It’s more than obvious to anyone who’s a fan of David Fincher that the man has a massive love for true crime and fictional crime alike. A quick scan of his sprawling portfolio will reveal favorites among his following, like the Jake Gyllenhaal and Robert Downey Jr.-led Zodiac and his Netflix series Mindhunter. Both are based on true events, with the former stemming from a pair of books penned by Gyllenhaal’s character, Robert Graysmith, and the latter digging into the pages of John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker’s co-penned book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. With precision, dedication to the stories on which they’re based, and a personal obsession with the cases at the center of both tales, Fincher backed two masterful pieces of true crime content.

On the fictional side of things, the Fight Club helmer was so taken aback by the story that Gillian Flynn wrote in her 2012 novel Gone Girl, that he directed a feature-length production. While the crime at the core of the psychological thriller’s plotline is fake, the movie perfectly captures how well the director can shape a pulse-pounding, anxiety-inducing take of fear, betrayal, lies, murder, and consequences. Additionally, while his work as the visionary behind the award-winning drama The Social Network technically can’t be counted as true crime, Fincher ensured that audiences would be able to have conversations surrounding the legality of what they saw during the two-hour film.

Long before Zodiac, Mindhunter, Gone Girl, and The Social Network, Fincher blew the minds of theatergoers everywhere when he introduced one of the greatest fictional crime dramas of all time with the release of 1995’s Se7en. Not only is the piece considered to be one of the genre’s absolute classics, but it is also the second feature-length project to hail from the helmer, showcasing his rising talent in the industry. For those who have yet to be pulled into the twisted narrative of the star-studded feature that sees Brad Pitt and Morgan Freeman as detectives tracking down a madman, you’re in luck, as Se7en is set to arrive on Tubi beginning on June 1.

What’s ‘Se7en’ About?

Unfolding during the film’s runtime is a game of cat-and-mouse between a soon-to-be-retired detective named William Somerset (Freeman) and his fresh-faced partner David Mills (Pitt), who are on the trail of a sadistic serial killer who is using the seven deadly sins as a blueprint for his murders. Filling out the rest of the primary cast are Gwyneth Paltrow and John C. McGinley.

Head over to Tubi on June 1 to stream Se7en completely free of charge.

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Release Date

September 22, 1995

Runtime

127 minutes

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Writers

Andrew Kevin Walker

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Producers

Arnold Kopelson, Phyllis Carlyle

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Country music star LeAnn Rimes is sharing her go-to home remedies for two health issues amid the controversy surrounding her viral jaw release video.

“No, after being on antibiotics, I’m trying to heal thrush in my throat and acid reflux… dear lord help me,” Rimes, 43, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Friday, May 9, over a photo of the singer holding a clear drink on ice.

“Sunshine, grounding [and] coconut water & aloe vera juice with fresh rosemary from our yard,” she added, outlining the ingredients in her drink helping her treat her illnesses.

Rimes has been in the spotlight as of late for her experience with alternative medicine, including the now-viral video of the singer having a “deep jaw release” to ease tension in the body.

Related: Brandi Glanville Shades LeAnn Rimes for Crying During Jaw Release Treatment

Brandi Glanville is far from impressed after country music singer LeAnn Rimes shared an emotional video highlighting her recent jaw release treatment. “We did see LeAnn Rimes in the news today,” Glanville, 53, said on the Thursday, April 2, episode of her “Unfiltered” podcast. “I don’t understand why I saw it, and I’ve had that […]

“Healing isn’t always quiet,” the singer captioned a March 29 video shared via Instagram, featuring Garry Lineham, cofounder of the wellness platform Human Garage, reaching into Rimes’ mouth as she expressed pain at different pressure points. After nearly 60 seconds, the singer started to cry, signifying that her jaw was back in alignment.

“Sometimes it’s a physical letting go of things,” the captioned continued, “we didn’t even know we were carrying.”

The video went instantly viral, prompting many to allege that the video was somehow fake and that Rimes was simply acting.

“The people were commenting on [the post], being [like], “Of course the camera was on, she was gonna cry,” Rimes said on the April 18 livestream with Lineham, addressing the viral claims. “I’m like, ‘I can act, but I am not that good.’ I am not that good. I’m not Meryl Streep.”

After seemingly attacking Rimes for allegedly taking her “husband, kids, boobs, bronco” and “random illnesses,” The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills alum Brandi Glanville came to the singer’s defense.

“She really is sick,” Glanville, 53, said on the Thursday, May 7, episode of her “Brandi Unfiltered” podcast. “She has something. I know she gets sick every time she leaves the country, much like myself. We’re twinning all the time.”

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Related: LeAnn Rimes Reveals ‘Severe Illness’ After Deep Jaw Release Video Drama

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LeAnn Rimes says she’s “truly heartbroken” after she was forced to cancel upcoming concerts for unidentified health reasons. “Due to severe illness, I am unable to travel & perform this week,” Rimes, 43, announced via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, April 29. “I’m sorry to share that the upcoming shows in Spokane and Seattle will […]

Glanville went on to reveal that her two sons, whom she shares with ex-husband Eddie Cibrian, have shared updates on Rimes’ illnesses with her. (Cibrian, 52, has been married to Rime since 2011.)

