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Starfleet Academy Narrowly Pulls Off Tribute To Star Trek’s Greatest Captain, With Help From Dax
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Originally, the preview for the latest episode of Starfleet Academy had me quite nervous because it was clear the story would focus on Benjamin Sisko, the legendary captain of Deep Space Nine. DS9 remains my favorite Trek, but SFA’s writing has been so wildly inconsistent that I was scared the writers would do something to tarnish the legacy of this amazing show and its most powerful performer: Avery Brooks. To my surprise, Starfleet Academy offered a surprisingly sweet tribute to Sisko, though its nostalgic triumphs were nearly undermined by the show’s forced whimsy and clunky humor.
The framing device for this Starfleet Academy episode is that holographic character Series Acclimation Mil (SAM) is told by her people to enroll in a course about understanding the unknown. They figure this will help SAM with her mission, which is to understand humanity and ultimately decide whether they are ready to co-exist with a whole race of holograms. To get into this course so long after it’s started, though, SAM must impress its teacher by answering a centuries-old, seemingly impossible question: what happened to Benjamin Sisko, a man who either died in the fire caves of Bajor or is still living outside of corporeal time with the godlike prophets.
Sisko Did It For More Than The Uniform
While the presentation of SAM’s story is overwhelmingly, distractingly twee (more on this soon), the central question is a great hook for longtime fans. We’ve spent decades wanting to know more about Sisko’s fate, so it’s easy to get invested in this plucky hologram’s Quixotic quest to learn more about him. When it comes to delivering the goods (and beware some major spoilers from here on out!), Starfleet Academy finally shows that it knows the meaning of restraint.
You see, SAM doesn’t get any kind of definitive answer, which really relieved me. I was really scared the show would have Sisko return as some kind of AI monstrosity, or maybe awkwardly insert him into franchise lore by saying he left the Celestial Temple to end the Temporal Cold War or something equally contrived. Instead, SAM’s investigation mostly uncovers what Star Trek fans already knew: that Sisko was an amazing Starfleet officer, world-class father, and killer cook on top of reluctantly becoming space Jesus to an entire planet full of strange aliens.
More Than Jake
In this way, Starfleet Academy pulls off a fairly successful bait and switch, teasing an investigation into a beloved franchise character before settling into a nostalgic tribute. The tribute goes to some truly unexpected places, like having Lower Decks icon Tawny Newsome play the latest alien host of the Dax symbiote. The real show-stopping cameo, though, came from Cirroc Lofton returning as Jake Sisko, one who talks to SAM via an interactive hologram (or perhaps a Prophet-like vision) in Anslem, his first novel that he secretly completed but never published.
Lofton is as great as ever, and his presence helped cement that this was a sweet, loving tribute to a character made famous by Avery Brooks, who will never be coming back to the franchise. Brooks gets the last word via an older recording that the show passes off as narration from Benjamin Sisko. While that’s admittedly a little weird (hey, at least they got Brooks’ permission… probably), it served as a sentimental capper to a surprisingly deft, often-moving tribute to the coolest captain in Star Trek history.
When Star Trek Talks Down To Its Audience
While it gets the Sisko tribute just right, everything else about this Starfleet Academy episode remains a hot mess. The episode is all about SAM, and they lean into this with a prolonged opening where she talks to the camera while cartoony pop-ups helpfully label things (like “me” and “my makers”) for viewers. That might have been cute on paper, but by the time the show monosyllabically defined “emissary” as “big job,” I realized this was definitive proof (definitive=big deal!) that the writers think everyone watching is a complete idiot.
Speaking of complete idiocy, this Starfleet Academy episode is held back by a terrible subplot in which Chancellor Ake is helping Commander Kelrec prepare to host a visiting dignitary. They end up having a rehearsal dinner attended by the Doctor and Jett Reno, but things immediately go off the rails, with characters doing goofy banter and using table implements as ersatz loudspeakers. The 800-year-old Doctor inexplicably gives everyone spoons with holes in them, and all of this builds to everyone but Kelrec laughing at a deflating fish making farting noises (no, really).
