. Bae delivers a compelling performance as the driven astrobiologist Song, while Gong Yoo brings great, willful authority to Captain Han. For sci-fi fans looking for the Korean version of “in space, no one can hear you scream,” this show is it.

9

‘As You Stood By’ (2025)

Image via Yu Ara ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

The eight-part Netflix thriller, As You Stood By, asks a deeply uncomfortable question: would you stand by in the face of violence, too? The drama follows Hui-su (Lee Yoo-mi), a once-promising children’s book author trapped in a brutally abusive marriage to Noh Jin-pyo (Jang Seung-jo). Her childhood friend Eun-su (Jeon So-nee), who carries her guilt after surviving domestic violence as a child and witnessing it at work, decides to help Hui-su and atone for all the times she stood still; Eun-su approaches Hui-su with a dangerous proposition, and the two women embark on a path of no return.

As You Stood By was based on Hideo Okuda‘s novel Naomi and Kanako. The story begins from Eun-su’s perspective before pivoting to Hui-su’s, revealing how both women are driven to the edge and forced to make a drastic choice. Beyond some cruel domestic violence (trigger warning, for sure), the drama also exposes the cruelty of bystanders, especially Jin-pyo’s mother, who is, ironically, a feminist scholar and dismisses Hui-su’s bruises, while his police officer sister threatens Hui-su with false accusation charges because she needs a promotion. As You Stood By is more than a thriller; it’s a meditation on what justice looks like when the system fails, and it’s one of the best K-dramas of 2025.

8

‘Bloodhounds’ (2023–Present)

Image via Netflix

Set in 2020 Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic, Bloodhounds follows two young boxers, Gun-woo (Woo Do-hwan) and Woo-jin (Lee Sang-yi). They are former Marines whose lives become connected when Woo-jin’s mother falls victim to predatory loan sharks who trick her into signing a contract. They enter the dangerous world of illegal moneylending to save Gun-woo’s mother from debt, facing off against the most dangerous loan shark out there, Kim Myeong-gil (Park Sung-woong).

Bloodhounds‘ greatest strength lies in the chemistry between Woo and Lee. Gun-woo is quiet and respectful, while Woo-jin is outspoken and energetic; their newfound brotherhood creates scenes so enjoyable that even casual, non-plot moments keep you locked in. The fight choreography is genuinely incredible, with hits that look real and opponents that are well-versed in martial arts and fighting. There’s at least one fight per episode, and one of the most compelling ones includes sushi knives. Despite the show having some plot holes due to a character vanishing into thin air (Kim Sae-ron got a DUI at the time), the show remains one of the best things to binge-watch. Season 2 premieres in April, so now’s the perfect time to binge-watch Bloodhounds.

7

‘Gyeongseong Creature’ (2023–2024)

Image via Netflix

Set in 1945 during some of the darkest times of the Japanese occupation of Korea, Gyeongseong Creature follows Jang Tae-sang (Park Seo-joon), the wealthy owner of a pawn shop who cares only about himself, and Yoon Chae-ok (Han So-hee), an investigator searching for her missing mother alongside her father. Beneath Gyeongseong lies a secret military installation where hideous experiments are conducted on human subjects, creating a creature born out of wartime crimes. When circumstances force Tae-sang and Chae-ok into the facility, they discover more horrifying truths and forge an unbreakable bond.

Gyeongseong Creature uses its historical setting to drive the narrative and character arcs forward subtly; the town itself becomes a crucial character in the narrative, too, and the true horror comes from the real-life villains performing experiments. Gyeongseong Creature may be another patriotic Korean series, but it’s a brutal reminder that 1940s Japan produced some truly evil people. The blood and gore stay realistic rather than over-the-top, and the romantic thread between Tae-sang and Chae-ok develops organically. Though the CGI feels weird at times, the array of characters and their emotional lives make this a very exciting show.

6

‘The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

The Trauma Code: Heroes On Call was adapted from the popular web novel Trauma Center: Golden Hour. This medical thriller follows Baek Kang-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon), a brilliant trauma surgeon with extensive experience in war zones, who is summoned to revive the malfunctioning trauma center at Hankuk National University Hospital. From the start, he faces budget constraints, limited resources, and a resistant administration, but his tenacity and devotion to the cause propel him forward; he finds a dedicated team within the talented doctor Yang Jae-won (Choo Young-woo) and steadfast nurse Cheon Jang-mi (Ha Young).