“They are like, ‘She is so sick,’” the reality TV star claimed. “They are so health-conscious, [and] they have, like, a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in their dining room.”

She continued, “She really is sick, she does have laryngitis, she has a tooth situation and everything she’s doing is to protect her moneymaker. That’s been her life for, think about it, since she was a child. So, they go to bed at 8:30. They have, like, a whole room of all these machines and lymphatic drainage and they wake up at 4:00 and do yoga. They’re, like, ‘Health, health, health.’”

Many who grew up in the 1990s remember waking up on a Saturday morning, grabbing that bowl of cereal, and getting comfy on the couch to watch cartoons. It was the same tradition as kids in the ’80s had done, but by the ’90s, cartoons weren’t just restricted to Saturday mornings. Even coming home after school, cartoons were part of life for kids who grew up in the era. Not only were they great for younger audiences, but they had enough jokes to keep older viewers entertained.

The best ’90s cartoons will never die, not if today’s fans and creators have anything to say about it. Only time will tell what ’90s classics will continue well into the 21st century, or which will receive revivals and get the modern treatment they deserve. If you’ve been bitten by the nostalgia bug, these cartoons from the ’90s are great to comb over and pick up on all the things that went over your head.

30

‘Captain Planet and the Planeteers’ (1990–1996)

Image via TBS

The spirit of the Earth, Gaia, puts together a group of teenagers known as the Planeteers, who are given the power of the five elements to help protect the planet from pollution and those who take advantage of its natural resources. When the Planeteers unite their powers, they have the ability to summon an elemental being known as Captain Planet to help them in their fight.

Captain Planet and the Planeteers is a blend of a traditional superhero series combined with an educational theme that makes it one of the most unique cartoons of the 1990s. Despite mixed reviews over the series’ subject matter, Captain Planet was still a revolutionary cartoon at the time and captivated viewers with its characters and their elemental superpowers that varied from other popular superhero shows. While the series was surrounded in some controversy, young viewers still enjoyed the show’s passion and originality, cementing it as one of the most innovative cartoons of its time.

29

‘Rocko’s Modern Life’ (1993–1996)

Image via Nickelodeon

Rocko’s Modern Life is another bizarre but clever ’90s cartoon that follows a wallaby, Rocko (Carlos Alazraqui), who moves from his home in Australia to the United States, but when he arrives, he realizes things aren’t exactly what he had imagined. Between his annoying neighbors and a series of never-ending life issues, Rocko tries to navigate his way through his new life and, with the help of his friends and canine buddy, Spunky, he manages to overcome any obstacle thrown his way.

Rocko’s Modern Life wasn’t an initial hit but, like other shows at the time such as The Ren and Stimpy Show, it gained a major cult following and became one of the most popular animated series of the 1990s. The series was hit with some concern over its slight adult humor and social commentary, but all in all, Rocko’s Modern Life puts a comedic spin on the difficulties that come with growing up and finding your place in the world and also emphasizes the importance of friendship and family, deeming it to be a top-notch cartoon of the ’90s.

28

‘Darkwing Duck’ (1991–1992)

Image via Disney

Drake Mallard (Jim Cummings) may seem like an average avian citizen of St. Canard, but by night, he becomes the terror that flaps in the night, Darkwing Duck. Though he fights crime to keep the city safe, it’s born just as much from his egotism as it is from his altruism. Fortunately, he is kept in check by his adoptive daughter, Gosalyn (Christine Cavanaugh), and sidekick from DuckTales, Launchpad McQuack (Terry McGovern).

Darkwing Duck was one of Disney’s first attempts at an action series, which helped to give it a unique identity. It played heavily into darker superhero tropes, with Darkwing in particular mirroring the likes of Batman and The Shadow, while also poking fun at the tropes through moments like Darkwing providing his own narrations. Speaking of Darkwing, he’s a terrific character thanks to Cummings’ performance, and the writing emphasizes that, despite his many faults, he is a worthy superhero. —Tyler B. Searle

27

‘Tiny Toon Adventures’ (1990–1992)

Image via Warner Bros.

Years after the classic Looney Tunes cartoons wrapped up, the characters opened a university in Acme Acres to educate the next generation in the art of cartoon comedy. The students included the likes of genre-savvy rabbit duo Babs (Tress MacNeille) and Buster Bunny (Charlie Adler and John Kassir), egotistical waterfowl Plucky Duck (Joe Alaskey), and Elmyra Duff (Cree Summer), a little girl who just wants to hug every animal she sees. Naturally, things quickly go wacky and loony, in and outside the classroom.

Tiny Toon Adventures was the first of several Warner Bros. cartoons produced by Steven Spielberg, and while other examples would surpass it in terms of comedy, it’s still a fantastic show. The show knows how to take the classic Looney Tunes style of humor and re-interpret it for newer, younger audiences, while still retaining a lot of its risqué bite. It also helps that the characters are all solidly constructed, paying homage to the classic characters while retaining more than enough originality so they can stand on their own. —Tyler B. Searle

26

‘Freakazoid!’ (1995–1997)

Image via Warner Bros.

A freak accident infuses Dexter Douglas (David Kaufman) with the power of the internet, transforming him into the hero Freakazoid (Paul Rugg). Though he gained super durability, speed, strength, and the knowledge of the 1990s internet, he was also left easily distracted and a little bit wild. So while Freakazoid will save the day and stop the various villains who threaten him and his community, it’ll rarely be in the most direct and expected way.