Open Wide, Here Come The “Jokes”
This is part of Starfleet Academy’s overly broad humor that never really lands. It’s not like the show can’t do comedic writing: Caleb’s one-liners are often funny, and if you can get over all the vulgarity and 21st-century slang, the cadets’ constant teasing of each other will make you laugh more often than not. But the show often tries way too hard at comedy, as evidenced by the show’s digital dean (voiced by Stephen Colbert) using the term “morning wood” before laughing in delight at his own boner joke.
The broad humor reminded me of a grim irony: over a decade ago, the Star Trek podcast The Greatest Generation became a success because its hosts (Ben Harrison and Adam Pranica) embraced low-brow humor to talk about a franchise that other podcasters took deadly seriously. In their own words, they were the “d*ck and fart joke” Trek podcast, one made for fans who just wanted a few laughs rather than an in-depth discussion. For franchise fans looking for a consistent chuckle, this remains the best podcast in the entire quadrant.
Now, though, this latest Starfleet Academy episode has proven that this is the d*ck and fart Star Trek show, but these writers can never really land lowbrow humor the way Ben and Adam do. Plus, the constant influx of dirty jokes and foul language constantly cheapens the show’s attempts to discuss anything more serious. Like, ask yourself: is this Sisko episode stronger or weaker for having an awkward boner joke straight out of a Judd Apatow movie?
Go Home, Star Trek, You’re Drunk
It doesn’t help that Starfleet Academy is still trying to straddle the line between being a show concerned with Trek’s legacy (look, they just did a whole episode on The Sisko!) and a show that wants to channel every teen movie ever made. Like, SAM’s revelations about Sisko occur partially while she is blackout drunk at a bar, and her antics lead to a barfight between the Academy types and their rival cadets at the War College. This doesn’t really move the story forward (with the exception of accelerating Caleb and Tarima’s inevitable relationship), and it felt like the writers just wanted to check a few more tropes off a list.
Overall, this latest episode of Starfleet Academy is good, but not great: it lands almost shockingly well as a tribute to Sisko, and as a lifelong Deep Space Nine superfan, I found much of this (especially the cameo from Cirroc Lofton) genuinely moving. The episode also works well as an extended introduction to SAM, but her character development is held back by writers trying to make her a photonic pixie dream girl with the personal log aesthetic of a direct-to-video Nickelodeon film. Throw in the d*ck and fart jokes, and you’re left with a Star Trek show that still can’t figure out if its core audience is old-school fans or modern teens who inexplicably watch nothing but ‘80s boner comedies.
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Things took a shocking turn at an Olive Garden in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, last Friday (Jan. 30) when an employee’s actions left co-workers and customers scrambling. The unsettling incident has left the community and the restaurant’s staff reeling as authorities investigate what happened behind the kitchen doors.
RELATED: Prayers Up! Savannah Guthrie Breaks Down In Emotional Plea For Missing Mom, Believed To Have Been Abducted (VIDEO)
Tragic Moment At Olive Garden Shakes Staff, Patrons
A cook at Olive Garden in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, tragically died after reportedly stripping off his clothes and plunging his head into a hot deep fryer, while co-workers and customers tried to stop him in the shocking incident. A female employee sustained minor injuries while attempting to help. Additionally, the male employee was rushed to a nearby hospital to treat severe burns, but later died from his injuries. Olive Garden and authorities have confirmed the incident as a “suicide attempt” but have not released further details. Furthermore, the restaurant temporarily closed following the event but has since reopened.
Chaos And Shock Hit Olive Garden After Tragic Incident
The incident left Olive Garden staff and nearby customers visibly shaken, with first responders describing a chaotic scene as they arrived at the restaurant. While the restaurant has reopened, employees and community members continue to process the trauma of witnessing such a sudden and distressing event. Officials have emphasized the importance of mental health resources in the wake of the tragedy, though specific circumstances leading up to the incident remain under investigation.
At this time, the employee’s identity has not been publicly released.
The Comment Section Reacts To Kitchen Tragedy
As soon as the news hit, folks ran straight to TSR’s comment section to share their shock and disbelief. Some stressed that people need to be kinder in this world, while others reminded everyone that you never truly know what someone is going through. A few even mentioned how getting splashed by grease in the arm hurts — and they couldn’t imagine enduring what happened in this tragic situation.
