By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 9 seconds ago

One of the more underrated parts of marriage is that you’re involved in a kind of ongoing cultural exchange. Over the course of a lifetime, both of you will introduce each other to various things you love. This includes favorite songs, foods, and books. Of course, if both of you are pop culture junkies, it also means favorite TV shows. Once you binge enough series with your partner, you’ll know plenty about what makes them tick, all while watching shows you might not otherwise check out.

That’s how I ended up watching Bridgerton, the breakout Netflix hit that all the ladies love. I was surprised by how much I liked this show that drives all the girls crazy, and equally surprised by how much I enjoyed its sprawling cast of quirky characters (#TeamBenedict over here). But as a lifelong sci-fi nerd, I was also struck by how much Star Trek and Star Wars could stand to learn from this Netflix show. You see, Bridgerton specializes in doing something that these legendary sci-fi franchises have forgotten how to do: simply giving fans more of what they love, year after year.

The Ultimate Ladies’ Show

Bridgerton is a show that takes place in an alternate universe 19th century and focuses on the titular Bridgerton family. Each season focuses on marrying off one of the Bridgerton brood, and there is plenty of drama about who they will end up with, along with plenty of scheming from the wealthy families of Regency-era London. Hovering over all of these proceedings are two powerful women: Queen Elizabeth, a monarch who loves nothing more than romantic drama, and Lady Whistledown, the anonymous author of a self-published tabloid who entertains everyone with gossip about the local residents.

What does a romantic drama aimed squarely at women have to do with Star Trek and Star Wars, two franchises that have often (though not exclusively) been aimed at men? The short answer is that, unlike these iconic sci-fi brands, Bridgerton never changes its essential formula. Sure, each season focuses on a different primary character and different stories among supporting characters. However, you can bet your latest copy of Lady Whistledown that each season will feature the following: a Bridgerton falling in love with an unlikely partner, drama about how they come from two different worlds, a handful of steamy sex scenes, and a big wedding. 

The Farce Awakens

Mind you, this isn’t a criticism: the people making this show know exactly what their audience wants, and they deliver it each season, like clockwork. The first season of the show had over 82 million viewers, instantly becoming Netflix’s most-watched series of all time. Now, Netflix is on track to adapt all eight of Julia Quinn’s best-selling Bridgerton books into their own season. While the streamer has tweaked certain storylines, they generally hew close to the vibe of Season 1 because of a fairly simple philosophy: if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

The two biggest sci-fi franchises in the world didn’t get that memo. While The Force Awakens was a soft reboot of A New Hope, Disney spent the rest of the Sequel Trilogy trying to do something completely different than the original Star Wars trilogy. The failure of these movies was so complete that the House of Mouse pivoted to the small screen, where the biggest failures (like The Acolyte and The Book of Boba Fett) were the ones that deviated the most from the original formula. Successful shows, meanwhile, built off existing mythology (like Ahsoka and Obi-Wan Kenobi) or at least leaned into the spirit of the OT (The Mandalorian and Andor).

To Coldly Go

The same thing happened once Star Trek returned to the small screen. The most beloved shows have been the ones recreating the formula of The Original Series (like Strange New Worlds) or serving as a love letter to the Golden Age of ‘80s and ‘90s Trek (like Lower Decks). Some shows half-assed it: Picard only got good in the final season, when Paramount finally gave us the TNG reunion we wanted from the beginning. Discovery, however, only got canceled when it stopped trying to update TOS and tried doing something new. Disco spinoff Starfleet Academy was the most unconventional Trek ever made, and it was canceled immediately after its first season.

The lesson is so simple a blind man could see it (sorry, Geordi): the producers of these blockbuster sci-fi franchises need to stick with what works. Star Trek and Star Wars fans aren’t going to suddenly wake up one day and want something completely different than what they fell in love with in the first place. Like Luke Skywalker and his obsession with colorful milk, these fans know what they want. Simply put, they want the same formula with just a few minor tweaks and surprises. In other words, they want what Bridgerton fans are getting each season!

