Rumer Willis is pulling back the curtain on the realities of breastfeeding a toddler — and addressing those who disagree in the process.

“When someone starts judging my parenting,” Willis, 37, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, April 4, over a video of the proud mom breastfeeding her nearly 3-year-old daughter, Louetta Isley Thomas Willis.

In the video, Willis can be seen holding her child in her arms and stroking her hair while she nurses. (Willis, daughter of Bruce Willis and Demi Moore, shares daughter Lou with her ex boyfriend Derek Richard Thomas.)

The video then abruptly cuts to a woman in front of a white board, drawing two circles to signify “my business” and “your business.”

“This is my business. And this is yours. I am here,” the woman says, marking an “X” inside one circle. “The problem is, you are also here, when you need to be here.”

The women, who drew another x inside the same “my business circle,” then drew a line and arrow to the empty circle — in other words, people need to stay out of “my business” and solely inside their own.

While the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends moms breastfeed up to the second year of their child’s life — while also incorporating other necessary nutrients, including solid foods and other fluids when age-appropriate — moms are often judged, shamed and ridiculed for openly breastfeeding their infants and children.

In 2019, Coco Austin hit back at critics after they shamed her for breastfeeding her and Ice-T’s daughter, Chanel, when she was nearly 4. (Austin, 47, breastfed her daughter until age 6.)

“[You] need to have a baby to understand it,” the actress exclusively told Us Weekly at the time, days after she shared a candid breastfeeding photo via social media.

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“What I think confuses people is they saw the picture and they think Chanel doesn’t eat food,” Ice-T (real name Tracy Lauren Marrow) added in defense of Austin. “And she eats cheeseburgers. She only breastfeeds … like, when she cries [and] she just wants to get close to her mama. She throws the boob out and … holds on. She’s not doing it for nourishment. This chick eats chili fries, OK?”

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Related: Rumer Willis Cries Over Being a Single Mom: ‘Doing Everything Alone’

Rumer Willis is getting real about single parenthood. “Just had a good cry in the woods. Some days being a single mom is hard,” Willis, 37, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Wednesday, November 19. “[My daughter] is not hard (ever) but some days doing everything alone can be.” Willis welcomed daughter Louetta in April […]

Austin further explained that her decision to continue to breastfeed her daughter well into toddlerhood wasn’t just about nutrition, but about love.

“It’s about giving love to your child and bonding with your child and also giving them good nutrition,” she explained to Us. “Beast milk is like liquid gold. All around, it’s a good thing.”

Brandi Glanville is sharing her reaction to LeAnn Rimes‘ jaw release therapy video that went viral, giving fans a candid glimpse into her thoughts. The two women have a long history, with Eddie Cibrian, Glanville’s ex-husband, leaving her for the country crooner. Glanville’s response adds another entertaining moment to their long-standing public history.

Brandi Glanville Wonders Why The Singer Shared The Video

On March 29, holistic wellness company Human Garage posted an Instagram video of Rimes undergoing deep jaw release therapy, wherein the singer was left in an emotional mess after the process.

Several days later, Glanville talked about the viral video on her podcast, “Unfiltered,” sharing her reaction. “I don’t understand why I saw it,” she told her co-host, James Maas, that she’s had the same procedure done “a million times” for her TMJ disorder, which causes jaw pain and headaches.

The “Real Housewives” alum admitted that the process was “very painful,” but said that she has a high threshold of pain. Maas said that Rimes looked happy and relieved afterward, to which Glanville asked, “I just don’t know why you share that.”

Did The Reality Star Throw Shade At LeAnn Rimes?

Rimes has been open about her dental problems, which she said began in her teens after she received veneers. The deep jaw release therapy may have been part of the singer’s wellness journey, as she also underwent an expensive treatment to “clear micro-toxins” after her teeth fell out during a concert, as reported by PEOPLE.

“She’s sharing all of her health journey at the moment,” Maas told Glanville. After a pause, Glanville said, “Oh, like me.” With a shrug, she added, “So weird.” Maas chose not to comment on his co-host’s statement, instead saying, “And I’m staying right out of that one.”

“Well, I hope she feels better. Um, yeah… and yeah. That was that on that,” Glanville said before moving on to another topic.

Brandi Glanville And LeAnn Rimes’ History

Glanville and Rimes have a rocky history. The former was married to Eddie Cibrian from 2001 until 2009, when they announced their separation. Cibrian admitted to having an affair with Rimes while they worked on a movie together, and they married in 2011.

In an op-ed she wrote for The Sun in 2021, Glanville looked back at that difficult moment. “It was so public. Everyone felt sorry for me and wanted to hug me. But I wanted to punch everyone in the face. I couldn’t turn on the TV without seeing something about them. LeAnn had taken over my life and I didn’t have a voice any more,” she wrote.

It took years, but the reality TV star said she eventually forgave Rimes. “She’s great and we all hang out together. I’ve forgiven her. We’re going to be around each other for ever because of the kids, so why not make the best of it?” she wrote then.

Glanville On Co-Parenting With Her Ex And His Wife

Since burying the hatchet, Glanville said that she and Rimes get on better, at one point even describing their relationship as “like sister wives.” She and Cibrian share two sons together, 22-year-old Mason and 18-year-old Jake.

What opened Glanville’s heart to forgiveness was when their sons said that they just wanted “everyone to get along.” The reality star revealed, “Eddie and I still squabble, but it’s like the three of us are doing the parenting – it’s nice to have a third person and she’s usually on my side.”

They still experience hiccups, however, as Glanville revealed in 2025 that she had a big fight with Cibrian about their younger son’s 18th birthday celebration, which she said she wasn’t invited to. “I wasn’t invited to my own son’s birthday party. LeAnn’s his wife, she takes his side. I texted her about something else, but she didn’t reply,” Glanville shared.

Brandi Glanville Remains Single

Glanville has remained single since her divorce from Cibrian. She dated on and off over the years, but she largely focused on her career and health. As previously reported by The Blast, she underwent life-saving surgery to fix the cause of her years-long health issue.

For years, Glanville didn’t know what was causing the lumps on her face and neck, as well as joint pain. It was eventually discovered that her ruptured breast implant was the problem. Her health has drastically improved after the surgery, and it seems she’s ready to find love again.

Amid the Taylor Frankie Paul fiasco, the 53-year-old tweeted, “Now that I’m all better I think it’s time for me to embrace my age & become the golden bachelorette. I have no rap sheet & no domestic violence charges,” shading Paul.

