Love them or hate them, documentaries take themselves seriously when they dive deep into hefty material. From a jaunt through history to a grim true crime investigation, it might seem like a difficult genre to parody, but then came a character perfectly suited to mock through satire: Philomena Cunk. Before Netflix got its hold on Diane Morgan’s impeccable character, she had been lovingly terrorized British audiences for years. Then, Cunk on Earth arrived with a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score, and the world has never been the same.

Across five masterful episodes, the mockumentary parodies historical documentaries as the titular character guides audiences through the entire history of human civilization from prehistory to the present day. Engaging in actual interviews with mostly unsuspecting experts, Cunk — a well-meaning but clueless reporter — drops her brand of knowledge and deadpan nonsensical questions that keep viewers laughing. Mockumentary sitcoms be all the rage, but Cunk on Earth flips the camera, placing it on the individual asking the hard-hitting questions. In return, viewers are given the gift of perfect comedy like no other show on television.

‘Cunk on Earth’ Is a Comedy Masterclass

While mockumentary sitcoms focus on the subject, Cunk on Earth puts the camera on the documentarian who knows even less than we do. Prior to her global domination, Cunk was a British icon. Previous mockumentary topics included Shakespeare, Britain, and Christmas. Comparatively, they were simple topics, while Cunk on Earth focuses on history, culture, science, and technology. The series is truly a showcase of Morgan’s masterclass character. Created by Charlie Brooker of Black Mirror fame, Cunk on Earth looks and sounds like a lavish BBC documentary, including stunning drone shots, sweeping landscapes, and rich historical context. That is then completely juxtaposed with utter nonsense, led by a incompetent narrator.

The series is brilliantly crafted, and the mundane is elevated thanks to Morgan’s top-tier comic prowess. Her deadpan delivery is unmatched. A beloved comedian outside the character, Morgan knows Cunk inside and out, providing a bulletproof confidence while being dead wrong in every scene. Though she’s admitted the occasional crack, the simple fact that she is rarely seen breaking character, committing fully, only makes the viewing experience funnier. The distinguished historians and academics play into the comedy as they are rendered bewildered by the one-liners she recites as if they are undisputed facts. We don’t laugh at them, but at the situation they find themselves in. History documentaries might not everyone’s cup of tea, but with Cunk at the helm, how could anyone turn away?

The Toughest Questions Get Asked by Cunk Through Necessary Satire

The draw of Cunk on Earth is the painstakingly authentic expert interviews. The one-on-ones are not meant to be gotcha moments; instead, they serve as a platform to recontextualize everything we thought we knew. Sharp satire is at the root of the series. Many of the topics explored throughout the five-part series are extraordinarily deep, and yet, through Philomena’s line of questioning and commenting, you’re left pondering the topics in a new light. When Cunk asks if Jesus was the “first victim of cancel culture” it’s not just hilarious, it’s using satire to call out parallels between history and our world today. Cunk on Earth gives viewers the freedom to think in ways they may not have before.

Who else is better equipped to ask what is more culturally significant, the Renaissance or “Single Ladies” by Beyoncé? Had it not been for Cunk on Earth, we might not have ever known the history of the Belgian techno anthem “Pump Up the Jam.” These are just examples of the sheer brilliance of the series’ writing. Like a smart comedy should, the recurring gags sprinkled in each of the five episodes make the series an entertaining binge. Between “Pump Up the Jam” and her mate, Paul, the bits and bobs add flavor to the writing.

Cunk on Earth is perfectly ridiculous. No other character could get away with what Cunk does. And there is no one else we could trust with the history of the world other than Cunk. An easy single-seat binge, Cunk on Earth will lead you to watch Cunk on Life as you await the upcoming Cunk on Cinema. We’ve seen her grisly commentary on technology; there’s no telling how she’ll take AI in Hollywood.

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January 31, 2023

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• 

  Diane Morgan

  Philomena Cunk

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Although little is still known about it, it has now been confirmed that a second sequel to the ’80s action blockbuster Top Gun — following the enormous, billion-dollar success of its cinema-saving sequel, Top Gun: Maverick — is now in the works. Currently in early development at Paramount, Christopher McQuarrie has confirmed that the idea for a third Top Gun movie has been developed, with plans to pen a script now underway. Sometime soon, we’re likely to get another update on the journey to more Maverick.

As excitement for Top Gun 3 builds, it’s worth reminding oneself of where the action began. Released in 1986, the late Tony Scott directed the action classic, which also starred Kelly McGillis, Val Kilmer, Anthony Edwards, Michael Ironside, and more. The film shot to success, scoring the highest box office haul of any movie in 1986 (both domestically and worldwide), and holds its place as a consistent streaming favorite, despite modern competition.

Do you feel the need, the need to stream? Well, it seems most of the country does. At the time of writing, Top Gun is one of the ten most-streamed movies on Paramount+ in the U.S. Worldwide, the movie also ranks in the top ten, even outperforming its blockbuster sequel. This streaming success comes just a couple of weeks after Top Gun returned to the big screen for its 40th anniversary. The film earned a $3.3 million haul from 2,295 locations nationwide in its three-day revival, even helping it climb the all-time ranks and surpass the $259 million earned by 2009’s Fast & Furious.

What’s Next for Tom Cruise?

It’s been almost a decade since Cruise has starred in a non-franchise film, since 2017’s American Made. After finally flying off into the sunset as Ethan Hunt in 2025’s Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, Cruise’s attention now turns to a fresh new chapter in his career, and one that might get him back on the awards hunt. Directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu in his first English-language film since his 2015 hit The Revenant, the upcoming satirical black comedy Digger is scheduled to hit theaters on October 2, 2026, in time for festival and awards season. Cruise stars in the film alongside the likes of John Goodman, Riz Ahmed, Jesse Plemons, Sandra Hüller, and more.

Top Gun is streaming on Paramount+. Stay tuned to Collider for all the latest streaming stories.

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Release Date

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May 16, 1986

Runtime

110 minutes

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Director

Tony Scott

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Television has evolved into a medium where storytelling, character depth, and artistic vision have reached such soaring heights that some series are able to rival, and even surpass, films. This wasn’t always the case, as television used to be a more constricted medium that took fewer risks, and offered more generic entertainment that was often less creatively expressive than artistic works in other mediums. Today, television series incorporate layered characters, nuanced storytelling, and offer thoughtful commentary.

Experimental series like Atlanta push the boundaries of the medium and take it to new levels, while classics like The Sopranos have redefined the medium altogether while maintaining a consistent level of quality from start to finish. From comedies to dramas, this list includes series that are definitive masterpieces.