I’m no Lady Whistledown, but this is what I hope Disney and Paramount will learn from the success of Bridgerton: nobody wants you to change the formula and create, say, the “New Coke” of Star Wars. They want the stories of tomorrow grounded very firmly in the successful stories of yesteryear.

The more producers try to subvert our expectations and completely change what has worked before, the more they ruin what made these franchises successful in the first place. Netflix figured it out, and it’s time for other streamers to internalize the simplest message in the galaxy: if you keep giving the people what they want, they’ll keep wanting what you have to give! 

By Jonathan Klotz
| Published 55 seconds ago

Ghostbusters has had far, far more staying power than any other 80s comedy. It’s been quoted for decades, parodied since the moment it hit theaters in 1984, and there have even been two legacy sequels. What’s interesting about the franchise, however, is that as great as the original film was, it’s been able to remain popular thanks to the boost from the Saturday morning cartoon, The Real Ghostbusters.

Running for five years, the cartoon’s popularity helped the series reach a new audience and is as responsible, if not more, for the millennial generation’s love of the franchise as the movie. As it turns out, J. Michael Straczynski (JMS), the man who would go on to create Babylon 5, worked on the cartoon as one of his first jobs and wrote most of the series’ greatest episodes. 

From Citizen Ghost To Midnight On The Firing Line

J. Michael Straczynski’s eye for detail is legendary in the world of sci-fi. He wrote out the entire story for Babylon 5 before even pitching the project, and his run on The Amazing Spider-Man is one of the greatest in history. His impressive ability to write and develop entire scripts at superhuman speed led to him getting called in when The Real Ghostbusters received a massive, 65-episode syndicated order from ABC. 

The episodes he wrote included the Season 1 standouts “Take Two,” where the Ghostbusters go to Hollywood to consult on a movie about them, and it includes footage of the live-action movie. “Citizen Ghost” explains why Slimer is hanging out with them after being a villain in the original film, “Chicken, He Clucked,” about a man using magic to get rid of every chicken on the planet, and “Knock, Knock,” featuring a door not supposed to be opened until Doomsday, and well, it opens a little ahead of schedule. 

It might be hard to imagine the same man who wrote “Midnight on the Firing Line” and “Between the Darkness and Light” for Babylon 5 also wrote “Doctor, Doctor,” the closest the series ever got to body horror. Some of the best cartoons of the 80s were written and edited by JMS. In fact, it’s not a stretch to say that his contributions to The Real Ghostbusters are why the entire franchise is fondly remembered today.

The Real Ghostbusters Was So Good You Forgot It Was A Commercial

Ghostbusters was such a runaway success that nothing the franchise has done since has come remotely close to replicating its success. Ghostbusters II couldn’t even reach the level of the first movie, and by the time of the legacy sequels, it had been so long that even die-hard fans thought they’d never see another official entry in their lifetime. It was the cartoon, with its resulting wave of action figures, playsets, and comics, that kept the franchise going. 

Cartoons of the 80s were toy commercials, and The Real Ghostbusters was no exception, but in part thanks to the talented and creative mind of JMS, it overcame the low expectations to become a generational favorite. It’s not uncommon for fans of the franchise to say that the original movie is the best part, but close behind is the cartoon. 

You can stream The Real Ghostbusters for free on The Roku Channel if you want to appreciate JMS’ writing a decade before Babylon 5 redefined sci-fi.

With six seasons, two movies and a third on the way, Downton Abbey might be one of the most successful period dramas of all time — and with good reason. The story of the Crawleys, a wealthy family who runs an estate in the English countryside, is full of upstairs-downstairs drama, romance, scandal and history. It begins in 1912, and the story continues all the way through 1926.

At the heart of this PBS series is the romance between Lady Mary Crawley (Michelle Dockery), the eldest daughter of the family, and distant relative Matthew Crawley, (Dan Stevens), who becomes the heir to the estate (which is not allowed to pass to a woman) when the previous heir dies aboard the Titanic. Mary’s two younger sisters, Edith (Laura Carmichael) and Sybil (Jessica Brown Findlay), are also seeking marriages and daring to dream bigger as rights for women begin to expand.