Nothing beats a good thriller for an adrenaline rush. Over the years, the genre has continually evolved. Whether it’s classic staples like The Silence of the Lambs or more recent whodunits like Knives Out, thrillers give audiences something to latch onto as they follow the lead character working to crack the case. However, a great thriller isn’t necessarily about the case itself.

Blood, weapons, and victims aside, a thriller is a study of human behavior. It’s not every day people are haunted by murder. These situations prompt characters to take on the most questionable choices, which typically result in an unsavory consequence. Although many thrillers have found success on screen, some deserve far more attention in today’s discourse. Without further ado, here are 10 relentless thriller movies that no one remembers today.

1

‘The Chaser’ (2008)

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A disgraced ex-detective turned pimp, Eom Joong-ho (Kim Yoon-seok), finds himself in a race against time when one of his women disappears after meeting a suspicious client. With more and more of his girls going missing, Joong-ho is pushed deeper into financial trouble. Little does he know that a psychotic killer is on the loose.

There’s a reason why it’s called The Chaser. Given only 12 hours, Joong-ho scrambles to find anything that could put the suspect behind bars. All while this is happening, the suspect waits eerily calm in custody. What makes the film all the more biting is how Joong-ho ends up outpacing the actual police, who are too caught up in bureaucracy to do their job.

2

‘Prisoners’ (2013)

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After a Thanksgiving dinner, six-year-old Anna Dover (Erin Gerasimovich) and her friend Joy Birch (Kyla-Drew Simmons) vanish. Suspecting Alex Jones (Paul Dano), a mentally impaired RV owner briefly detained and released, father Keller Dover (Hugh Jackman) abducts and tortures him for answers. As Detective Loki (Jake Gyllenhaal) tracks hidden leads, he learns that Alex might not be the one responsible.

Jackman is arguably most famous for his role as Wolverine in the MCU. While the superhero is already a stern character, few could expect the level of intensity Jackman delivers in Prisoners. Unlike a cop chasing after victims, a father searching for his missing children is a different kind of desperation — one that pushes Keller to break the law in pursuit of justice.

3

‘Michael Clayton’ (2007)

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Michael Clayton (George Clooney), a burned-out “fixer” for a powerful New York law firm, is sent to contain a crisis when star litigator Arthur Edens (Tom Wilkinson) suffers a breakdown during a $3 billion lawsuit against agrochemical giant U-North. As Arthur insists the company is guilty, Clayton discovers a corporate cover-up and a pool of debt. Unfortunately, he’s got bigger problems ahead.

Michael Clayton is a story of maintaining integrity in one of the most corrupt institutions: corporate America. Clayton himself is no innocent man, as he has a history of doing everything from shoplifting to bending congressmen to get what he wants. But if there’s anything Clayton refuses to be, it’s a scapegoat.

4

‘The Pledge’ (2001)

On the eve of retirement, detective Jerry Black (Jack Nicholson) vows to a grieving mother he’ll catch her daughter’s killer. Linking similar murders of young blonde girls, he buys a remote gas station to stake out a suspect — a man in a black station wagon called “the wizard.” As he forms a bond with a local girl, he ultimately uses her to bait the killer.

At the core of The Pledge is a detective’s final promise. That promise determines whether Jerry can truly leave his life in law enforcement behind. Although the film revolves around finding a killer, it is ultimately about the weight of a moral obligation. Failure to fulfill it will undo everything he has worked for over the years leading up to his retirement.

5

‘Tell No One’ (2006)

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Eight years after his wife Margot’s brutal murder, pediatrician Alexandre Beck (François Cluzet) becomes a suspect again when two bodies are found near the original crime scene. On the same day, he receives a video showing Margot alive, with a warning to tell no one. As police close in, Alexandre goes on the run, following secret messages that lead him to a staged death.

Tell No One has a premise similar to Netflix’s His & Hers, in the sense that everyone is keeping secrets from each other. There are many versions of the truth, and each is delivered convincingly. What’s painful is that most of the people involved are victims of the elite, who think they can control anyone they want — until they are bloodily proven otherwise.

6

‘Frailty’ (2001)

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A man named Fenton Meiks (Matthew McConaughey) approaches FBI agent Wesley Doyle (Powers Boothe), claiming his brother Adam is the “God’s Hand” killer. As told through flashbacks, he recounts a childhood shaped by their father’s belief that he was chosen to kill demons disguised as humans. As Fenton leads Doyle to buried bodies, they learn what’s actually going on behind their father’s “visions.”

Frailty stands out thanks to its use of religious imagery, offering something that feels refreshingly unsettling in the thriller genre. Basing one’s murderous intentions on a sign from “God” can be a touch too blasphemous for audiences, but the risk pays off. Although Frailty takes it to extremes with the concept of being divinely instructed to kill, religious fanaticism is not unheard of.

7

‘A Simple Plan’ (1998)

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Hank (Bill Paxton), his dim-witted brother Jacob (Billy Bob Thornton), and their friend Lou (Brent Briscoe) discover a crashed plane containing $4.4 million of what is likely drug money. Hank insists on hiding it until authorities find the wreck. With encouragement from his manipulative wife, Sarah (Bridget Fonda), mistrust grows. After Jacob impulsively kills a passing neighbor, the plan escalates into violence as the FBI pursues an investigation.

They say money is a good servant but a bad master, and that idea plays out clearly in A Simple Plan. The film observes how the bond between three close men begins to dissolve once a large sum of money quite literally falls at their feet, pushing them to betray one another. With $4.4 million, it seems like there’s much to share, but some people just want everything to themselves.

8

‘The Secret in Their Eyes’ (2009)

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Retired Argentine investigator Benjamín Espósito (Ricardo Darín) revisits the 1970s rape and murder of Liliana Coloto (Carla Quevedo) while writing a novel to find closure. Haunted by the case’s unresolved ending, he reconnects with former colleagues, including Irene Menéndez-Hastings (Soledad Villamil), his longtime unspoken love. As he retraces the pursuit of suspect Isidoro Gómez (Javier Godino), Espósito looks back at a criminal whose fate remains hanging in the air.

The Secret in Their Eyes shows one alarming point about the judicial system: it is not perfect. The bleak reality is that certain individuals within the institution have no real interest in bringing justice. Some are more invested in keeping criminals untouched so they can be used for their own self-interests. More importantly, The Secret in Their Eyes shows that police cases can take years — even decades — to be resolved. Justice is often heartbreaking; rarely is it heroic.

9

‘Wind River’ (2017)

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On the frozen Wind River Reservation in Wyoming, tracker Cory Lambert (Jeremy Renner) discovers the body of a young Native American woman. Rookie FBI agent Jane Banner (Elizabeth Olsen) arrives and partners with Cory, covering everything from the unpredictably harsh terrain to limited authority. As evidence of assault emerges, everything comes down to the victim’s unknown boyfriend.