Within just two weeks of its January 2025 release, The Trauma Code topped Netflix’s global non-English series chart. It successfully portrays the critical work of trauma centers while highlighting systemic issues: profit-driven healthcare, bureaucratic inefficiency, and the life-or-death importance of each trauma case. Baek Kang-hyuk walks the fine line between genius and arrogance, but his character feels believable. He possesses exceptional skills yet faces human limitations, making him feel like a human first and a hero later; this goes to show doctors are just like us, and those truly dedicated to saving lives must be appreciated. The Trauma Code blends drama, comedy, thriller, and even fantasy elements, including detailed surgical visuals (sometimes), while emphasizing the urgency and pressure of each crisis.

5

‘Vigilante’ (2023)

Image via Studio N

Based on the popular webtoon of the same name by author Kim Gyu-sam, Vigilante follows Kim Ji-yong (Nam Joo-hyuk), a model student at the police academy by day who transforms into a hooded judge and jury by night, delivering brutal punishment to criminals who evade justice through legal loopholes. When his activities attract the attention of investigation team leader Jo Heon (Yoo Ji-tae), a cat-and-mouse game begins between a man determined to expose the vigilante and another equally committed to protecting him.

Vigilante delivers exactly what its premise promises: intense action sequences paired with a deep dive into the criminal world’s relationship with justice. The duality of Ji-yong’s existence—studying to become an officer of the law while operating entirely outside it—is the fuel for almost constant tension in the series. Each episode builds toward confrontations that are more than just a hero and a villain squaring off; these moments question whether justice can truly exist within broken systems. Nam’s physical transformation and commitment to action choreography elevate what could have felt familiar into something genuinely gripping.

4

‘My Name’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

My Name follows Yoon Ji-woo (Han So-hee), a young woman whose life shatters when her father is brutally murdered right in front of her. She joins her father’s criminal group, the Dongcheon Pa, under the mysterious leadership of Choi Mu-jin (Park Hee-soon), driven by a desire for vengeance and let down by an unresponsive police force. After grueling training transforms her into a formidable fighter, she’s planted undercover in the police force as a mole, living a double life while hunting her father’s killer.

My Name unfolds quickly across eight episodes, avoiding typical K-drama filler and maintaining relentless tension. Han performs her own stunts, which also led her to step into another action-packed role in Gyeongseong Creature later. The fight choreography ranks among some of the best in any Korean show: it’s clean, brutal, and emotionally charged. But My Name also poses questions about identity: how much of herself can Ji-woo retain while adopting fake personas and going undercover? It channels the spirit of Infernal Affairs and The Departed while forging its own path through the deeply personal story of its magnetic female lead.

3

‘The Worst of Evil’ (2023)

Image via Disney+

Set in the 1990s, The Worst of Evil follows Jun-mo (Ji Chang-wook), a lower-ranking police officer from a small town who volunteers for a dangerous undercover mission to infiltrate the expanding criminal organization behind Korea’s illegal drug trade. His target is Gi-cheol (Wi Ha-joon), a charismatic and ruthless gangster with ambitions to control the underworld. As it turns out, Gi-cheol also has a complicated history with Jun-mo’s wife, Eui-jung (Im Se-mi), who is also a police officer at a higher rank than Jun-mo.

The Worst of Evil depicts the ever-changing loyalties and human desires brilliantly. Jun-mo’s mission takes him deeper into the criminal underworld than he ever imagined, while his criminal persona overshadows his life of dignity and honor as a police officer. The period setting makes the show even more appealing, depicting a time when Korea’s organized crime scene was changing. The cast is amazing, and the action sequences are brilliantly executed, even becoming meaningful because they happen between characters we grow to care about.

