After Star Trek: The Original Series aired its last episode on June 3, 1969, with “Turnabout Intruder,” creator Gene Roddenberry turned his attention to other projects like The Questor Tapes, a TV movie released 8 years later that was meant to be the pilot for a new series. Of course, he wouldn’t find that level of Star Trek success again in his lifetime until Star Trek: The Next Generation. But after his lifetime? Roddenberry still wouldn’t find that level of success outside the Star Trek franchise, but he did enjoy moderate success with two projects he left behind: Earth: Final Conflict and Andromeda (aka Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda), and the latter, finally, is available on streaming, 20 years after it aired its final episode.

‘Andromeda’s Systems Commonwealth Mirrors ‘Star Trek’s Federation

Roddenberry’s widow, Majel Barrett, came across the two series in Roddenberry’s archives, and gave the green light for both to be developed into series. Earth: Final Conflict hit airwaves first in 1997, and its success paved the way for Andromeda‘s release three years later, in 2000. Kevin Sorbo, best known as the titular hero of Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, was brought on as the lead character, Captain Dylan Hunt of an intergalactic government known as the Systems Commonwealth. If the idea of a collective governing body whose membership consists of representatives across the known universe sounds familiar, it should. It mirrors Star Trek‘s Federation, and is a concept Roddenberry would visit time and again throughout his proposed projects.

In Andromeda‘s case, the Systems Commonwealth is a constitutional monarchy established thousands of years in the future. The Commonwealth, with its capital in Tarn-Vedra, consists of representatives from three galaxies: our own Milky Way, Triangulum, and Andromeda. The backstory, as we learn in the pilot episode “Under the Night,” is that the Commonwealth was at war with a parasitic species, humanoid in appearance, known as the Magog.

To prevent the Magog from spreading into the galaxy under its umbrella, the Commonwealth begrudgingly relents during peace talks, and allowed the Magog access to a key planet. That planet just so happened to belong to the Nietzscheans (and yes, that’s purposeful — they religiously follow the works of one Friedrich Nietzsche), who are none too pleased and secretly attempt to sabotage the Commonwealth and seize control in retaliation.

Dylan Hunt Wakes Up in the Long Night in ‘Andromeda’

With the series now in context, “Under the Night” sees Dylan in command of the starship Andromeda Ascendant, which harbors a powerful artificial intelligence he calls “Andromeda” that controls the computer systems aboard. It isn’t long before the ship is left severely damaged after a surprise attack from the Nietzscheans. Dylan orders his crew to evacuate, choosing to go down with his ship as any good captain would, only he’s attacked by his first officer, a Nietzschean known as Gaheris Rhade (Steve Bacic), who tries to kill him. Dylan thwarts the attempt on his life and kills Gaheris, just as the Andromeda Ascendant becomes stranded on the edge of the event horizon of a black hole.

They become frozen in time until 303 years later when the Andromeda Ascendant is pulled from the event horizon by the crew of a salvage ship, the Eureka Maru (Roddenberry isn’t terribly imaginative when it comes to names, with this echoing the Kobayashi Maru, while the name “Dylan Hunt” was used not once but twice before by Roddenberry, in Genesis II and Planet Earth). The crew consists of pilot and con-artist Beka Valentine (Lisa Ryder); engineer Seamus Zelazny Harper (Gordon Michael Woolvett); Dr. Trance Gemini (Laura Bertram); and Rev Bern (Brent Stait), science officer, among others.

They rescue Dylan and the ship’s AI android avatar Andromeda (Lexa Doig) and bring him up to speed on what’s happened over the last 300+ years, primarily that the Systems Commonwealth is no more, and they now live in the era known as “The Long Night,” a period marked by lawlessness, conflict, and great instability. Aghast, Dylan calls on the crew to join him and bring justice back to the galaxies, looking to “rekindle the light of civilization.”

The first season garnered less-than-spectacular reviews, with a review from SciFiNow summing up the consensus as “It’s a cliché but decent enough… but the problem is that Andromeda falls into Star Trek: Voyager territory by playing it safe and not doing enough to develop its characters.” Andromeda would stay in production for five full seasons before airing its last episode, “The Heart of the Journey (Part Two),” on May 13, 2005, the victim of a change in viewer interest away from its syndicated kin to more serious fare (per Collider). Nevertheless, Andromeda is worth checking out, a chance to see the last of Roddenberry’s original creative output at work, now made easier than ever thanks to streaming.

Andromeda is now streaming for free in the U.S. on Tubi.

