Entertainment
25 Must-Watch Prime Video Drama Shows (March 2026)
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.
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Entertainment
Fox News reporter reacts to getting body-slammed on air in crazy wrestling segment: 'I was pulverized'
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“I felt like I was being hoisted off a skyscraper,” Abby Hornacek said after Olympian Kennedy Blades suplexed her.
Entertainment
Ryan Gosling Halts L.A. Event To Beg Directors Hire His Brother-In-Law
Ryan Gosling halted an L.A. event promoting his new film “Project Hail Mary” to pitch his brother-in-law, Carlos Mendez, to Hollywood Directors and producers.
Carlos has opened up about his struggles in securing a top acting job and shared that he doesn’t want to call on his sister, Eva Mendes, for favors.
Unlike her brother, Eva had a successful acting career but let everything go to focus on raising her daughters, Esmeralda and Amada, whom she shares with Ryan Gosling.
Ryan Gosling Interrupted An L.A. Event To Support His Brother-In-Law’s Acting Career

Ryan Gosling showed how wonderful it is to have him as a brother-in-law during an L.A. event promoting his new film “Project Hail Mary.”
In a viral TikTok video, the “Barbie” star was seen seated on stage as part of a panel but took an unexpected detour so that he could promote his brother-in-law Carlos Mendez’s acting profile and help him get a gig.
Addressing several Hollywood power players in the room, he described Carlos as the “hardest-working nonworking actor” he knew, before going on to call on movie executives to hire him.
“Can I stop you one second? Carlos are you in the audience? Can you stand up for a second?” Gosling called out, prompting his brother-in-law to stand to his feet.
He then continued, “Okay, how many of you are directors? Raise your hands. How many producers? How many writers? This is Carlos Mendez, he’s Eva Mendes’ brother. He is the hardest-working nonworking actor in this town that I have ever met.”
Much to the admiration of the crowd, the actor added, “So my Hail Mary is, please, hire this man! He deserves it. Get his number. If you’re writing something, directing something, put him in it. He deserves it. He’s as talented as he is handsome.”
Fans Praise Ryan Gosling For The Sweet Gesture, As Some Joke About ‘Nepotism’
Gosling’s show of support for Carlos drew praise online, with many calling the movie star an “angel” for his actions.
One person on TikTok wrote, “What a good brother-in-law,” while another said, “Love this guy!! If you can’t help family, who can you help?”
However, some noted that the move came off as “awkward,” with one individual commenting, “Man, I’d just die from embarrassment, lol.”
Others brought up the topic of nepotism in Hollywood, which has been at the center of debate for a few years now.
“Listen, when you’re this unapologetic and open about helping family, you can’t even hate on it lol. Nepotism isn’t always bad,” a person noted.
Another said, “This is not nepotism. Nepotism would be giving him jobs on every movie he has been an executive producer on. asking others to give him a chance is not nepotism.
Carlos Mendez Has Faced Struggles With His Career: ‘It’s Tough’
Although Gosling labeled his brother-in-law “nonworking,” Carlos is no stranger in Hollywood and has appeared in films like “Dexter: Original Sin,” “Parks and Recreation,” and “90210.”
However, he has found it difficult to rise to the top of the game like his famous brother-in-law, who has even been nominated for an Oscar.
According to the Daily Mail, he had previously opened up about his struggles in the industry but shared that he’s doing everything he can to score more top jobs.
“It’s tough, I’ve been at it for about 16, 17 years now, and I still have a long way to go,” he told Fox5 New York in February last year. “It’s the journey, I have to enjoy the journey of it. Every step and everything I get makes me a better actor, and it makes me even hungrier to get what I want.”
He doubled down about his struggles in a recent conversation with the Boston Herald, saying, “Of course it’s been a struggle, up and down, like it is for everybody when it comes to acting.”
Carlos added, “You got your moments where you’re booked up – and then you don’t know where your next job is coming from. It’s a very tough industry. There’s a lot of competition. You just have to keep working hard.”
Carlos Mendez Doesn’t Ask His Famous Sister Eva For Favors