2

‘The Glory’ (2022–2023)

Image via Netflix

The Glory is not a typical revenge thriller with dramatic twists and romantic distractions. It tells the harrowing story of Moon Dong-eun (Song Hye-kyo), a woman who endured horrifying abuse as a teenager at the hands of her wealthy classmates. In one unforgettable scene, Dong-eun is shown with fresh burn marks spreading across her skin after being tortured with a curling iron. These scenes aren’t exaggerated for shock value; they’re based on a real 2006 school violence case where similar torture happened to a teen girl. After dropping out of school and spending years methodically planning, Dong-eun transforms herself and dedicates her adult life to destroying everyone who ever dared bully her in high school.

Writer Kim Eun-sook was inspired by her daughter, whose inquiries about school violence led her into extensive research. The violence isn’t cartoonish, the villains aren’t exaggerated, and the systems protecting them feel painfully familiar. Song, best known for romantic roles, delivers an incredibly strong performance, but the villains left a mark too—so much so that they were accused of school bullying themselves. The Glory became Netflix’s most-watched non-English series globally, and it’s emotionally heavy, profoundly unsettling, and absolutely essential viewing.

1

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)

Image via Netflix

Set in Korea’s ever-inspiring Joseon period during the late 16th century, Kingdom follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon). The king gets sick but is kept “alive” with the help of a mysterious resurrection plant, which is used by the royal court members as a period to get rid of the Crown Prince, too. As Lee Chang travels to uncover the truth, a zombie plague spreads across the land, transforming the infected into terrifying, fast-running monsters. Joined by physician Seo-bi (Bae Doona) and his loyal guard, Mu-yeong (Kim Sang-ho), the prince battles political schemes while trying to save his people from a disease.

Kingdom is Netflix’s first-ever original K-drama, and it’s the first Korean zombie series that is also set in medieval Joseon. With this formula in mind, the show was specifically engineered for binge-watching; it masterfully blends different events across episodes, nurturing mystery and tension while maintaining a fast pace. What also helps create this pace are the infected zombies, who sprint rather than walk, creating a constant sense of urgency. Beyond the thrills, Kingdom offers genuine social commentary about class division and corruption. The cinematography is stunning, the costumes are authentic, and the political intrigue will get any type of viewer hooked.

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Kingdom

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Release Date

2019 – 2020-00-00

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Directors

Kim Seong-hun, Park In-je

Writers

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Kim Eun-hee

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By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 17 seconds ago

Netflix’s One Piece live-action series defied the jaded expectations of anime fans by, and this is a revolutionary concept, staying true to the anime. The second episode of Season 2, “Good Whale Hunting,” adapts the Reverse Mountain arc from the anime, and you may think that name is an analogy, but no, it’s about climbing a mountain with a ship.

It’s absurd, and it makes no sense outside of the logic of One Piece, but this episode is another example that the streamer learned its lesson from The Witcher adaptation. That series went so far from the source material that Henry Cavill quit in disgust, but now Netflix is willing to show a boat riding a river up a mountain and then sliding down into the mouth of a giant whale. 

Anime Accurate In Spirit

In the anime, the Straw Hat Pirates encounter Crocus, the lighthouse keeper, inside of Laboon, the Island Whale, but the series changes this to instead have Luffy remain on the outside while the rest of the crew gets stuck inside. The beats are the same: Crocus using a sedative to keep the whale from bashing his head into the side of the Reverse Mountain, Baroque Works agents Mr. 9 and Miss Wednesday get involved inside the whale’s belly, and Luffy ultimately solves the problem by addressing the whale’s depression. Details are changed, and motivations are tweaked, but the important part, the story, remains true to the One Piece anime. 

Compare “Good Whale Hunting” to The Witcher Season 1, which butchered “The Sword of Truth” short story so badly that Geralt and Ciri might as well be completely different characters. One Piece lets Luffy redirect the Going Merry, while riding a current up the side of the mountain, with his bare hands, but The Witcher couldn’t even show the initial emotional bond between its two most important characters. Fans can tell that for all the changes “Good Whale Hunting” made from the anime, they were done with love and care to the core heart of the story, and it’s all due to the very different way both mega-million Netflix shows are being produced behind the scenes. 

Netflix Learned Its Live-Action Lesson

The creator of One Piece, Oda, is involved with every aspect of the series: the casting, the writing, and even having a say on the final edits. Matt Owens and Steven Maeda, who helped develop the series, have proven their deep respect for the anime and manga. On the other hand, The Witcher’s showrunner Lauren S. Hissrich didn’t want to adapt the books, and Netflix was supportive, allowing her to tell her own story. 

