Entertainment
10 Most Exciting K-Dramas To Binge-Watch, Ranked
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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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By Jonathan Klotz
| Published
Netflix’s One Piece live-action series continues to outpace every other adaptation, anime or not, but Season 2 Episode 3, “Whiskey Business,” makes a strong case for the series to be one of the greatest Netflix action series of all time. For the first time this season, fans are able to see Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu) cut loose, and the result is a non-stop swordfight from the first floor of a tavern to its roof. Zoro versus 100 Baroque Works agents may bring to mind Kill Bill’s The Bride against 100 Yakuza, except there’s a catch: One Piece did it first.
1 Vs. 100
The pairing of the serious swordsman Zoro with the Baroque Works agent Mr. 9 (Daniel Lasker) mixes oil and water. Mr. 9’s foppish crown and attempts at being an over-the-top villain make him the opposite of the taciturn Zoro, which is why, when Zoro is finally able to cut loose in his pursuit of the assassin, it’s oh so very satisfying. For the first half of the episode, the Straw Hat Pirates think the town of Whiskey Peak is a pirate-loving sanctuary, until the reveal that it’s a front for Baroque Works.
When Zoro walks into the tavern, he knows that everyone inside is a Baroque Works agent. What Mr. 9 eventually realizes is that Zoro isn’t trapped in the building with them. Baroque Works is trapped inside with Zoro. For 10 minutes, the deadliest swordsman in the East Blue carves through 98 agents, making his way up to Mr. 9, where he finally uses the Three-Sword Style. It’s as satisfying as the moment when John Wick finally made it to the top of the stairs.
One Piece’s fight choreography is a little different thanks to the Devil Fruit powers. “Whiskey Business” sticks out because Zoro doesn’t have any. He’s the best there is at what he does. The result is a grounded fight, unlike anything seen in the live-action adaptation so far. Mackenyu is up to the task, considering he’s the son of the legendary Sonny Chiabi, who you might know from dozens of martial arts shows and films over six decades, or maybe you only know him as Hanzo Hattori, the swordsmith from Kill Bill.
Zoro’s Rampage Came Before Kill Bill
It’s hard not to think of the iconic Kill Bill sword fight when watching “Whiskey Business.” Uma Thurman and Quentin Tarantino put together an iconic sword fight with a lone hero against 100 assailants, which had been done before, many times, but few were as stylish. One Piece’s Whiskey Peak arc first aired in 2001, and fans watched Zoro take down Baroque Works in Episode 65, two years before Kill Bill hit theaters. If anything, Tarantino could have been a little influenced by the anime.
The rest of the episode, which cuts out the anime’s Zoro and Luffy duel, is equally as fantastic. Baroque Works takes center stage as the villains of the season, and the Straw Hat Pirates get a new direction for their journey through the Grand Line. “Whiskey Business” will, as with the anime arc, be remembered more for Zoro getting the spotlight and redefining what fights can look like on a massive streaming budget.
Entertainment
Oscars surprises with 7th tie in Academy Awards history: 'We're gonna get through this. Focus up!'
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Host Kumail Nanjiani announced the winners of Best Live-Action Short: ‘I’m joking!’
Fantasy TV is greatly known for thriving on sprawling worlds and long-running sagas, multi-season chaos that offers thrilling character journeys. But sometimes the genre produces rare and fantastic hits that deliver just a single season. That one-season hit often wields an unforgettable story with ambitious themes, striking visual direction, and an emotionally satisfying arc—even when it concludes on a slight cliffhanger.
Masterful series like the layered superhero drama, Watchmen, that produces an alternate version of history, and the cult classic gem, Neverwhere, that explores a hidden magical London, are just two series in the genre that demonstrate just how brilliant a one-season fantasy icon can truly be. Compiled on this list are the TV shows that wield the title of masterpiece, despite their single-season status.
‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)
Over the Garden Wall is an animated show that may wield a short runtime, but the series’ fairytale-like storytelling and haunting visuals ensured its lasting legacy as a masterful fantasy masterpiece. The Cartoon Network series follows a pair of lost brothers, Wirt (Elijah Wood) and Greg (Collin Dean), who stumble into “the Unknown,” where they meet several unusual characters on their strange journey home.
Over the Garden Wall somehow captures wonder and melancholy together perfectly. It’s an animated series that’s beautifully strange and skillfully atmospheric. Over the Garden Wall is a truly unique ride that presents like a traditional storybook tale, but with an eerie atmosphere, darker tone, and escalating moral stakes. What makes it a masterful one-season watch is that every episode acts like a “chapter” that still advances the character and theme: adolescence vs. childhood, fear vs. hope, and the seduction of giving up when the going gets tough. Over the Garden Wall is definitely a fantastic fantasy great that stands as a tightly crafted masterpiece despite its status as a single-season series.