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

Image via HBO

Chernobyl is a gripping HBO miniseries that depicts the catastrophic 1986 nuclear disaster in Soviet Ukraine and tells the story of the valiant individuals who risked their lives to contain it. After the sudden explosion of Reactor 4 at the Chernobyl nuclear facility, Soviet chemist Valery Legasov (Jared Harris), Soviet bureaucrat Boris Scherbina (Stellan Skarsgård) and nuclear physicist Ulana Khomyuk (Emily Watson) work together to devise a plan to contain the nuclear fallout before it spreads across the Northern Hemisphere. Their efforts are met with resistance and challenges as they navigate government lies, bureaucracy, and mortal danger.

Chernobyl is a dark and emotionally moving series that depicts the nuclear disaster with searing authenticity. With meticulous cinematography, excellent writing, and heart-wrenching performances, Chernobyl is undoubtedly one of the greatest miniseries of all time. Harris does a phenomenal job of portraying the tortured and frustrated chemist, Valery Legasov, while Skarsgård offers an equally captivating performance as seething bureaucrat Boris Scherbina. But perhaps the greatest performance of the series came from Jessie Buckley, who portrays the tragic Lyudmilla Ignatenko, whose firefighter husband was one of the first victims exposed to the reactors’ radiation. The well-coordinated pacing of the series delivers a constant sense of suspense and tension for viewers, and its commitment to historical accuracy makes it as fascinating a story as it is elucidating.

‘Better Call Saul’ (2015–2022)

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Better Call Saul is a character-driven spin-off series that tells the origin story of Saul Goodman, formerly known as “Jimmy McGill,” (Bob Odenkirk), a struggling but charismatic lawyer who is inevitably drawn to a life of crime despite attempts to lead an honest career. Set before, and slightly after, the events of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul features Jonathan Banks in the role of bodyguard and fixer, Mike Ehrmantraut, Rhea Seehorn as accomplished lawyer and partner to Jimmy, and Michael McKean as Jimmy’s older brother, Chuck.

Spin-off series seldom live up to the legacy of their predecessors. But in some cases, they not only live up to the legacy of their predecessors but even outshine them. Better Call Saul saw Vince Gilligan and Peter Gould in top form as seasoned showrunners following their incredible work on Breaking Bad. The tragic tale of Slippin’ Jimmy unfolds through remarkable writing, as well as outstanding character work from Odenkirk, who does an excellent job of making Saul’s tragic character profoundly sympathetic. Better Call Saul, like its predecessor, only got better with time as audiences witnessed the shocking transformation of Jimmy McGill into the morally bankrupt lawyer who would play a significant supporting role in Breaking Bad. With a flawless ensemble cast supported by the memorable performances by Seehorn and McKean as well as a compelling story that builds into a brilliant crescendo, Better Call Saul is a masterpiece.

‘Succession’ (2018–2023)

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Succession is a satirical black comedy drama series that follows the lives of the Roy family, wealthy owners of RoyCo, a media and entertainment conglomerate. When the future of the ruthless aging patriarch of the family (Brian Cox) suddenly comes into question following the onset of health issues, his self-centered and inept children battle it out for the coveted position of CEO. Succession is a series that takes inspiration from the Murdoch and Royal families and features an ensemble cast that includes Jeremy Strong, Kieran Culkin and Sarah Snook.

Succession is a masterpiece for its razor-sharp writing, layered characters, and remarkable performances from a perfectly cast ensemble of actors. This impeccable series does an outstanding job of blending biting satire with profoundly human drama to explore wealth, privilege, and the dynamics of corporate business. It does so in Shakespearean fashion, as many viewers will likely note the similarities between the series and King Lear. The show’s usage of documentary-style camera work that features snap zooms, quick-pans, and off-center framing gives the series a realistic and personal feel that draws viewers with stunning efficacy. As one of HBO’s greatest series, Succession is a stylish masterpiece that was impeccable from start to finish.

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

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Dark is an atmospheric German sci-fi thriller that begins with the mysterious disappearance of a child in the town of Winden. As families pursue the truth behind the child’s disappearance, they uncover a time-traveling conspiracy that implicates various town folk going back generations. Dark explores themes of fate, free will, and the nature of time itself, through a complex and thought-provoking narrative.

Dark’s intricately woven narrative is meticulously written in a manner that challenges its viewers to critically engage with the series. The show is filled with intentional symbolic imagery and critical, but subtle details that require audiences to pay close attention as they watch, making it a show that rewards multiple viewings. It’s not a superficial series designed to entertain its audiences, but rather a show that engenders them to think and truly to sit with the story. The moody and atmospheric style of the series is expertly crafted to pull audiences into the setting in a way that few series can. Dark‘s engagement with themes of time, fate, and human nature, as well as its unpredictable story and atmospheric style that lingers long after watching, make it a modern masterpiece.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

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The Sopranos is a crime drama series that follows the life of New Jersey mob boss Tony Soprano (James Gandolfini) as he struggles to strike a balance between his crime family and his personal family. Tony’s life and psyche are examined through his interactions with his therapist, Dr. Jennifer Melfi (Lorraine Braco), as viewers witness Tony commit heinous crimes including theft and murder, while also attempting to be a father, husband, and family man. The Sopranos features an ensemble cast that also includes Edie Falco and Michael Imperioli.

Few series in television history have had an impact remotely close to the one The Sopranos has had on the media as well as popular culture at large. This is due to several factors, including the remarkable writing of the series that’s rife with subtext, and meticulous world building. Viewers who watch The Sopranos are immediately brought into a space that feels authentically lived in, with characters that are profoundly realistic. The depiction of the unique subculture of the Italian mob is portrayed with such careful detail that the FBI allegedly told producers that mob figures would discuss the realism of the series over wiretaps. Performances by Gandolfini, Falco, and Imperioli remain some of the best and most memorable of their careers, spawning a fan base that remains passionately devoted to the series nearly two decades after the final episode aired. The Sopranos also offers a fascinating commentary and critique on American culture that remains relevant today.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

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Originally conceived as the story of a man who transforms from Mr. Chips into Scarface, Breaking Bad depicts the rise and fall of former chemistry teacher turned meth kingpin, Walter White aka Heisenberg (Bryan Cranston). After a lifetime of mediocrity, a brilliant high school chemistry teacher discovers that they’re terminally with lung cancer. Struggling with money, and suddenly animated by the realization that they have little time left in the world, Walter White teams up with former student-turned-meth peddler, Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) and the two men proceed to cook up the most premier meth in Albuquerque.