Wind River addresses one of America’s biggest yet overshadowed crises: missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Many of these cases stem from a lack of authoritative resources and the sheer difficulty of the terrain. It is a no-man’s land in Wyoming, and as shown through Cory’s and Jane’s investigative methods, there is no single “correct” approach to police work in places where the law is no longer relevant.

10

‘Zodiac’ (2007)

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Between 1968 and 1983, a San Francisco cartoonist becomes obsessed with identifying the mysterious Zodiac Killer, who terrorizes Northern California with cryptic letters and murders. As investigators and journalists pursue leads, the case consumes their lives. Cartoonist Robert Graysmith’s (Gyllenhaal) fixation strains his career and family, but he’s already so close to figuring out the decades-long mystery.

Zodiac is more about Robert’s obsession with solving the case than the case itself. Every time Robert seems to gain the upper hand, his efforts ultimately end in failure. Audiences are taken through Robert’s investigative highs and lows, riding on a wild momentum that doesn’t seem to end. Meanwhile, the killer barely makes an appearance, but whether it’s through letters or coded messages, he knows how to make a scene.

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Release Date

March 2, 2007

Runtime

157 minutes

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Writers

James Vanderbilt

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Producers

Ceán Chaffin, Mike Medavoy, Arnold Messer, Bradley J. Fischer

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Today co-anchor Savannah Guthrie shared a candid Easter 2026 message, questioning the depth of the Christian Jesus’ suffering amid her mother, Nancy Guthrie’s, ongoing disappearance.

“Good morning, everybody. Happy Easter,” Guthrie said while attending Good Shepherd New York’s digital Easter service on Sunday, April 5, per Variety. “And Easter is happy. It is flowers and pastels and baby bunnies. It is sunshine and joy and hope. It is rebirth and second chances and new life and fresh starts. It is the most important day of the year for all of us who believe, even more than Christ’s birth, more than his death. His resurrection, his second birth into a permanent life, that is what is most crucial to us. His revival and resurrection means the same for us. We celebrate today the promise of a new life that never ends in death.”

She continued, “But standing here today, I have to tell you, there are moments in which that promise seems irretrievably far away, when life itself seems far harder than death. These moments of deep disappointment with God, the feeling of utter abandonment for most of us, there will come a time in our life when these feelings hold sway.”

After the Guthrie family’s matriarch went missing on January 31, Guthrie told the congregation that she has experienced her own “season of trial,” much like the Christian Jesus Christ.

Related: Savannah Guthrie Says She Heard God Amid Search for Missing Mom Nancy

Savannah Guthrie opened up about how she’s leaned on her faith amid the ongoing search for her mom, Nancy Guthrie. “My faith is strong and resolute,” Savannah, 54, said during her sit-down interview with Hoda Kotb on the Thursday, March 26, episode of the Today show. “But I early on felt — and I heard […]

“Jesus, in his short life, experienced every single emotion that we humans can feel,” she continued, before she openly “questioned whether Jesus really ever experienced this particular wound that I feel — this grievous and uniquely cruel injury of not knowing, of uncertainty and confusion and answers withheld in those darkest moments.”

“But after Jesus died, after he breathed his last, what did he actually know on the cross? He cried out, ‘My God, my God. Why have you forsaken me?’ That is the anguished cry of someone who does not know the answers,” Guthrie added. “Where did his soul and his spirit go in those days in between? And what was he thinking? Did he think his time in the grave would be a day or two, or 1000 years in the grave? Does his agony seem indefinite to him? That torment of uncertainty, the way indefinite pain can feel eternal. Perhaps he did know this feeling after all.”

Guthrie, who is scheduled to return to the Today show on Monday, April 6, then openly questioned if her pondering was “too dark a message to share on Easter morning.”

“But I have long believed that we miss out on fully celebrating resurrection if we do not acknowledge the feelings of loss, pain, and yes, death,” she added. “It is the darkness that makes this morning’s light so magnificent, so blindly beautiful. It is all the brighter because it is so desperately needed.”

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Shortly after Savannah’s mother was reported missing, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos announced that authorities believe the 84-year-old was kidnapped from her home. Despite multiple so-called ransom letters, home security footage featuring a possible intruder and potential clues left at the scene of Nancy’s Arizona home, no suspects have been identified in the ongoing case.

Related: Savannah Guthrie Cries in 1st Interview Since Mom Nancy Went Missing

Savannah Guthrie will share more insight into the disappearance of her mother, Nancy Guthrie, in a new interview more than 50 days after the 84-year-old went missing. During the Wednesday, March 25, episode of the Today show, host Craig Melvin introduced a clip from Savannah’s upcoming sit-down with Hoda Kotb, marking her first interview about […]

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Savannah and her siblings — Camron Guthrie, 61, and Annie Guthrie, 56 — have been outspoken since their mother’s apparent kidnapping, pleading for her return via multiple social media posts. Their most recent statement came on March 21.

“We are deeply grateful for the outpouring from neighbors, friends and the people of Tucson. We are all family now,” the family shared in a news special, which aired via Tucson’s local KVOA-TV News channel. “We continue to believe it’s Tucsonians, and the greater Southern Arizona community, that hold the key to finding resolution in this case. Someone knows something.”

Taylor Sheridan‘s chokehold over the Paramount+ streaming charts is clear. In the current global TV ranks, five of the ten are Sheridan shows, with one of the most popular continuing to dominate as news of the fourth season continues to arrive. Tulsa King, Sheridan’s hit crime saga starring Sylvester Stallone and Frank Grillo, recently added Flula Borg of The Rookie fame to the cast of Season 4, with the building of anticipation for the Samuel L. Jackson-led spin-off helping keep the series high in the charts.

But the credit for Tulsa King‘s success cannot all be given to Sheridan, with the show unlikely to be as triumphant on the streaming charts without its perfectly assembled cast, one of which is also finding success with a forgotten 2024 action thriller. Directed by John Swab, Grillo stars opposite Andy Garcia and Josh Hutcherson in Long Gone Heroes, a blend of mystery and action that debuted in September 2024. The movie marked Grillo’s fifth collaboration with Swab, with Grillo saying of the director in an interview: “I love this kid. I think he’s dynamite.”

At the time of writing, Long Gone Heroes is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Paramount+ in the U.S., joining the likes of Edgar Wright‘s recent adaptation of The Running Man, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and more on the list. A synopsis for Long Gone Heroes reads:

“Gunner, a special forces soldier who has witnessed the darkest side of country and combat, is forced back into the field of battle to save his niece, who is being held in South America. As the fight intensifies, Gunner and his team discover that her disappearance is part of a corrupt private operation that hits way too close to home.”