‘My Lady Jane’ (2024)
This brilliant fantasy series is one of the finest of the genre that has ever been brought to screens, and unfortunately, only has one season to its name. My Lady Jane is an alternate-history fantasy, focusing on the bold and ambitious Lady Jane Grey (Emily Bader), who is forced into marriage and involuntarily thrust into lethal court politics.
My Lady Jane is a reimagining of English history with a playful fantasy twist. The show’s premise is genuinely intriguing as it delivers magical lore and thrilling political drama. My Lady Jane‘s energetic storytelling and clever take on the past make it an extremely entertaining single-season masterpiece. Without withholding its payoff to later seasons, the show commits to a full season-long story arc, including political affairs, romance, and a heady tone. It is truly unfortunate that My Lady Jane never got the chance to expand its story due to its cancellation, but it does make for a great one-season fantasy gem.
‘Watchmen’ (2019)
Watchmen is an expansion of the iconic comic universe that transports audiences into a daring alternate-history fantasy drama. Set in a world where masked vigilantes are treated as outlaws, the series focuses on detective Angela Abar aka Sister Night (Regina King), as she investigates conspiracies that reawaken old ideological violence.
Watchmen is a quality limited series that honestly outdoes those with a much longer run time. The show’s bold themes, stunning performances, and meticulous writing prove that with just one season, a story of excellent caliber can be brought to audiences. Watchmen stands as a powerful fantasy jewel that easily earned itself a strong reputation as a television masterpiece. While using genre spectacles like superheroes, dystopia, and mystery to do precise thematic work, the show builds on the usual comic-book tropes and turns them into a sharp social commentary. Watchmen is often lauded as one of the best miniseries to be produced by HBO, solidifying it as the perfect one-season epic for this list of masterpieces.
‘WandaVision’ (2021)
This Marvel TV series is a skillful blend of classic television nostalgia and epic superhero fantasy. WandaVision initially begins with superheroes, Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany), as they live a happy, sitcom-shaped suburban life as a married couple. It isn’t very long before their world begins to fracture, as the two start to notice strange happenings that seem to have a single source—Wanda.
WandaVision is initially an incredibly quirky series that honestly stumps most audiences who are watching it for the first time. But it doesn’t take very long to see why most viewers are quick to praise the iconic series. WandaVision hosts inventive storytelling and fantastic emotional depth that elevate its one-season arc into a fully realized fantasy masterpiece that’s truly able to captivate audiences. Its story may be short, but WandaVision ranks high amongst some of the absolute best in the fantasy genre.
‘Lovecraft Country’ (2020)
Lovecraft Country is an intriguingly fearless mesh of horror, fantasy, and historical commentary. Set in 1950s America, the story centers on Atticus Freeman (Jonathan Majors) as he, along with Letitia “Leti” Lewis (Jurnee Smollett) and Hippolyta Freeman (Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor), travels across the country in search of his missing father, only to encounter not only racist terror, but also supernatural monsters.
Lovecraft Country is a rather bold series with a very entertaining concept; unfortunately, it never made it far, as it was cancelled rather quickly. Despite that, the show is good enough as a one-season gem that delivers an incredible story. With a combination of American history and cosmic horror, Lovecraft Country offers a unique narrative that is significantly memorable despite its status as a single-season series. From production design to music choices, Lovecraft‘s cultural work only makes its story feel all the more historical and mythic, marking it as the perfect addition to this list of masterful one-season watches.
‘The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself’ (2022)
This unfortunately cancelled series came and left in a burst of creativity and thrill. The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is a book-to-screen coming-of-age adaptation that follows the young Nathan (Jay Lycurgo), who finds himself caught in between warring witch clans as the son of a feared killer.
The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is extremely addictive, but horrendously underrated. It’s a one-season masterpiece for its intriguing story and fantastic performances. The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself is genuinely entertaining, and its abrupt cancellation definitely disappointed many of its fans. Even with the dark fantasy’s brief run, The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself, with its gripping storytelling, has earned its place among some of fantasy television’s most overlooked masterpieces, making it the ideal pick for this list of peak gems in the vast genre.