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Release Date

2000 – 2005

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Network

Syndication, SyFy, Global TV

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Directors

Jorge Montesi, Richard Flower, David Winning, Peter DeLuise, Brad Turner, Allan Harmon, David Warry-Smith, Martin Wood, Mike Rohl, Michael Robison, Allan Kroeker, T.J. Scott, J. Miles Dale, Brenton Spencer, George Mendeluk, Michael Robinson

Writers

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Ashley Miller, Zack Stentz, Larry Barber, Paul Barber, Robert Engels, Ethlie Ann Vare, Naomi Janzen, Emily Skopov, Gordon Michael Woolvett, John Whelpley, Gillian Horvath, Scott Frost, Alfredo Septién, Lawrence Meyers, Steven Barnes, Turi Meyer

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  Lisa Ryder

  Beka Valentine

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Birthday girl Royalty Brown has the internet in a frenzy after clips from her big day started circulating, with Chris Brown and Nia Guzman setting the tone for a celebration that had everybody doing a double take. From the over-the-top décor to the nonstop picture-perfect moments, social media couldn’t stop talking about the full-on main-character energy she brought all weekend long.

RELATED: Get It, Girl! Royalty Brown Hits The ‘It Depends’ Dance Challenge (WATCH)

Royalty Brown’s 12th Birthday Was A Movie

In a cute video shared to Nia Guzman’s Instagram account, Royalty Brown’s 12th birthday was clearly UP! The party, which appeared to have been thrown at a mansion was decked out fit for a princess. The Coachella, or “Rochella”-themed celebration featured disco balls, sunset and paradise-inspired visuals, popcorn stations, face painting, birthday balloons, and even Jellycat-themed areas. Royalty’s multi-tier cake included a ferris wheel along with animals and cactus decorations sitting on top. Her mom, siblings, and a bunch of friends also appear throughout the clips showing love and celebrating alongside her.

Lil’ RoRo Stays In Her Main Character Era

Royalty herself was serving looks too, rocking a navy ‘EDIKTED’ top while enjoying the festivities with her friends, who were seen taking shots from mini Solo cups — apple juice, of course! The celebration also included a bounce house, pool party vibes, giant splash buckets, what appeared to be a show-and-tell station, and loved ones singing “Happy Birthday” to lil’ RoRo. And while she’s only 12, one thing is clear — Royalty is literally THAT girl.

The Comments Went UP Over Royalty Brown’s Party

Folks quickly flooded The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section with reactions after clips from Royalty’s birthday party started making rounds online. Plenty of users filled the comments with sweet birthday wishes for lil’ RoRo, while others couldn’t stop laughing at the kids taking “shots” from mini Solo cups filled with apple juice. Meanwhile, many people said they were happy watching a little girl enjoy herself and have fun surrounded by family and friends.

One Instagram user @goldiies_world said, “Wooooo!! Happy birthday my little munchkin!!!!!! I hope you have the time of your life!!! Love you!! ❤️❤️”

This Instagram user @iamjessmarquez commented, “Can’t believe how big she is omg!!! 😫🥹 happy bday roro!!!!“

And, Instagram user @cbreezyyboo said, “Happy birthday roro!!! 🥳💕🥰 the coolest kid ever ❤️”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @shehasheart joked, “😂😂😂 them drinking shots of Gatorade and apple juice is so tween coded 😂😂😂”

While Instagram user @chechebabe99 added, “🎂🎂🎉🎉😂😂 Its The shots For Me OMG So cutee“

Finally, Instagram user @misssassy815 wrote, “So age appropriate 😍🎊🎂🥳🎉”

RELATED: Awww! Internet Users Are Talkin’ About Chris Brown’s Affection For Jada Wallace Following Clip Of Them At Ray J’s Boxing Match (WATCH)

Book-to-series adaptations continue to be the rage in the modern streaming era, especially in the romance department. Over the past couple of years, everything from Tell Me Lies to The Summer I Turned Pretty has earned the small screen treatment, but there’s one show that’s currently heating up the streaming charts. Based on Elle Kennedy’s book series, the new Prime Video series Off Campus is an instant streaming sensation.

Now, after one triumphant season, the series is already gearing up for production on Season 2, borrowing the adaptation blueprint that Bridgerton established while building on the viral sensation that made Heated Rivalry an instant hit. Kennedy’s series, like the aforementioned shows, has even more romances that future seasons can follow. An addictive binge-watch in its own right, Off Campus is rightly wielding its predecessors’ successes to its advantage.

What Is ‘Off Campus’ About?

Come for the hockey, stay for the romance. That game-winning formula for Heated Rivalry is working just as well for Off Campus, which, unlike Tell Me Lies, highlights the non-toxic aspects of college relationships. Season 1 follows the fake-dating pact between music major Hannah Wells (Ella Bright) and legacy hockey player Garrett Graham (Belmont Cameli), but as any romance fan will tell you, what begins as something fake gradually becomes genuine.