Freakazoid! can best be described as controlled chaos boiled into an animated show. Its humor completely demolishes the 4th-wall as Freakazoid leans heavily into cartoon physics and gags, to the point where the show can be considered a progenitor to the type of humor that would develop around meme culture. Things get even better when you look at the voice cast for the show, including Ed Asner, Tim Curry, and Ricardo Montalban. —Tyler B. Searle

25

‘Spider-Man: The Animated Series’ (1994–1998)

Image via Marvel

After being bitten by a radioactive spider, Peter Parker (Christopher Daniel Barnes) gains enhanced strength, durability, powers of precognition, and the ability to climb walls. He eventually decides to adopt the superhero persona of Spider-Man to keep New York City safe, both from regular criminals and a plethora of superpowered ones. When he’s not stopping the likes of the Hobgoblin (Mark Hamill) or The Kingpin (Roscoe Lee Browne), his time is divided between attending school, being there for his friends and family, and maintaining his photography job at the Daily Bugle.

Spider-Man: The Animated Series did for the web head what Batman: The Animated Series did for the caped crusader. Despite numerous cases of network censorship that included limited physical violence and a mandate that Spider-Man can’t harm any pigeons if he lands on a roof, the show captured the universal appeal of Spider-Man through a healthy emphasis on Peter’s social life and the struggles of his loved ones alongside the action. The show also crossed over with numerous other Marvel TV shows at the time, allowing Spidey to team up with the likes of the X-Men and Iron Man (Robert Hays) long before the MCU was an idea. —Tyler B. Searle

24

‘Superman: The Animated Series’ (1996–2000)

Image via Warner Bros. Animation

To the people of Metropolis, Clark Kent (Tim Daly) is a mild-mannered reporter from Kansas who works at the Daily Planet. However, he is actually an alien from the planet Krypton who protects the Earth as Superman with a wide array of powers derived from Earth’s sun. While most of the people of Metropolis love the Man of Steel, he does have one major enemy in Lex Luthor (Clancy Brown), the genius, megalomaniac founder of Lexcorp, who sees Superman as a challenge to his authority.

Superman: The Animated Series was made by the same team behind Batman: The Animated Series, so it’s no surprise that its writing quality turned out as good as it did. Its stories included a healthy mix of lighthearted capers like classic Silver Age storylines, and darker, more mature outings, especially when they involved Darkseid (Michael Ironside). Though it was canceled prematurely, many of its storylines would later be used in Justice League and Justice League Unlimited, which capped off the DCAU. —Tyler B. Searle

23

‘Gargoyles’ (1994–1997)

Image via Buena Vista Television

After spending thousands of years in a cursed petrified state, a series of gargoyle statues are transported from Scotland to New York City, where they each come alive at night. At night, the nocturnal creatures awake from slumber and serve as guardians and protectors of the city, but at sunrise, they turn back into stone, concealing their power and ancient magic from the outside world.

Disney’s Gargoyles was a unique 90s cartoon series that was known for its dark tones, complex storylines, and well-developed characters which were brought to life by an array of voice talents, including Keith David, Ed Asner, and Tim Curry. The series ran for three successful seasons and while it may have been a short-lived show, Gargoyles has an extremely loyal following of fans and remains to be a beloved 90s cartoon.

22

‘The Angry Beavers’ (1997–2001)

Brothers, Daggett (Richard Steven Horvitz) and Norbert (Nick Bakay) decide to venture from their hometown in Oregon and gain their own sense of independence, living in a nearby forest. After building an impressive bachelor pad, the brothers soon find themselves in a series of whacky and comical situations that keep their lives entertaining.

The Angry Beavers is a highly underrated animated series from the 1990s that ran for a successful five seasons on Nickelodeon. The series never loses its touch of unpredictability and always delivers some zany or out-of-this-world scenario for the brothers, who are complete opposites and constantly at childish odds over something. The characters’ in-depth development and creator, Mitch Schauer’s dedication to keeping fans on their toes is what makes The Angry Beavers a top-notch animated series of the 1990s.

21

‘Ed, Edd n Eddy’ (1999–2008)

Image via Nickelodeon

In a seemingly average suburban neighborhood, three friends, Ed (Matt Hill), Edd (Samuel Khouth), and Eddy (Tony Sampson), try to survive their adolescent years and rely on one another to make it through each day. The boys find themselves in endless shenanigans with the local group of colorful neighborhood kids or being chased by the Kanker Sisters, or on a quest for their favorite treat, jawbreakers.

Ed, Edd n Eddy is a ridiculously humorous animated series that had an impressive run for six seasons and featured an array of characters that stood out with their own signature qualities. Between a boy, Johnny, whose best friend is a piece of wood known as Plank to Ed, who really loves butter toast, Ed, Edd n Eddy gave young audiences the effective encouragement to be themselves and embrace their own sense of weirdness and uniqueness.

The miniseries format has been a big success for Netflix, particularly in the past few years, so it’s hardly shocking that the platform boasts several standout works in this style, including acclaimed titles like Adolescence and Baby Reindeer. Bridging the gap between the high-budget productions of cinema and the intimate storytelling of television, these shows have become massive critical and commercial successes. However, beyond those widely recognized hits, the streaming platform is also home to many excellent miniseries that haven’t received the same level of attention.