‘Neverwhere’ (1996)
Neverwhere is based on Neil Gaiman‘s novel of the same name and stands as one of fantasy’s greatest cult favorites. The beloved series centers around Richard Mayhew (Gary Bakewell) as he helps an injured girl named Door (Laura Fraser), only to find himself erased from ordinary London and pulled into the hidden fantasy underworld known as “London Below.”
With an imaginative premise and a thrillingly eerie atmosphere, Neverwhere is a stunning fantasy masterpiece that delivers a mysterious underground realm filled with hidden magic and strange characters. The show’s tightly contained narrative and inventive world never feel like it’s merely a one-season story; instead, Neverwhere offers audiences a fully realized narrative. The 1996 series further showcases its masterpiece status with vivid worldbuilding, clear stakes, and a complete transformation of its protagonist. Neverwhere does wield that BBC flair, but the series is only enhanced by it, giving it a dream-like atmosphere. The series concludes with a resolution that feels like a quality payoff, marking it as a bingeable watch that delivers a complete fantasy masterpiece that’s worth diving into.
‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)
This iconic horror series may not be in the realm of traditional fantasy, but the supernatural gem is a ghostly fantasy drama that definitely counts as a memorable single-season masterpiece. The Haunting of Hill House follows the fractured Crain family, who are forced to relive the trauma of their haunted childhood home as the story switches between the past and present, showcasing how the family’s adult lives are shaped by what they survived inside “Hill House.”
The Haunting of Hill House wields a chilling blend of supernatural horror and family drama, masterfully delivering a series rife with great scares and surprising amounts of emotional depth. The show is a limited series, so it feels like it’s built perfectly for a single season. Each episode is both a puzzle piece and a character study—a genuine full thesis statement. With fantastic direction and incredible production design, the overall craftsmanship of The Haunting of Hill House only proves that a single season show can still offer audiences quality entertainment.
Married at First Sight stars David and Madison are officially engaged following their public cheating scandal.
“My best friends are engaged and I haven’t stopped crying,” a friend of the couple wrote via Instagram Stories on Saturday, March 14, later reshared on Madison’s own Instagram Stories.
The reality TV star then reshared a series of posts from her nearest and dearest during a St. Patrick’s Day-turned-surprise engagement party in honor of the couple.
“Congrats to two real ones on their engagement,” one friend wrote via their Instagram Stories, also reshared by Madison. “Love you guys.”
“Love at first sight congrats you two,” another wrote.
“Congratulations to one of my fave gals on her engagement to her soulmate!” another posted.
Madison later shared a video of the engagement itself on her Instagram Stories, showing the pair sitting at a table eating dessert while David rolled what at first glance appeared to be an oversized dice.
The reality star then grabbed the dice and got down on one knee, opening the box to reveal an engagement ring. Madison quickly covered her mouth in disbelief as her fiancé asked the big question. After saying yes, the pair kissed and David slid the ring onto her finger.
David and Madison Instagram/@madisonmyers93
Of course, fans of the hit dating show Married at First Sight will remember the controversial pair, who found themselves in hot water after they developed a connection despite being married to other people. Experts Dr. Pepper Schwartz, Pastor Cal Roberson and Dr. Pia Goff initially paired Madison up with Allen, while David was paired up with Michelle.
At one point, David sent a text message to Madison saying he “wanted to eat her up” while still married to Michelle. David claimed that he was just shooting his shot as a man with “needs” that weren’t being met. The pair ultimately decided to end their respective marriages and pursued each other instead.
“Obviously, I think we would both change everything,” Madison later said, expressing her regret over how the pair handled the situation. “I will never regret following my heart, but I will regret not having the courage and the confidence to say it loudly when I should have.”
Married at First Sight’s David and Madison continue to surprise viewers with their relationship updates. During the Tuesday, March 11, episode of Lifetime’s reality show, the pair reunited with the cast for the first time in nearly a year. As part of the reunion show, both David, 37, and Madison, 31, confirmed they are still […]
David added, “I should have been stronger. I would like to apologize to you Michelle sincerely. And to you Allen as well. You’re a great man, and I should have manned up.”
During the March 2025 reunion, Madison gave fans an update on her relationship with David.
“We’re very happy,” she told host Kevin Frazier at the time. “He makes me feel like the most special person in the world without even trying. He’s the best.”