Related

Remembering the Icons of Television — Collider TV Quiz

These television artists were posthumously recognized for their work, and the awards they received were testaments to their lasting legacies.

How Did Critics Respond to ‘Long Gone Heroes’?

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Although the film faced an overall mixed response, including a 51% score on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes from audiences, some critics were pleasantly surprised by this action thriller. Writing for The New York Times, Robert Daniels called it “A tactical and efficient film” and likened it to Commando. Radio Times critic James Mottram was less impressed, writing, “Complete with murky, night-vision-tinged visuals, it’s all action and precious little character development.”

Long Gone Heroes is streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

September 20, 2024

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122 Minutes

Director

John Swab

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Writers

John Swab, Santiago Manes Moreno

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The mystery genre is a booming art form full of fascination and intrigue. Where can you find better stories that grip you from start to finish than with this one? It’s dominated storytelling for centuries and heavily influenced cinema over the last 100 years. Lately, it’s taken television by storm, delivering pulse-pounding, suspenseful narratives that have kept viewers coming back every episode and each season to figure out what happens next in the story and characters.

Indeed, mystery television is wildly popular these days. From groundbreaking classics like Columbo and Murder, She Wrote to revolutionary game-changers like David Lynch‘s Twin Peaks and the most recent True Detective, the mystery genre has certainly had an impact on broadcasting history. But, it’s only a shame that not all the greatest mystery shows were highly revered at the time or best remembered today. Unlike some of the more iconic shows, their flawless series have captivated us, shocked us, and pulled us into the mystery each week. Here are the marvelous mystery shows that, while they aren’t as highly regarded or memorable today, have proven to be quite impressive and actually get better with age.

‘Top of the Lake’ (2013–2017)

Image via BBC

From the combined efforts of Austrian filmmaker Jane Champion and screenwriter Gerard Lee, Top of the Lake is a two-season mystery drama series hailing from Australia. Featuring a stellar ensemble, including Elisabeth Moss, David Wenham, and Academy Award winners Holly Hunter and Nicole Kidman, it focuses on a separate shocking crime each season, following the lead detective, Robin Griffin (Moss), as she uncovers who was behind them.

Despite its positive reviews and widespread acclaim, Top of the Lake is a hidden gem that even some hardcore mystery fans haven’t even seen. Perhaps due to it not reaching the level of recognition like other American shows or because there’s just such a vast pool of compelling mystery dramas out there, it quietly faded away after its run, but has still, of course, retained its praise. Watching it today still generates the feeling of intrigue and the need to see every episode to see what shocking reveal will happen next. Along with its elevated cast, near-perfect writing, gripping themes, shocking plot twists, and emotional character drama, Top of the Lake is truly a show you wouldn’t skip out on.

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

Image via ABC

Certainly one of the most delightfully bizarre and charming mystery shows to appear here, ABC’s Pushing Daisies was a unique comedy-drama series that aired from 2007 to 2009. It was a show not many people were expecting or were ready for, but it has slowly garnered better recognition it deserves. Lee Pace stars as Ned, an ordinary pie-maker with an ability to reanimate anything with a simple touch. Along with the assistance of a private investigator (Chi McBride), he goes on solving how the murder victims were killed.

With a wildly, one-of-a-kind premise like that, it’s no wonder Pushing Daisies is one of the most oddly fascinating and creative mystery shows ever made. Its uniqueness earned it a claim at the time and plenty of Primetime Emmy nominations, but it couldn’t save it from being cut, as a writers’ strike and low ratings cancelled it far too soon. In the years since, it’s not as memorable or has been ranked alongside other iconic shows, but it’s still quite enjoyable. It honestly gets more fun with every rewatch.

‘Monk’ (2002–2009)

Image via USA Network

Airing eight seasons on the USA Network from 2002 to 2009, Monk is a comedic drama mystery series that follows the life of Adrien Monk (played by Tony Shalhoub), a gifted San Francisco police detective who is put on leave after the traumatic murder of his wife worsens his Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Now working as a private consultant, he helps the police solve unusual cases while trying to overcome his many tics and phobias.

Monk is the right mix of laugh-out comedy and heartfelt drama, all perfectly combined in an exciting detective mystery narrative that clearly takes some inspiration from Columbo. It’s charming, funny, and incredibly emotional at times, and delights with each episode. It’s a shame Monk isn’t as well remembered now as when it was in its heyday, but it nonetheless continues to be a blast upon rewatches, and keeps on being hilarious and charming even after being off the air for nearly two decades.

‘The Killing’ (2011–2014)

An American retelling of the Danish television series Forbrydelsen, The Killing is a mystery crime thriller show which premiered on AMC in 2011 and was picked up for a third season after cancellation by Netflix in 2014. A tense, dark, and eerily atmospheric story, it stars Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman as Seattle detectives tasked with investigating the murder of a local teenage girl. Through slowly piecing together clues and evidence, the two come to suspect the killer was someone close to her.

The Killing instantly grabs you with a huge question of just who committed this tragic crime, and who was the closest one had their own reasons for harming the girl. Each episode leading to the inevitable reveal is packed with perfect suspense and slow-burning tension. It kept audiences glued to their screens when it first came out, and although the mystery was solved at the end of Season 2, it’s still quite fascinating and interesting to come back to rewatch all the clues that may have been missed upon initial viewing.

‘Wallander’ (2008–2016)

Image via BBC

Adapted from the novel series by Swedish author Henning Mankell as well as a TV series from his home country, Wallander is a detective crime thriller show following the cases of the titular inspector Kurt Wallander (played by Kenneth Branagh) as he investigates a series of murders and corruption plaguing the small town of Ystad, Sweden.

Like its source material, Wallander is brilliantly written, expertly paced, and full of excellent character development. Branagh was perfectly cast in the title role, capturing this remarkable detective’s intelligence and the character’s personal struggles with being in such a violent and grim profession. Though some could argue its 2005 counterpart is arguably the definitive version of this gripping detective story, the British version can not be ignored, even though it hasn’t gotten much recognition in recent years. It truly gets more impressive upon a second viewing, and can still grip viewers into the mystery.

‘The Outsider’ (2020)

Image via HBO

From the masterful work of horror author Stephen King comes one of his most overlooked but greatest TV show adaptations, The Outsider. Released as a miniseries on HBO, this captivating mystery drama does not let go of your attention for a second, as it grips you with a shocking mystery that needs to be solved. Ben Mendelsohn and Academy Award nominee Cynthia Erivo star in this story about a cynical Georgia detective who is on the case to solve the gruesome murder of a young boy.