The challenge of a one-season story is that you don’t have the luxury of reigniting popular interest with new installments, which makes it easy for even the greatest miniseries to fade from public memory. But though they may be forgotten, that doesn’t diminish their brilliance, and they’re still remarkable achievements, even if they never achieved enduring popularity. With that in mind, here’s a look at some near-perfect Netflix miniseries that deserve to be revisited even though practically nobody remembers them anymore.

1

‘Alias Grace’ (2017)

Image via Sarah Gadon

A Canadian drama miniseries directed by Mary Harron and written by Sarah Polley, Alias Grace is an adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s 1996 novel, which follows a fictionalized take on real events from the 19th century. Sarah Gadon stars as Grace Marks, a young housemaid convicted of a high-profile murder, who reveals her story to a psychiatrist hired to evaluate her mental state. Edward Holcroft, Rebecca Liddiard, Zachary Levi, Kerr Logan, David Cronenberg, Paul Gross, and Anna Paquin star in key supporting roles.

Most audiences these days know of Margaret Atwood primarily because of The Handmaid’s Tale, but as haunting as that near-future story may be, this journey into the past is every bit as powerful. Alias Grace was highly acclaimed by critics in its day, earning praise for its gripping story, complex characters, and sharp social commentary, and it’s a truly fascinating period thriller that opens a window into a little-explored time and place. The show garnered several accolades as well, including two Canadian Screen Awards and an Emmy nomination.

2

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Based on a real-life case detailed in T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong’s Pulitzer Prize-winning news feature and their book A False Report, Unbelievable is a crime drama miniseries created by Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, and Michael Chabon. Kaitlyn Dever stars as 18-year-old Marie Adler, whose rape assault report was dismissed by police officers as a false allegation, and the show explores her nightmarish experiences with the police and judicial system, as well as an investigation years later by two relentless detectives (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) who are looking for a serial rapist who may have been responsible for the assault on Marie.

Unbelievable is not an easy watch, but it’s a show that a lot more people ought to see. A powerful and painful narrative about how victims of abuse are unfairly persecuted by the very systems meant to protect them, the show handles its real-life events with grace and sensitivity, honoring the struggles of the victims while sharply criticizing the dysfunctions of the justice systems. Featuring one of Kaitlyn Dever’s most compelling performances to date, Unbelievable is a criminally overlooked series that remains tragically relevant today, decades after the true events that inspired it.

3

‘Maniac’ (2018)

Image via Netflix

Created by Patrick Somerville and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, Maniac is a black comedy-drama miniseries loosely based on the 2015 Norwegian show. Emma Stone and Jonah Hill star as two strangers who take part in a pharmaceutical trial testing a treatment that can supposedly cure all psychological disorders, embarking on a mind-bending trip through hallucinatory worlds. The series also features Justin Theroux, Sonoya Mizuno, Gabriel Byrne, and Sally Field as part of its main cast.

Released on Netflix in 2018, Maniac was very well-received by critics and audiences, garnering praise for its performances, direction, and retro-futuristic visuals. A darkly comedic and psychologically layered series, Maniac is an intriguing experience that takes its characters (and the viewers) in unpredictable directions. The show is driven by the amazing performances of Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, with the former receiving a Satellite Award nomination and a Screen Actors Guild Award nomination for her role.

4

‘Dracula’ (2020)

Image via BBC One

An adaptation of Bram Stoker’s eponymous Gothic novel created by Mark Gatiss and Steven Moffat, BBC’s Dracula is a reimagination of the iconic character through a 21st-century lens. Starring Claes Bang as the titular vampire, the miniseries explores Count Dracula’s centuries-spanning legacy of gore and terror, from his beginnings in Transylvania to modern-day London, following his lifelong battle with his arch nemesis, Agatha Van Helsing (Dolly Wells). The show’s ensemble cast also includes John Heffernan, Morfydd Clark, Samuel Blenkin, Lydia West, Matthew Beard, and more in supporting roles.

Arguably one of the most elegant modern adaptations of Bram Stoker’s Dracula, Gatiss and Moffat’s adaptation of the 19th-century literary classic is a meticulously crafted and highly sophisticated production anchored by its impeccable performances. Driven by the fiery chemistry between Bang and Wells, the miniseries cleverly reinterprets the vampiric Count’s familiar story, finding new heights of horror, humor, and emotion in the process. Visually stimulating and sharply written, the show is a contemporary television masterpiece that deserves a lot more attention.

5

‘Maid’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Based on Stephanie Land‘s 2019 memoir Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive, Maid is a drama series created by Molly Smith Metzler that stars Margaret Qualley as Alex, a young mother and the titular maid. After escaping an abusive relationship, Alex takes a job cleaning houses to provide for her daughter, and the show explores her struggles navigating dysfunctional relationships and government red tape while dreaming of a future as a writer. The series also stars Nick Robinson, Anika Noni Rose, Tracy Vilar, Billy Burke, and Andie MacDowell in key roles.