When the relationship between “Wellsy” and Garrett becomes something more serious, it emphasizes strong communication, enthusiastic consent, and mutual respect. Any drama they face is rarely between them, but rather stems from external circumstances. When they do have a momentary fallout, no emotional games are being played. While certain individuals do have red flag moments on Off Campus, they’re used as moments of growth. Rather than the show villainizing Hannah’s best friend, Allie Hayes (Mika Abdalla), for her post-breakup decisions, we watch her struggle with the fallout, inwardly debating whether to make a fresh start with Garrett’s teammate, Dean Di Laurentis (Stephen Kalyn). Emotional validation is just as sexy as hot and steamy hookups!

Like ‘Heated Rivalry,’ ‘Off Campus’ Love Story Is Organically Heating Up

With Off Campus finding its viral moment, more details about the show’s future are emerging. As the internet picks its new boyfriends, showrunner Louisa Levy essentially told the New York Times that there will be more hockey and more sex moving forward. It worked for Heated Rivalry, and with that expectation, it’s logical to want to head in that direction.

“There is something really appealing about taming the bad boy,” Levy said — but does Off Campus truly have a genuine “bad boy” among its fan-favorite characters? What makes Off Campus exciting to watch is that the men in the story are relationship goals who are genuinely interested in developing something organically. Next to Tell Me Lies‘ Stephen DeMarco (Jackson White), the members of the Briar U hockey team are green flags galore — yes, even Dean, who, despite his insistence that he wants to stay a ladies’ man, seems to be developing feelings for the last person he ever expected to have them for.

Like ‘Bridgerton,’ ‘Off Campus’ Has a Deep Roster of Beloved Characters

Image via Prime Video

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Given Off Campus‘ sprawling ensemble cast and the fact that Season 1 sweetly wraps up Hannah and Garrett’s love story, seeds have already been planted for the future, including the blossoming of Allie and Dean’s potential relationship. While it seems like the Prime Video series is borrowing the Bridgerton formula and focusing on a new central couple for Season 2 — John Logan, played by Antonio Cipriano, and Grace Ivers, soon to be portrayed by India Fowler — Off Campus is also putting its own spin on adapting Kennedy’s books. Focusing on a new couple every season gives the series legs, but Season 1 also sprinkles in early story breadcrumbs to make the switch to a different romance less jarring. Like Bridgerton, previously prominent couples will be present, even if they’re not dominating the spotlight.

Off Campus certainly has shades of Bridgerton and Heated Rivalry, given that they’re all based on beloved romance series, but what they all share is their bingeable nature. With a big cast that lends itself to a different love story every season, as well as an even more prominent focus on the sport of hockey, Off Campus is so addictive that you can finish it in a day. Diehard fans are already rewatching it in anticipation of the next season, which is scheduled to begin production soon. With so much potential in Kennedy’s original books to pull from, Off Campus is already well on its way to becoming streaming’s next big romance success story.

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Release Date

May 13, 2026

Network

Prime Video

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Directors

Dawn Wilkinson, Erica Dunton, Silver Tree, Sam Bailey

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Writers

Emmy St. Pierre

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Amanda Kloots’ unbreakable bond with her 6-year-old son, Elvis, isn’t complete without a little bit of faith.

“We just started reading a little children’s Bible every night,” Kloots, 44, exclusively shared with Us Weekly while celebrating the grand opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos on May 16. “We get into bed, and we read a chapter of his Bible together.”

Before a new week begins, the former cohost of The Talk also celebrates “family day” each and every Sunday.

“It always has been since he was a baby and didn’t know what family day was, but we finally found a church in L.A. that I love,” Kloots shared. “We go to church every Sunday, and then go out to the beach, and we always say our prayers.”

Perhaps the greatest habit Kloots hopes to pass on to her son is the importance of gratitude.

While the best-selling author continues to navigate life after the death of her husband, Nick Cordero, in July 2020 following a lengthy battle with COVID-19, Kloots tries her best to look on the bright side of things.

“I just try to encourage [my son to] always count his blessings, because we’re so grateful,” she shared. “I mean, we’re living such a beautiful life, and we have to appreciate that.”

Back in February 2022, Kloots revealed she went to church for the first time in two years. After listening to Churchome Pastor Judah Smith speak live, the TV host was reminded of her faith.

“I didn’t know how much I missed and needed it,” she wrote via Instagram at the time. “Tonight was so beautiful, so inspiring and life thrilling for me. … All I can say is that tonight filled my heart and soul with so much happiness that I was pretending not to need.”

Thank You!

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Related: 28 Hollywood Stars Get Personal About What Faith Means to Them for Easter

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The countdown to Easter Sunday is on, and many in Hollywood are celebrating their faith out loud. Whether through social media and podcasts or TV shows and films, several celebrities aren’t afraid to share a glimpse into their spiritual journey with fans. For some religious leaders, it’s a decision that should be met with love […]

Kloots experienced new joyful memories when she traveled to Turks & Caicos for a special mother-son trip this month.