The Witcher Season 2 deviated so heavily from the original stories that again, and this can not be stressed enough, the lead of the show was publicly upset over what should have been a dream project. Liam Hemsworth took over as Geralt as a result, and the show was only streamed by the most die-hard of fans. One Piece Season 2 is setting streaming records. 

“Good Whale Hunting” isn’t the best episode of One Piece Season 2, that would be “Whiskey Business” or “Reindeer Shames,” depending on how you like your anime, but the fact that it even exists and is as good as it is is nothing short of a minor miracle. Hopefully, Hollywood will learn the lesson that putting fans in charge of projects and including the original creator will lead to record-breaking success. 

Nicole Kidman enjoyed a well-deserved girls’ night out before the 2026 Oscars — with her lookalike teen daughters by her side.

Kidman, 58, made a splash at Charles Finch and Chanel’s 17th annual Pre-Oscar dinner on Saturday, March 14, held at the Polo Lounge inside the Beverly Hills Hotel.

The Babygirl actress stunned in an ivory Chanel jacket with a coordinating, pearl-adorned skirt. For glam, she wore a full beat and styled her signature strawberry blonde tresses in loose waves.

Kidman’s daughters Sunday, 17, and Faith, 15, also wore garments from the iconic designer for the occasion. Sunday sported a white cropped tank and checkered olive trousers, while her younger sister opted for a white-and-red tweed jacket with jeans.

Related: Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban’s Family Album With 2 Daughters Over the Years

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban have kept their family life with their two daughters relatively private throughout the years. The Babygirl actress, who tied the knot with the country singer in 2006, welcomed daughter Sunday Rose in July 2008, followed by daughter Faith Margaret in December 2010. Kidman also previously adopted daughter Bella and son […]

Kidman shares Sunday and Faith with ex-husband Keith Urban, from whom she split in September 2025. The exes finalized their divorce in January.

“I’m always going to be moving toward what’s good. What I’m grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward,” Kidman, who also shares two adult children with ex-husband Tom Cruise, said of her next chapter during a Variety interview earlier this month. “That’s that. Everything else I don’t discuss out of respect. I’m staying in a place of, ‘We are a family,’ and that’s what we’ll continue to be. My beautiful girls, my darlings, who are suddenly women.”

Following her breakup, Kidman has brought her youngest daughters to numerous red carpet events — and doesn’t plan on stopping any time soon.

“It’s the third time I’ve cochaired [the Met Gala]. To do it now, I’m so, so happy, and my daughter Sunday will be coming,” Kidman said on the Wednesday, March 11, episode of the “Las Culturistas” podcast of her date for fashion’s biggest night in May 2026. “[Sunday] loves fashion. She actually just walked the Dior show. I have nothing to do with it. It’s her own whole world and her relationship [with designer] Jonathan Anderson. It’s incredible.”

Sunday, who will be 17 during the Met fundraiser despite a strict over-18 attendance policy, began working as a model in fall 2024.

“Growing up, I went to my mom’s photo shoots a lot and got to observe, which definitely led to my interest in exploring the modeling world,” Sunday told Nylon in an August 2025 profile. “Honestly, the first show I had no idea what was happening. I really didn’t know what to expect at all, but the whole team at Miu Miu was so kind and excited to show the collection.”

Podcast host and viral TikTok content creator Bobbi Althoff has openly talked about regretting getting facial filler and Botox in past videos. She is now opening up about dissolving her filler and just how much it cost her, as well as the struggle to dissolve it all. She recently shared a video with a message for anyone thinking about jumping on the “facial balancing trend.”

Bobbi Althoff is not a stranger to sharing her struggles and her newly posted video about dissolving her filler has a message for other women who are considering doing “facial balancing” with filler.

Bobbi Althoff Spent Thousands To Dissolve Her Facial Filler

Althoff hasn’t shied away from sharing her decision to get filler in her lips and face, as well as Botox. She has shared videos in the past talking about it (although many have since been deleted).

In her newly shared video on TikTok, Althoff shares the amount of money it cost her to dissolve her facial filler because she wasn’t happy with the results.