After its premiere in 2021, Maid quickly became one of Netflix’s most popular English-language TV shows, earning acclaim from critics and audiences alike for its moving, dramatic story. A grounded and heartbreakingly realistic story inspired by true events, the series has been widely praised for its narrative and acting, particularly Margaret Qualley’s intense performance as the central protagonist. Maid earned several accolades as well, including three Emmy nominations and three Golden Globe nominations, and it was named one of the top 10 TV shows of the year by the American Film Institute.

6

‘Clark’ (2022)

Image via Netflix

A Swedish crime comedy-drama miniseries starring Bill Skarsgård, Clark explores the real-life story of notorious criminal Clark Olofsson, as described in his book Vafan var det som hände? Directed by Jonas Åkerlund, the series recounts Olofsson’s life and crimes, particularly the infamous Norrmalmstorg robbery, which originated the term “Stockholm Syndrome.” Besides Skarsgård, the show also stars Vilhelm Blomgren, Isabelle Grill, Malin Levanon, Hanna Björn, Peter Viitanen, Sandra Ilar, and more in supporting roles.

On the surface, Clark is a wildly comedic, almost gleeful story about a highly flamboyant criminal, but underneath that is a subtle yet clear critical examination of Olofsson’s life and psyche, revealing the sociopathic and delusional tendencies behind his bravado and charisma. Though the show may not be very widely known, it’s easily one of Bill Skarsgård’s best performances and a highly enjoyable, energetic, and vibrant period crime saga. His performance earned Skarsgård a Kristallen Award, the Swedish equivalent of an Emmy.

7

‘Bodies’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

Based on the DC Vertigo graphic novel written by Si Spencer, Bodies is a sci-fi mystery thriller miniseries created by Paul Tomalin that explores a complex time travel conspiracy. The story begins with the discovery of a mysterious corpse that appears in the same spot in London in four different time periods — 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053 — following the Metropolitan Police detectives who investigate the case in their respective times. Shira Haas, Amaka Okafor, Kyle Soller, and Jacob Fortune-Lloyd lead the cast as the detectives, with Stephen Graham, Tom Mothersdale, Greta Scacchi, Michael Jibson, and more appearing in lead roles.

Bodies is a sci-fi masterpiece that slowly unravels an intricate four-dimensional mystery that moves backwards and forwards in time, earning critical acclaim for its complex narrative and compelling performances. Though it’s relatively underrated, this mindboggling thriller series is easily one of the best ever made in its genre, using recurring motifs, layered character dynamics, and intriguing sci-fi concepts to create a truly fascinating journey through space and time. And while it does all that, the show also maintains a powerful emotional core, particularly through the characters played by Kyle Soller and Amaka Okafor.

8

‘Pluto’ (2023)

Image via Netflix

Produced by Genco and animated by Studio M2, Pluto is a sci-fi anime mystery series adapted from the manga by Naoki Urasawa and Takashi Nagasaki, which is in turn inspired by Osamu Tezuka’s iconic Astro Boy series. Set in a futuristic world where humans and advanced robots co-exist, the show follows a robot inspector who is investigating a series of robot and human murders, uncovering connections to a devastating war in the recent past. Shinshū Fuji, Yoko Hikasa, Mamoru Miyano, and more star as the original Japanese voice cast, with Jason Vande Brake, Laura Stahl, Keith Silverstein, and others voicing the English dub.

Unlike the family-friendly Astro Boy manga and TV series, Pluto is a darker, more mature reimagining of Osamu Tezuka’s beloved characters, brought to life through stunning animation and an emotionally deep narrative. Essentially a neo-noir psychological thriller set in a futuristic sci-fi world, the show explores powerful themes of trauma, hatred, and humanity. The series was a critical darling when it first premiered in 2023, and though it isn’t as widely known as its landmark predecessor, Pluto is easily one of the most elevated, complex, and gorgeously animated anime series of the 2020s.

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Pluto

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Release Date

2023 – 2023-00-00

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Directors

Toshio Kawaguchi

Writers

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Tatsuro Inamoto, Heisuke Yamashita

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Imagine being stuck in a time loop, but it’s a measly two-minute interval instead of days or even hours. The not-so-pleasant cherry on top is that everyone remembers it. That’s the outlandish, yet vaguely familiar, premise River is built on. The sci-fi comedy is set in a seemingly idyllic Japanese village and updates the typical run-of-the-mill time loop storyline, putting its characters in a bizarre, two-minute cycle of déjà vu. Perhaps what makes this film so clever is the fact that the short loops don’t leave the narrative lacking. The director, Junta Yamaguchi, makes it so that the movie squeezes an incredible amount of humor, heart, and a quality story into every repeat.

The time loop concept is certainly not unique to River, with films like Happy Death Day and Edge of Tomorrow preceding it. However, River is full of twists and turns that make it come across as refreshingly original. The characters’ desperate yet hilarious attempts to make sense of their predicament, while trying to maintain their jobs at a small inn, keep things light and engaging. Overall, Yamaguchi is a master at balancing the film’s breezy tone with just enough mystique to keep viewers guessing. River delivers a familiar Groundhog Day vibe, but it infuses its story with Japanese culture, making every second count.