This Instagram user @brskash said, “Grease Poppin On My Hand Painful I Cant Imagine Dioping My Head In It🙏🏾”
One Instagram user, @britizabratt, shared, “Being kind and giving people grace is so important these days…..God Bless his soul”
And, Instagram user @darbydarbz_ added, “That’s like…. A very inhumane way to go.. so sad that he was hurting that bad“
Meanwhile, Instagram user @sevxxen wrote, “Bless him and everyone who saw it. This is terrifying 😢😢😢 So sad he was hurting THAT bad“
While Instagram user @peakfran said, “Y’all making jokes about something that’s not even funny! The whole situation is traumatic! Praying…🙏🏾😭”
Finally, Instagram user @caseys_beauty_studio commented, “that’s actually really sad 💔🙏”
RELATED: Prayers Up! Lil Jon’s 27-Year-Old Son Reported Missing In Georgia
What Do You Think Roomies?
Travis Kelce heard Taylor Swift calling on the megaphone — and he couldn’t resist busting a move.
Kelce, 36, stepped out at the Sports Illustrated and Tight End University’s Tight Ends & Friends Presented by Cash App & VISA on Thursday, February 5, where he ventured into the DJ booth right when Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” began playing.
In now-viral social media footage, Kelce was spotted dancing and singing along to the track.
“The Fate of Ophelia,” named after the Hamlet heroine, was the first single off Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl when it was released in October 2025.
“My eyes scanned across ‘the fate of Ophelia’ [in my songwriting journal], I was like, ‘Wait, Ophelia drowned because Hamlet just messed with her head so much that she went crazy and she couldn’t take it any more and all these men were gaslighting her until she drowned,’” Swift, 36, said in her The Release Party of a Showgirl film screening. “What if the hook is that you saved my heart from the fate of Ophelia?”
Swift further explained that Kelce was “the reason [she] didn’t end up like this tragic, poetic heroine who passed away in a fictional story.”
Swift wrote and recorded The Life of a Showgirl during the European leg of her Eras Tour in 2024, chronicling her life between concerts as her relationship with Kelce blossomed. Swift and Kelce have been together since 2023, getting engaged two years later in August 2025.
Swift’s romance with the Kansas City Chiefs tight end also seemingly inspired her Showgirl songs of “Elizabeth Taylor,” “Opalite,” “Eldest Daughter,” “Wood,” “Wish List” and “Honey.”
Travis Kelce and George Kittle at ‘Tight Ends & Friends’ Super Bowl party on Thursday, February 5. Courtesy of Authentic Brands Group
“It just feels different from anything we made before,” she explained in Release Party about making “Honey” with producers Max Martin and Shellback. “If someone calls you ‘honey’ sincerely, it turns out it’s awesome. It feels great. … Somebody coming into your life and repurposing those same exact words and turning them sweet and [realizing] how good that feels.”
In the months since Swift dropped Showgirl, she and Kelce settled into a domestic routine while he closed out his NFL season.
“They love cooking challenges and random deep dives on documentaries,” a source exclusively told Us Weekly in October 2025. “Taylor is always organizing something, and Travis likes video games and is always studying football games. They complement each other in that way.”
Swift has also made herself at home at Kelce’s Kansas City pad.
“They don’t have to worry as much about being incognito day-to-day,” a second insider told Us. “Travis is pretty beloved in Kansas City, so when he and Taylor go out to dinner at a restaurant, people will say hello [but] they don’t go out of their way to bother them. Travis is really personable and will give fans a smile and a pat on the back, and Taylor seems pretty comfortable, likely because Travis is so at home here.”
A third source, meanwhile, told Us that Swift and Kelce have already started thinking about their wedding plans.
“Taylor thinks it’s cute, and it’s something they have been bonding over,” the third source told Us in December 2025. “Taylor and Travis are both very excited about their next chapter.”
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“American Horror Story” star and Olympic skier Gus Kenworthy urinates political message in snow
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Kenworthy has also appeared in “80 for Brady” and the 2024 version of “Don’t Tell Mom the Babysitter’s Dead.”