“I just need to have a little talk with you girls,” she said before revealing the amount of money she recently spent. “The other day, I spent $4,500 getting my filler that was right here [she motioned to her jawline] dissolved using an ultrasound because that’s really the only way you can make sure you get rid of it all.”

Bobbi Althoff Said She Was Talked Into Getting Facial Filler

Althoff said she went in to get lip filler and the “girl who does amazing lips convinced me to also get chin filler and jawline filler.”

“Immediately after, I was like, what the f-ck did I do?” she continued. “This is such a mistake, but she kept saying it would get better. And six months later, It was just, I hated it.”

She then explained that she went to one person to get it dissolved, but it just wasn’t dissolving.

“I could tell my face is not myself. For the last six months, I couldn’t even smile, my face was so restricted from already that Botox I had gotten that like f-cked up,” she said. “But then because also, I had thought it was just because of the Botox.”

She concluded her story by saying she went to someone else with an ultrasound machine to get the filler dissolved, saying it was “so expensive.”

“Just don’t get the filler to begin with,” she shared. “It makes me so sick I had to spend so much money to get back to how I was. I had to spend so much money, such a waste. But hopefully this money can be spent to like serve the purpose of you guys never making the same mistakes.”

Viewers Had Positive Messages For The Viral TikToker

Many viewers dropped into the comment section of Althoff’s post captioned, “Facial balancing is a dumb trend. The end of the story is that basically after the ultrasound dissolving, my full smile came back. The filler had been restricting my movement. It took the radiologist 6 vials of dissolver to dissolve my chin and jawline. I have another appointment in 3 weeks to make sure it’s completely gone.”

“Thank you for saying this because I’ve been seeing it so much and lowkey was considering it,” one person wrote. Another added, “Leave your face alone you look perfect!! Don’t touch your body either. Love yourself.”

Another viewer shared, “Ughh thank you. I was considering but u saved me.” And one other said, “I didn’t realize until now. After it’s been dissolved I can tell a huge difference. You are gorgeous either way but, you do look better!”

Bobbi Althoff Went Viral For Sharing Her Botox Experience Last Year

Late last year, Althoff shared a video on TikTok about her experience with getting Botox. The video that had nearly 2 million views has since been removed, but The Blast shared the story in November.

“I have been having bad jaw problems. I’ve always had jaw problems. My jaw has just always hurt,” she said in the video. “So I look up on Google a TMJ specialist, and I’m like, let me just go and get my jaw looked at by a specialist.”

The specialist, a dentist, convinced her to get Botox in her jaw – 100 units that cost her $1,500. It left her unable to smile and pretty much frozen. When she complained to the doctor, she was told it will wear off in three months.

The TikToker Also Shared Her Thoughts On Getting Hateful Comments

In a video shared last year that’s also no longer on the platform, Althoff shared her unfiltered thoughts about getting hateful comments on her videos.

She started the now deleted TikTok video off by saying she hates making emotional videos and might regret posting it (which apparently she did since it’s no longer there).

“I know some people feed off of saying hurtful things to get a reaction, but today, I posted a video of me and my boyfriend, and so many of the comments, every single time I post him, which we’ve been together for a year, but without fail, every single time I post him, all of the comments are about how I’m ran through and oh look, another one. Or he probably doesn’t know how ran through she is. Just mean, mean things,” she said while holding back tears. “And if I post any video truly in general, the amount of hate comments I get, are just unreal.”

She further shared that she’s “human” and a “people pleaser” making it tough to just ignore the hateful messages.

The video had more than 2.3 million views and tons of uplifting and supportive comments.

There’s no doubt that when Bob’s Burgers premiered back in 2011, creators Loren Bouchard and Jim Dauterive knew they had something special to share with the world. But as is the case with most shows, it took some time for the FOX series to really find its footing. With 16 seasons under its belt, and having been renewed through Season 19, it’s clear that they’ve righted the ship. It’s hard to deny, however, that the early seasons are rough. Whether it’s the one-dimensional characters, or the low-budget animation, Bob’s Burgers definitely went through some growing pains.