Cranston delivers a career-defining performance as the menacing Walter White, who undergoes a drastic transformation from a mild-mannered and unremarkable high school teacher into a ruthless, morally bankrupt meth kingpin. What makes this performance especially good is the subtle nuance of Cranston’s expressive acting, which initially captures the threatening, fiery ambition of Walter’s character through an economy of gestures and actions. By mid-series, White’s transformation feels natural and fully earned. Cranston conveys to the audience that this performance is less about Walter transforming into a monster, and more about simply embracing the monster he always was. The impeccable writing of the series propels the narrative forward in a constant progression that ultimately ends with one of the greatest climaxes and finales in the history of television.

‘Mad Men’ (2007–2015)

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Mad Men follows the personal and professional life of Creative Director Don Draper (Jon Hamm) and his colleagues at Sterling Cooper, a highly successful advertising agency in 1960s New York City. Don is smooth, mysterious, and highly skilled at his job, but he harbors a haunting secret: he’s not really who he says he is. Mad Men includes a phenomenal cast of talent that includes Elisabeth Moss in her breakthrough role as Don’s protégé, Peggy Olson, and John Slattery as the quick-witted Roger Sterling.

Matthew Weiner developed the idea for Mad Men while working for David Chase on The Sopranos, so naturally, audiences will notice similarities between the works, especially in terms of the brilliant use of subtext. The application of subtext in Mad Men is one of the primary qualities that gives it a sense of realism. Characters seldom reveal how they truly feel, giving audiences just enough dialogue and action to compel them to critically engage and interpret the narrative. Through this subtle form of storytelling, Mad Men often presents its characters as subjects of their particular historical setting and the culture, norms, and the influential external factors that come with them. This unique approach forms a fascinating and engrossing commentary on a unique time period without reducing itself to platitudes. Mad Men‘s meticulous attention to historical detail also makes it one of the greatest, and most accurately depicted, period pieces in television history. Viewers who enjoy literature will likely appreciate the masterfully executed “show-don’t-tell” approach of Mad Men.

‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)

Fleabag is a comedy-drama television series created by Phoebe Waller-Bridge based on her one-woman play. This unique show follows the life of a sharp-witted, grief-stricken woman known only as “Fleabag”, as she copes with her tragedy while simultaneously trying to date in London. Fleabag also features Andrew Scott in the role of The Priest and Sian Clifford as Fleabag’s sister, Clair.

Fleabag is a one-of-a-kind series that masterfully blends razor-sharp humor with heart-wrenching emotional honesty in a fashion that’s unlike any other series. What makes this series so unique is Waller-Bridge’s constant breaking of the fourth wall to address the audience with exposition, inner monologues and additional running commentary. This subversive stylistic choice creates a deeply intimate relationship between the character and the audience that’s both jarring and profoundly captivating. As the series progresses, each moment viewers share with Fleabag feels raw and personal. Waller-Bridge gives a remarkable performance as sharp-witted, unapologetically candid Fleabag, who uses humor to hide her emotional pain and depression. This performance, along with the exceptional writing and style of the series, make it a unique masterpiece.

‘Atlanta’ (2016–2022)

Image via FX

Atlanta follows the life of Earnest “Earn” Marks (Donald Glover), a Princeton University dropout who returns to his home in Atlanta and becomes manager to his cousin, hip-hop artist Alfred “Paper Boi” Miles (Brian Tyree Henry). Earn and Alfred are joined by their eccentric friend Darius (LaKeith Stanfield) and Vanessa “Van” Kiefer (Zazie Beetz), Earn’s on-again-off-again girlfriend and mother to their child Lottie, as they navigate the bizarre and surreal landscape of the Atlanta hip-hop scene.

Atlanta is a one-of-a-kind series that masterfully blends surrealism, sharp social satire, and dark humor to explore class, race, and identity in modern America. Glover’s subversive, genre-defying approach makes it one of the most unpredictable series in television history. Atlanta uses expressive cinematography and beautiful production to create a dream-like style that often blurs the lines of reality and presents bizarre scenes in a way that is reminiscent of the works of David Lynch, and its rejection of traditional narrative structure and exploration of existential themes hearkens back to the films of the French New Wave. With a slew of memorable performances, especially from Tyree Henry, and a stunning visual style, few series in history have taken such a radically experimental approach to television in as successful a way as Atlanta.

‘Veep’ (2012–2019)

Image via HBO

After losing the presidential election, U.S. Senator Selina Meyer (Julia Louis-Dreyfus) lands the job of Vice President, making her the second in command to the most powerful individual in the world. But Selina soon finds out that being Vice President is not all it’s cracked up to be. Veep is a political satire comedy series that follows the life of narcissistic Vice President Selina Meyer and her staff of bumbling employees as they navigate the complex terrain of Washington D.C. politics.

Veep is easily the greatest political satire ever produced for television, and for that alone it’s rightfully a masterpiece. This sharply written series features rapid-fire dialogue and a seemingly endless run of hilarious jokes from start to finish. Veep’s cynical depiction of American politics has been lauded for its striking authenticity. Louis-Dreyfus delivers a career-defining performance (which is already impressive given her legendary run as Elaine Benes) as the self-centered, hot-tempered Selina Meyer. While Louis-Dreyfus dominates every scene she’s in, the supporting cast, which includes Tony Hale as Meyer’s servile personal aid, and Anna Chlumsky as Selina’s neurotic Chief of Staff, Amy Brookeheimer, also offer hysterical performances. Over the impressive course of its seven-season run, Veep never faltered in quality, delivering what’s one of the most masterfully executed comedy series of all time.

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Veep

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2012 – 2019-00-00

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HBO Max

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Alaskan Bush People star Matt Brown has died at the age of 43, according to his brother Bear Brown.

“They found a body in the river a few hours ago and it was positively identified as being Matt,” Bear, 38, announced via TikTok on Saturday, May 30. “[Brother] Noah was with them and helped them pull the body out of the water. Noah identified [Matt].”

Bear said that he “never would have suspected that [Matt] would have hurt himself” even though his brother “struggled for a long time.”

“I was so worried that he would end up ODed or something like that. I didn’t think he would hurt himself,” Bear told his followers.

Bear confirmed that the coroner has not yet performed an autopsy on Matt though it is theorized that the death was “self-inflicted.”

“I would ask people to please, please be respectful to my family and to my mom. Please watch the comments that you leave, guys,” he asked. “Sometimes words can hurt more than fists can … In one of [Matt’s] last videos, he was talking about how negative people were on his posts. You guys should keep in mind that people on the other side of your screen, people you are watching a video of, are real people too.”

Bear thanked any followers who supported the rescue efforts for Matt after he went missing earlier in the week.