The staff of Downton also experiences its fair share of romantic drama, especially between valet Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) and lady’s maid Anna (Joanne Froggatt). Perhaps the most memorable character of all is Lady Violet, the snarky and sharp Dowager Countess, played by the late, great Maggie Smith. Downton earned 69 Primetime Emmy nominations during its run — the most of any international series. 

There’s a reason some celebrities always look extra radiant on the red carpet — it’s not just makeup, it’s what they use underneath it. And when someone with consistently glowing, camera-ready skin shares a go-to, it’s worth paying attention. That’s exactly the case with Kelly Ripa, who relies on a $19 drugstore serum to keep her complexion looking smooth and youthful.

The secret behind her glow? The L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Face Serum. In fact, a source told Us that Ripa even used it to get her skin camera-ready ahead of the Academy Awards. The formula helps create a silky, even canvas for makeup while delivering long-term anti-aging results. And the best part? It’s on sale for 15% off, so you can score the same prep step for less.

Get the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Face Serum for $19 (was $22) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The formula’s effectiveness comes down to its standout ingredients. Powered by hyaluronic acid, the serum works to draw moisture into the skin for a plumper, more hydrated look — a key for softening the appearance of fine lines before makeup goes on. It also includes vitamin C to brighten and even tone, plus a tri-peptide complex that helps to improve elasticity and smooth the look of wrinkles for that firm, lifted look.

Beyond the instant glow, the L’Oréal serum is designed to deliver long-term results. With consistent use, it’s said to reduce the look of age lines, improve firmness and refine overall texture, so skin looks smoother, even when you go makeup-free. The lightweight, milky formula absorbs quickly without any greasy residue, making it easy to layer into your routine — whether you’re getting ready for a big event or just everyday wear.

Ripa isn’t the only one reaching for this serum — shoppers are seeing real results, too. It has over 800 five-star ratings from shoppers including one reviewer who said their fine lines are “disappearing” with “noticeable plumping” and “instant firming” after use. Another shopper even noted a “definite improvement” in their wrinkles within “about a week.” They even wrote, “Yes, you can tell the difference that soon.”

If you’ve ever wondered how Ripa gets that smooth, radiant red carpet finish, this now-$19 serum plays a key role. Now on sale, it’s an easy, budget-friendly way to upgrade your routine. Consider this your chance to get her glow for less — no glam squad required.

Get the L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Triple Power Face Serum for $19 (was $22) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from L’Oréal Paris here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Paradise has inspired some surprising theories about time travel — and Alex’s identity — ahead of the season 2 finale.

The hit Hulu series, which premiered in January 2025, initially appeared to be set in a serene and wealthy community forced to face the realities of a shocking murder. But creator Dan Fogelman‘s political thriller featured a twist when Paradise was revealed to be an underground bunker housing the world’s most prominent individuals after an apocalyptic event destroyed the rest of humanity.

The cast previously spoke to Us Weekly exclusively about how they kept the show a secret before its premiere.

“The biggest lengths [we had to go through to keep the twist secret] are happening now when we’re actually talking to people about it,” Julianne Nicholson shared at the time. “When we were on set, everybody knows what’s up, so we don’t have to be that secretive.”

Related: Who Is Alex on ‘Paradise’ Season 2? Hulu Show’s Mysterious Twist Explained

Paradise has introduced several unanswered questions, but Alex’s identity might be the most mysterious of them all. Season 2, which premiered in February, mentioned Alex as an enemy Link (Thomas Doherty) was determined to kill after finally finding the bunker. The name was mentioned again when Sinatra (Julianne Nicholson) got out of the hospital and […]

She continued: “But now the trick is how do you grab people’s attention and assure them that this is something different without giving away any of the details? But we’re very excited for people to get on the ride with us.”

Sterling K. Brown, meanwhile, recently reflected on holding onto so much information about the show.

“I like knowing [what will happen on my projects]. But I feel like it’s a question you only ask in TV. Because if you’re doing a film or play, you know the beginning, the middle and the end,” he told Us in February. “The idea that you don’t have to know or have it spoiled for you … it is also like I get a chance to help craft the arc of where it ultimately goes to. So I don’t mind knowing.”