While experiencing the grand opening of Treasure Beach Village at Beaches Turks & Caicos, the duo enjoyed everything from snorkeling and swimming to dance parties and game nights.

“Elvis snorkeled for the first time, and he kept giving me hugs. He was like, ‘Mom, I did it! I snorkeled! I went into the ocean!’ Kloots recalled to Us. “I mean, the ocean in L.A. is not like this, so he was so proud of himself. It was a core memory being made, and it was so special.”

Chicago Fire‘s Season 14 finale ended with a bang. Literally. An explosion caught almost the entirety of Firehouse 51 off-guard: some were engulfed in its fury while trying frantically to scurry back down the ladder, and others were trapped inside the basement of the building, their desperate cries of “Mayday” coming across the radio. It’s events like these that rarely end well for at least one character. The Season 7 finale, in similar circumstances, prompted the death of firefighter Brian “Otis” Zvonecek (Yuri Sardarov) in the line of duty at the start of Season 8.

But if so, who? The only sure bets to survive are Violet (Hanako Greensmith), Novak (Jocelyn Hudon), and Chief Pascal (Dermot Mulroney), who could only look on in horror from the sidelines. Both Taylor Kinney and Miranda Rae Mayo have signed on for Season 15, so it seems unlikely that “Stellaride” is done. That leaves every other member of Firehouse 51 as a potential victim, but all the signs point to one character: David Eigenberg’s Christopher Herrmann. And it shouldn’t be.

‘Chicago Fire’s Season 14 Finale “Thank You” Drops Hints About Herrmann’s Fate

The finale, titled “Thank You,” begins in the moments just prior to the explosion before flashing back to the days leading up to it. For Herrmann, it means that the family’s home is about to be reconstructed on the original site after having burned down earlier in the season. In a sense, the Herrmann’s are on the precipice of a new beginning, and to that end, Christopher proposes a renewal of vows with Cindy (Robyn Coffin), his long-time wife. They plan on having the vow renewal at Molly’s with the theme of gratitude, with Cindy, Novak and Violet working out the details. It’s a beautiful moment, but one that later has Herrmann pondering retirement, recognizing the strain that is placed upon Cindy and their kids every time he goes out on a call.

And there it is, a big old moment that might as well be decked out in neon and singing, “I’m an obvious hint! Look at me!” It is, for all intents and purposes, a retirony, the trope that seals the fate of a character in a dangerous job who’s only a few days away from retirement, i.e. Colonel Henry Blake dying on his flight home in M*A*S*H. Furthermore, as the inferno rages, the camera cuts to the unsuspecting wives of three possible victims: Mouch’s (Christian Stolte) wife Trudy (Amy Morton); Cruz’s (Joe Minoso) wife Chloe (Kristen Gutoskie); and Cindy.

The Cruz’s just found out they’re having twins, so that should rule Cruz out, being far too tragic and hard to justify. That leaves Mouch and Herrmann, but with the heavy focus on Herrmann this episode, it leaves him the odds-on-favorite. Finally, “Thank You,” the episode name, could be as simple as acknowledging the “gratitude wall” set up at Molly’s, but could also be interpreted as a “thank you” to Herrmann for his presence in all 14 seasons to date. Cue the Reaper.

Herrmann’s Death Opens Some Interesting Storyline Possibilities for ‘Chicago Fire’, But Doesn’t Mean It Should Happen

If Chicago Fire‘s “Thank You” does spell the end of Herrmann, it opens up some very intriguing storyline possibilities. For Mouch, Herrmann’s death would be particularly devastating, having been long-time partners and friends, and likely would push him to get his book “Brothers-in-Arms” published sooner than later. For Severide, Herrmann’s death could push him down one of two paths. If the fire was started by an arsonist, that may very well push him toward the position with the OFI. Likewise, seeing Herrmann’s family struggle with his death would add a poignancy to Isaiah’s (Hero Hunter) musings about how the OFI would be safer and ensure he comes home every night. Or, if it was “just” a tragic event, Severide could decide to become the chief of 51, unable to stand by and watch his firehouse family fall apart.

The latter, however, has a very 9-1-1 Bobby Nash death feel to it, and it would definitely draw parallels between the two if Herrmann died. Both characters are very much the beating heart of their respective series, and if Nash’s death offers any lessons, it’s this: be prepared. Nash’s death caused ratings for 9-1-1 to plummet, and Herrmann is at least as beloved, arguably even more, as Nash. From that point of view alone, killing off Herrmann is a bad idea, so if they’re going to do it, there’s going to be unavoidable blowback. And so there should be. Herrmann is an engaging, wholly delightful character, and from a purely selfish place, yours truly would hate seeing him written off. There’s absolutely no problem if “Thank You” is chalked up to a really, really close call, one that everybody walks away from safely. Anything else? “Thank You,” but no thanks.