Our first glimpse into the Belcher family is a scene in the restaurant where Bob is just berating his children. That’s the jumping off point. Not only is it aggressive and mean-spirited, but it isn’t in line with the Bob Belcher that audiences know and love today. In those early seasons, Bob is as flat as a character can get, and I promise that’s not a shot at the animation which lacks the polished finish of later episodes. Eventually, Bob’s Burgers would find its charm without losing its edge. The two-time Emmy Award-winning series has made it a priority to draw audiences in, instead of alienating them. That formula has made for one of the best comedies currently available to stream.

H. Jon Benjamin’s One-Note Portrayal of Bob Belcher Fell Flat

Image by Jefferson Chacon

From the jump, Bob’s tone is simply angry. He yells at his kids. He yells at his wife. That’s his whole thing. There is something inherently funny about characters being frustrated or upset, but that kind of comedy works best if it’s situational. It loses its luster if that’s the only emotion a character is going through. So for Bob Belcher to be so negative right off the bat, that’s almost a disservice to actor H. Jon Benjamin and what he brings to the table. From Wet Hot American Summer to Archer, Benjamin’s voice-over work is top-notch. That being said, it’s difficult to watch Season 1 of Bob’s Burgers and not cringe a bit.

When so much of a television series is based around one character, such as Bob Belcher, there has to be a depth to that character from the very beginning. That just didn’t exist at first. It truly seemed like this guy just hated his kids, hated his wife, and hated his job. While Tina, Gene, Louise, and Linda were just side characters who took the brunt of the punishment, as opposed to a cohesive ensemble cast. Luckily, as the years went by, Bob’s Burgers slowly began to shift the tone.

At Its Core, ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Has a Lot of Heart

Image via Fox

There’s nothing wrong with softening the edges, and that’s arguably what saved the show. There are still some dark undertones. However, choosing to shift focus from Bob to the entire family as a cohesive unit really worked wonders for the series. From Dan Mintz as the anxiety-ridden, boy-obsessed Tina, to Kristen Schaal‘s hard-nosed, unafraid portrayal of Louise. It’s much more fulfilling as an audience member to watch these characters interact, rather than watch Bob scream at everyone for an entire episode.

The softer tone creates a beautiful contrast when other characters ultimately erupt in anger. John Roberts does an absolutely wonderful job as Linda. Like any relationship, her and Bob’s marriage is a balancing act. A give-and-take. Through their relationship, as well as the interactions with their children, that’s where the comedic moments can live and thrive. There’s no doubt that the Belcher family dynamic allows the comedy to shine through at the perfect times.

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The 10 Best ‘Bob’s Burgers’ Quotes, Ranked

“Okay, fine. But I’m gonna complain the whole time.”

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‘Bob’s Burgers’ Success Rewarded With Four-Season Renewal

After proving that this wasn’t just a one-dimensional stereotype of a New Jersey family, Bob’s Burgers was renewed for four seasons. Back in April 2025, the series was rewarded with Seasons 16, 17, 18, and 19. Season 16 is currently streaming on Hulu. That means more of Gene’s inappropriately timed one-liners, more of that anxious sound Tina makes, and more of Aunt Gayle’s crazy cat lady antics. There is a lesson to take away from this, and that is, don’t be afraid to adapt.

In a competitive and creative field such as scripted television, hesitation to make changes could be fatal to a series. It’s a fine line between success and failure. Thankfully, the production team on Bob’s Burgers figured that out early enough in the process and fans are now being rewarded as well.

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Release Date

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January 9, 2011

Network

FOX

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Showrunner

Loren Bouchard

Directors

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Tyree Dillihay, Anthony Chun, Jennifer Coyle, Wes Archer, Ian Hamilton, Tom Riggin, Bernard Derriman, Don MacKinnon, Kevin Wotton, John Rice, Simon Chong

Writers

Lizzie Molyneux-Logelin, Wendy Molyneux, Kelvin Yu, Scott Jacobson, Greg Thompson, Katie Crown, Aron Abrams

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With just hours before the Oscars, the question on everyone’s mind is how are people achieving flawless, red carpet–ready skin in time for the biggest night in Hollywood.

For New York–based nominees, presenters and industry insiders heading to the West Coast, been flocking to Manhattan Aesthetics for last-minute treatments designed to deliver a camera-ready glow before they step onto the red carpet at the Academy Awards.