In his chat with the outlet, he emphasized that he doesn’t benefit from having a famous sister like Eva, as he has no intention to call on her for favors.
“In having a famous sibling, most people don’t know unless they happen to find out we have the same last name,” he shared.
Carlos added, “We talk, but I don’t talk to her when it comes to the business. I’m not trying to ask for any favors. I’m just trying to do as much as I can on my own and prove myself as much as I can.”
Eva Mendes Put Her Career On The Back Burner To Focus On Raising Her And Ryan Gosling’s Family

Unlike her brother, Eva was a top star who had acting credits like “Ghost Rider” and “The Place Beyond the Pines.” However, she quit her career to focus on raising her and Gosling’s daughters, Esmeralda and Amada.
According to Page Six, she told Australian Nova 96.9 in a 2019 interview that she didn’t want children until she met Gosling.
“I never wanted babies before until I fell in love with Ryan, and it kind of worked out to where I was 40 and having my first baby,” she said at the time, adding that she was focused on her career, but when the “La La Land” actor came into the picture, everything fell into place organically.
“I think I was 42 for the second [kid], so it worked out in that way that I had a career and then I changed my focus to my family,” she said.
Entertainment
Iman Shumpert Shares Thoughts On Teyana Taylor’s Recent Wins
People have been wondering what Iman Shumpert is really thinking as Teyana Taylor keeps racking up wins and living her best life. Fans finally got a glimpse of his reaction when he was stepped out in New York City and now folks online are trying to read between the lines.
RELATED: Teyana Taylor Explains Heated Security Exchange At 2026 Oscars & The Academy Reacts To Incident (WATCH)
Iman Shumpert Reacts To Teyana Taylor’s BIG Wins
Iman Shumpert was looking effortlessly sharp in Manhattan recently, and of course, he couldn’t escape the questions about his famous family. The NBA star, rocking a stone-colored striped suit with a crisp white shirt, black tie, and his signature cornrows, was all vibing as TMZ caught up with him—and naturally, the spotlight turned to his wife, Teyana Taylor.
In the clip, Shumpert kept things short and sweet when asked about his daughters, simply saying they were “good” and noting how they had just appeared on the red carpet with Teyana. When pressed about whether he had sent any congratulations to Taylor after her recent Golden Globe win, he acknowledged, “she did well,” before quickly moving on—leaving fans to question his response.
Everybody’s Got Something To Say
Folks ran straight to TMZ’s Instagram comment section, and they were not holding back. Some gave Iman props, saying he actually handled the questions about Teyana gracefully. Others argued that just because he’s divorced doesn’t mean he should be expected to disrespect or shade his ex.
One Instagram user @leo_soulread added, “I love how he kept his composure 🔥”
Likewise, Instagram user @dihimamclean commented, “❤️❤️❤️👏👏👏 I love his maturity“
And, Instagram user @_prayingforloyalty added, “Divorce doesn’t erase respect. Iman showing maturity and grace here being proud of Teyana’s wins even after the split is how you co parent and move forward.“
While Instagram user @mzcrunch25 said, “Better reply than offset“
Then Instagram user @ultimatewarrior_89 wrote, “Stop asking about his ex, he moved on obviously“
Lastly, Instagram user @mr.2cool78 shared, “Leave that man alone. Just because you are not with someone doesn’t mean you have to hate and belittle them.“
Teyana Is On A Major Award-Winning Streak
Looks like Teyana Taylor has been on a serious roll lately. She snagged the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actress for her role in ‘One Battle After Another,’ rubbing elbows with the likes of Emily Blunt and Elle Fanning, and Ariana Grande delivered a tearful, empowering speech celebrating Black girls and their shine. While she didn’t take home the Oscar, Taylor kept the energy positive, cheering on others’ wins and celebrating her film’s multiple victories, including Best Picture—clearly living her best, award-winning life.
@theshaderoom Teyana Taylor gives powerful speech after winning Best Supporting Actress Golden Globe for role in ‘One Battle After Another.’ #goldenglobes ✍🏾: #TSRStaffST
RELATED: Teyana Taylor Sheds Tears At 83rd Golden Globe Awards As ‘Sinners’ Leaves Viewers Shocked — Here’s The Full List Of Winners!
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
The Peaceful Star Trek Episode Inspired By The Vietnam War
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

