The following article contains spoilers.There’s nothing quite like a good sitcom to make you laugh, cry, and enjoy on your own or with the whole family. The best ones ran for multiple seasons and ended just as much on a high as they began. When you feel sad the series has ended but satisfied with how, that’s the mark of a great show.

From the 1980s to the 21st century, there have been some great sitcoms that ended exactly as they should, with impeccable writing, acting, and closure to leave fans clapping and sighing in appreciation. That’s not an easy feat, but some shows wrapped up beautifully.

10

‘Boy Meets World’ (1993–2000)

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The coming-of-age sitcom Boy Meets World defined a generation of ’90s kids, and is still remembered fondly to this day. One of the most impactful scenes, however, is at the end when Mr. Feeny (William Daniels), the strict but father-figure-like teacher and eventually principal, walks quietly through the empty classroom. He’s reminiscing about all the moments he shared with these students, bringing viewers along with him. When he utters the final words, “class dismissed,” it will give you chills.

It’s emotionally satisfying, showing both the growth of all the characters who have now become adults as well as honoring their journeys to get there. It signifies Mr. Feeny’s integral part in their lives, reminding viewers how important educators are in shaping children. But it also depicts that important transition from childhood to adulthood. It’s the perfect way to end a show about the challenges of coming of age.

9

‘New Girl’ (2011–2018)

Image via Ray Mickshaw/©Fox/courtesy Everett Collection

New Girl could have taken the traditional sappy goodbye route as all the roommates moved on, and it did. But the show also made sure to remind fans of how funny and quirky the characters were through one final, elaborate prank. Winston (Lamorne Morris) pretends Nick (Jake Johnson) and Jess (Zooey Deschanel) are being evicted from the apartment by a company called Engram Pattersky, which is reportedly evicting all tenants. But once the truck is loaded with all their belongings, Winston reveals it was all a prank; Engram Pattersky is an anagram for My Greatest Prank. It’s the catalyst, however, for convincing Nick and Jess to move out and on anyway.

Before that, Jess walks her friends through memorable moments they shared together, thus also helping provide closure for fans who were with them on the journey through the show’s seven seasons. Of course, they also had to play one final game of True American to bring back the recurring segment for closure and later are seen playing it again in a flash forward. This solidifies that their bond is unbreakable and helps fans feel like even though the show is ending, in their minds, the group is still together. The sitcom ending was a genuine masterpiece.

8

‘Young Sheldon’ (2017–2024)

Image via CBS

Young Sheldon is a prequel series to The Big Bang Theory, but it became a juggernaut of a show on its own with plenty of fantastic episodes. Fans knew where the story was headed, including the tragic death of George Sr. (Lance Barber), which was dealt with in the final episodes of the last season. But what was most poignant about the finale is that it set up Sheldon’s (Iain Armitage) story to come.

While walking outside Caltech with a smile, Sheldon is stopped by a professor who asks if he’s lost. “No,” he says. “I’m exactly where I need to be.” Knowing this school becomes Sheldon’s future, where he studies and eventually works, makes this ending brilliant. But it’s also the knowledge that Sheldon will meet his lifelong friends there that brings so much satisfaction to the subtle smile on Sheldon’s face.

7

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

Image via NBC

After nine seasons of The Office, a mockumentary sitcom about boring everyday office life, the show needed to end in a way that really helped bring everything to a close. It did, with the whole group reuniting for Dwight (Rainn Wilson) and Angela’s (Angela Kinsey) wedding, including eccentric regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell, who left the series in Season 7).

The goodbyes the staff share with one another in this sitcom that’s a banger from start to finish are fictional for the show, of course. But you can tell that there are also some real goodbyes from the actors behind them, too. There’s growth for characters, with Jim (John Krasinski) finally quitting to pursue his dream, Pam (Jenna Fischer) supporting him, and Oscar (Oscar Nuñez) running for state senate. But it was Carell’s surprise return that brought it all together, including his final line. When Dwight says, “I can’t believe you came,” he replies, “that’s what she said.”