Cosmetic practices from New York to Beverly Hills say they hold the secret — offering a menu of treatments designed to deliver a complexion that can withstand the brutal honesty of modern HD lighting.

The reality is simple: today’s red carpets are unforgiving. High-resolution cameras capture everything — texture, pores, dehydration and fine lines — pushing celebrities to embrace a new generation of results-driven skin treatments that enhance their appearance without looking obvious.

This season, the pre-Oscars strategy revolves around a few standout procedures: Density RF, laser resurfacing, Aquagold 24K Gold Microinfusion cocktails, dermaplaning and Salmon DNA therapy.

Dermaplaning: The Unsung Red Carpet Hero

One of the most overlooked — yet surprisingly transformative — treatments is dermaplaning, a simple physical exfoliation technique.

The procedure uses a sterile surgical blade to gently remove dead skin cells and fine vellus “peach fuzz” hair from the outermost layer of the skin. The treatment is quick and painless, but the payoff is immediate.

Skin feels incredibly smooth afterward, but the real magic happens once makeup artists step in. Foundation glides on seamlessly, light reflects more evenly and the complexion takes on a polished, almost airbrushed quality that photographs beautifully.

Manhattan Aesthetics Dermatology PA Susan Hirsch explains:

“Dermaplaning is one of the simplest treatments we offer, but the payoff is immediate. The skin instantly looks brighter and healthier, and makeup sits much more evenly.”

Density RF: The Tightening Treatment Everyone Is Talking About

Radiofrequency technology has quietly become a staple of pre-event skin preparation — and Density RF is one of the newest versions gaining attention.

The treatment works by delivering controlled heat into both the superficial and deeper layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production — in some cases generating nearly five times more collagen than traditional RF treatments.

The result is subtle lifting, tightening and contouring that enhances facial structure while keeping the outcome natural.

The best part: no needles, no numbing and virtually no downtime.

Susan Hirsch PA-C notes:

“Radiofrequency treatments have always been popular before red carpet events. Density has taken radiofrequency to the next level, producing significantly more collagen than traditional RF treatments. It uses both monopolar and bipolar radiofrequency to achieve deep structural lifting and contouring while also softening lines and wrinkles on the surface. It’s one of the hottest treatments heading into 2026, and we’ve seen demand exploding in our practice.”

Laser Resurfacing + Salmon DNA: Regeneration Meets Technology

Another red carpet staple is fractional laser resurfacing, typically performed about seven to ten days before a major event.

The treatment improves texture, refines pores and helps correct pigment issues such as sun damage — creating a healthier, brighter complexion overall.

Unlike aggressive ablative lasers, fractional resurfacing produces a much gentler recovery process. The skin often appears slightly sunburned for two to three days, followed by a sandpaper-like texture that flakes away. By day seven, many patients are left with what practitioners describe as a “glass skin” effect.

To accelerate healing, some practices apply Salmon DNA, a regenerative topical treatment that boosts hydration, stimulates collagen production and reduces redness and inflammation following the procedure.

Aquagold Microinfusion: Custom Skin Cocktails

If there’s one treatment insiders consistently mention during the final stretch before a big red carpet event, it’s Aquagold — often described as the finishing touch.

At Manhattan Aesthetics, practitioners say the treatment has become particularly popular among New York clients preparing to travel to Los Angeles for Oscars week.

The device uses ultra-fine 24-karat gold needles to stamp and infuse customized cocktails of skin nutrients directly into the superficial layers of the skin.

Instead of targeting a single concern, practitioners design a personalized blend tailored to each client.

Typical Oscar-season cocktails include:

• Hyaluronic acid for intense hydration
• Small doses of Botox to refine pores
• Vitamins and antioxidants to brighten skin tone
• Peptides to support collagen production

The treatment is quick and gentle, but the results can be striking. Skin appears smoother, pores look refined and the complexion develops a hydrated glow makeup artists often describe as “filter-like.”

Because results appear within a couple of days, Aquagold has become a favorite for last-minute skin polishing.

The Bigger Aesthetic Trend: Natural, Healthy Enhancement

Beyond the face, aesthetic experts say the overall approach to cosmetic medicine is shifting toward more natural-looking results.