Keep scrolling for a guide to the biggest fan theories about the Paradise season 2 finale:

Time Travel

The largest concept making the rounds is Paradise finding a way to introduce time travel into the mix. The biggest clue was Link seemingly having a connection to Sinatra’s son, which has made some wonder if they are one person. More importantly, the concept of time travel came up with either Link or Sinatra knowingly getting him involved.

Related: Which ‘Paradise’ Stars Are — And Aren’t — Returning in Season 2 After Deaths?

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Hulu’s hit series Paradise is returning after shocking cliffhangers and onscreen deaths — but which stars are and aren’t reprising their roles? This Is Us creator Dan Fogelman‘s political thriller originally premiered in January 2025 under a shroud of mystery. Paradise was teased as a show “set in a serene, wealthy community inhabited by some […]

Who Is Alex?

From a real person to an idea to a computer, there are endless ideas about who Alex could be. The best bet is probably something inanimate but only time — and the finale — will tell who exactly Sinatra has been relying on so closely.

Freezing Time

Speaking of a close connection, there are questions about whether Alex allowed Sinatra to freeze or slow down time. This would explain some of the behavior in the bunker, which would open up more possibilities for season 3.

Kim Novak has spoken out against Sydney Sweeney‘s casting in “Scandalous,” a biopic about her past romance with Sammy Davis Jr.

Calling the choice “totally wrong,” she questioned both the portrayal and the film’s focus, expressing concern that it may overemphasize the physical aspects of their relationship because of how “sexy” Sweeney is.

The film, which will be directed by Colman Domingo, is currently in development, with Sydney Sweeney starring as Novak and David Jonsson set to play Davis Jr.

Kim Novak Criticizes Sydney Sweeney’s Role In ‘Scandalous’ Biopic

Kim Novak has strongly criticized Sydney Sweeney’s casting in the upcoming biopic “Scandalous.”

In an interview with The Times of London, the 93-year-old screen legend made it clear she does not support the casting choice, calling Sweeney “totally wrong” for the role and stating she would never have approved it.

Novak also appeared to critique Sweeney’s physical image, suggesting it does not align with how she saw herself during her Hollywood years, adding that the “Euphoria” star “sticks out so much above the waist.”

Beyond casting concerns, Novak expressed concern about how the story might be portrayed on screen.

She fears the film could lean too heavily into the physical aspects of her relationship with Davis Jr., rather than focusing on the deeper connection they shared.

According to Novak, “There’s no way it wouldn’t be a sexual relationship because Sydney Sweeney looks sexy all the time. She was totally wrong to play me.”

Kim Novak Reflects On Racism That Ended Romance With Sammy Davis Jr.

“Scandalous,” first reported to be in development in October 2024, is set to mark the directorial debut of Colman Domingo, with Sweeney cast as Novak and David Jonsson portraying Davis Jr.

The film aims to chronicle their relationship, which unfolded at a time when interracial romance in Hollywood was met with intense prejudice and public backlash.

Reflecting on that period, Novak described the hostility Davis Jr. faced because of his race, recalling disturbing incidents and the discrimination that ultimately forced them apart.

“Because of the color of his skin, people did terrible things,” Novak shared, recalling an example of people giving him beer with urine in it.

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When studio executives discovered the relationship in 1957, they intervened out of fear that it would damage the studio’s reputation.

According to Novak and other reports, Columbia Pictures head Harry Cohn allegedly pressured Davis Jr. to end the relationship, even threatening mob violence if he did not comply.

Kim Novak Says Marriage Was Never The Plan In Romance With Sammy Davis Jr.

Novak also pushed back against long-standing rumors that marriage had been on the table, clarifying that while she cared deeply for Davis Jr., she had no intention of marrying anybody at the time.

Her reservations about the film are not new. In a previous interview with The Guardian, Novak criticized the project’s title, arguing that their relationship should not be framed as “scandalous.”