“I would just ask you to please, please, please be kind,” Bear pleaded. “Especially with my siblings … Please leave my family out of it.”

The confirmation of Matt’s death comes hours after Oregon authorities suspended search efforts for a missing man believed to be the reality star due to weather concerns.

“During the day of search efforts, the river conditions deteriorated and hampered search efforts,” a press release read. “After rainfall from the previous night, the river level and river current speed increased. The active river flow increases the likelihood that the male has not remained near the location last seen.”

Local authorities added, “The search has been suspended due to dangerous river conditions and pending information to focus on search efforts.”

Matt’s family expressed concerns about his well-being amid a police search for an unidentified man in his area. On Thursday, May 28, Matt’s brother Bear posted a TikTok video addressing claims that Matt was seen by a witness near a local river.

“I’m being told that late last night that Matt took his own life,” Bear, 38, said in the clip. “I can’t confirm that that’s true, but witnesses say that he was seen in a river, at a river or close to a river.”

Okanogan County Sheriff’s Office received a call on Wednesday, May 27, to report a man sitting in the shallow waters of the Okanogan River in Washington state, per TMZ. The caller, who remained anonymous, looked away and when they turned back because of a sound. The man was allegedly lying face down in the river and being swept away by the current, according to the caller.

TMZ confirmed that emergency responders searched the area but could not find a body. As of Friday, May 29, no body had been found and the search was to be resumed.

Prior to confirmation of his death, a source close to the Browns told Us Weekly that “the family is not sure what to believe” amid the speculation.

“They are not sure where Matt is but they are hoping that he is OK and that the information is wrong,” the insider explained at the time. “They are all in contact and speaking to police and waiting to hear. They have had their issues [with Matt] and Gabe has been the person most in contact with him.”

Alaskan Bush People aired for 14 seasons from 2014 to 2022 on Discovery Channel. The reality series followed the entire Brown family as they lived off the grid in Hoonah, Alaska. Matt appeared on the show from 2014 to 2019. He quietly left the series without an official explanation. Since his departure from reality TV, Matt has run his own YouTube channel.

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Over the years, Matt struggled with substance abuse. He went to rehab in 2016. After suffering a relapse, he returned from a second round of treatment two years later.

Alaskan Bush People came to an end in 2022, one year after the Bear family patriarch Billy Brown died age 68 after suffering a seizure. (Matt is the eldest son of Billy and Ami Brown. His siblings include Bear, Gabe, Joshua “Bam Bam” Brown, Noah Brown, Bird Brown and Rain Brown.)

If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

Editor’s note: The below contains spoilers for the For All Mankind Season 5 finale.

The Season 5 finale of For All Mankind is one for the alt-history books, keeping with the series’ tradition of setting up the next season in its final scene. “This Land Is Our Land” barely gives viewers any time to recover from the shock of losing Kelly Baldwin (Cynthy Wu) as the episode jumps past Saturn and a few years into the future, to 2020. To the tune of The Weeknd‘s “Blinding Lights,” a derelict spaceship suddenly comes back online as a computer lights up with Russian text. This ship is named Mars-94, while the text onscreen teases the possibility of an old acquaintance somehow returning and influencing the events of the series’ final season.

‘For All Mankind’ Season 5’s Final Scene Teases the Return of Mars-94

The return of Mars-94 is a direct tie to For All Mankind Season 3, which premiered in 2022. Back then, the events of the so-called race to Mars were at the center of the story, as NASA, Roscosmos, and Helios Aerospace each sent their own spaceship to try and claim the red planet first. Only two ships made it all the way: NASA’s Sojourner and Helios’ Phoenix. Mars-94’s engine is similar to the Sojourner, since, at that time, Margo Madison (Wrenn Schmidt) was secretly sharing information with Roscosmos’ Sergei Nikulov (Piotr Adamczyk). Both have nuclear fission engines, but Mars-94’s was put under too much stress and failed. As a result, radiation started leaking into the vessel itself, forcing its crew to abandon ship. Since then, Mars-94 has been adrift in space.

As a spaceship, Mars-94 is a single-stage-to-orbit craft, meaning it doesn’t lose any component during its ascent and remains a single unit from launch to landing. It took off from Earth and didn’t make any stops until it caught up with Sojourner and Phoenix on the way to Mars. That’s why, in Season 5, Mars-94 looks mostly intact and dark — it’s still technically in one piece, but with radiation flooding its interior, making it impossible for humans to command it from the inside.

Sergei Nikulov Could Play a Surprising Role in ‘For All Mankind’s Final Season

For All Mankind is a gem of speculative sci-fi on TV, but it’s definitely not the kind of show where the dead return. Still, the Russian text on the Mars-94 computer will definitely get fans talking about why Sergei’s name is there at all. Translated, it reads: “D:/ Detection of GW 3.06.0451 // Nikulov Loading…” Sergei’s last name is Nikulov, and he was the director of Roscosmos at the time of the mission, so his name showing up isn’t particularly strange, but the ship coming back to life after 26 years definitely is.

It’s worth remembering, however, that Sergei was assassinated by the KGB in 2003, so there is absolutely no way it’s him reaching out to Mars-94. What’s more likely is that he left code within the ship’s systems with specific guidelines or instructions, and Mars-94 might just have activated one of those in the vastness of space. Although it was evacuated, the ship hasn’t stopped coasting, and its nuclear engine could very well have the power to turn systems back on even decades after going dark.

The big question is what that code might be for. As Irina Morozova (Svetlana Efremova) mentions in the Season 5 finale, there are older Soviet satellites that can still be activated, and that’s how Happy Valley learns about the ceasefire ordered by the U.S. government. It could be that Mars-94 has the same system, and Mars (or another human outpost in the Solar System) has reached out to the ship for some reason. If there is a way to get rid of the radiation, the ship is still largely usable, and spacecraft of a similar construction have been reused before — Sojourner itself traveled to both Mars and Titan.

It’s also possible that Mars-94’s system has been programmed to boot up whenever it stumbles upon certain events. The “Detection of GW” part of the script is particularly curious. The letters likely mean “gravitational wave,” which could imply that Mars-94 is approaching a massive celestial body. There was no reason to ever assume Mars-94 would ever find itself in such a position when it launched, but Sergei was a dreamer and an idealist, so his programming it with more specificity isn’t that much of a stretch.

Mars-94’s Position in Space Might Be Tied to ‘For All Mankind’s Endgame

Image via Apple TV

For All Mankind has always told a deeply optimistic story about humanity’s potential to reach the stars, but Season 5’s final scene might actually be about the stars reaching back. Fans have always speculated that the series might end with first contact, and, with Season 6 confirmed to be the show’s last, this possibility just became even more likely.