It’s Oscar night, and the Academy Awards are being awarded in the Dolby Theater in Hollywood. After Amy Madigan and Sony Pictures Animation stunned the crowd with their historic wins for Weapons and KPop Demon Hunters respectively, another key award has been handed out. This year’s Best Supporting Actor trophy went to Sean Penn for the massively acclaimed film from Paul Thomas Anderson, One Battle After Another. It is Sean Penn’s 6th nomination and 3rd win. The film has a whopping 13 nominations, and this is its 2nd win so far tonight, after making history as the first movie to win the Oscars’ first category in 24 years. Penn was not in attendance at the Awards show tonight,
Who Are the Other Nominees for Best Supporting Actor?
One Battle After Another claimed two of the Best Supporting Actor nominations, with Benicio del Toro, as community activist and martial arts sensei Sergio St. Carlos, in addition to Penn, as white supremacist officer with a big secret, Steven J. Lockjaw, both earning nods. Sinners added another nomination to its glittering haul, with Delroy Lindo nominated for his performance as bluesman Delta Slim. Stellan Skarsgård was nominated for his role as Norwegian film director Gustav Borg, who reunites with his estranged daughters in Sentimental Value. Jacob Elordi became the first actor ever to earn an Oscar nomination for playing Frankenstein’s monster in Guillermo del Toro‘s Frankenstein. Benicio del Toro has been nominated for Best Supporting Actor two times before; he won in 2001 for his role in Traffic, and was subsequently nominated for 21 Grams in 2004. Penn, meanwhile, has won Best Actor twice (for Milk and Mystic River), and has been nominated three other times (for Dead Man Walking, Sweet and Lowdown, and I Am Sam); this is his first nomination for Best Supporting Actor. It is the first Oscar nomination in any category for Lindo, Skarsgård, and Elordi.
Penn seemed to be the front-runner going into tonight, as he took home both the Supporting Actor BAFTA and Golden Globe trophies.
The Academy Awards are happening right now, with One Battle After Another currently leading the pack with 2 Oscar wins. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.
- Release Date
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September 26, 2025
- Runtime
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162 minutes
- Director
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Paul Thomas Anderson
- Writers
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Paul Thomas Anderson, Thomas Pynchon
- Producers
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Adam Somner, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sara Murphy
Christina Haack is once again stirring conversation about her love life after making a public appearance with a noticeable accessory.
The HGTV star recently stepped out wearing a ring on her wedding finger, raising eyebrows.
The moment comes as Haack continues her relationship with boyfriend, Christopher LaRocca, following several highly publicized marriages.
Christina Haack Turns Heads With Ring At HGTV Event
Haack caught attention during a recent Hollywood event when observers noticed a surprising detail about her jewelry.
According to the Daily Mail, the “Flip or Flop” alum attended HGTV’s first-ever gathering at the iconic Bachelor Mansion in Los Angeles on March 12.
The event celebrated the “Bachelor Mansion Takeover” alongside host Jesse Palmer, the former football player who now leads The Bachelor franchise.
For the occasion, the 42-year-old reality star opted for a sophisticated look, wearing a moss-green gown paired with heels while carrying a white Dior handbag.
However, it was the ring on her wedding finger that quickly sparked speculation.
The sighting raised questions because Haack has not announced an engagement to her current partner, Christopher LaRocca, who also attended the event.
Christina Haack Praises Boyfriend Christopher LaRocca
Haack and LaRocca enjoyed a romantic evening during the event.
Speaking on the red carpet on March 12, the HGTV star opened up about how much she appreciates his presence and support in her life.
“Chris is always very supportive,” Haack, 42, exclusively told Us Weekly at the event. “He’s just a nice, easy man to be around, and I love having him here.”
While Haack appears happy in her relationship, she has also been juggling a packed schedule.
The design expert is currently filming Season 2 of HGTV’s “The Flip Off” alongside Tarek El Moussa and Heather Rae El Moussa.
She also recently appeared as a judge on “Bachelor Mansion Takeover,” where former Bachelor franchise favorites returned to the famous mansion to renovate the property while competing for a cash prize.
Christina Haack Reflects On Marriage After Three Divorces
Despite the buzz surrounding the ring, Haack has been candid about where she currently stands on marriage.
The television personality recently opened up about the possibility of tying the knot again while speaking with Us Weekly in January.
“I probably will [get married again] eventually. But, not anytime soon,” she shared.
After experiencing three marriages, Haack explained that she would approach any future wedding much differently.
She said she would need to “be engaged for a minimum of, like, five years” before making such a commitment again.
For now, however, she made it clear that marriage is not a priority.
“Marriage is just not on my radar right now,” she told the outlet.
Haack was previously married to Tarek El Moussa from 2006 to 2016 and later to Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2020.
She also recently finalized her divorce from Joshua Hall, whom she separated from in July 2024 before settling the split in May 2025.