It’s a criminally underappreciated series that encompasses the thrilling mystery and drama of some of the greats, and does something completely unique to stand out thanks to King’s exceptional storytelling and, of course, a little help from the talented cast. You’ll be invested right from the start and never want to miss a second as the mystery is slowly pieced together. It’s only a shame it has been overshadowed by King’s other works, as well as other mystery shows, but despite not making as huge a splash as it should have upon release, it’s more than made up for this by getting better with age, and slowly it’s getting the much-deserved recognition it needs.

‘Sherlock Holmes’ (1984–1994)

Image via ITV

Sir Arthur Conan Doyle‘s legendary Sherlock Holmes character has become immortalized in the annals of pop culture. He is perhaps one of the most iconic figures in all fiction, and his impact on the mystery genre is truly remarkable, especially since he’s appeared in countless adaptations throughout the last two centuries. Though some were tremendous trailblazers and others were huge flops, one Holmes adaptation that certainly deserves more recognition today was the 1984 TV series simply titled Sherlock Holmes.

This show captures everything that makes Sherlock Holmes such a fascinating literary character, as he and his trusted partner Watson are gloriously brought to the small screen through 41 compelling episodes, mostly all of them featuring plots adapted straight from Doyle’s works. Jeremy Brett is widely considered the definitive Holmes for his superb performance, sparking the right balance of intelligence and grace, and sheer determination to solve a mystery. This encompasses the spirit of Doyle’s character and doesn’t feel dull for a moment. While not many viewers are familiar with it now, it certainly needs to be experienced far more than any modern adaptation of the character.

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Sherlock Holmes

Release Date

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April 24, 1984

Directors

Paul Annett, John Bruce

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Writers

John Hawkesworth, Jeremy Paul, T.R. Bowen, Alan Plater

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Sherlock Holmes

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Comic book adaptations became the defining force of pop culture in the 2010s, but there was still trepidation about touching a masterpiece as influential as Alan Moore’s legendary graphic novel Watchmen. Named by TIME as one of the greatest novels of the 20th century, Watchmen inverted the superhero narrative by intertwining the history of caped crusaders with American history, resulting in a nightmarish present where vigilante justice was dominant, the nation was on the brink of war with the Soviet Union, and Richard Nixon was about to enter his third term as President. Instead of trying to make a period piece that reflected the exact reality that the original classic had been released in, Damon Lindelof created a spiritual successor with HBO’s Watchmen, which served as a continuation of the canon established back in 1985. The result is the most daring science fiction show that HBO has ever released, which swept the Emmy Awards in a first for comic book adaptations.

The biggest issue with 2009’s Watchmen film, directed by Zack Snyder, was that it was so enamored with the style of the superheroes themselves that it didn’t contain the venomous criticism that Moore had for what they represented. Since Moore had used Watchmen to take a stand against nuclear armament, authoritarianism, and police brutality, Lindelof updated the HBO show to reflect the issues of the current era, including America’s history of political corruption and white supremacy. While it ends up tying into the original text in a way that is as surprising as it is fulfilling, Watchmen also serves as a declarative statement that has sadly become even more relevant in the years since it first premiered.

HBO’s ‘Watchmen’ Isn’t a Typical Comic Book Adaptation

Instead of baiting the viewer with nostalgia, Watchmen starts by introducing new characters that fit into a modern world left devastated by the events of the original story, in which Adrian Veidt (Jeremy Irons), the superhero known as “Ozymandias,” unleashed a devastating squid attack on New York City to prevent a nuclear war. The new protagonist, Angela Abar (Regina King), is a member of the police force who masks her identity because of a coordinated effort in which white supremacists attacked several officers in their homes. Angela is aware of the events that occurred in the original Watchmen, but has gone on to live her own life with her husband, Cal (Yahya Abdul-Mateen II). It’s through Angela’s investigation into her own heritage that Watchmen is able to question where Moore’s characters ended up, and how they factor into a new society that has become even more stratified.

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What’s even more impressive than the maneuvering of comic book mythology is that Watchmen is legitimately informative about U.S. history; the show draws attention to the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, in which “Black Wall Street” was burned down by a racist mob that destroyed a significant chunk of history. This is something that is rarely mentioned in the American education system, particularly in Southern states that have a severely slanted curriculum when it comes to the nation’s past. The event itself isn’t just explored in Watchmen in visceral, disturbing detail, but purposefully woven into the plot and how it relates to one of the most famous and mysterious characters in canon. Since superhero films often begin with a moment of tragedy that the characters are forced to overcome, Watchmen is able to channel real anxieties about the American present to answer one of the biggest lingering questions that Moore never had the opportunity to.

‘Watchmen’ Is an Adaptation That Makes Thoughtful Updates to the Source Material

Hooded Justice is a character who is credited in Watchmen as being the first modern superhero, but his identity is kept under wraps until “This Extraordinary Being,” one of the greatest episodes in the history of HBO. “This Extraordinary Being” understands something fundamental about superheroes because of the notion of a secret identity, as it offers them the protection of living a different life. The reveal that Hooded Justice is actually Angela’s grandfather, Will (Jovan Adepo), twists the story by showing that the character only put on a mask to cover up his race. On a greater level, superheroes, the most defining figures within contemporary pop culture, are revealed to have emerged as a means to fight racism without risk of consequence, and serve as another example of Black achievements being lost to time. It’s a powerful statement that works especially well because of the amazing use of black-and-white within the episode to show the fluctuation of time.

Watchmen comes full circle in its ending by finding a creative way to explore Dr. Manhattan, a character whose relationship with time makes him difficult to depict traditionally. HBO’s Watchmen improves upon the original text’s biggest flaw by offering something tangible for Dr. Manhattan to relate to in the real world, which justifies his decision to continuously involve himself in human affairs. It’s not only a thematically ambitious series, but a visually striking, exciting work of propulsive genre filmmaking that packs more thrills into nine episodes than most shows that ran for multiple seasons. Watchmen is the type of adaptation that the industry needs more of; it’s reverential of the original text and why it was so popular, but channels contemporary insights into a narrative that speaks to the current generation.

Despite the swirling drama surrounding the Summer House cast, Ciara Miller is focusing on what really matters.

“I grew up a Girl Scout. It’s where I first learned what sisterhood looks like,” Miller, 30, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Saturday, April 4. “It taught me courage, confidence and how to carry myself through hard things.”

Miller further asked her followers to consider donating to Troop 6000, a Girl Scout troop composed of girls living in the shelter system across the New York City boroughs.