For better or for worse, Star Trek has slowly morphed into an action franchise: the Kelvinverse films were powered by nonstop lens flares and explosions, and Discovery began with a season focused on the brutalities of war with the Klingons. Soon, other NuTrek shows took a similar tactic, which is why everything from Picard to Section 31 to Starfleet Academy focused on the scary prospect of a mustache-twirling villain threatening the galaxy with a superweapon.
This is markedly different from the Golden Age of Star Trek, where shows like The Next Generation were focused on the peaceful exploration of the galaxy. One Voyager episode, “Elogium,” is particularly chill. It was a bottle episode where Captain Janeway had to figure out how to rid the ship of some tiny space creatures who were sucking power from the helm and shields. Interestingly, though, this peaceful Star Trek episode was secretly inspired by the last thing any fan would suspect: the Vietnam War!
To Explore Strange New Fish

In “Elogium,” Voyager encounters a cloud of critters who swarm the ship and begin draining power. This presents Janeway with an interesting dilemma: she has to save her ship and escape the swarm, all while not hurting or killing the tiny lifeforms she just discovered. Meanwhile, in a particularly weird B plot, Kes goes through a Pon Farr-like mating cycle and must ponder whether she, at the tender age of one, is ready to start pumping out Neelix’s children.
Now, one thing that made the Golden Age of Star Trek so cool is that, with so many episodes per season, producers could afford to entertain pitches from any fans who had a cool story to tell. The story for “Elogium” was based on an idea from freelance writers Jimmy Diggs and Steve J. Kay. Diggs served in the Navy during Vietnam, and he had a vivid memory of a time when he and the rest of the crew had to clean the ship ahead of an inspection. However, neither the moon nor the stars were very visible, so the only illumination came from the ship’s own lights.
A War Story With A Happy Ending

As a deckhand, Diggs soon noticed that the lights of the ship were attracting fish. A lot of fish: by the time the ship docked for its upcoming inspection, there were thousands of them. As he later told The Official Star Trek: Voyager Magazine, Diggs was moved by the strange beauty of a peaceful night in the middle of America’s most controversial war. “The way the fish glistened in the water from the lights, it seemed, surreal,” he said. It felt like we were in outer space surrounded by millions of moving stars, and we were on a starship, our own, Enterprise.”
The memory stayed with Jimmy Diggs for many years. When he was pitching Star Trek: Voyager ideas to Jeri Taylor and Brannon Braga, the memory resurfaced, and he suggested an episode in which tiny space creatures are attracted to the ship because of its unique resonance signature. The producers liked the idea, incorporating it into one of the quirkier episodes of Voyager’s second season.

“Elgoium” would have never been written if not for Diggs and his experience during the Vietnam War. He transformed a moment of transcendental beauty amid horrifying conflict into a memorable story for the greatest sci-fi franchise ever created. In this way, Voyager demonstrated that art really does imitate life. Fortunately, Diggs’ wartime memories were never sullied by the most traumatizing sight of all: a sweaty Neelix pondering whether he and his leola root were ready to get his one-year-old girlfriend pregnant!
Entertainment
Chilli Addresses Trump Donations & Michelle Obama Controversy
Roommates, y’all know how one post can set the internet on fire—and this time, TLC’s Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas found herself smack dab in the middle. What started as a little online chatter quickly snowballed into full-blown accusations. And now, she’s stepping up to set the record straight in her own words.
RELATED: T-Boz Speaks Out Amid Her Recent Hospitalization And Canceled TLC Shows
Chilli Says Repost Was Accidental & Sets The Record Straight
This weekend, Chilli addressed the controversy head-on after facing backlash over alleged support for Donald Trump. In an Instagram post and video with a purple background and white text, she wrote:
“I WANT TO BE CLEAR: I am not MAGA and do not support any of the many policies that are causing great harm to the American people. I made a mistake too many make: I did not read the fine print. I thought I was supporting causes against human trafficking and for veterans. Two things I care deeply about, as my dad is a veteran and everyone knows I love children. I have learned a valuable lesson and ask for grace as I navigate this. Love, Chilli”
According to Federal Election Commission records, in 2024, Chilli donated $210.60 via WinRed, a Republican campaign payment processor, and also gave $340.60 and $486.54 to the Trump National Committee JFC and Never Surrender Inc., respectively. She also clarified that any donations tied to Trump’s campaign were made under the belief she was supporting causes like veterans’ assistance and anti-human trafficking—not politics. Chilli added, “These are the things that support the veterans. I’ve always supported them, not just now, for years. This is not something new.”
Chilli Reaffirms Respect For The Obama’s
RELATED: He Said, WHAT?! Donald Trump Invites Summit Crowd To “Talk Sex” And Folks Aren’t Letting It Go (VIDEO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Blake Lively And Taylor Swift Allegedly In ‘Meltdown’ Over Justin Baldoni Court Win
Blake Lively and Taylor Swift are reportedly on edge following a court decision that allows Justin Baldoni’s defamation lawsuit against his former publicist, Stephanie Jones, to move forward.
Previously, both had seemingly gained some relief when the actor’s defamation suit against Lively was dismissed. However, the latest ruling has reignited concerns that they could now be exposed in connection with the case.
Sources say Blake Lively and Taylor Swift fear that if the lawsuit proceeds, private texts, emails, and DMs could be revealed, and potentially trigger both legal complications and a PR nightmare.
Blake Lively Sees Defamation Suit Ruling As Her ‘Worst Nightmare’ While Taylor Swift Fears PR Fallout, Sources Claim