Mars-94 is one of the furthest human-made objects from Earth in For All Mankind, and, given its specifications, it’s not impossible to consider that it might have reached another star system, like Alpha Centauri. The first contact theory could involve Mars-94 being acquired by another civilization and booted up as a response. Sergei thinking beyond the scope of the original mission is well within his character, and this system might be his final gift to humanity: a way of letting those who survived him know that they might not be alone in the universe.

President Donald Trump called for organizers of Freedom 250’s Great American State Fair concerts to “cancel” upcoming concerts due to artists dropping out.

“I am thinking about bringing the Number One Attraction anywhere in the World, the man who gets much larger audiences than Elvis in his prime, and he does so without a guitar, the man who loves our Country more than anyone else, and the man who some say is the Greatest President in History (THE GOAT!), DONALD J. TRUMP, to take the place of these highly paid, Third Rate ‘Artists,’ and give a major speech, rallying the Country forward like I have done ever since being President,” Trump, 79, wrote via TruthSocial on Saturday, May 30.

Martina McBride, Bret Michaels, Young MC and Morris Day and the Time have all pulled out of scheduled shows at the 16-day festival in Washington D.C. celebrating America’s 250th birthday over organizer Freedom 250’s connections to the Trump administration.

Freedom 250 describes its events as “nonpartisan,” though its website mentions the White House and the Department of War among its “founding government members.” Freedom 250 also publicly counts multiple corporations with ties to Trump — including Palantir, UFC and Oracle — as sponsors.

“I would like to talk to you and clear the air. I will not be performing at the Great American State Fair on June 25. I was presented with an opportunity to perform at a nonpartisan event but that turned out to be misleading,” McBride, 59, announced via Instagram on Thursday, May 28.

Michaels, 63, alleged that he’d received threats over his involvement in Freedom 250 before deciding to cancel his show.

“Unfortunately, what was presented to us as a celebration of our country has evolved into something much more divisive than what I agreed to be a part of,” Michaels said in a statement via his website. “Concerns have also been raised regarding the safety of my fans, band, crew, family and myself, including threats that are completely unfounded and unforgivable. Because of that, I have made the difficult decision to step away from this performance.”

In the wake of multiple artist cancellations, Trump compared the Freedom 250 controversy to his troubled attempt to renovate and rename the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.

A judge ruled on Friday, May 29, that Trump’s name should be removed from the Kennedy Center’s marquee, in addition to temporarily blocking a planned two-year closure for renovations. (The president later threatened to “transfer this failing Institution back” to the “Radical Left Democrats” to force them to take ownership of renovation costs and planning.)

“We should have a giant MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN RALLY, for 250, instead of having overpriced singers, who nobody wants to hear, whose music is boring, and yet who do nothing but complain,” Trump suggested. “Cancel it, just like I canceled my involvement with the failing and unsafe to be in Kennedy Center … The Kennedy Center is broken, unsafe, and $busted, and has been for many years!”

Prior to Trump’s statement, Freedom 250 spokesperson Julia Friedland addressed whether the festivities were truly nonpartisan during an appearance on DC News Now’s Sunrise on the Hill on Friday, May 29.

“I don’t think there’s anything partisan about America being around for 250 years … We have a history, obviously, but we have a president that wants to celebrate 250 years of America,” she insisted. “And that’s exactly what we’re doing. And that’s how it was sold to performers. We’ll have military bands, military ensembles as well. We will have representatives from every state and territory in the United States to come and represent their culture, what makes their state and territory unique.”

“So it sold the same way to everyone that we’re celebrating America’s 250th birthday,” she added. “We’ll have military bands, orchestras, talented performers. We will be announcing more in the coming weeks and days, and we will have something for everyone there.”

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The Great American State Fair appears to have some drama surrounding its lineup of performers. Hours after event organizers announced the initial lineup of special guests, speakers and performers for the 16-day national exposition, some booked musicians said they wanted no part in the event set to take place in Washington D.C. between June 25 […]

Asked whether artists were told about the White House’s involvement when they signed on, Friedland said, “I can’t speak to negotiations that were made for performers. But what I can say is we’re selling it the same way to every single person in this country. This is a celebration of America, 250 years, glorious years. It’s inherently nonpolitical.”

Not every concert booked for the Freedom 250 concerts has been cancelled, as headliners Vanilla Ice and Fab Morvan of Milli Vanilli have both promoted their involvement via social media amid the backlash.

“Happy birthday America 250 years. It’s gonna be an epic party,” Vanilla Ice, 58, wrote via Instagram on Thursday, May 28. “This is to bring us all together. I’m tired of all the news channels dividing this country. We are all one.”

Hockey fans around the world are mourning the loss of Claude Lemieux, the four-time Stanley Cup champion who died on May 28, 2026, at age 60.

The Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed to Us Weekly that the NHL legend died by suicide at a family-owned furniture business in Florida — just three days after he was seen carrying the torch before a Montreal Canadiens playoff game.

Lemieux’s death has sent shockwaves through the hockey community, with tributes pouring in from former teammates and family members. Keep scrolling for everything to know:

Claude Lemieux’s Cause of Death

According to a Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, Lemieux was found dead inside the Andros Home showroom on the 200 block of North Congress Avenue in Lake Park, Florida, at 3:23 a.m. ET on May 28, 2026.

“The business was secured for evidence preservation/investigation by VCD Homicide,” the spokesperson told Us. “The victim is believed to be Claude Lemieux.”

Per the medical examiner, Lemieux died by suicide and was found “in the rear warehouse by his son.” His family reportedly became concerned when he didn’t return home, prompting one of his three adult sons to check on him. It has not been disclosed which son made the discovery. Lemieux — who hailed from Buckingham, Quebec — spent the final years of his life living in West Palm Beach, Florida.

Claude Lemieux’s Family Breaks Their Silence

Lemieux is survived by his second wife, Deborah — whom he married in the Bahamas in the mid-1990s — along with his four children: sons Michael and Christopher from his first marriage and son Brendan and daughter Claudia with Deborah.

Brendan was the first family member to publicly speak out. The athlete shared a recent photo with his father and his son, Luc, on Instagram.

“I love you dad!” Brendan wrote. “My son’s favorite person is going to watch from above for a while. We will see you.”

Claudia, who works as author Colleen Hoover’s assistant, broke her silence later that same day.

“No words to express the level of devastation we feel,” Claudia wrote via her Instagram Story. “I love you forever daddy. Forever your only girl.”