How ‘River’ Takes Time Loops and Turns Them Into Something Different

Image via Third Window Films

River gives the time loop trope a serious makeover. Typically, you’d watch a character relive the same day or a couple of hours till something gives. However, Yamaguchi narrows it down to a brief two minutes. To top it all off, there isn’t just one character blessed, or cursed, with the knowledge that they’re stuck in a loop — everyone remembers it all. Rather than dragging the characters down, the two-minute loop becomes a source of unpredictable fun that just keeps giving. Even more, this adds oodles of comedy and chaos, as the characters blindly jump onto the Herculean task of trying to figure out how to make the most of their blink-and-you-miss-it time frames.

Making it even more of a standout is how River mashes together the frantic time-loop mechanics with moments of genuine connection. On one hand, there’s this picturesque small town setting and on the other, there’s pure chaos. This starts with seemingly small everyday disruptions that metamorphose into more complex issues. For instance, some of the guests repeatedly experience their bowls being refilled mid-meal, which results in an endless cycle of confused but hilarious conversations. This adds both a comedic and bittersweet layer to the story. But as the loop deepens, the character’s reactions and interactions become more layered.

The staff at the inn join forces to keep things afloat, which ends up being as frantic to watch as it is endearing. Each attempt to clean up and serve guests before the reset becomes more apocalyptic than the last, but there’s still a light air about it. The real winner here is how the film cleverly plays with time once things begin to follow a rhythm, the tone shifts. River is solid proof that even worn-out tropes have room for creativity.

‘River’ Expertly Balances Sci-Fi, Comedy, and Emotional Depth

These time-loop-related storylines tend to get bogged down by absurd chaos, but River takes more of a playful approach. For instance, a waiter is stuck serving the same meal over and over again. Naturally, his frustration is gradually reaching its peak as he tries to keep up before the loop resets. The beauty in these moments of disarray is that they’re not just for gags, but rather they’re seamlessly timed pieces of comedy that are indicative of the weirdness of their situation. Even better is the fact that River doesn’t just rely on the time loop for its humor, the inn staff and guest’s quirky personalities add layers of comedic gold. From the writer who struggles to scribble down a sentence to just about every other character who is engrossed in perfecting the little things in their mandatory two-minute routine, there’s a touch of light-heartedness to the entire experience.

Beyond the laughs, River tries its best to dig deeper, especially in terms of how the characters try to escape their prison. It’s interesting to see their evolution as well as the ways their relationships progress. At some point, it’s clear that they’re not simply looking for an escape, but they also crave purpose and connection amidst all the madness. This ups the ante, transforming their story into somewhat of a puzzle where the full picture is all-around self-discovery. So, is it funny? On more levels than one, but it’s equally touching and gripping.

‘River’ Expands on ‘Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes’ Playful Exploration of Time

Image via Tollywood

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Time loops can be tricky business, but if anyone knows how to manipulate them expertly it’s director Junta Yamaguchi. River wasn’t his first time around the block with the two-minute concept; in fact, he used it in a whole different — but similar — way in the 2020 film, Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes. The premise is simple, characters can see two minutes into the future and they build on this window to craft a playful, small-scale sci-fi comedy. With a two-minute headstart into the future, you’d think that the characters on Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes would try to save the world or pursue grander goals. However, the film stands out for how “human” their reactions are, they end up using their privilege to pull off quirky tricks and avoid everyday challenges. It’s these little moments where Kato (Riko Fujitani) uses the time “window” to impress or prank unsuspecting friends that sell the humor and humanity.

In River, Yamaguchi keeps things light in a dire situation by digging deeper into this playful concept. Mikoto, also played by Fujitani, may be one of the emotional anchors of the film. However, she’s also caught using the loop to further her own agenda. For her, the constant resets are a last-ditch effort to ensure her crush, Taku (Yuki Torigoe) doesn’t leave the inn for good. But, make no mistake, while they’re cut from the same cloth, Beyond The Infinite Two Minutes and River are two different beasts.

The latter expands on the core idea by closely examining the emotional weight of living in a loop. For instance, the inn’s sous chef keeps trying to get to the bottom of their predicament through strategic team meetings. But, the constant time interruptions blend comedy with the mounting frustration to create a more grounded result. In a nutshell, viewers get to see exactly how each character deals with the reality of being stuck. So, where Beyond the Infinite Two Minutes doesn’t try to complicate the mechanics of time travel, River manages to strike a balance between being playful and introspective.

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River

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Release Date

June 23, 2023

Runtime

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86 minutes

Director

Junta Yamaguchi

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Writers

Makoto Ueda

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Billy Ray Cyrus is one proud father to watch his daughter Miley Cyrus earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame — and he’s going the extra mile to make sure the street is spic and span for the occasion.

“@mileycyrus I am coming in early to clean and shine the sidewalks before the big day,” Billy Ray, 64, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, May 9. “It’s only once in a lifetime, a Daddy from Flatwoods, Kentucky gets to see his little girl … evolve into an actress into a full-fledged rock star ⭐️.”

News broke on Friday, May 8, that Miley, 33, will receive the coveted star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in a May 22 ceremony.

“Time for a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame!!!! Can’t make this up,” Billy Ray gushed on Saturday. “Art … imitating life … imitating art once again in the Cyrus family.”

Miley got her big break playing Miley Stewart/Hannah Montana on Disney Channel’s Hannah Montana, an early 2000s sitcom about a pop star’s double life as a normal middle school student. Billy Ray, like in real life, played Miley’s dad and a famed country music singer. Miley’s onscreen alter ego even got a star in a 2008 episode titled “Hannah in the Streets with Diamonds.”