“They meet every week, earn badges, go to camp and they learn that, no matter what they’re going through, they are worth showing up for,” she explained in her upload. “That who they are matters [and] that their story is just getting started. That’s all I’ve ever wanted anyone to feel.”

Related: Ciara Miller Feels ‘Betrayed’ by Amanda Batula and West Wilson

In the wake of Amanda Batula and West Wilson’s confirmed romance, Summer House fans want to know how Ciara Miller is coping. “Ciara is heartbroken by this,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly. “She and Amanda were very close, and she feels more betrayed than ever by both of them.” The insider shares that Ciara, […]

Miller further asked individuals who are “in [her] corner right now,” to also be “in theirs” by donating to Troop 6000.

Many Bravo stars and fans have recently taken sides after Miller’s friend and Summer House costar Amanda Batula confirmed her romance with West Wilson. (Wilson, 31, previously dated Miller in 2023 before they reportedly hooked up again several months ago.)

“It was never our intention to purposely hide anything,” Batula, 34, and Wilson wrote in a joint Tuesday, March 31, statement, addressing the online relationship speculation. “Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we needed a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

They continued, “We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected. Our connection grew out of a genuine, longstanding friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”

Batula, who separated from now-estranged husband Kyle Cooke in January, also allegedly didn’t tell Miller about their apparent love triangle.

“She did not find out from her friend Amanda,” Miller’s The Traitors costar Dolores Catania claimed on the Thursday, April 2, episode of the “Two Ts in a Pod” podcast. “I will go on a limb to say, I did not know 100 percent until they both [released the statement]. You never know 100,000 percent until you hear it from the horse’s mouth, until you see it in black and white from them.”

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Related: Paige DeSorbo Declares ‘100 Percent’ Support for Ciara Miller

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Summer House alums Paige DeSorbo and Hannah Berner are choosing a side in the drama between Ciara Miller, Amanda Batula and West Wilson. “Obviously, we’re alive. We see the internet, we know what’s going on,” DeSorbo, 33, said during the Friday, April 3, episode of their “Giggly Squad” podcast. “Ciara is our real friend, in […]

Catania, 55, further claimed that the drama was “more between” Miller and Batula than with Wilson.

“Ciara was an amazing friend to Amanda. She was always there for her through her marriage. She rode hard for her and Amanda knew how she felt about West,” Catania added. “Now, Amanda was, of course, vulnerable, hadn’t been in a good relationship marriage for a long time now, but there’s a lot of guys though.”

Miller, Batula and Wilson are all expected to reunite at the Summer House season 10 reunion later this month.

Blake Lively is continuing to move forward after suffering a major blow in her ongoing lawsuit against her It Ends With Us costar and director, Justin Baldoni.

“Momming always continues on,” the actress, 38, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, April 5, over a photo of two plates of scrambled eggs formed in the shape of two bunnies. (Lively shares four children with her husband, Ryan Reynolds.)

The celebratory Easter post comes just days after Lively suffered a significant legal blow in her lawsuit against Baldoni, 42. On Thursday, April 2, federal judge Lewis Liman dismissed 10 of the 13 claims in Lively’s lawsuit against the director, including allegations of harassment, defamation and conspiracy.

The Manhattan U.S. District Judge allowed just three claims to proceed — breach of contract, retaliation and aiding and abetting in retaliation.

Related: Justin Baldoni Vows to Continue Blake Lively Legal Fight After Dismissal

Justin Baldoni isn’t backing down from his legal battle with It Ends With Us costar Blake Lively after his lawsuit against her and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, was dismissed. “Ms. Lively and her team’s predictable declaration of victory is false, so let us be clear about the latest ruling,” Baldoni’s attorney Bryan Freedman told Us […]

“This case has always been and will remain focused on the devastating retaliation and the extraordinary steps the defendants took to destroy Blake Lively’s reputation because she stood up for safety on the set and that is the case that is going to trial,” Sigrid McCawley, a member of Lively’s legal team, told Us Weekly in a statement shortly after the ruling. “For Blake Lively, the greatest measure of justice is that the people and the playbook behind these coordinated digital attacks have been exposed and are already being held accountable for other women they’ve targeted.”

The lawyer continued, “She looks forward to testifying at trial and continuing to shine a light on this vicious form of online retaliation so that it becomes easier to detect and fight.”

One day later, Lively issued her own social media statement responding to the Judge’s ruling.

“I am grateful for the Court’s ruling which allows the heart of my case to be presented to a jury next month, and for the ability to finally tell my story in full at trial, for my own sake, but also for those who don’t have the same opportunity to … many of whom I have known and loved deeply in my life, and the countless I’ll never know,” she wrote on Friday, April 3. “The last thing I wanted in my life was a lawsuit, but I brought this case because of the pervasive RETALIATION I faced, and continued to, for privately and professionally asking for a safe working environment for myself and others.”

She added later in her social media statement, “So much critical work has already been done to expose systems, tactics and players who harm. The work to create more safety is in part at trial, but it will also continue far after this trial is over. This is the work I’m most proud of. I couldn’t begin to stand up if not for the countless who’ve gone before me – and the masses who are still around us all — creating laws, social change, sparking conversations, rallying, working privately and publicly, risking and sometimes losing everything for the safety of others in all spaces. Some whose names we know, most we don’t. Thank you. All of you.”

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Baldoni’s legal team also issued a statement in the wake of the Judge’s decision, telling Us that they were “pleased” by the ruling.

“We’re very pleased the Court dismissed all sexual harassment claims and every claim brought against the individual defendants: Justin Baldoni, Jamey Heath, Steve Sarowitz, Melissa Nathan, and Jennifer Abel,” the statement read. “These were very serious allegations, and we are grateful to the Court for its careful review of the facts, law and voluminous evidence that was provided.”

Lively’s legal team later disputed some of Baldoni’s lawyers’ comments, telling Us that the “Court actually decided” to allow the evidence Lively provided “to go to trial on her core claims.”

When it comes to longevity in rock and roll, look no further than The Rolling Stones. Active for over six decades, the band is one of the most popular, influential, and enduring bands of the rock era. Rooted in blues and early rock styling, their sound became distinct as they moved further and further into the mainstream. Establishing themselves at the top of the heap of classic rock, their songbook runs deep. With 31 studio albums and more than 340 songs, with eight number-one hits on the US Billboard Hot 100 charts, determining which is their best songs is a near-impossible task.

The task at hand is to select The Rolling Stones’ most perfect songs. Let’s just say it’s no easy task. As each fan of the band will likely have a different list, for the purposes of this list, a song will be considered “perfect” based on songwriting, musical construction, overall influence, and its impact on the band’s musical evolution. This list is meant to celebrate one of the greatest bands and their brilliant contribution to music history.