Earlier this week, a judge ruled that Baldoni’s production company’s defamation suit against his former publicist, Stephanie Jones, can move forward, a decision that has reportedly now sparked panic in Lively and Swift’s camp.
In the lawsuit filed in 2025, Baldoni’s production company, Wayfarer, accused Jones of maliciously leaking texts that seemingly played a role in fueling the legal feud between the director and his “It Ends With Us” co-star.
According to a source who spoke to journalist Rob Shuter’s #ShutterScoop, the latest ruling has left Lively and Swift in a “meltdown.”
The source branded it Lively’s “worst nightmare,” as any “discovery means texts, emails, DMs” could emerge, something she had previously avoided when the defamation suit Baldoni filed against her was dismissed.
The same insider also claimed that Swift, who was named dropped multiple times in the ongoing suit Lively herself filed against Baldoni, is “very aware” of the situation and worried about the potential consequences for her.
“If she’s mentioned anywhere in those communications, it could drag her into a legal and PR mess she never signed up for,” the source noted
The Defamation Lawsuit Could Expose The Dark Side Of Hollywood’s Inner Workings

According to another insider, the ruling could ultimately shine a brighter spotlight on other high-profile figures in Hollywood, particularly when it comes to behind-the-scenes matters.
“This isn’t just a lawsuit anymore,” said the source. “It’s a potential exposure of how Hollywood really operates behind the scenes.”
Ahead of the proper proceedings in the case, Lively remains in panic mode over what could happen. She has also lost confidence in coming out of her feud with Baldoni unscathed.
“There’s real anxiety,” added the insider. “They know once discovery starts, there’s no controlling what comes out.”
“She was prepared for a fight,” the source continued. “She wasn’t prepared for everything to be laid bare.”
The situation is expected to get “a lot messier” and “more public,” and Baldoni is reportedly in favor of it all.
“He wants it all out,” said the source. “He believes the truth is on his side — and now he has the chance to prove it.”
Justin Baldoni Believes Lawsuit Could Unveil Blake Lively’s Ties to His Former Publicist

Following the court ruling, a spokesperson revealed that Baldoni’s production company was satisfied with the decision, particularly because it could help show how the actor’s former publicist allegedly undermined him while she was still employed by him.
“The court further allowed claims to move forward that Stephanie Jones of Jonesworks acted in bad faith, including feeding harmful narratives to third parties and undermining her own client during a critical moment,” the rep said, per Page Six.
They added, “These are not minor disputes. They are claims the court has found substantial enough to move forward into discovery… We are confident the full record will expose how these narratives were manufactured and why.”
Justin Baldoni’s Former Publicist Is Optimistic About The Ruling As She Has ‘Damning Evidence’

Interestingly, Jones’ attorney, Kristin Tahler, also expressed optimism about the decision, claiming that it could help prove her client’s breach of contract suit against Wayfarer and other claims.
“Ms. Jones will now prove, through mountains of damning evidence, that Wayfarer Studios and Jennifer Abel deliberately breached their contracts with Jonesworks,” the attorney stated.
They added that it will also prove that “Jennifer Abel and Melissa Nathan [Baldoni’s publicists] orchestrated a smear campaign and maliciously and falsely attacked Ms. Jones’ reputation.”
Justin Baldoni And Blake Lively Will Face-Off In A May Trial