In another tribute, Billy Ray gushed that Miley’s honor was “well-deserved.”

“It’s a long way from Tennessee to Hollywood @mileycyrus! And you did it girl,” he wrote on Friday. “Congratulations on your well-deserved star on the @hwdwalkoffame! Remember those nights you spoke about when I’d sneak ya out of our hotel and we would go lurk on those dirty sidewalks !!! And you would point out all the chewing gum because you knew it made me sick!!!! 🤢So proud of you 👏🏻 Love ya. ♥️.”

Miley is one of Billy Ray’s five children with ex-wife Tish Cyrus. In addition to Miley, the exes share Brandi, 38, Trace, 37, Braison, 32, and Noah, 26. (Billy Ray adopted Brandi and Trace, Tish’s kids from a past relationship, when they got married in 1993. He is also father of son Christopher, 34, whom he shares with ex Kristin Luckey.)

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Related: Miley and Dad Billy Ray Cyrus’ Ups and Downs Over the Years

Sorry Hannah Montana fans, Miley and Billy Ray Cyrus don’t appear to have the same tight relationship that they portrayed on screen for years. Billy Ray and ex-wife Tish Cyrus welcomed daughter Miley (born Destiny Hope) in November 1992. While Billy Ray had a career of his own before his association with his daughter — […]

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Miley and Billy Ray’s bond, however, fractured upon her parents’ divorce. They eventually mended fences last year.

“My dad and I have had our challenges over the years,” Miley wrote in a March 2025 statement. “Now, in my 30s, family is my priority above all else. I’m at peace knowing bridges have been built and time has done a lot of healing. Grateful for the good health and love that flows through my family.”

Tish, 58, is now married to Dominic Purcell, while Billy Ray has found love with Elizabeth Hurley.

Danielle Fishel admittedly felt “so uncomfortable” when Boy Meets World featured a story line dedicated to her character Topanga’s weight.

“When I started the show at 12, I did weigh 94 pounds, and now I’m 19 and I weigh you know, 115 or whatever it is, and I have put on that weight,” Fishel, 45, said on the Thursday, May 7, episode of her “Pod Meets World” podcast, detailing her mindset at the time to read scripts poking fun at her character’s apparent weight gain. “It is my responsibility and as an actor, my body is part of my instrument.”

Fishel was particularly aware of her body while filming the season 7 episode titled, “She’s Having My Baby Back Ribs,” where Topanga goes on a diet after struggling to button her pants. Topanga’s husband, Cory Matthews (Ben Savage), in turn, thought his college student wife was actually pregnant.

“I’m sure there was a part of me that understood why parts of it were funny then too, so I’m like, ‘It is funny, so why am I taking it so personally?’” she recalled. “I remember doing the wardrobe fitting for these jeans and they were a size either 26 or 27, which is a 2 or a 4. … I knew no matter how I feel about my own body, because I was definitely like, ‘I’m huge, I’m fat, I’m disgusting.’”

She continued, “I knew that, factually, a size four is something most American women would think of as being borderline emaciated, and yet we’re gonna do an entire episode around the fact that this size four woman has to be this concerned about her weight and her body, and that made me angry.”

As Fishel filmed the scene where her pants wouldn’t close, she became increasingly “aware [of] what” the show was telling women audience members about their own body shapes.

“[I was] not happy at all,” the actress stated.

Fishel’s podcast cohost Will Friedle further noted that the story arc began when the two actors were “pulled into an office” with show execs. (Friedle’s character, Eric Matthews, also went on a diet in the same episode.)

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“We both, to protect ourselves, instantly went the laughing fun route, ‘Oh my God, this is gonna be OK, this is going to be so great,’” Friedle, 49, said on Thursday’s episode. “The alternative would have been misery. It’s, like, ‘Let’s find the jokes [and] let’s hit the jokes’ because it’s all we had.”

In rewatching the episode, Friedle also noticed how many people touched Topanga’s stomach in the episode. The handsy scenes soon felt “uncomfortable” for both him and Fishel.

“I never put it together. I hate people touching my stomach … even people I’m very close to [like] my husband,” Fishel said of her spouse, Jensen Karp. “If Jensen puts his arm around my waist and I feel like it’s resting anywhere near my stomach, doesn’t matter how thin I am, I am like, ‘Get your hand off my stomach.’ I wonder if it goes back to this episode.”

Katy Perry’s Met Gala skin looked incredibly smooth, glowy and camera-ready, and part of that prep came from the Loops Exfoliating Toner Pads. The Korean skincare-inspired pads are designed to gently exfoliate, hydrate and smooth texture in one step, helping makeup apply more evenly afterward. They’ve become especially popular among people looking for a quick way to refresh dull skin and create a softer, glowier canvas before glam.

Makeup by Alexandra French broke down the look, noting that she used the pads to “prep and clean” Perry’s skin to ensure there was zero dryness. The formula uses a blend of gentle exfoliating acids, including gluconolactone, salicylic acid and citric acid, to help smooth texture, clear pores, and brighten skin before makeup. It also contains hydrating ingredients to help improve skin texture without leaving the face feeling stripped or overly sensitized. The result is skin that feels smoother, softer and noticeably more prepped for makeup.