Inside Claude Lemieux’s Iconic NHL Career

Lemieux played 21 seasons in the NHL from 1983 to 2009, suiting up for the Montreal Canadiens, New Jersey Devils, Colorado Avalanche, Phoenix Coyotes, Dallas Stars and San Jose Sharks. Known as both a fierce competitor and a clutch postseason performer, he won four Stanley Cup championships during his career.

In 1,215 regular season games, Lemieux tallied 379 goals and 407 assists, along with 1,777 penalty minutes. According to NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Lemieux’s teams reached the playoffs for 15 straight seasons. His 234 postseason games rank sixth in league history, and his 80 career playoff goals rank ninth all time.

After retiring as a player, Lemieux transitioned into a successful career as a sports agent, representing top NHL talent including the Detroit Red Wings’ Moritz Seider, the Devils’ Timo Meier, the Boston Bruins’ Hampus Lindholm and Carolina Hurricanes goalie Frederik Andersen.

Claude Lemieux’s Final Public Appearance

Just three days before his death, Lemieux made an emotional return to Montreal’s Bell Centre on May 25, 2026, where he served as the torchbearer before Game 3 of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Canadiens and Carolina Hurricanes.

Claude Lemieux’s Family Plans to Donate His Brain for CTE Research

On Saturday, May 30, Lemieux’s family released a statement confirming that they plan to donate his brain to the UNITE Brain Bank at the Boston University CTE Center for research into “the long-term effects of repetitive head impacts and traumatic brain injury.”

The Lemieuxs noted that their donation is “a gift to science, to athletes and to future generations of families seeking answers.” (Per Mayo Clinic, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, or CTE, is a neurodegenerative brain disease that is linked to repeated head injuries. While the condition is “rare and not well understood,” research has strongly linked CTE to athletes and combat veterans.)

“Claude dedicated his post-play career to helping the next generation,” his family said in a statement. “By allowing his name to be connected to this research, we hope his life can contribute to greater understanding, more honest conversations, and better protection for athletes and families in the years ahead.”

The family also briefly touched on speculation about the “circumstances of Claude’s death.”

“Suicide is complex, and the family asks media and the public to discuss this loss with care, compassion and respect for those who lost him,” they asked.

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Details about a public memorial will be announced “at a later date,” according to the Lemieux family.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

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

We turn on television comedies to laugh. And in this day and age, we search for things that we can get the best bang for our buck. While comedies will likely keep you laughing from start to finish, which shows actually have the most laughs per minute? While maybe not scientifically speaking, the 10 shows on this list have a high volume of jokes within their given runtime.

The comedies listed below are some of the greatest series thanks to their brilliant writing and top-tier acting. It’s through this dynamic combo that those jokes land and leave us wanting more. There’s a reason these shows with high joke counts also happen to be among the most rewatchable in television history. From workplace sitcoms to tear-inducing mockumentaries, these comedies will always be funny, no matter how many times you hear the jokes.

10

‘The Big Bang Theory’ (2007–2019)

Image via CBS

One of the most popular series to ever air on CBS is The Big Bang Theory. Created by Chuck Lorre and Bill Prady, the series follows four socially awkward, genius scientists — Sheldon Cooper (Jim Parsons), Leonard Hofstadter (Johnny Galecki), Howard Wolowitz (Simon Helberg), and Raj Koothrappali (Kunal Nayyar) — and their free-spirited neighbor, Penny (Kaley Cuoco). Blending traditional sitcom comedy with geek culture, The Big Bang Theory delights by showing how these brilliant minds navigate romance, career ambitions, and everyday social situations. Utilizing the desire to keep the live studio audience howling, The Big Bang Theory‘s rapid-fire jokes set against the contrast of character types lead to the hilarity of the fish-out-of-water dynamic.

Though the show may be a bit cringeworthy in the early seasons due to the kinds of jokes the writers went for, it never deterred the devoted fan base from tuning in. Running for 12 seasons and launching three spin-off shows, The Big Bang Theory‘s comedy experiment resulted in profound success. The Big Bang Theory may have been niche, but to the fans who got it, they never stopped laughing. In the age of the beauty-and-geek genre, The Big Bang Theory played on those tropes, and the audience related to the situations. At the end of the day, the appeal was how geek and nerd culture would be infused into the comedy.

9

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

Image via NBC

The epitome of ’90s comedy was Friends. Created by David Crane and Marta Kauffman, Friends followed six close-knit twenty-somethings — Rachel Green (Jennifer Aniston), her roommate Monica Geller (Courteney Cox), Monica’s brother Ross (David Schwimmer), his friend Chandler Bing (Matthew Perry), his roommate Joey Tribbiani (Matt LeBlanc), and Phoebe (Lisa Kudrow). Across 10 beloved seasons, Friends chronicled their lives as they navigated love, professional careers, and growing up. Each episode featured a litany of hilarious jokes, humorous situations, and quotable lines that proved Friends simply dominated in the comedy department.

Friends used accessibility to capture relatable work woes, dating anxieties, and ordinary moments of adulting into rapid-fire laughs. With six very distinct characters, they each had their own humorous vocabulary that worked individually, as well as as a unit. Friends flourished with high-octane one-liners and situations, many of which led to iconic catchphrases. If someone were to mention words such as “pivot” or “unagi,” Friends will pop into your mind. Say “we were on a break,” and once again, it’s Friends. These bits became permanent fixtures in the comedy hall of fame. Not many comedies can be quoted at such a frequency as Friends. That’s a mark of successful humor.

8

‘Angie Tribeca’ (2016–2018)

Image via TBS

If you’ve reached this entry and are perplexed as to why you never heard of this show, it’s understandable. Angie Tribeca was a TBS show, so there’s that. But once you watch, you’ll be sorely disappointed that you missed a perfectly hilarious comedy. Created by Steve and Nancy Carell (yes, you read that right), Angie Tribeca follows Rashida Jones in the titular role. A lone-wolf veteran of the LAPD’s RHCU, or Really Heinous Crimes Unit, Angie, her partner J. Geills (Hayes MacArthur), and her squad investigate ridiculous, highly specific crimes, ranging from the murder of a ventriloquist to a string of baker suicides. Avoiding realistic police work in favor of pure, unadulterated silliness, Angie Tribeca paired its high-energy pacing with whip-smart writing and deadpan delivery.