Savannah Guthrie and her family continue to search for her missing mother, Nancy Guthrie, and as authorities investigate the incident, a sheriff in the case is calling out false reporting.
Journalist Ashleigh Banfield found herself in the crosshairs of the Pima County Sheriff’s Department for falsely alleging that Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law is the prime suspect in her disappearance.
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Sheriff Slams Ashleigh Banfield For ‘Reckless’ Reporting In Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance
During a February 5 press briefing, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos called out podcast host Ashleigh Banfield for incorrectly claiming that Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law, Tommaso Cioni, is the prime suspect in her January 31 disappearance.
“We don’t have anybody here listed as a suspect,” Nanos said, per The Hollywood Reporter. “Nobody’s eliminated, but we just really don’t have enough to say, ‘This is our suspect, this is our guy, we know — or our gal.’”
“We don’t know that,” he continued. “And it’s really kind of reckless to report that someone is a suspect when they could very well be a victim.”
Sheriff Nanos also pleaded with the media moving forward to be “careful” with the information they put out regarding the case because it could be a hindrance.
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“To the media, I plead with you to be careful of what it is we put out there, because we don’t have anybody here listed as a suspect, and you could actually be doing some damage to the case — but you can do some damage to that individual too. Social media is kind of an ugly world sometimes,” he said.
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Ashleigh Banfield Doubles Down On Her Claims Regarding The Guthrie Case
In a statement sent to The Hollywood Reporter, the producer of Banfield’s podcast told the outlet that Banfield “stands by her reporting” and “her ironclad source.”
“They have towed Annie Guthrie’s car. And there is some connection to Annie Guthrie’s car and Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law — that would be Annie’s husband, Tommaso Cioni, age 50 from Tucson, Arizona, married to Annie P. Guthrie, Savannah’s sister,” Banfield said. “And my law enforcement source tells me that Tommaso Cioni is the prime suspect in this case.”
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“Again, law enforcement source tells me that Nancy Guthrie’s son-in-law, married to Annie Guthrie, Savannah’s sister, is — may be, may be a prime suspect in this case. At the very least, let me tamp that down, because sometimes it’s the first person you’re looking at, not ‘prime’ as in there’s no one else, OK? So, let’s be really mindful of that. Families are always looked at first as well.”
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Police Have Stressed There Are ‘No Suspects’ As Investigation Continues
While speaking at the February 5 press briefing, Sheriff Nanos also shared the update that there are still “no suspects” in Nancy Guthrie’s disappearance.
“At this time, we have not identified a suspect or a person of interest in this case,” Nanos, per Variety. “We are working our best to do that. To be clear: we have nobody of interest or any suspects that you would consider a prime suspect.”
“I have no clue where that comes from,” Nanos said. “We have been very consistent — we are not discussing that at all, whether it’s forced entry or not forced entry.”
Authorities Confirm Nancy’s Blood Was Found At The Crime Scene
Following earlier reports that blood was found at the scene of Nancy’s home and was being tested to determine who it belonged to, authorities identified a positive match.
According to PEOPLE, the FBI and the Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed that the blood found on the exterior porch of Nancy’s home positively matches her DNA.
Nancy’s home was labeled a crime scene shortly after her disappearance, after police discovered what they described as “very concerning” conditions, and also that “no proof of life” had been determined.
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A Reward Offered For Nancy’s Guthrie’s Return
On February 5, the Pima County Sheriff’s Department, in conjunction with the FBI, announced a $50,000 reward for the return of Nancy Guthrie.
The reward is for any information regarding Nancy’s whereabouts and/or “the arrest and conviction of anyone involved in her disappearance,” according to FBI Special Agent Heith Janke.
“The FBI has agents, analysts, and professional staff employees working day and night with our partners at the sheriff’s department,” Janke said during the press briefing. “We have deployed additional intelligence and agents from our Phoenix office.”
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Pants styles are controversial these days, but we stand behind flare pants. Even Meghan Markle, the queen of timeless dressing, is on board, proving that the fun style is more than a fleeting trend. Luckily, we found a comfy version of her flare look — pants that double as jeans and yoga pants. Score!