Robert Pattinson is stepping into the role of journalist and TV presenter Chris Hansen for the upcoming A24 film, “Primetime.” Hansen is most known for hosting the controversial reality series “To Catch a Predator,” which ran from 2004 to 2007.

The teaser trailer for the movie recently dropped, showing Pattinson in yet another new role that highlights his versatility as an actor.

The teaser trailer for A24’s upcoming crime drama film, “Primetime,” dropped on May 27, offering a first look at Robert Pattinson portraying TV host and journalist Chris Hansen.

Hansen hosted “To Catch a Predator,” a true crime series that was part of “Dateline NBC” from 2004 to 2007. The controversial show featured Hansen exposing adults accused of attempting to meet minors for sexual interactions through online decoys posing as underage teens. Upon arriving at a staged location, the suspects would be confronted by Hansen before being taken into custody by law enforcement.

The film’s storyline isn’t revealed in the teaser, but what viewers noticed was Pattinson’s narration, channeling Hansen to mimic the host’s voice and cadence of speech. “I’m Chris Hansen with ‘Dateline NBC, and you’re able to be a part of television history,” Pattinson says.

Viewers Praised Robert Pattinson’s Range

Apart from starring in the film, Pattinson also served as a producer on “Primetime.” It was directed by Lance Oppenheim and also features Merritt Wever, Skyler Gisondo, Matthew Maher, Bokeem Woodbine, Anna Faris, and Phoebe Bridgers.

Pattinson is highly regarded for taking on a wide variety of roles, and his portrayal of Hansen has people talking. The comments section for the movie’s trailer is flooded with comments about the actor, with many saying that they are looking forward to seeing the film, despite the role being an unexpected choice.

“Pattinson’s range will be studied for decades to come, genuinely insane how talented this guy is,” one wrote. Another added, “Pattinson is on a generational run, bro. His range is honestly amazing, and he’s slowly becoming one of the GOAT of this generation.”

The Controversy Over ‘To Catch A Predator’

Despite its short run, “To Catch a Predator” was a commercial and cultural success. However, the show was also marred by controversies. Many claimed the show sensationalized justice and blurred the lines between journalism and vigilantism. There were also allegations that the show used aggressive entrapment tactics to lure suspects.

The show was canceled in 2007, following a tragic end to a sting operation. In 2006, Texas Assistant District Attorney Bill Conradt was the subject of a sting operation for allegedly soliciting sex with a minor. Authorities worked with Perverted-Justice and “To Catch a Predator” on the case.

The show’s camera crew and a SWAT team surrounded Conradt’s home to serve an arrest warrant. Before they could do so, however, they heard a gunshot. Conradt was rushed to the hospital but later died of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Chris Hansen On The Show’s Cancellation

Following Conradt’s death, his sister filed a wrongful death lawsuit against NBC, alleging “To Catch a Predator” prioritized ratings over safety and pushed law enforcement to arrest Conradt at his home. Conradt’s family sued for $109 million.

In 2008, the lawsuit was settled out of court, with an attorney for the Conradt family saying, “the matter has been amicably resolved to the satisfaction of both parties.” The settlement amount was not revealed.

“To Catch a Predator” was canceled in 2007, with both the network and Hansen saying the show had “run its course.” In an interview with TIME in 2015, Hansen said, “At the end of the day, we had proved our point.”

Robert Pattinson’s Role Sparks Awards Predictions

Pattinson’s portrayal of Hansen already has industry predictors, critics, and fans buzzing. “I feel like this might be his best shot at an Oscar in his career so far,” one fan noted, which was echoed by many others.

The 40-year-old actor has a massive slate of films for 2026. In April, he starred opposite Zendaya in “The Drama,” which will be followed by Christopher Nolan’s “The Odyssey,” scheduled for release in July. Pattinson is also set to appear in the third installment of the “Dune” franchise, premiering in December. The actor will also reprise his role as Bruce Wayne in the “Batman” sequel, though it won’t come out until next year.

“Primetime” is scheduled to hit theaters sometime in September 2026.

Grand Theft Auto VI has been the most anticipated video game for years now, and 2026 seems to be the year it finally comes out, barring any other delays. Fans are already claiming it to be the strongest contender to win Game of the Year at the Game Awards, because with years of development, polish, ambition, and expectations, it could be the biggest gaming experience ever. However, it shouldn’t take away from over a decade of flawless games.

Game of the Year is one of the biggest honors for a title, and the most popular event is Geoff Keighley‘s Game Awards, which started in 2014 and has only been getting more and more well-known. That is why this list will rank every Game of the Year winner at the Game Awards from worst to best based on gameplay, narrative, art, design, originality, influence, prestige, staying power, popularity, fan opinion, and overall quality. Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but these ten games in particular earned the title of the best.