6

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Image via NBC

The Good Place is one of the best shows about the afterlife, following Eleanor (Kristen Bell), who thinks she has been sent to the “good” place, essentially heaven, when she was supposed to be sent to the bad one (effectively hell). She tries to change her ways while there, hoping to earn her spot in before anyone realizes the mistake while ironically lying about who she really is. But there’s a lot more behind the plot.

There’s true closure when the show reveals that even an eternal paradise isn’t all it’s cracked up to be after a while, and souls can eventually pass on to end their existences for good. Once good deeds are accomplished, the door is officially open. The Good Place reminds us that all good things really must come to an end, and that isn’t a bad thing. It’s just reality. In the end is where we find peace, meaning, and closure.

5

‘Friends’ (1994–2004)

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For a decade, Friends was in every living room every week when it aired. Even after it ended and to this day, the show remains the benchmark series about a single group of adult friends navigating life. The show and all of the best Friends episodes took viewers on a journey with its six main characters, each one marking a milestone by the end. From finally solidifying a long-term on-and-off-again relationship to getting married, having kids, and pursuing dreams, they were all ready to move on.

But the pivotal moment is when they are preparing to move out of Monica’s (Courteney Cox) oversized apartment, which is where a lot of the show takes place. As they stand together there one last time, ready to move on to their new places and lives, they decide to get one last coffee. “Sure,” says Chandler (Matthew Perry), “where?” It’s one last joke that perfectly fits his comedic style, because of course they’d be going to Central Perk. Giving Chandler the last line and making it a roll-your-eyes corny one is exactly what was needed for the tone of the show.

4

‘The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air’ (1990–1996)

Image via Warner Bros. Television Distribution

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It makes sense that a show about a young Will (Will Smith) in high school moving to live with his wealthy aunt and uncle in Bel-Air would end with him finally moving out on his own. But throwing things for a loop, the family decides to move out of their lavish mansion as well, opting to be closer to their kids. Hilary (Karyn Parsons) and Ashley (Tatyana Ali) move to New York, and Carlton (Alfonso Ribeiro) is prepping for Princeton while Geoffrey (Joseph Marcell) decides to go back to London. What’s interesting is that Will is the one who decides to stay in California to complete his college degree, a future he probably never could have imagined when he first moved in, nor could anyone else.

The ending of The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is perfect as they say their final goodbyes and Will is left in the living room alone to reflect on his time there. It’s all in fondness, and in his simple smile and subtle sigh, you can feel the weight of the moment, both for the character and the actor. As he turns off the light and leaves, Carlton’s voice bellowing from upstairs, indicating everyone forgot he was still there, icing on top to bring one last laugh.

3

‘Cheers’ (1982–1993)

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Cheers started as a welcoming bar where everyone knows your name and is glad you came, and Sam (Ted Danson) is tending. And it ended the same way, coming full circle. But it’s the satisfaction in the end that Sam realizes he’s exactly where he needs to be that makes it so great. After surprisingly deciding not to run off and get married to Diane (Shelley Long), Sam coming to terms with the fact that the bar is his one true love is a testament to the importance of every interaction he had there up to that point.

In a way, it tells viewers that the welcoming promise of the bar wasn’t just a song and a sign on the wall: it was a calling; it had meaning to Sam. There’s no place he’d rather be. When he tells a patron who comes in as he’s washing up that they’re closed, it’s also a goodbye to fans. Cheers and its fan-favorite characters won’t return to our TVs, but in our minds, the bar will re-open in the morning and welcome its regulars and others once again.

2

‘Newhart’ (1982–1990)

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For eight seasons, Newhart walked viewers through the story of Dick (Bob Newhart) and Joanna (Mary Frann), a couple who move from the city to a small rural Vermont town to run an inn. While there, they interact with the eccentric townsfolk and the eclectic mix of guests who come to stay. The sitcom is witty, dry, sarcastic, and entertaining with memorable characters and satisfying episodes.