Angie Tribeca was a parody police procedural in the same vein as The Naked Gun. In that capacity, everything was meant to be a joke. From names to observational humor, Angie Tribeca was a non-stop laugh riot. The high density of jokes was intentional as the writers jam-packed the script with wit through sight gags, puns, and absurdity. The thing about this style of comedy is that there are jokes that will not reach everyone on time, so when they land, it might be because you’re on a 10-second joke delay. That’s just a notch into the brilliance of the writing. A sincerely underrated comedy, Angie Tribeca deserves to be in the same conversation as the other single-cam greats of the time.

7

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Image via FOX

During the golden age of single-camera workplace comedies, one of the top-tier entries came from Dan Goor and Michael Schur. That show was Brooklyn Nine-Nine. A star vehicle for Saturday Night Live alumni Andy Samberg, Brooklyn Nine-Nine follows the eccentric, lovable, and diverse group of detectives working in the fictional 99th Precinct in Brooklyn. The show centers around the dynamic between Detective Jake Peralta (Samberg), a brilliant but immature and carefree hotshot, and Captain Raymond Holt (Andre Braugher), a stern, no-nonsense commanding officer on a mission to whip the precinct into shape. Featuring a large ensemble of eccentric characters, Brooklyn Nine-Nine brilliantly subverted sitcom and police tropes, balancing fast-paced humor with genuinely heartwarming ensemble chemistry.

With many cop programs going the dark and gritty route, Brooklyn Nine-Nine flipped that around for a colorful and ridiculous romp. The cops spend as much time solving crimes as they do playing office pranks and simply being immature. That’s the draw and allure of the sitcom. As one of the wordiest comedies around, Brooklyn Nine-Nine relied heavily on witty banter and endless humor to keep the comedy alive. Brooklyn Nine-Nine never punched down. The workplace setting saw the co-workers largely as equals, showing respect and support despite their ribbing. Brooklyn Nine-Nine, which ran for eight seasons, was unique in that it gave its characters room to grow, avoiding the trap of being stuck in an archetype box. Through that, the humor evolved, keeping the comedy fresh.

6

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

The world of sitcoms changed when multi-camera shows gave way to single-camera series. In exchange for laugh tracks and a live studio audience came dry humor that relied on the audience to decide when they wanted to laugh. Perhaps the most beloved and iconic example of this was The Office. Based on the British version created by Ricky Gervais and Stephen Merchant, the Greg Daniels-adapted series followed the daily lives of the employees at Dunder Mifflin Paper Company’s Scranton branch. Across nine dynamic seasons, The Office captures the hilarious workplace dynamics, awkward romances, and cringe-worthy encounters led by their highly inappropriate but well-meaning boss, Michael Scott (Steve Carell). Boasting one of the greatest large ensembles, The Office masterfully balanced absurdity and laugh-out-loud humor with heartfelt moments and genuine relationships. The Office took the mundane and made it hilarious.

What the series did excruciatingly well was take the smallest moments and turn them into the biggest events. In turn, it led to comedy unlike anything you’d seen before. The mockumentary style gave way to cringe humor through its filming style. Through the interview-style format, the characters had the freedom to narrate the action and allow their true feelings to emerge. Whether it’s nervously checking in to see if anyone else is in on the absurdity or simply fueling the fire of the awkwardness, The Office‘s unique style allowed for laughs beyond the actual situation. Between recurring bits, including Jim Halpert (John Krasinski) and Dwight Schrute’s (Rainn Wilson) endless prank war, the bumbling antics of Kevin Malone (Brian Baumgartner), or just how ridiculous office romances can get, The Office was never afraid to go to extremes, even when it was intended to make you uncomfortable. The cinéma vérité format became a television game-changer that we’re forever grateful for.

5

‘Arrested Development’ (2003–2006, 2013–2019)

Image via Fox

Fish-out-of-water stories are often perfect entries into hilarity. They’re made even better when it’s paired with a schadenfreude appeal. The Bluths were a family that was created for you to laugh at their misfortunes. That’s what made Arrested Development so great. Created by Mitchell Hurwitz, the satirical sitcom follows the formerly wealthy, wildly dysfunctional Bluth clan. When the family patriarch, George Bluth Sr. (Jeffrey Tambor), is sent to prison for white-collar fraud, it’s up to his level-headed son Michael (Jason Bateman) to take over the family’s faltering real estate business while keeping his incredibly self-absorbed family in line and out of trouble. Relying heavily on complex, interconnected storylines, recurring bits and gags, and absolutely insane situations, Arrested Development balanced documentary-style visual gags with multi-layered humor to capture the flaws that only we could laugh at.

During its initial FOX run, Arrested Development was a product of its time, but when it made the move to Netflix, the series had more freedom to explore and play. It even experimented with an entire season in which you could binge the episodes in any order, in which everything is connected, but how you consumed it led to a different delivery of humor. It was through those risks that Arrested Development stood out as a titan of comedy. What Arrested Development flourished with was its characters and the brilliant acting company that portrayed them. Save for Bateman’s Michael, who served as the story’s straight man, nearly every word that the characters uttered was unintentionally hilarious. From the quote machine that was Lucille Bluth (Jessica Walter) to the clueless GOB (Will Arnett), the physical humor out of Buster (Tony Hale) to the cringeness of Tobias Fünke (David Cross), Arrested Development shone through character work. As one of the greatest shows for callbacks, Arrested Development set the tone for the century. You simply cannot stop smiling while watching this show.

4

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Image via NBC

The combined forces of Greg Daniels and Michael Schur gave the world one of the most beloved sitcoms of all time, Parks and Recreation. The hit series follows the eccentric and perfectly optimistic Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler), who serves as the deputy director of the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana. Leading a quirky team of less-than-enthusiastic coworkers, Parks and Recreation crafted a brilliant world filled with colorful characters who favor warmth over cringe. Layered with running gags and distinct dynamics, Parks and Recreation was, and still is, a breath of fresh air in the world of comedy.

A great sitcom rewards its viewers. Parks and Recreation did that and then some. The sharply written sitcom literally allows its fans to “treat yo self.” Between Andy Dwyer’s (Chris Pratt) recurring Burt Macklin and the infamous Lil Sebastian, Parks and Recreation rewards its viewers with continuity that gets funnier over time. As far as characters are concerned, each individual has their own quirks, so when they find themselves next to someone different, a specific dynamic is formed. And each dynamic is uniquely funny. Leslie and Ron Swanson (Nick Offerman) couldn’t be more opposite, but as a duo, they bring out some of the best comedic moments. Then, pair Ron with April Ludgate (Aubrey Plaza), and their eerily too similar dry wit becomes equally hilarious. A wonderfully endearing workplace comedy, Parks and Recreation sparks joy as it leaves you laughing.