“As aesthetic medicine evolves, we are seeing a shift away from overly sculpted physiques toward something that looks naturally athletic,” says BriAnna Gugliotta. “Patients want to look healthy and balanced. They are not asking for extreme definition but rather refinement that still feels authentic to their lifestyle.”

She adds that combining multiple modern techniques often produces the most believable outcome.

“When you combine medical weight management with targeted fat reduction and muscle toning, the result is a physique that looks stronger and leaner but still very natural.”

For generations, we’ve had a common portrayal of Arthur Conan Doyle‘s Sherlock Holmes in the media. Whether in modern adaptations or faithful retellings, we tend to see Sherlock as a brilliant detective who always cracks the case with sensational deduction skills. But now, in Guy Ritchie‘s new series, Young Sherlock, the iconic character is given a new origin story.

In addition to putting the character in a new light, the series also strays away from the case-of-the-week format, allowing one overarching crime to stretch through the season. Additionally, it lets Sherlock slowly evolve and settle into his identity. With twists and turns along the way, the Prime Video series is extremely engaging as it rewrites the classic detective story we previously knew. Young Sherlock is the perfect show for a streaming audience.

Guy Ritchie’s ‘Young Sherlock’ Showcases a New Side of the Detective

Taking some inspiration from Ritchie’s two Sherlock Holmes films starring Robert Downey Jr., this new series stars Hero Fiennes Tiffin as a 19-year-old Sherlock coming into his own. Right from the jump, it’s clear he’s a trouble-maker, but also a slyly calculated one. Young Sherlock presents him as a bit of an arrogant know-it-all, but as the series unfolds, we learn that maybe he actually doesn’t know everything quite yet. But as far as a young detective goes, his observational skills are there, but not quite developed yet. With this engaging take, the classic detective story is being rewritten, giving us a chance to see how Sherlock becomes the greatest detective. There are others who are a step ahead of him, and Sherlock must push himself to get on top.

Taking the origin story approach, showrunner Matthew Parkhill gets to reshape what we know of the iconic character. Sherlock is not going on this adventure on his own, but there’s no dear Watson just yet. One of the classic villain characters, James Moriarty (Dónal Finn), is presented as a friend, not a foe. He serves as his confidant and equal, and, at times, the smarter of the pair. This fresh take adds depth to the series, setting itself apart from anything we’ve seen before. Young Sherlock shows how, in a way, Moriarty teaches Sherlock to become the great detective. Perhaps there is also some credence to his descent into villainy.

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‘Young Sherlock’ Review: Guy Ritchie’s Action-Packed Prime Video Series Delivers a Completely New Take on Holmes

What’s better than Sherlock and Watson? Sherlock and Moriarty!

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Young Sherlock is also a story about family. Primarily, we see the contrast between Sherlock and his older brother, Mycroft (Max Irons). They couldn’t be more morally opposite, but their adoration for one another — stemming from the loss of their sister — keeps them bound. But, like any family, there are secrets. The Holmes clan drives the second half of the action, continuing to show how Sherlock eventually hardens.

‘Young Sherlock’ Is a Character-Driven Slow Burn

As far as storytelling is concerned, in many serialized Sherlock series, we spend a singular episode on a case. Here, there’s a singular mystery for Sherlock to uncover. With the arrival of Princess Shou’an (Zine Tseng) and the mystery of the murdered professors, Sherlock gets to test out his investigative skills in unique ways. Rather than just telling us his thoughts, the brilliant direction drops him and Moriarty back into the crime scenes as they contemplate the clues they’ve uncovered. The single mystery not only serves as an incredibly engaging binge-watch but also allows you to truly see Sherlock’s character development in real time. Sure, episodic mysteries could have given us character growth as well, but this overarching plot did the job cleanly.

Outside the Sherlock universe, other detective shows, like Murder, She Wrote and Poker Face, satisfy instant gratification in a single episode. Departing from that format serves this origin story better, putting the spotlight on Sherlock and not the crime. There are major twists and turns along the way, but this eight-episode arc proves a winning format. There are so many places to which the globe-trotting Young Sherlock series can go in Season 2, which means more shades of Sherlock’s character are sure to color in his complicated character.

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Release Date

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March 4, 2026

Network

Prime Video

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Showrunner

Matthew Parkhill

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