Newhart pulled a fast one on fans, however, using the finale to deliver one huge, final punchline that completely changed the show. Through a meta crossover with The Bob Newhart Show, Newhart’s sitcom that aired prior to Newhart, the ending suggested that his character on that show, Bob Hartley, was simply having one, long dream that characterized the entire show. In most cases, the “it was all a dream” storyline doesn’t work. But Newhart made it shocking, nostalgic, and rewarding, showing that this angle can be done well.

1

‘M*A*S*H’ (1972–1983)

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One of the best shows to ever grace the small screen, M*A*S*H had meaning, heart, humor, and was telling of its time and the complexities of war. The war comedy drama set in a Mobile Army Surgical Hospital during the Korean War follows the mix of personalities as they handle the tough jobs in a complicated and often depressing situation while doing their best to be there for one another and deal with the trauma in a healthy way.

The end of the show marks the end of the war, and the 2.5-hour episode, which broke viewership records, sees each character processing what they went through and getting ready to return to civilian life. The final scene with Hawkeye (Alan Alda) looking down from his helicopter to see stones spelling out “Goodbye” is as emotional as a show can possibly get.

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M*A*S*H

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Release Date

1972 – 1983-00-00

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Showrunner

Larry Gelbart

Directors

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Larry Gelbart

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• 

  Loretta Swit

  Margaret Houlihan

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Actress Carrie Coon made a splash on season 3 of HBO’s hit show, “The White Lotus.” She starred as Laurie Duffy, who was visiting the luxurious Thai resort with a few of her childhood friends. Coon, a competitive high school runner, did all her own sprinting for the show, which spawned several creative memes on social media. The show has made her a household name, but Coon has always been in the industry.

During a Drama Actress Roundtable with The Hollywood Reporter, Carrie Coon sat down with Sarah Pidgeon, Claire Danes, Kerry Washington, Rhea Seehorn, and Chase Infiniti to discuss the highs and lows of working in Hollywood. During one part of the conversation, Coon was asked about how “The White Lotus” gave her profile a “boost,” even though she had already achieved fame from shows like “The Leftovers” and “The Gilded Age.”

“That part, the public discourse about you and your life, has always felt so far from me,” Coon said, admitting that she will “read reviews” and “haunt Reddit” to see what is being said about her and her work.

“I want to know how the work is landing in the world. It’s important to take in the good and the bad because then you know that it’s all subjective and actually has nothing to do with you,” she added.

Coon Describes The Fan Reactions To Her Role

Coon went on to joke that “the slow and steady rise of Carrie Coon has happened entirely outside of my life — even now after The White Lotus.”

She recalled how she was at a restaurant in Newport when “this sweet young thing who was serving me said, ‘Do you play guitar?’”

“I’m still moving through the world with people vaguely kind of maybe thinking they know me from their high school,” she continued. “It’s great, and I don’t want to change that.”

However, she did admit that “there were a lot of think pieces written about the show and the women” on “The White Lotus” and speculated that “maybe people started watching The Gilded Age” after seeing her performance in the HBO hit.

That being said, she admitted, “I haven’t seen the material results of that yet.”

Carrie Coon Admits She Still Has To ‘Fight’ For Roles

Despite the success of “The White Lotus,” Coon admitted, “I think I’m like the top of the B-list now. Instead of the seventh person you come to, I’m like the fourth.”

She went on to reveal that she still has “to fight” for larger roles and acknowledged that she’s “going to have to fight for big movies,” because she is currently being offered a lot of “unfinanced indie scripts.”

“That’s what I’m getting,” she admitted. “And it’s probable that, if The Gilded Age were to go away, I would get another television job. For me, I haven’t leveled up in the way that you think of.”