3

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

Image via Fox

This one might surprise you, but if the unscientific survey from The Atlantic is accurate, New Girl is packed with quite a few jokes per minute. Perhaps a more wholesome and real-world accurate comedy, New Girl’s humor resonates in a manner that reflects reality. Brought to life by Elizabeth Meriweather, New Girl follows Jessica Day (Zooey Deschanel), a quirky, bubbly teacher who moves into a Los Angeles loft with three single guys after her bad breakup. Sharing a home with cynical bartender Nick Miller (Jake Johnson), over-the-top marketing professional Schmidt (Max Greenfield), and highly competitive athlete-turned-cop Winston Bishop (Lamorne Morris), Jess and the boys form an unlikely bond as they navigate careers, dating, and adulthood side-by-side. Through a wonderful blend of absurd physical comedy, emotional vulnerability, and fast-paced humor, New Girl captures a core cast of characters that teach us to embrace eccentricities.

New Girl is a celebration of a found family. This helps to elevate the humor of the series. They may not be blood-related, but they certainly can rip and rib on one another for a laugh. After you’ve cried your eyes out from laughter, once the tear ducts have been replenished, you’ll weep at just how genuine they are, pulling at your heartstrings in the process. The roommates in Loft 4D are completely unhinged in their own special way, but together, they complete a perfectly quirky puzzle. The contrasting personalities often led to hilarious friction. Through that friction, brazen hijinks helped the show run for seven triumphant seasons. New Girl is proof that modern-day non-mockumentary style shows can flourish without a laugh track.

2

‘Cunk on Earth’ (2022)

©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection

And now for something a little bit different. When it comes to history, it’s not necessarily meant to be funny, but with Philomena Cunk at the helm, you’ll be left laughing until the episode ends. Created by Charlie Brooker and starring Diane Morgan, the brilliant Cunk on Earth is a satirical mockumentary that uses its five episodes to parody historical documentaries. Hosted by the delightfully clueless and deliciously deadpan journalist Cunk, Cunk on Earth traces the entire history of human civilization while interviewing real-life experts who must be prepared to answer a litany of absurd, wildly uninformed questions. With non-stop sight gags, literal interpretations, rapid-fire gimmicks, and one-liners that will leave you breathless, Cunk on Earth asks the questions you were too afraid to.

Though mockumentary-style sitcoms have filled the airwaves, this one spins the perspective and makes the documentarian the butt of the joke. Cunk on Earth makes you ponder which is more significant, the Renaissance or Beyoncé. You’re forced to wonder if Jesus Christ was the first victim of cancel culture. And Cunk will beg for an answer on whether or not King Arthur came a lot. Cunk on Earth gets you cackling as the experts are rendered baffled. Mirroring a BBC documentary — sweeping, lush landscapes, drone shots, and all — Cunk on Earth features razor-sharp writing with a standout performance that has left fans eager for more.

1

’30 Rock’ (2006–2013)

Image via NBC Universal

Leave it to one of the greatest writers of Saturday Night Live to deliver the most jokes per minute of any comedy. 30 Rock proves that a satirical surrealist sitcom is what audiences desperately crave. Created and starring Tina Fey, the hit seven-season favorite follows the chaotic behind-the-scenes production of a fictional sketch comedy series. Inspired by her time at SNL, Liz Lemon must handle the eccentric lineup of writers, actors, and executives while managing her own messy personal life. With rapid-fire humor, physical gags, and meta pop culture references, 30 Rock‘s dialogue, physical humor, and visual gags have made it a relentlessly absurd satire with nonstop laughs.

Between Liz’s self-deprecating tone set against the brazen egos of our counterparts, 30 Rock‘s comedy aims to get its viewers cracking up at literally everything. And if you’re not laughing out loud, you’re likely smirking, groaning, or rolling your eyes in delight. As one of the strongest written comedies of the 21st century, 30 Rock‘s eclectic mix of callbacks, absurd cutaways, and classic comedy set it apart from anything else that was on the air. Though it may be a tad uncouth by today’s standards, it’s due to the sheer brilliance the writers took with risky humor and on-the-nose observations. Many shows have attempted to replicate 30 Rock‘s immense success, but none have ever come close.

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30 Rock

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Release Date

2006 – 2013-00-00

Showrunner

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Robert Carlock

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Whether you thought its time had come or you were desperately pleading for it not to end, nothing changes the fact that the hit Prime Video superhero series The Boys officially came to an explosive end earlier this month. Eric Kripke‘s beloved series faced a shaky reception to its fourth installment, so its fifth and final season had a lot to make up for. Luckily, one more outing for Karl Urban‘s Billy Butcher, Jack Quaid‘s Hughie Campbell, Antony Starr‘s Homelander, and co made the desired impact, albeit still with its share of issues.

So how do you fill the hole in your viewing habits left by the end of The Boys? How about another thrilling slice of Urban action? Next month, the 2012 sci-fi effort Dredd is heading to a surprise new streamer. Directed by Pete Travis (Vantage Point) and written by Alex Garland (28 Years Later), this now cult hit marked the second time the character had been adapted in feature form, with a 1995 version starring action icon Sylvester Stallone (Tulsa King) slammed by both critics and fans.

The Boys favorite Urban filled Stallone’s shoes in 2012 as Judge Dredd, supported by an ensemble that included Olivia Thirlby, Lena Headey, Wood Harris, Domhnall Gleeson, Warrick Grier, DeObia Oparei, and more. Although a relative hit with critics at the time, the film only earned just over $40 million at the box office worldwide, and was unable to return its reported $45 million budget. Dredd’s status today is much greater than it was 14 years ago, with its distinct visual style and gritty storytelling a breath of fresh air in the current crowded comic-book adaptation market. If you’d like to try it for yourself, you’re in luck, as Dredd will be available to stream on Plex starting June 1, 2026.

‘Dredd’ Is Coming Back

All rise for the return of the Judge. Back in 2025, it was announced that John Wagner and Carlos Ezquerra‘s comic book stories would be adapted for a third time on-screen, with director Taika Waititi (Thor: Ragnarok) taking the reins. Drew Pearce, known for penning the likes of Mission: Impossible — Rogue Nation and Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw, will take charge of the script, with the hope that this upcoming adaptation could launch an entire cinematic universe, as is the trend in the 2020s.

Dredd will be available to stream on Plex starting June 1, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

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September 21, 2012

Runtime

95 minutes

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Director

Pete Travis, Alex Garland

Writers

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Alex Garland

Producers

Alex Garland, Allon Reich, Andrew Macdonald, Deepak Nayar, Stuart Ford, Michael Elson, Chris Kingsley

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  Olivia Thirlby

  Cassandra Anderson

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