Get the Loops Exfoliating Toner Pads for $18 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The pads are a great way to simplify your routine — instead of using separate exfoliators, toners and cotton pads, everything is already built into one product. Many people also use them strategically before makeup around areas where texture tends to show up most — like the nose, chin or forehead — because smoother skin often helps foundation sit better overall.

Related: Gwyneth Paltrow’s Two-Step Shower Trick for ‘So Soft’ Skin Is 20% Off

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Gwyneth Paltrow has long been a fan of keeping her routine streamlined, and the Goop Beauty Microderm Body Polish is proof. The two-in-one formula — which is currently discounted during Amazon’s Summer Beauty Event — is one of the first products she reaches for in the shower, setting the foundation for the pared-down routine she […]

To use them, gently swipe a pad across clean skin after cleansing, avoiding the immediate area around the eyes. They can be used a few times a week, depending on your skin type, and following with moisturizer afterward helps lock in hydration. Or, you can press the pad onto specific areas for a few minutes, almost like a mini treatment mask, before makeup.

One user who called the pads “gentle but effective” said they noticed “a smoother, brighter complexion within just a few uses.”

If your makeup has been looking uneven, patchy or dull lately, adding a gentle exfoliating toner pad to your routine might be the easiest upgrade.

Get the Loops Exfoliating Toner Pads for $18 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more exfoliating toner pads here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Meghan Markle Uses This Viral Rice Polish for ‘Subtle Exfoliation’

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Meghan Markle’s beauty routine changes periodically, but one thing remains constant: she always gives her skin the royal treatment by prioritizing ingredients such as rice enzyme powder, which effectively cleanses and deeply nourishes the skin. In an interview with Allure, the Duchess of Sussex revealed Tatcha’s Rice Enzyme Polish as the product behind her effortless glow. […]

Summer House star Ciara Miller publicly accused ex West Wilson of sleeping with The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Jennifer Fessler — a claim both Wilson and Fessler have firmly denied.

The cross-franchise feud spilled across red carpets and social media in May 2026, with Fessler even arguing the rumor is best described as an act of “libel.”

Keep scrolling for a complete breakdown of the Bravo drama:

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Related: West Wilson Reacts to Ciara Miller’s Claim He Slept With Jennifer Fessler

Summer House’s West Wilson is setting the record straight after Ciara Miller accused him of sleeping with Jennifer Fessler. Ciara, 30, made the claim on Friday, May 8, after Real Housewives of New Jersey alum Jennifer, 57,  defended West amid his ongoing relationship dramas. “[West] is the cutest, sweetest golden retriever puppy dog. He does […]

Jennifer Fessler Defends West Wilson on the Red Carpet

The drama kicked off in early May 2026, when Fessler was asked about Wilson’s Summer House scandal at Vulture‘s The Masterminds of Reality TV event. (Wilson announced his relationship with costar Amanda Batula in March 2026, despite his previous fling with her former BFF Miller in 2023.)

Speaking with Page Six on the red carpet, Fessler had nothing but kind words about Wilson.

“[West] is the cutest, sweetest golden retriever puppy dog. He does not mean any harm. He didn’t mean it,” Fessler said. “He’s just trying to have a good time. He doesn’t wanna hurt anyone. Give him a break.”

Ciara Miller Accuses West Wilson and Jennifer Fessler of Hooking Up

When Fessler’s red-carpet defense was shared via Threads the next day, Miller fired back with a pointed comment.

“Lol, because they slept together too,” she wrote.

Hours later, Miller appeared to double down by reposting a Summer House still of Batula on Threads with the caption: “If I send this to you I’m about to lie straight to your face.”

West Wilson and Jennifer Fessler Deny the Allegations

Wilson responded swiftly via his Instagram Stories within hours, writing “news to me” alongside a meme indicating confusion.  A source close to Wilson told Us Weekly that the claim was “absolutely not true,” calling the rumor “such a silly allegation.”

Fessler issued her own denial to Page Six, stating, “It’s flattering that anyone would think someone who slept with Ciara Miller would be interested in sleeping with me.”

Jennifer, who has been married to husband Jeff Fessler since 1999, took a more serious tone the next day.

In a statement shared via her Instagram Story, Jennifer wrote, “In all seriousness, and while I can’t help but be a little flattered, it is not nice nor is it OK to post something categorically untrue and defamatory on social media. Regardless of whatever rumors or apparent ‘evidence’ led you to that conclusion, that is the definition of libel.”

She added, “If it were true, I would have no recourse. Because it’s a lie, this can get more complicated. Having said that, I hope we can rectify this. It’s enough now.”

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A Complicated History

Fessler and Wilson have a friendly history of their own. The pair went viral in a May 2024 Instagram video, where they coined the term “Messy Wessy” about the sports journalist. Fessler later told Us she “didn’t realize at the time” that Wilson was “America’s Sweetheart” and apologized for poking fun at his name.

“I feel terrible because my best friend who was there, she took it,” Jennifer explained to Us in June 2024. “There are times where I just think I’m so funny, and I just think everyone would think that I’m so funny. … He’s just like a golden retriever puppy. He’s the cutest. He looks kind of confused and cool. We met each other and he was so adorable — and then we got smashed. So, everything was just so funny.”

This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.