Markle wore her black jeans to a film festival, styling them with a cashmere sweater and maxi coat. We’re copying the aesthetic for brunches, errands and date nights this season — heck, even casual Fridays at the office. These lookalike pants appear so similar, but are stretchy, forgiving and seriously flattering. Oh, and they cost $212 less!
Get the Rammus Crossover Jeans for $40 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Like Markle’s, these flare pants have classic denim detailing, real pockets and a rich black hue. But they differ around the waist; instead of a button, these pants have a flattering crossover design that tucks you in without squeezing. The cotton-and-elastane-blend material is soft like butter and flexible like leggings, so you’ll forget you’re even wearing ‘jeans.’
Literally everywhere feels like the tundra, so it’s no wonder we’ve spotted celebrities, rich moms and celebrity rich moms in their cozy best. This season, everyone’s wearing soft fur coats, and we found 17 faux-fur options that nail the aesthetic for less. This luxe coat style keeps you warm, elevates your look and channels old […]
Better yet, these pants slim from every angle. In addition to the snatching crossover element, these pants boast a high waistband, lengthening side seams and angled back pockets that lift the bootie. The flare-ankle design also gives the illusion of leaner thighs.
Shoppers rave about these pants, including those who have tummies, curves, short torsos or some combination of the above. Many describe them as the most flattering and comfortable jeans they’ve ever worn. It’s no wonder fans come back for other colors!
One new mom shared, “My body changed completely after kids, with an apron belly that doesn’t fit into normal jeans. These are stretchy enough and easy to pull on. Very flattering. I’ve been living in stretch pants for years and these are the first pair of jeans I like.”
Another reviewer echoed the sentiment and wrote, “I think they’re slimming. They are so comfortable, even when sitting down. I stopped wearing jeans for over a decade because the waistband would dig in painfully in that position. These jeans solve that!”
So if you want Markle’s trendy flare jeans look without the buttons, stiffness or scratchy feel, these pants deliver. You’ll wear them from errands to dinner parties and garner compliments along the way.
These wear-everywhere pants should be much more expensive than they are, but we’re not complaining! For an even better deal, don’t forget to check the coupon box for a few bucks off. You’re welcome.
Get the Rammus Crossover Jeans for $40 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Not what you’re looking for? Shop other pants on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!
Just when we thought Jennifer Lopez couldn’t get any cooler, she did. Lopez makes chic look effortless, as proven by her latest lunch date ‘groutfit.’ We don’t know exactly what she wore, but we found a similar two-piece style on Amazon that’s just as classy, and it seriously feels like loungewear. Oh, and the entire […]
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New Music Friday February 6: Taylor Swift, Nick Jonas, Charlie Puth, ZAYN, EJAE, Myles Smith, Niall Horan
Happy New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer — and ET has you covered for everything in between.
Taylor Swift has released the music video for her new single, “Opalite.” She revealed that the idea for the video came after she was a guest on The Graham Norton Show and fellow guest Domhnall Gleeson made a joke about wanting to be in one of her music videos. Taylor said she instantly was struck with an idea and emailed a script to Domhnall one week later. She shared, “It was an absolute thrill to create this story and these characters, Shot on film. The Opalite video is out now on Spotify & Apple Music.” You can shop the new “Opalite” blue pearlescent vinyl, available to pre-order until February 6, 4pm PT.
Nick Jonas has released his new solo album, Sunday Best, which is his first solo project in nearly five years and showcases him in a deeply open and introspective chapter. Nick released the official music video for “Gut Punch” exploring the tension between self-perception and reality.
Charlie Puth released his new single “Cry” featuring Kenny G on saxophone. Charlie shared, “Cry is about allowing yourself to feel things fully. I grew up watching people I admire carry emotional weight quietly. This song is a reminder that expressing emotion is not weakness — it’s human, and sometimes it’s exactly what helps you grow.” ET spoke to Charlie Puth after the Super Bowl LX pregame press conference and teased his new album will feature the most collaborations he has done on an album. His new album, Whatever’s Clever!” is out March 27.