Coon Talks Her ‘Favorite Meme’ Of Herself

Elsewhere in the interview, the actresses were asked if they had a favorite meme of themselves. Immediately, Coon replied, “Me sprinting away from the gunshots in The White Lotus.”

She went on to say that she felt “deeply gratified” to see the way people “lauded” her “physical life,” because she had an athletic background.

“I love hanging out of a window. I love running. I also just felt like, yeah, that’s a very American response. You hear a gunshot, you’re out of there. That felt very real to me,” she replied. “There’s also my really ugly cry face.”

She joked to Claire Danes, who is currently starring in “The Beast in Me,” that “you and I both share” the “cry face.”

When it came to fans recognizing her on the streets, however, she admitted that “it’s always The Leftovers fans that recognize” her. “I always hear about people’s grief. It’s very moving,” she said. “There’s such deep sharing that happens, and it’s not trite, and I’m very grateful for it.”

‘The White Lotus’ Will Return In 2027

In a galaxy far, far away, Star Wars introduced us to the epic battle between the righteous Jedi and the powerful Sith Lords, but they’re not alone in this magnificent universe. They may not have the allure, but some of the most fascinating characters in Star Wars are the bounty hunters, mercenaries who make their living tracking, capturing, or eliminating designated targets for a reward. Operating mostly in the galactic underworld, they are often employed by crime syndicates, corporations, and governments to do the dirty work of collecting debts or neutralizing threats.

Whether protagonist or antagonist, hero or villain, no matter how they fit in the story, bounty hunters are politically neutral and act as free agents. Their morality is based on whoever pays the most. Because they face dangerous adversaries along their adventures, bounty hunters rely on an extensive arsenal of weaponry and combat skills. Some even have elements that set them apart from the rest, which helps their case for this list! Now, with a plethora of bounty hunters in the galaxy, to be among the best, they must have a resounding resume, unique attributes, and, for some, a legacy that shines bright. Power, strength, and reputation make a bounty hunter in the Star Wars universe.

10

Zam Wesell

Image via LucasFilm

Primarily appearing in Star Wars: Episode II— Attack of the Clones, Zam Wesell (Leeanna Walsman) is an assassin from the planet Zolan, known as a clawdite, or a changeling, having the ability to shape-shift. In her original form, she is of a reptilian species, but her power allows her to disguise herself in any humanoid form. Jango Fett (Temuera Morrison) hired her to assassinate Senator Padmé Amidala (Natalie Portman). Zam made two attempts on Amidala’s life on Coruscant, the second of which led to a high-speed chase, during which she was ultimately caught by Anakin Skywalker (Hayden Christensen) and Obi-Wan Kenobi (Ewan McGregor) before being killed by Jango.

A victim of story circumstance, Zam’s legacy continued in the Star Wars expanded universe via Star Wars: Bounty Hunter video game. There, Zam showcases her full skill set, with her true grit on display, demonstrating tactical versatility and utilizing covert methods as shown in the film. Zam is a capable spy and infiltrator thanks to her ability to assume any human identity. She is an elite marksman, famously wielding a Kyuzo disruptor rifle. Though her on-screen track record is weak, her shape-shifting ability earns her a spot, even if it’s at the bottom.

9

Fennec Shand

Image via Lucasfilm

Emerging as one of the newfound fan favorites, Fennec Shand is a ruthless bounty hunter whose first live-action appearance came in The Mandalorian. Played by Ming-Na Wen, Shand brings a cold-blooded coolness to the screen. She appears as a fugitive on Tatooine, where she battles Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and rookie bounty hunter Toro Calican (Jake Cannavale). It’s there that she’s left for dead, only to be saved by Boba Fett (Morrison). Now bound by honor and debt, Shand is seen as a loyal enforcer in The Book of Boba Fett. She joins him to claim Jabba the Hutt’s throne in Mos Espa. Once an enemy to Din Djarin, she returns to his aid, rescuing Grogu from Moff Gideon’s (Giancarlo Esposito) Imperial remnant.