10

“Honky Tonk Women” (1969)

Despite being a hit track, “Honky Tonk Women” sometimes gets overlooked, but the truth is, the song proved the band’s ability to tap into even more musical styles. Inspired by a holiday Mick Jagger and Keith Richards took in Brazil, the duo drew on their experience at a ranch and turned it into a song about a dancing girl in a western bar. Originally written as a Hank Williams-esque country song, Mick Taylor transformed it into the electric, riff-based hit we became familiar with. Originally released as a non-album single, the song was issued as the B-side to “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” the day after the death of founding member Brian Jones in July 1969.

Raw and bluesy, with an invitation to groove when the cowbell begins, the song’s gin-soaked groove and gritty lyrics became an instant hook for listeners. “Honky Tonk Women” soared to the top of the UK charts for seventeen weeks, five at number one, and a four-week number one run on the Billboard Hot 100. Showcasing the band at their funky best, “Honky Tonk Women” also led to a full country version released on the 1969 album Let It Bleed. “Honky Tonk Women” may be the strongest example of ’60s rock-blues.

9

“She’s A Rainbow” (1967)

The 1960s served as a brilliant opportunity for artists to explore and spread their wings. For The Rolling Stones, an uncharacteristically unique song that Jagger and Richards wrote for the band was also one of their best. Closing out their foray into psychedelic pop rock, “She’s A Rainbow” utilized a vibrant blend of baroque pop, a cascading piano line, and a lighthearted atmosphere, crafting a whimsical, joyous, and timeless masterpiece. The crowning element of the song isn’t the lyrics, it’s the arrangement. Though the classic Stones instruments are present, it’s Nicky Hopkins‘ iconic piano melody and Jones’ hypnotic usage of the Mellotran that make the track. And that string section? It’s often credited to John Paul Jones, who would go on to join Led Zeppelin a year later. Released on Their Satanic Majesties Request, the sixth studio album, the song became the most recognizable track of the album.

Music should be transcendent — “She’s A Rainbow” is proof. For a modern audience, the song has been a recent staple in commercials. Further, it became synonymous with Kristen Wiig‘s final sketch as a cast member on Saturday Night Live. Guest host Jagger, alongside musical guest Arcade Fire, performed it alongside “Ruby Tuesday” as the comedian dances and says goodbye to her co-stars. If there is something that will make you cry from the hit sketch show, it’s this. Now, if we’re talking about how a song can influence an entire movement, Gilbert Baker, the creator of the rainbow pride flag, told the New York Blade in 2008 that it was not Judy Garland‘s “Over the Rainbow” but in fact the Stones’ “She’s A Rainbow.”

8

“Tumbling Dice” (1972)

Introduced as the lead single from the 1972 double album Exile on Main St., “Tumbling Dice” brought back the blues with the boogie-woogie for a song about an unfaithful gambler. Written and recorded during the period when the band became UK tax exiles, the song had some filler lyrics and an initially different intention. Though that song, “Good Time Women,” went unreleased until 2010. The song tells the story of a gambler who simply cannot remain faithful to any woman. A dark lyrical premise, the result ultimately led to the peppy, laid-back groove we know today. The tempo lives in a grey area that’s essentially halfway between slow and straightforward rock speed. Then, turning to the lyrical composition, it’s quite an irregular structure, with line counts changing throughout the verses and choruses. But what makes the song so beloved is the call-and-response in the coda, making it perfect for live performance.

An ambitious song, “Tumbling Dice” can be described as sassy with a casual swagger. Dare I say, it’s got “Swagger Jagger.” It’s credited to Jagger’s vocal charisma. Written after the swinging ’60s and the Summer of Love, the song still has a lyrical essence that explores themes of sex and love. About a half-decade later, Linda Ronstadt recorded her own version of the song, bringing a different vitality to it. And not just because the lyrics were adjusted to suit the singer’s mission. Though it had a troubled road to ultimate creation, “Tumbling Dice” remains one of the band’s most iconic entries.

7

“Beast of Burden” (1978)

Oftentimes, when you see the title of a song, you can automatically hear something from it in your head. When it comes to “Beast of Burden,” almost certainly, you hear Jagger’s soulful vocals singing the title. A vulnerable and raw rock anthem, “Beast of Burden” showcased an evolving maturity from the band. It also helped to establish and further the sound of rock and roll in the late ’70s. The second single off of 1978’s Some Girls, following “Miss You,” the song wasn’t meant to be a personal track; it was all about the attitude and hidden meaning. Taking inspiration from domesticated animals used for human labor, Richards has noted that the song was written as a thank-you to Jagger for “shouldering the burden.”

“Beast of Burden” features a masterful weave of soulful, understated guitar from Richards and Ronnie Wood, a steady groove from Charlie Watts and Bill Wyman, and Jagger’s intimate and controlled vocals, some of which were improvised. The Rolling Stones experienced internal turmoil in the ’70s, but “Beast of Burden” represented a moment of the band’s unity. One that marked a newfound comeback for the band.

6

“Wild Horses” (1971)

There are certainly a handful of Rolling Stones ballads that strike at the heart, but none do so quite like “Wild Horses.” The follow-up single to “Brown Sugar” from the ninth studio album, Sticky Fingers, “Wild Horses” exposed a softer side to the band. A beautifully emotional track that highlights raw vulnerability, “Wild Horses” is a song about longing and endurance. The origin of the song came about after Marianne Faithfull, Jagger’s former partner, woke from an overdose. She said to him, “Wild horses wouldn’t drag me away.” Though the song may not have necessarily been written about her, it was inspired by her. Soon thereafter, it evolved into a song about being a million miles from where you wish to be.

Musically, Richards used the melody as a lullaby for his newborn son. Richards experimented with the twelve-string guitar. Taylor played with a Nashville-strung acoustic guitar. Wyman stayed on the bass guitar. With Jim Dickinson playing tack piano and Watts on drums, the musical roadmap was set, turning “Wild Horses” into an acoustic masterpiece. It was stylistically different from many of the classic Stones’ previous tracks, which helped it earn instant recognition. The change of pace allowed the band to take a newfound direction. They no longer had to stick to pulse-pounding rock and roll. Because of its timelessness, “Wild Horses” is often cited as a fan favorite. A delicate and intimate song that continues to resonate emotionally, “Wild Horses” is just as powerful five decades later.