ZAYN has released his highly anticipated new single, “Die For Me,” off his upcoming fifth studio album, KONNAKOL, out April 17. This will be ZAYN’s most culturally inspired project to date. He also announced his largest tour to date, The Konnakol Tour, which kicks off May 12.
Ziggy Marley has released a new track, “Many Mourn For Bob,” a powerful tribute to the legacy of his father, Bob Marley. The new song accompanies the announcement of Ziggy’s upcoming new album, Brightside, out May 1. Ziggy released a moving music video featuring images from his childhood with his father. February 6 is Bob’s birthday and he would have turned 81.
Plus, new music from EJAE, Myles Smith & Niall Horan, Marc Anthony, J. Cole, Rita Wilson, Ella Mai and more.
“Opalite” – Taylor Swift
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
Sunday Best – Nick Jonas
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Die For Me” – ZAYN
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Cry” – Charlie Puth feat Kenny G
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Time After Time” – EJAE
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Drive Safe” – Myles Smith & Niall Horan
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Como en El Idilio” – Marc Anthony & Nathy Peluso
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
The Fall-Off – J. Cole
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Many Mourn For Bob” – Ziggy Marley
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Sound of a Woman” – Rita Wilson
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Homewrecker” – SOMBR
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
Do You Still Love Me? – Ella Mai
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
ODYSSEY – ILLENIUM
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
GOLDEN HOUR: Part.4 – ATEEZ
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“93 In The Keys” – Brian Kelley
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
Piss In The Wind – Joji
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Dracula (JENNIE Remix)” – Tame Impala
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Cloud 9” – Megan Moroney
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Get This” – The All-American Rejects
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Different Kind Of Love” – Young the Giant
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
stardust – Freya Skye
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“neck” – Mau P
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Ride, Ride, Ride” – George Birge feat Luke Bryan
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Feels Right” – Alexia Jayy
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“Work” – Cooper Alan
Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
“A Man Written By A Woman” – Whitney Whitney
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A New Mexico grand jury voted to indict the “West Wing” actor on four counts of criminal sexual contact with a minor.
Netflix is one of the biggest streaming platforms in the world, if not the biggest. The streamer loses titles every month but still offers a robust catalog of shows and movies with significant rewatch value. From horror flicks to documentaries, thrillers, and epic dramas, there is always something to see. Series like Liam Hemsworth’s The Witcher, Shadow & Bone, and Gordon Cormier’s Avatar: The Last Airbender, represent some of the streamer’s most ambitious action fantasy projects ever undertaken.
Thankfully for Netflix, these projects have proven to be major hits for the streamer, with even more ambitious strides being taken. KPop Demon Hunters, which is already an award-winning animated feature, and the much-beloved One Piece series adaptation, whose second season is one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory, signal that ambition. Several Asian series, such as All of Us Are Dead, have already succeeded on the platform. Netflix is poised to expand its catalog into the region with its upcoming Taiwanese fantasy series.
Production began in 2019, and after a seven-year wait, Agent from Above, Netflix’s latest fantasy offering, is finally set to arrive on the platform in 2026. The large-scale action-fantasy series, whose production was slowed in 2022 after the series’ lead, Kai Ko Chen-tung, sustained significant facial injuries on set, is based on the first book of the popular novel series The Oracle Comes by Taiwanese author Teensy. Inspired by Taoist mythology, Agent from Above is set in a universe of gods, monsters, humans, and other mythical beings.
What Is ‘Agent From Above’ About?
The series follows Ko’s Han Chieh, a former drug user turned spirit medium, who is recruited by the legendary Chinese god San Tai Zi as an agent on Earth. Han Chieh’s charge from San Tai Zi is to help bring balance between the human and demon realms by resolving supernatural disturbances. Seizing the opportunity, Han Chieh sees it as a chance for redemption given the sins of his past. According to a report from Netflix, Agent from Above will arrive on the streamer in Q2 2026, and the fantasy series’ official synopsis reads:
“Bound by a deity’s pact, Han Chieh fights demons on Earth. When he uncovers an old enemy’s plan for a second invasion, he must fight to save humanity.”