Characterized by her wit, expert marksmanship, and iconic cybernetic midsection installed by her savior, Shand remains one of the deadliest bounty hunters in the universe, operating as a one-woman army. Her resiliency is unmatched; rather than lie down and die, Shand fought to stay alive, even if it meant aligning with another. Her journey continued in Star Wars: The Bad Batch, where her backstory was further explored. There, she was seen going toe-to-toe with Cad Bane (Corey Burton) and the Bad Batch (Dee Bradley Baker). Shand’s elite reputation has earned great peer respect.

8

Din Djarin

Mando! There is certainly a section of Star Wars fanatics who would not list Din Djarin, lovingly known as the Mandalorian, on a best of the bounty hunters list. The reason he slips in is his renowned legacy as a character. With a deeper, more conclusive story shown across media, we know more about him than we do about some others with considerably less screen time. The titular character of the Disney+ series and the latest Star Wars blockbuster, The Mandalorian and Grogu, Din Djarin was orphaned as a young child during the Clone Wars. Rescued and adopted as a “foundling” by the Children of the Watch, Din Djarin became a member of a strict religious sect of Mandalorians. He stood by his orthodox Mandalorian code, most notably by the creed’s prohibition on removing his beskar helmet in front of other living beings.

Din Djarin’s solitary life changed when he was hired to track down Grogu. Instead of turning The Child over, Mando broke his code by rescuing and forming a father-son bond with him. Played by Pedro Pascal, Din Djarin has become one of the most prominent characters in Star Wars as more than a standard gun-for-hire; he is a legendary galactic protector. His full suit of Beskar allows him to be nearly impenetrable. He’s got a versatile arsenal of high-tech weaponry, as well as the temporary holder of the Darksaber. Din Djarin is quite skilled in hand-to-hand combat, having the capability of defeating monstrous beasts, Imperial forces, and even holding his own against trained Jedi.

7

Embo

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Having a unique element unlike any other bounty hunter certainly helps you get hired. For Embo, his hat is more than just a panache for style; it’s a versatile vessel of transport and weaponry that makes him an exceptional assassin. Known for his quiet demeanor, Embo first appeared on screen in Star Wars: The Clone Wars, becoming an instant fan-favorite. Embo is a silent-but-deadly non-Force-sensitive fighter who has been known for going toe-to-toe against the galaxy’s most dangerous warriors.

While his unique asset is his hat, he also masters the bowcaster. He handles the heavy Wookie weapon with incredible strength and pinpoint accuracy, firing it with one hand. As a Kyuzo, his physical prowess goes to the extreme. He has lightning-fast reflexes and dexterity that allow him to battle Force wielders, like Anakin Skywalker (Matt Lanter). Embo is also one of the few non-Force users to survive a direct physical confrontation with the Sith warrior Savage Opress (Clancy Brown). Voiced by Star Wars visionary Dave Filoni, Embo made his live-action debut in The Mandalorian and Grogu, serving as a primary antagonist pursuing Din Djarin and Grogu.

6

Asajj Ventress

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A bounty hunter with dual lightsabers? Sign me up! Asajj Ventress (Nika Futterman) is a former Jedi Padawan turned Sith assassin who served as a formidable antagonist during the Clone Wars before reinventing herself as an independent bounty hunter. Born to the magical Nightsister clan on the planet Dathomir, Ventress was orphaned before she found her calling through her Jedi training. When her Jedi Master Ky Narec (Corey Burton) was murdered, Ventress turned to the dark side via grief and anger. She was taken in by Count Dooku (Burton), where she acted as his personal assassin. After being betrayed by Dooku, she returned to her Nightsister roots to seek revenge, renouncing her Sith and Jedi ties.