“He’s somebody I really cared about,” she said. “We had so much in common, including that we need to be accepted for who we are and what we do, rather than how we look.”

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“But I’m concerned they’re going to make it all sexual reasons,” Novak added.

Sydney Sweeney Is ‘Honored’ To Step Into Kim Novak’s Shoes

Despite Novak’s strong objections to her casting, Sweeney has fully embraced the role.

She previously shared that she felt “incredibly honored” to portray the actress and that Novak’s experiences navigating fame, public scrutiny, and control over her image still resonate today.

Sweeney added that she personally “relates” to Novak’s experience “in a lot of different ways.”

Last year, Sweeney also opened up about how Domingo became attached to “Scandalous” during an appearance on The Hollywood Reporter‘s “Awards Chatter” podcast with Scott Feinberg.

As both the film’s lead and a producer, she explained that while several directors were initially considered, she ultimately believed the story required a distinct point of view. In her view, Domingo was the only person capable of telling it with the depth and care it deserved.

Sydney Sweeney Says Colman Domingo Has Been In Contact With Kim Novak

The “Anyone but You” star shared that she reached out to Domingo directly and was like, “Hey, I don’t know if you even want to direct, but there’s a script that I’d really love to send you. And if you like it, it’s yours. If not, I won’t be offended.”

Domingo responded almost immediately, telling her it aligned perfectly with the kind of project he had been hoping to find.

Since then, the two have been working together to develop the film and secure financing, a process Sweeney described as a true “labor of love.”

When asked whether she had personally met Novak, Sweeney didn’t give a clear answer, but noted that Domingo has built a strong connection with the Hollywood icon.

According to her, the two have been in contact, a relationship she helped facilitate as the project continues to take shape.

Nowadays, with the popularity of streaming services, starting a 12-season show is an intimidating thought. But cop procedurals that began as network programming are designed to be engaging wherever you begin your journey, thanks to the charm of their episodic forays into death and mystery. When it comes to twisty crime episodes that pull you in immediately, no one does it quite like Bones. Among the 2000s juggernauts like NCIS or Criminal Minds, Bones resides somewhere at the overlooked intersection with its quirky, yet morbid premise of investigating the literal bones of a victim to solve a case. Though it had its heyday, it is not nearly as appreciated as it should be, especially with the beating heart that lies at the center of its skeleton.

‘Bones’ Balances Humor With Its Grisly Criminal Investigations

If NCIS was a tad too light-hearted for you, and you found Criminal Minds to be relentlessly dark, then Bones will hit your sweet spot. At the forefront of this series is forensic pathologist Dr. Brennan (Emily Deschanel), who is fondly dubbed Dr. Bones by her charming FBI agent partner Agent Booth (David Boreanaz). Dr. Bones has the uncanny ability to spot every tiny detail from a bone and extract a story from it, morbid but hopeful in the sense that once our flesh and blood are stripped away, our bare bones are still capable of holding our truths. There’s certainly a darkness attached to the study of skeletons, where the visuals of decomposed bodies and forgotten skeletal structures are just as unnerving as your usual chalk-outlined, brains-on-the-wall crime drama.

While Bones certainly doesn’t veer away from sobering topics like mental health, domestic abuse, or addiction, treating each as carefully as Dr. Bones does her patients, the show is no stranger to wacky crimes. From cannibals, the circus, human puppets, to the chocolate factory, there are diverse cases with an absurdity that contrasts some of the heavier themes, leading to a viewing experience that hits both those light and dark notes. It’s one of those shows that are perfectly suited to cable TV — whichever episode you happen to meander into guarantees enough laughs and shocks to tempt you into returning. Naturally, there are overarching stories where we watch characters break down and evolve, but the central case-of-week mayhem is enough to convince you to commit, no matter when you start.