12

‘Overwatch’ (2016)

Image via Blizzard Entertainment

Kicking off this list is one of the best that has aged the worst, but it is still a cultural icon that defined the 2010s: Overwatch. This arena multiplayer shooter has a multitude of modes where players select their heroes and battle it out with imaginative powers, distinct abilities and different purposes.

Some fans let modern perception influence their past thoughts because, in 2016, there wasn’t a bigger game than Overwatch. It hasn’t aged perfectly and feels stale now, but it was absolutely deserving of the title back then. Even though it is at the bottom of this list, Overwatch is still an engaging experience that revolutionized multiplayer shooters through its team-based dynamics and hero-centric characters.

11

‘Clair Obscur: Expedition 33’ (2025)

Image via Sandfall Entertainment

The next entry is also the most recent game of the year winner, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The Paintress is a monolithic entity who erases a specific age from the world every year until humanity is reduced to nothing. Expeditions are sent to stop it, and while they have mostly been unsuccessful, the 33rd expedition might be the one to put an end to the madness.

It may have been the unanimous and obvious winner of 2025, but in a list of the greatest games of the past decade, the competition is too steep. Still, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is a masterful combination of real-time events and turn-based combat that creates an innovative gameplay loop. Its satisfying combat, excellent voice acting, and incredible art direction made it a modern “indie” staple.

10

‘The Last of Us Part II’ (2020)

There are a handful of polarizing game of the year winners, but perhaps the most controversial is The Last of Us Part II, which divided fans and critics. After the events of the last game, Ellie and Joel are living happily, that is, until a group splits them up. Ellie now sets out back into the zombie-infested world to seek revenge on those who took everything from her.

Not everyone may agree with it winning, but The Last of Us Part II is still a masterpiece in a weak year of gaming. It wasn’t perfect, but all the games on here are fantastic, including this one. Its narrative shift was bold and daring, going in a direction that was heartbreaking, making the story more uncomfortable and harrowing yet ultimately cathartic. The Last of Us Part II is a narrative masterclass that also boasts thrilling stealth-action-based gameplay.

9

‘Astro Bot’ (2024)

Image via Team ASOBI

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The platformer genre is dominated by Mario, but it has been unsuccessful in winning a game of the year award. However, 2024 changed things, with Astro Bot taking home the acclaimed award. After players crash their spaceship, they must travel around the world searching for their scattered crew and slowly rebuilding their ship to escape the world.

Astro Bot is pure fun from start to finish, delivering a game that is full of entertainment value. The haptic controls make the gameplay more engaging and immersive, but the true highlight is the perfect level design. The refined design creates a magnificent pace that teaches, tests, and challenges perfectly, providing a nice progression of skills in Astro Bot‘s charming style and creative gimmicks.

8

‘Dragon Age: Inquisition’ (2014)

Image via Bioware

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The Dragon Age franchise isn’t what it used to be, which is strange, because two of the titles are considered some of the best games ever, including 2014’s Dragon Age: Inquisition. When a magical tear rips the sky open and lets in a horde of abominations from the Fade, the Herald of Andraste must revive and lead the Inquisition to stop the invasion.

Dragon Age: Origins is widely considered to be the better title, but Dragon Age: Inquisition still has its charms and highlights that earned it the honor of winning the very first Game of the Year award. The characters are compelling, the combat is thrilling, and the visuals are often cinematic. Yet, it’s the complex and lore-rich storyline that has made Inquisition stand the test of time. This immersive RPG has a massive scale and a deep emphasis on its party dynamics, which defined the genre for the time, becoming one of the best video games of the 2010s.

7

‘Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice’ (2019)

Image via FromSoftware

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FromSoftware is one of the best gaming studios out there, earning two entries on this list, starting with Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice. Set in Sengoku-era Japan, players control a samurai who must protect his young lord in a deeply corrupted political system. Meanwhile, he must also seek revenge for his murdered clan.

Sekiro is a fighting game masterpiece that boasts some of the best gameplay and combat in the soulslike genre. The high-tension sword fighting creates a need for precision, skill, and constant learning, where every battle becomes a dance of combat. The competitive and challenging gameplay becomes satisfying and rewarding when mastered, proving Sekiro is a masterclass of combat.

6

‘It Takes Two’ (2021)

Image via Hazelight Studios

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It is rare that an indie game will win game of the year since they can’t compete with the massive budget, scale, and time put into AAA blockbusters. However, in 2021, It Takes Two defied the odds and won the award. When a couple on the verge of divorce are turned into toys, they must navigate a fantastical version of their home to turn back to normal.