Having the power of the Force made her quite a threat long before her bounty hunting days. Between her lightsabers and her Force powers, including brutal Force chokes, Asajj was a threat to everyone from Clone Commander Colt (Dee Bradley Baker) to Obi-Wan Kenobi (James Arnold Taylor) and Anakin Skywalker. During her surprise return in The Bad Batch, Ventress served as a powerful guide to Omega, displaying her mastery of the Force through Dathomirian magic. Ventress’ greatest asset was her survival-forged understanding of the galactic underworld; she’s been through so much that she could handle anything.

5

Black Krrsantan

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Yes, casual Star Wars fans: there is more than Wookie than Chewbacca. Perhaps the second most iconic is Black Krrsantan (Carey Jones), a towering, black-furred Wookie gladiator with spiked gold armor whose notable appearance comes from the scar over his left eye caused by a duel with Obi-Wan Kenobi. First appearing in Marvel’s Darth Vader comics, Krrsantan served as a hired hand for crime lords like Jabba the Hutt, Darth Vader, and the rogue archaeologist Doctor Aphra before making his live-action jump in The Book of Boba Fett.

Krrsantan may be the greatest physical fighter of any bounty hunter, at least on this list. Forced to be a gladiator, even having his skeletal structure surgically altered, Krrsantan is a literal bone-crusher. He takes his defeat hard after his gladiatorial days, as he’s seen drinking heavily in the cantina. So when a group of Trandoshans, the mortal enemies of Wookies, mock him, he snaps, showcasing his untapped years of pent-up rage. The sheer fact that he can rip off arms points to his brilliance on the battlefield.

4

Jango Fett

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There are great bounty hunters, and then there are legends; Jango Fett was the latter. An orphaned child on Concord Dawn, Jango was taken in by the True Mandalorians, a splinter faction of Mandalorians. He famously fought in the Mandalorian Civil Wars, where he gained his fearsome reputation. At one point, he survived an ambush and killed six Jedi with his bare hands. His combat prowess caught the attention of the Sith Lord Darth Tyranus (Christopher Lee), better known as Count Dooku. It was through him that he made his debut in Star Wars: Episode II— Attack of the Clones. Arguably, his most legendary on-screen sequence was his blow-for-blow Kamino battle with Obi-Wan Kenobi in the pouring rain. Unfortunately, his tenure came to a brutal end at the hands of Jedi Master Mace Windu (Samuel L. Jackson).

Jango’s run in the film showcased his immense skills as a cold-blooded assassin. His elite combat training, exceptional tactical intellect, and unparalleled lethality against Force-users enabled him to become a premier bounty hunter. Jango served as a genetic blueprint for Tyranus’ grand army. Using him as the primary genetic template proved just how powerful he was while he was alive. Jango is a bounty hunter who will forever be known as great, but simply cannot stand atop because those who came after built upon his powers to become better.

3

Aurra Sing

Image via Lucasfilm

Known for her pale-skinned appearance, Aurra’s presence was so prominent that her character was expanded for the animated series. Voiced by Jaime King, Aurra took on a prominent role working alongside Cad Bane as she mentored the newly orphaned Boba Fett, guiding him in his early, vengeful attempts to assassinate Mace Windu. During The Clone Wars, Aurra was hired by Ziro the Hutt (Burton) to assassinate Padmé (Catherine Taber). Through this attempt, Aurra showcased her terrifying tenacity as a top-tier hitwoman.

Aurra was celebrated as a dangerous and effective bounty hunter for her lethal combination of Force-sensitivity and cybernetic enhancements. She had a surgically implanted biocomputer and a comlink antenna that enhanced her senses while tracking targets and scrambling enemy radar. Though she did have blasters at the ready, the real terror was her long-range capabilities, which made her an expert sniper. Perhaps her greatest strength was her mentorship; if she couldn’t be the best, she was going to help make the best.