Agent From Above is one of the most ambitious and expensive Chinese-language productions for Netflix to date. The first season will have only six episodes and will premiere sometime between April and June 2026. For action fantasy fans awaiting the premiere, Netflix declares it “a visual tour de force that delivers spectacular world-building and artistry, setting a new benchmark that stands shoulder to shoulder with high-end fantasy productions globally.” The series is directed by Kuan Wei-chieh and Lai Chun-yu, with Melvin Ang and Rita Chuang serving as executive producers. Kai Ko (You Are the Apple of My Eye) leads the acting talent from Taiwan, with Wang Po-chieh (Life of Pi), Buffy Chen (The Silent Forest), Johnny Yang (Warrior, The Rip), and Hsueh Shih-ling (Taiwan Crime Stories) also part of the cast.
Agent From Above arrives on Netflix in Q2 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for updates.
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Netflix
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Donnie Lai Cheun-Yu
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Alexander Skarsgård and Harry Melling rehearsed “Pillion” sex scene the day they met: 'That’s what we call foreplay'
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“It was a tiring day,” Melling says of the first time Skarsgård arrived to set.
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan issued a public apology after a video surfaced showing him using a racial slur during a livestream with streamer Yonna Jay. The clip, which circulated widely on social media, sparked mixed reactions from viewers. Former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant later spoke out in McMillan’s defense, adding to the ongoing discussion.
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Viral Clip Shows McMillan Using Slur During Streamer Bowl Event
In a viral video, Panthers rookie Tetairoa McMillan, who is of Native Hawaiian descent, is seen playing Madden 26 when he yells the N-word twice after making an interception in the game. At the time, McMillan was seated next to streamer Yonna Jay. Following the comment, Yonna appeared visibly shocked and covered her mouth before asking, “Can he say that?”
The moment quickly gained attention online, with clips reposted across multiple platforms.
Shortly after the video went viral, McMillan addressed the situation on Instagram. He wrote, “Yesterday while on live stream I used a term I should not have. There’s no excuse for what I said. I sincerely apologize for speaking thoughtlessly and will do better.”
Dez Bryant Defends McMillan Following Online Backlash
The incident and McMillan’s apology prompted reactions from fans, commentators, and former players. Dez Bryant publicly defended McMillan, suggesting the comment was not made with harmful intent.
“Bruh. The way he said it… no harm no foul… he been around,” Bryant wrote. “Folks need to chill because it’s really not that serious.”
After McMillan’s apology, Bryant continued his support, adding, “Somebody tell bro to never apologize for being honest.”
On Thursday night, the Carolina Panthers shared photos of McMillan attending the 15th annual NFL Honors ceremony. Bryant later quote-tweeted the post, writing, “My n****” amid the ongoing controversy.
Social Media Users React With Mixed Opinions
The viral moment sparked debate across social media, with users expressing a wide range of opinions. Some criticized the situation and Bryant’s response.
Instagram user @blackculturegalore wrote, “Black men of those realms really be bending down and taking it. Cause huh! Not serious?”
Another Instagram user @theedejamonae wrote, “When I say I love Yonna … I LOVEEEEEEEEE Yonna !”
While Instagram user @19xbri wrote, “He’s gonna keep saying it.”
Instagram user @_shaunyisthatyou wrote, “Did he say it in an offensive way?? Cause I see black people claiming him so I mean.. if he wasn’t disrespecting anybody then cool.”
Another Instagram user @mss.beautiful wrote, “It’s always not that deep to BM this is why we in the situation we in now they be letting too much slide.”
While Instagram user @ariellalucie wrote, “YONNA IS SO MEEE 😂! She was really appalled lmfaooo”
Instagram user @maskedman_jt wrote, “The islanders good in the hood 🤘🏾”
Another Instagram user @xsta.siii wrote, “You cannot try to make me ever think ts okay. Stop tryna speak for us tf we didn’t ask you too @dezbryant”
While Instagram user @ihxten1ck wrote, “During Black history month ?????”
Related: Social Media Reacts After Toosii Calls Syracuse Football Coach A “Bozo” & Announces First Day At Louisiana State University (VIDEOS)
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