Dr. Bones and Agent Booth Will Make You Fall in Love Just as They Do

You can’t mention Bones without talking about the will-they-won’t-they romance between Dr. Bones and Agent Booth, one of the most iconic romances in 2000s TV. Usually, only teasing a relationship leads to frustration in the audience, but because Bones‘ primary focus is on the cases themselves, the sustained romantic tension between the two central characters is a fun bonus. Their interactions are the heart of the show, where Dr. Bones’ preference for skeletons over living beings, of logic over messy human emotions, clashes comically with Booth’s more intuitive approach to crime-solving and life in general. They find common ground in the most unexpected of places, even if Booth is constantly sighing at Dr. Bones’ lack of pop culture knowledge.

Related

10 Shows To Watch if You Love ‘Bones’

You can always trust the bones.

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Around them is a cast that side-eyes their adorable bickering and brings their own light to the skeleton-focused show. From the sassy forensic artist Angela (Michaela Conlin), to the conspiracy-minded bug guy Jack (T.J. Thyne), they each contribute emotional texture to the group they call the “Squints,” scientists who assist with FBI cases. Like the rest of the show, they strike a balance between tragic backstories and situational humor, never allowing a second of boredom. Bones may be more of a science-based approach to solving cases than the typical crime procedurals, but it’s one that still carries the same emotional depth — much to Dr. Bones’ chagrin.

If you’ve caught up with all your usual crime dramas, then you need to watch this beautifully balanced show that takes criminal investigations to their bare bones. The lab will soon become your second home, and these eccentric, scientifically brilliant characters are easy to root for, especially as the cases go off the rails. Between the grisly scenes of autopsies and the tantalizing tension between Dr. Bones and Booth, Bones has everything you could ask for in a crime procedural.

CTV’s Sullivan’s Crossing has returned for season 4 after a shocking cast exit — and a secret husband plot twist — but how can fans watch the show on The CW and Netflix?

Based on a book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing follows neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) as she returns to her hometown in rural Nova Scotia. Throughout the seasons, viewers have been introduced to her estranged father, Sully (Scott Patterson), newcomer Cal (Chad Michael Murray) and more members of the community.

Sullivan’s Crossing was renewed for a fourth season, which premiered March 22, 2026, on CTV. After airing in Canada, the hit show will follow up with April 20, 2026, on The CW and then on Netflix presumably in the summer once the show wraps up on cable.

Before its premiere, Us Weekly broke the news in March that Patterson would not be reprising his role when season 4 returns.

Related: Why Was Scott Patterson Written Out of ‘Sullivan’s Crossing’? Exit Explained

Sullivan’s Crossing is going through a very big change with Scott Patterson‘s character Sully being written off — but what does the shocking exit mean for the show? Based on the book series by Robyn Carr, Sullivan’s Crossing centers around neurosurgeon Maggie (Morgan Kohan) after she moves back home to rural Nova Scotia to reconnect […]

“Season 3 of Sullivan’s Crossing ended with Sully leaving for Ireland, beginning a new chapter in his life. Season 4 picks up the next day, with Sully still overseas,” Sullivan’s Crossing executive producer and showrunner Roma Roth exclusively told Us. “While he isn’t physically present in this season, the character remains an important part of the world with the potential to be included in future seasons should that align with the ongoing creative.”

In response, Patterson hinted at what caused his surprising departure, writing via Instagram, “The creative differences were becoming untenable and I just sadly realized that the show was not something that I could agree to continue.”

Patterson clarified it wasn’t his choice to leave Sullivan’s Crossing.

“It’s unfortunate that it is now being implied that they moved on from me/Sully when the fact is the complete opposite, and those who sadly already have spoken out are also fully aware of this fact, and yet chose to say otherwise,” he continued. “I was not intending to make any statement but the fans of the books and the show deserve to know the truth as I have always been respectful of those who support this industry by watching and loving these characters we are so dang lucky and blessed to portray and bring to life.”

“Every actor knows what it’s like to fall in love with a character and a story. I fell in love with Sully and have nothing but fondness for him,” he shared. “I really enjoyed Sully and fought for his voice and his character. The richness and depth of Sully, whom the fans of the books all know and love, is so multi-layered and interesting.”

The statement concluded: “The fans deserved better than to think the embodiment of this character, me, would just disrespect not only the show, but them. In the end, we’re all fans of these characters and stories, and I’ll always support and defend the truth.”