Most of the games on this list are open-world single-player games, but It Takes Two is a co-op masterclass that gives each player agency with unique roles. The inventive design shifts through gimmicks and mechanics that are all thematically relevant, but also spice up the gameplay with fun moments. It Takes Two builds a sense of cooperation that other games lack, creating a genuine connection between players, which is what video games should represent.

5

‘The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’ (2015)

Image via CD Projekt Red

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Everyone thought Cyberpunk 2077 was going to easily win the game of the year award, but its rocky launch said otherwise. CD Projekt Red at least has one Game of the Year winner in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. In it, Geralt must put aside his usual monster-hunting business to find Ciri and protect her from the Wild Hunt, an espectral cavalcade that wants to use her vast powers for evil.

Somewhere along the line, video games became a storytelling medium, and for the better, because titles such as The Witcher 3 could display their narrative prowess through unique methods baked into their gameplay, mechanics, and design. The main story and campaign are compelling, but the side quests are the highlight, delivering a deep and complex experience that results in one of the best fantasy video games of all time.

4

‘God of War’ (2018)

Image via Sony Interactive Entertainment

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Not everyone agrees with the Game of the Year winners, but 2018 was a difficult choice between God of War and Red Dead Redemption 2. Much to the annoyance of many, the former won. After the death of his wife, Kratos travels around the Norse world alongside his son to spread her ashes. However, the gods have other plans for them, wanting Atreus for mysterious reasons.

Red Dead Redemption 2 has had a kinder legacy, but it’s hard to say whether it was more deserving than God of War. Either way, both games deserve praise, but only God of War walked away with the award. Through narrative excellence that is seen in every aspect, this game creates an intimate portrait of fatherhood. On the ever-important action side, God of War also has cathartic combat where players can use their strength to obliterate enemies and solve puzzles.

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‘Elden Ring’ (2022)

Image via Bandai Namco Entertainment

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As mentioned, FromSoftware is a prolific game studio with two Game of the Year awards, and their magnum opus is Elden Ring. After the titular object shatters, the children of Queen Marika collect the pieces. Now, the Tarnished must travel around the Lands Between to defeat the demigods, collect the broken pieces, restore the ring, and become the Elden Lord.

With FromSoftware’s challenging and compelling soulslike combat and George R.R. Martin‘s expert worldbuilding and lore, Elden Ring is a complete fantasy adventure game. Through its satisfying combat and a gameplay system that rewards exploration, Elden Ring is a flawless game that excels in all aspects. It refuses to hold the player’s hand, thrusting them into a world full of danger, intrigue, and lore. However, that’s exactly the main appeal, as it makes the adventure seem all the more dangerous and immersive.

When figuring out what to wear every day becomes as irritating as choosing what to eat for dinner, the key to not losing your cool (and tearing your wardrobe apart) is to narrow down a simple, fool-proof outfit formula. For style inspiration, we’re looking to Cindy Crawford who just wore the easiest top-and-bottom combo, featuring a signature V-neck cami style. It elevated her look, and gave Us ideas of scoring a similar version on Amazon.

The supermodel was recently spotted while out in Malibu, wearing her hallmark top that effortlessly balanced her go-to casual yet chic vibe. Crawford styled the satiny V-neck top with a dressy white blazer, straight-leg jeans and brown heeled sandals — an ensemble that just felt so cool. It’s proof that even fashion icons prefer a relaxed look once in a while. Though it’s unclear what brand she was wearing, it’s a moot detail because this sleeveless top on Amazon comes pretty close.

Get the Ekouaer Silk Satin Tank Top for $15 (was $20) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Ekouaer Silk Satin Tank Top is a budget-friendly closet staple you are going to want in every color (and it comes in so many to choose from). It’s made from a blend of polyester and spandex, so it’s lightweight, relaxed and fits true to size. The top also has a silky sheen that looks as elevated as it feels. Bonus: This Amazon top has a similar drapey silhouette and neckline to Crawford’s, so you can channel the star without overthinking it.

Related: Demi Moore’s Blue Maxi Dress Is the Summer Staple We’re Shopping ASAP

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We’re always keeping an eye on what celebrities are wearing, especially as we move into a new season. Right now, our summer style inspiration is Demi Moore, who wore a gorgeous baby blue, square-neck maxi dress at this year’s Cannes Film Festival. We’re obsessed with the look, and while her exact dress is a little […]

Satisfied customers agree that the V-neck pick is the quintessential elevated basic for any wardrobe that could use a refresh. One Amazon reviewer claims they’ve been looking for “a versatile piece that can transition from a workday blazer to a casual night out,” and said this camisole “is perfection.”

Fashion should be fun, but piecing together original outfits day after day can be challenging. When getting dressed loses its luster, fall back on Crawford’s outfit formula that makes you feel and look your best. Opt for this popular V-neck cami that can transform your basic top-and-bottom outfit into a complete look.