Christina Haack Celebrates Christopher LaRocca With Heartfelt Tribute
Haack has frequently expressed affection for her boyfriend, LaRocca, on social media.
In November 2025, the real estate investor celebrated LaRocca’s 53rd birthday with a heartfelt Instagram post that offered fans a glimpse into their relationship.
The post included a carousel of photos showing the couple spending time together, including one image where they shared a kiss.
In her caption, Haack praised her partner’s character and kindness.
“Happy Birthday to my Scorpio,” she wrote. “To know you is to love you. You help me (and everyone you care about) with zero motives.”
She continued by describing LaRocca as someone who consistently leaves a positive impression on others. Haack called him a “good person” and added that everyone who meets him seems to agree. She also admired his ambition and mindset, noting that he continues striving for growth while remaining deeply connected to their blended family.
The tribute concluded with another message of appreciation.
Haack wrote, “I love that you always hold my hand and guide me through the BS. Everything with you is fun. I’ll be forever grateful for this season of life with you.”
Christina Haack And Christopher LaRocca Share Their Relationship Online
Haack first introduced her romance with LaRocca to fans in early 2025.
The couple went Instagram official in February that year with a playful post showing them traveling together on a private jet while wearing coordinated outfits.
Haack jokingly captioned the post, “Some plane flights must be hard posted.”
Their relationship has included several trips together, including a romantic getaway to Paris, where they were photographed sharing affectionate moments near the Eiffel Tower.
According to a source, travel has become a regular part of their relationship. The pair has reportedly spent time together around Newport and has taken multiple international vacations.
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Ricki Lake will always be able to keep a piece of the home that was destroyed in the devastating 2025 Los Angeles wildfires close to her heart.
“So, I’m here at the bottom of the hill where I used to live before my house burned down,” Lake, 57, began in a Saturday, March 14, Instagram video. “Today is a really exciting and emotional day [because] this company, Eterneva, created a diamond out of the ashes from my home.”
Lake’s property was destroyed in the wildfires that swept through southern California in January 2025. (The natural disaster wiped out thousands of acres, killing at least 31 people and destroying a reported 18,000 homes and structures.)
“John Bonny … he was the shepherd of my property and my house and the building of my original house,” Lake recalled on Saturday. “Once it burned down, he also was the one to be the first one on the scene. When Eterneva approached me, John was the one who got the actual ashes and brought them to [the company].”
Wildfires continue to tear through the Los Angeles area, devastating thousands of acres and forcing even more people to flee their homes. As relief efforts are just getting underway, some of Hollywood’s most prominent stars are coming together to help those in need. The Eaton and Pacific Palisades fires, which are burning concurrently, are already […]
Bonny, for his part, revealed that he first picked up rubble from the main gate to symbolize “the entry into the home.”
“It was always, like, ‘The gates are always open,’” he told Lake. “Ricki’s house and her philosophy was always open to friends and family. We took a sample from the original wood gate that was on the property, we took it from the master bedroom — which was your power point with Christian [Evans, her late ex-husband] when you first found the home and with Ross [Burningham, her husband] now.”
Bonny also collected a sample of the ashes from a tool shed on the grounds and near a tree adjacent to the “ceremonial circle” where Evans’s ashes were buried. (Lake was married to jewelry designer Evans from 2012 to 2015. He died two years later at age 46.)
“Having something so beautiful created from something so tragic is such a beautiful lesson in life,” Lake acknowledged of the sparkler. “It was just perfect [and] poetic. Thank you, I will wear this with so much honor and pride and joy.”
Eterneva compiled the ashes and set it in a pale green diamond on a gold backing and chain.
“Green is the heart chakra,” Lake explained of the design. “I had the idea to put a phoenix [illustration] on the back, and it also has the date of the fire: January 7th. It’s just a reminder of how far I’ve come.”
In her Instagram caption, Lake called the diamond “one of the most poetic and sentimental gifts” she’s ever received.
“Everything from where the ashes came from, the science behind it and the finishing touches are so symbolic to my experience,” she wrote. “[It is] proof that something beautiful can come from tragedy and sadness. Home is LITERALLY where the heart is.”
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.
This Genre-Defining 24-Episode Historical Fantasy Anime Just Became Harder To Watch
So long, Crunchyroll.
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.
Paranoia Agent
- Release Date
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2011 – 2005-00-00
- Directors
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Satoshi Kon
- Writers
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Seishi Minakami
- Franchise(s)
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Paranoia Agent
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