Last month, Lively and Baldoni appeared in a court-ordered settlement conference in a final attempt to resolve the actress’s suit against the film director.
However, after six hours of back-and-forth between the legal teams and the judge, no agreement was reached, meaning the case will now head to trial.
The trial is expected to begin in mid-May, with both Baldoni and Lively anticipated to take the stand at that time.
Lively is accusing Baldoni of sexual harassment on the set of “It Ends with Us” and claims that he and his production company engaged in a coordinated campaign to damage her reputation. She is seeking $500 million in damages.
Entertainment
NBA YoungBoy Fan Names Son ‘MASA’ After Missing His Tour
Whew! The internet is buzzing after a TikToker shared the unique inspiration behind her newborn baby’s name. In her video, she revealed she named her son “MASA” because she missed NBA YoungBoy’s recent tour.
Related: Positive Images! NBA YoungBoy Covers Funeral Costs for 10-Year-Old Kimani Thomas After Tragic Shooting
TikToker Says NBA YoungBoy’s Tour Is The Inspiration Behind Her Son’s Name
In a now-viral TikTok video, an NBA YoungBoy fan explained that she couldn’t attend the rapper’s ‘MASA’ tour, so she decided to name her son after it instead. The video shows the original birth certificate alongside photos of her baby boy, who was born on March 2, 2026. In the caption, China Lee wrote, “Meet Masa Kizahri Azai 💚.” In 2025, NBA YoungBoy embarked on a 42-stop arena tour in support of his album, also titled ‘MASA.’ In an interview, the Baton Rouge rapper explained that the acronym stands for “Make America Slime Again.”
Social Media Reacts
Social media didn’t hold back. Users flooded The Shade Room Teen comment section with mixed reactions to the baby’s name.
Instagram user @ifeegypt wrote, “That’s cute and different depends on how she pronounces it 😂🥰🥰”
Another Instagram user @kennnluvx wrote, “Masaiah would’ve been cute 😅😅”
While Instagram user @glacierboy.ao wrote, “Generation is cooked”
Instagram user @theleena_ wrote, “Kentrell woulda been hard but ok girr.”
Another Instagram user @leeky_luciana wrote, “Bro who tf allowed this? 🤣 like not a family member told her she tripping ? Mom ? Dad ? Nobody?
While Instagram user @honeyyykay wrote, “Let them people name their kids what they want to”
Instagram user @theonna.okay wrote, “Some of y’all really be loving these celebrities more than y’all selves…”
Another Instagram user @kisskay.dances, “the name is cute, but find a new meaning 😭”
While Instagram user @itsjusshawn wrote, “These are future adults who have to get jobs btw…
NBA YoungBoy Gifts Country Singer Jas Von A Zebra
Last year, country artist Jas Von called on NBA YoungBoy to collaborate on her track ‘Gettin Older’. The music video has amassed over 2.7 million views within 5 months. Now, seemingly as a token of his appreciation, the Baton Rouge rapper has sent a gift to Jas Von’s house that she will never forget. In a video posted on her Instagram, Jas Von captured the moment a covered trailer pulled into her driveway, revealing a zebra inside. She called it one of the “best gifts she’s ever gotten” and teased that fans could expect more music from the duo in the future.
Related: Oop! Yaya Mayweather Reacts To NBA YoungBoy’s Gift To Country Artist Jas Von (VIDEOS)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Internet Reacts After She Shows Julez Smith Love
Roommates, Tommie Lee has the internet popping off with reactions after she showed Julez Smith some love. Solange’s son dropped new pics showing him flexing, posted up by a luxury whip and it looks like Tommie was feeling the vibes.
RELATED: Whew! Tommie Lee Breaks Her Silence After Video Shows Her Kissing & Flirting With Solange’s Son Julez Smith (WATCH)
Double Taps, Big Energy! Tommie Lee Is Livin’ For Julez Smith’s Luxury Flex