Get the Ekouaer Silk Satin Tank Top for $15 (was $20) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more V-neck tank tops here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Jennifer Garner‘s Retro Sneakers Give Jeans a Cool-Girl Twist

Jennifer Garner just proved (again!) that the easiest outfits can still feel incredibly cool — all it takes is the right finishing touch. The actress stepped out in Los Angeles wearing a simple mix of a blue sweater and classic jeans, but it was her retro-inspired sneakers that gave the entire look that effortless, cool-girl […]

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Gwyneth Paltrow is getting honest about the emotional challenges of adjusting to an empty nest after her children moved out of the family home. 

The lifestyle mogul candidly described the overwhelming transition as a painful drop that required a complete reorientation of her daily life and motherhood duties. 

However, despite the initial sadness, the famous actress expressed immense pride in how her adult children are successfully entering their next phases of life.

The 53-year-old Goop founder recently shared her vulnerable parenting journey during a candid interview on the Today Show. Reflecting on the departure of her kids, whom she shares with her ex-husband, Chris Martin, she confessed that the change was incredibly difficult to navigate. 

“I really struggled when they all went, and then I thought, ‘Okay, I’m all good,’ ” she admitted. 

However, the relief was temporary, as she added, “And then in September again, I kind of fell off a cliff for the second time. But now I feel like it’s what you want to happen. It’s what you hope will happen that they will go off to their next phase of life and find their people.”

The Academy Award winner explained that mothers spend years heavily focusing on their children’s daily schedules and emotional well-being, making it very hard to reorient when they leave. Fortunately, both of her adult children are thriving in their respective journeys. 

Her 22-year-old daughter, Apple Martin, graduated from Vanderbilt University and has already secured a role in an upcoming Nancy Meyers film. Meanwhile, her 20-year-old son, Moses Martin, is a sophomore at Brown University and is successfully building a music career. 

The thriving post-college journeys of Paltrow’s children have naturally pushed them further into the intense media spotlight.

Following her recent university graduation and the announcement of her upcoming movie role, the Oscar winner’s eldest daughter is now drawing significant attention to her personal life after uploading a candid-looking snapshot to her Instagram Stories featuring a dark-haired mystery man. 

In the relaxed image, she leaned her head back outside what appeared to be a traditional pub while her companion wrapped an arm around her. According to The Blast, the casual photo immediately sent fans into detective mode online because she offered absolutely no caption or tags to identify the man.

The timing of the post intensified the romance questions because the model had also recently interacted online with a former classmate named Andrew Smith.

Adding to the mystery, another dark-haired man was spotted walking closely behind the graduate and her famous mother during the university’s commencement festivities just days earlier. 

Apple Martin Rejected False Claims Of School Expulsion

The intense public curiosity surrounding Apple’s romantic life and transition into adulthood follows previous instances where she had to defend her character on social media.

Months before sparking dating rumors with her cozy photograph, Paltrow’s eldest daughter faced harsh online scrutiny regarding her past school days. 

The young model utilized her Instagram stories to firmly push back against growing internet claims that she had been kicked out of school for bullying other students. Addressing the rumors, she reshared a comment she had previously written.

In the public statement, she made her stance completely clear, writing, “Hi! I didn’t wanna respond, but this narrative is completely false and has gotten so out of hand,” according to The Blast.

The recent graduate strongly disputed the online allegations and clarified that she has a completely clean academic record. She further acknowledged that being in the public eye means facing critics, but insisted that the malicious rumor crossed a line. 

Gwyneth Paltrow Faced Backlash Over Controversial Advertisement

While Apple has had to protect her personal reputation from false online rumors, her famous mother has simultaneously been dealing with significant public pushback over her latest business choices. 

The 53-year-old actress sparked fresh controversy after her health-focused delivery restaurant launched a social media campaign featuring convicted fraudster Anna Delvey. Delvey gained notoriety for posing as a wealthy heiress to scam elite social circles, banks, and hotels before serving 19 months in prison and being placed under house arrest in New York City.

However, the promotional video drew heavy criticism for seemingly glamorizing criminal behavior for commercial gain, as reported by The Blast.

The negative response to the restaurant’s advertisement coincided directly with a separate wave of public condemnation regarding Paltrow’s personal views on wealth.

The wellness entrepreneur sparked a heated cultural debate after sitting down with business journalist Kara Swisher for a recent episode of “The Goop Podcast.” 

The Blast reported that during their recorded conversation, the Oscar-winning actress reflected heavily on Silicon Valley power players, questioning the public’s ongoing fascination with powerful tech executives. Questioning the shifting values of modern society, the actress asked, “How did we get here as a culture?”

However, the commentary immediately backfired online, with numerous social media users blasting the millionaire actress for being completely out of touch with everyday financial realities.