5

“Sympathy for the Devil” (1968)

“Please allow me to introduce myself. I’m a man of wealth and taste. I’ve been around for a long, long year, stole many a man’s soul and faith.” Pair that with the infectious conga groove at the top of the track, and you get something hypnotizing. “Sympathy for the Devil” was a musical departure for the band, and yet it defined their ability to explore musical experimentation. Taking on a first-person perspective through the eyes of the Devil, the narrative was quite sinister. And yet, that samba-like rhythm transports you, asking you to pay attention to the specificity in the lyrics, focusing on atrocities in human history. The album version, clocking in at over six minutes, pushed the Stones into a new musical era.

“Sympathy for the Devil” caused quite a stir when it was released. Whether it be the accusations of Satanism or that humanity is responsible for evil in the world, including the assassinations of the Kennedys, it doesn’t take away from the sheer brilliance of the composition. Structurally masterful, with nods to African and South American sounds and a gripping “woo-woo” vocal chant, there was no song in the catalog quite like “Sympathy for the Devil.” Very few classic rock songs have a musical break as visceral as that of “Sympathy for the Devil.” That searing guitar solo by Richards may be his best. Fortunately, much of the creation process was captured for Jean-Luc Godard‘s avant-garde film of the same name.

Music that is reactionary to the time often leads to remarkable works of art. In the late ’60s, many singers, songwriters, and musicians found themselves using their talents to help art reflect society. One such example, as a means to comment on the intense social upheaval of 1968 and the broader chaos, was the brilliant “Sympathy for the Devil.” It was referenced in Hunter S. Thompson‘s book and film Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas. Decades later, Guns N’ Roses explored their own take of the track, being featured in the film adaptation of Interview with the Vampire. Needless to say, “Sympathy for the Devil” stands as the band’s most profound artistic achievement.

4

“Paint It, Black” (1966)

When you think of rock music in the ’60s and ’70s, you tend to think of the typical instruments. But can you achieve rock-and-roll success by playing a sitar? It’s a resounding yes. With a groundbreaking fusion of Eastern-influenced sitar with Hammond organ, castanets, and tom-toms, “Paint It, Black” became a chart-topping smash, serving as a reminder that unconventional instrumentation can be a recipe for success. The British Invasion set a standard in sound for the bands that crossed the pond. But as the big acts began to become more musically sophisticated, big risks led to big rewards. An influential song for the burgeoning psychedelic genre, “The Rolling Stones” joined The Beatles in pushing commercial appeal toward artistry outside the mainstream.

From the jump, the track’s introduction became instantly recognizable. From there, the eerie, exotic use of Jones’ sitar made a perfect addition to the song about grief. “Paint It, Black”is, on its surface, a depressing premise about the desire to turn the whole world black to match internal sorrow. And yet, the experimental nature, with its tight structure, added a cinematic element to the song. By straying from the standard pop-rock vibes synonymous with the band, “Paint It, Black” opened the door for new paths to explore. On one of the rare occasions when each member of the band added something to the track, it gave the track a sense of further completion. The song’s vibrancy has inspired countless artists to cover it and many films to include it on their soundtracks. Maybe an unofficial pioneer in emo punk rock, The Rolling Stones found the light by tackling the darkness.

3

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” (1965)

There is no hook in rock history that matches that of “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.” A song about sexual frustration and commercialism, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became one of the band’s most popular songs. The song came to Richards in his sleep, as in he really wrote it, recorded a rough cut, and awoke unaware that he did. With the iconic guitar riff kicking off the track, what followed was a cascade of sound before Jagger came in with the titular line. The song featured a hard-driving blues beat that paired well with the rock sounds already familiar to listeners. It had a catchy hook with a catchy title and captured the spirit of the time. Though the song had difficulty being played on the radio because of its allegedly suggestive lyrics, it didn’t matter, as those lyrics resonated instantly. It thrust the band to superstardom.

“(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” became a staple for the Stones, especially during live performances. It made sense as the song hit number one in many countries on multiple charts. In a sense, “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” is a generational song. Otis Redding recorded a version of it that went full-tilt jazzy blues. In the late ’70s, new wave band Devo provided their own rendition. Then, at the start of the new millennium, it was Britney Spears. This may be a stretch, but there may be an entire generation that found The Rolling Stones and classic rock through Spears’ cover of the song. The fact that the princess of pop could reconstruct rock royalty’s song in such a brilliant manner is a testament to the strength of the track.

2

“You Can’t Always Get What You Want” (1969)

Sometimes simplicity is all it takes. Truly, what a profound statement the lyrics made. “You can’t always get what you want. But if you try sometimes, well, you might find you get what you need.” The chorus became a mantra that continues to resonate today. Straight from Let It Bleed, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” proved to be one of the most defining songs the band ever recorded. Unlike almost any other Stones song, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” didn’t start with a guitar riff or Jagger’s signature vocals. Instead, it was the London Bach Choir and the soaring horns opening the track on the album. Not there to cover anything up, rather they were present to add something new.

A song about the major topics of the 1960s— love, politics, and drugs—the lyrics take the audience on a journey from initial optimism to eventual disillusionment. Though the chorus may be resigned cynicism, there was hope within. Originally, the B-side for “Honky Tonk Women,” there was no second fiddle about it. “You Can’t Always Get What You Want” remains one of the most popular songs. Said to be a counterpart to “Hey Jude,” the song shared the Stones’ maturity through their philosophical words. The song is timeless, having been covered nonstop and used in a wide range of media. If there was ever a song that marked the end of the Swinging Sixties, it was this song.

1

“Gimme Shelter” (1969)

A sense of urgency and a dire warning in music don’t always need to come from a deeply poetic dissertation in lyrics. Sometimes all it takes is repetition to make a message poignant. With an ominous, moody tone, “Gimme Shelter” expertly conveys intent. Starting from a whisper and crescendoing to a frantic cacophony of controlled vocals, “Gimme Shelter” evoked a sense of panic. The lyrics, which reiterated the main words throughout, became a reflection of war, violence, and fear while marking the closure of ’60s idealism. Encapsulating the doomed decade, the song is a complete masterpiece. What may be a shocker: the song, which was never released as an official single, found prominence when it was included on many of the band’s compilation albums.

At its core, “Gimme Shelter” is an apocalyptic song. With the lyrics evoking that tone, “Gimme Shelter” relied on the vocals. Jagger isn’t the only prominent vocalist on the track. Singer Merry Clayton‘s guest vocals helped launch the song to the stratosphere. Her vocals reached immense emotional peaks, amplifying the desperation of the song’s message. Jagger spoke to NPR and called the song “a very moody piece about the world closing in on you a bit. And yet, that same feeling can be evoked today. There’s no song that defines the band while transcending music more than “Gimme Music.” It’s an anthem for the world.