Julez Smith is making it clear that this is his world and we’re just living in it. The 21-year-old dropped some new pics on Instagram flexing by a Bentley truck in a leather fit and tan boots. He didn’t just let the flicks do all the talking — his caption was just as fire. “Julez, Jewels, Jet Lag, Just Living.” While fans were locked in on Julez’s flex, they also peeped Tommie Lee double-tapping his pics. Yes, Roomies, Tommie made an appearance in Julez’s likes. She didn’t drop a comment, but fans think her red heart said enough!
The Internet Weighs In On Tommie Showing Julez Love
Once TSR reposted Julez’s photos, the comment section went wild! Some folks called for Solange and Beyoncé to step to the front, while others told Tommie it wasn’t too late to pump the brakes.
Instagram user @thecoreyshow wrote, “Solange somewhere riding a bike through a field of daisies and you out here showing off.”
Instagram user @allabout_bev wrote, “Julez is the King Harris of the family lol.”
While Instagram user @kris__ski wrote, “Beyoncé come get your nephew lol.”
Then Instagram user @shaddayii wrote, “Tommie said if Draya can do it, she can do it 😂😂😂😂”
Another Instagram user @beyond_dreamz wrote, “This is not the Knowles way 🫠😩”
Instagram user @the1msvee wrote, “This was not on my bingo card this year to have Beyoncé’s nephew pop out like this 😂”
Then another Instagram @__noladarling wrote, “Julez & Rumi are the rebels of the family 😂”
Finally, Instagram user @kikimama_ wrote, “Tommie it’s not to late to stop 😩”
Tommie & Julez Seemingly Break Their Silence On Viral Boo’d Up Clips
Tommie and Julez shocked social media after randomly linking up for a night out. In one clip, Julez carried Tommie on his back while saying he “likes” her, then she complimented him calling him “so fine.” Then more video footage surfaced showing the pair passionately making out. Tommie appeared to be sitting in the passenger seat of a vehicle while Julez stood outside of the door. She grabbed his shoulder, pulled him closer, and wrapped her hands around his neck.
Once the clips hit the net, both Tommie and Julez addressed the chatter. She dropped a message on her Instagram Story, seemingly totally unfazed, writing, “Lol this was fun, Hate to break it to ya, I’m not that typa girl!!!” Julez also posted photos on his IG Story, posing next to a white G-Wagon with the caption, “Just Me And Me Only.”
RELATED: Hol’ Up! The Internet Has Questions After Video Shows Tommie Lee & Solange’s Son Julez Smith Flirting (WATCH)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Entertainment
Lisa Kudrow’s The Comeback Is as Hilarious as Ever: Review
Three and a half out of four stars.
In an age of revivals and reboots, it can be risky to bring back a character as beloved as The Comeback’s Valerie Cherish (a perfect Lisa Kudrow).
Valerie is a well-meaning but slightly clueless actress of a certain age who can’t get out of her own way enough to resuscitate her career. Audiences met her in Kudrow’s first post-Friends project for one brilliant but little-watched season back in 2005.
The comedy was first revived a decade later, and the long-awaited third season hits like a warm, fulfilling gab session with your much-missed bestie. The world — and the business — has changed a lot in 20 years, but Valerie is still a big-hearted Hollywood type we’ll never stop rooting for.
This season’s plot is particularly timely: AI has come to Tinseltown, and with it, ethically murky questions about the role the new tech will have on our lives. Valerie is planning yet another comeback, this time working on an AI-written sitcom. The horror! There are plenty of insidery jokes about the prospect of machines taking over an industry as well as tongue-in-cheek (but true!) gags about the importance of writers.

Lisa Kudrow and Dan Bucatinsky in The Comeback season 3. HBO Max
Guest stars like Andrew Scott (as the CEO of an AI company) and John Early (as a fed-up showrunner) are perfect additions to Valerie’s wacky world, which also features returning favorites like Laura Silverman and Dan Bucatinsky as Valerie’s beleaguered producer and manager, respectively.
What makes the season work, as always, is Kudrow’s delicate balancing act between cringe and compassion. If you aren’t yet familiar, do yourself a favor and binge the whole series. Just be ready to laugh.
The Comeback airs on HBO Sundays at 10:30 p.m. ET.
Entertainment
This 10-Episode Series Crushing on Prime Video Proves Detective TV Is Still King
The Bosch franchise expanded last year with the new spin-off show, Ballard, which follows Maggie Q‘s titular detective, first introduced in the series finale of Bosch: Legacy, leading the recently opened Cold Case Unit of the LAPD while tracking down a ruthless serial killer. With a second season officially in the works for the 100% Tomatometer-rated show, Ballard has already become a worthy addition to author Michael Connelly‘s shared television universe, more than proving that gritty detective shows are still king on streaming.
‘Ballard’ Offers a Unique Perspective of the ‘Bosch’ Universe
Ballard excels by offering a unique perspective of the Bosch universe through the point of view of its lead, as well as former LAPD officer Samira Parker (Courtney Taylor). Through Ballard and Parker, the series explores the gender and social inequality that women in their positions face. Early in the first season, it’s revealed that Ballard was moved from the Robbery Homicide Division, where she was assigned during her first appearance in Bosch: Legacy, down to the Cold Case Unit, which she views as a demotion.
Later episodes reveal that Ballard’s superior officer, Lt. Robert Olivas (Ricardo Chavira), an influential detective within the department, was also sexually harassing her. However, despite Olivas’ corruption and wrongdoing, it’s Ballard who gets punished and ostracized for daring to speak out against Olivas’ misconduct, with Ballard’s own colleagues turning their backs on her. Parker later admits that she was also harassed by Olivas, inciting her exit from the LAPD. It’s a refreshing new perspective for the Bosch world because it shines a light on gender politics and inequality that run rampant in the real world, imbuing the show with a grounded edge.
Prime Video’s 3-Part Crime Thriller Franchise Is Quietly Getting Better
This case keeps reopening in the best way.
Additionally, Ballard explores social and racial injustice through Parker and her father (Frankie Faison), who was a former LAPD beat cop in the early 1990s at the height of civil unrest following the Rodney King beating and riots. Parker’s father also faced disenfranchisement over law enforcement’s racial discrimination, which is another one of the reasons why she left the force. However, Mr. Parker also points out in “BYOB” that when a Black person wears the badge, it gives them “a purpose,” as he explains: “Someone has to watch the watchmen.” Her father’s genuine and honest conviction ultimately helps sway Parker to rejoin the force as part of Ballard’s unit, providing another refreshingly unique narrative that was not previously explored in Bosch or Bosch: Legacy.
‘Ballard’ Still Features Some Familiar Faces From the ‘Bosch’ Universe
Ballard nicely maintains continuity with its flagship series with the welcome returns of Titus Welliver as Harry Bosch and Stephen Chang as Maurice “Mo” Bassi. Welliver’s Bosch skillfully serves two roles throughout the series, including as an informal narrator in the earlier episodes, providing voiceover through his notes on a past murder investigation before the case was transferred to Ballard’s unit. Bosch also makes multiple appearances throughout the season, lending Ballard his candid advice and expertise. Later in Season 1, Bosch and Mo prove crucial in exposing the LAPD’s and Lt. Olivas’ corruption.
Ultimately, Bosch and Mo’s presence upholds narrative cohesion between Ballard and Bosch: Legacy through the confirmation that the characters are still hard at work pursuing their own investigations. Moving forward, Prime Video could hopefully resume their storylines in another season of Ballard, a new Bosch spin-off, or perhaps even a movie continuation somewhere down the line.
‘Ballard’ Proves That Gritty Detective Shows Are Still Prime Drama
Ballard‘s riveting first season ultimately proves that gritty detective shows still make the best television dramas. Much like the previous Bosch shows, Ballard depicts the eponymous detective as someone who must spend every day facing darkness, but fighting not to become consumed by it. The theme is reflected in Ballard’s words to Bosch during her first appearance in Bosch: Legacy: “When you do this work, you go into the darkness, and I think some of that darkness has gotten into you.”
Ballard routinely enters that darkness throughout the first season, and she fights to keep it at bay, but it’s this inner conflict that ultimately makes for gripping television. Taking a page from its predecessor while exploring new perspectives that the flagship series never tackled, Ballard exceptionally showcases the power of justice over corruption with a gritty and grounded realism. We can’t wait to see what the writers have in store for Detective Ballard for the show’s upcoming second season, set to debut on Prime Video at a date yet to be announced.
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