2

Cad Bane

Image via Lucasfilm

Imagine the antagonist of a spaghetti-western in space; chances are, you’ll think of Cad Bane. George Lucas designed the character based on Lee Van Cleef‘s iconic Angel Eyes mercenary from The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly. A calculating and cunning bounty hunter, Bane served as the galaxy’s preeminent gun-for-hire during and after the Clone Wars, known for his trademark wide-brimmed hat, breathing tube, and dual blasters. Bane had quite a resume during his run, from kidnapping Force-sensitive children to holding the Galactic Senate hostage; there was no job he wasn’t able to handle.

Mostly known for his animated appearances, Cade made his triumphant live-action debut in The Book of Boba Fett, once again voiced by Corey Burton. Like a classic Western standoff in the streets of Freetown, he notoriously took down a deputy and critically wounded Marshal Cobb Vanth (Timothy Olyphant). Once again, his extraordinary shot made him the ultimate hired hand. Bane continually pulled off nearly impossible jobs thanks to his high-tech arsenal of custom weaponry; no matter the contract, he operated with no moral code.

1

Boba Fett

Image via Lucasfilm

You’ll always remember your first, and based on the very first film, the first bounty hunter in our lives was none other than Boba Fett. Perhaps because his story has been with us the longest of any character on this list, Boba Fett is a tried-and-true legend. Though we know much about his origin story, Boba’s first appearances were in Star Wars: Episode V—The Empire Strikes Back and Star Wars: Episode VI—Return of the Jedi, played by Jeremy Bulloch. In those stories, he tracked down Han Solo (Harrison Ford) for Darth Vader (James Earl Jones) and crime lord Jabba the Hutt (Larry Ward). A true survivor, when it was believed he had been eaten by the monstrous Sarlacc after he fell into the Great Pit of Carkoon, he clawed his way out, launching his resurgence story in The Book of Boba Fett.

But that’s not where his true story began. The legendary bounty hunter was the unaltered genetic clone of his father, Jango Fett, created with no accelerated aging and raised as Jango’s own. During Attack of the Clones, a teenage Boba lived alongside the clone army, only for him to eventually witness his father’s slaughter at the hands of Mace Windu. From there, his story continued in the animated series The Clone Wars. Boba Fett became the best because he had his father’s clone DNA and training from other great bounty hunters, which made him even stronger and more powerful. More than his action prowess, Boba’s tactical aptitude earned him the respect of Darth Vader, an honor few ever achieved.

Back in the 2000s and 2010s, it was hard to turn on the TV without encountering supernatural dramas, be it vampires, werewolves, or witches. But the reality is quite different now, especially without The CW, which had been the home for vampire stories since The Vampire Diaries premiered in 2009. Streaming has brought more shows, but some staple genres, like supernatural stories, have shrunk, with only a handful of shows currently on the air. One of them is an unhinged drama best described as the illicit lovechild of The Vampire Diaries and HBO’s True Blood.

This series features some great performances as it tells the story of a centuries-old vampire living his best life. It’s no surprise that critics have given it a perfect 100% score, and viewers are also impressed, rating it 91% on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes. And the series, retitled Anne Rice‘s The Vampire Lestat, is a smash hit, ranked number one on AMC+, its primary streaming platform. Viewers who can’t watch it on AMC+ are keeping up with Lestat’s exploits on PVOD, where The Vampire Lestat is among the top shows on iTunes.

While its tone is totally unhinged, it’s not entirely new. The Vampire Lestat is a dramatic rebrand of the hit series Interview with the Vampire. But instead of focusing on Louis and his volatile relationship with Lestat in interviews with an intrepid journalist, this chapter makes Lestat the king of rock as he forms a band and tours to reclaim his life. Viewers got a glimpse of Lestat in Interview with the Vampire, but this show puts him in the spotlight, and he impresses even more. Overhauling the show, as the production team did, was a risky move that could have backfired, but everyone loves it.

What Do Critics Say About ‘The Vampire Lestat?’

The Vampire Lestat is Lestat de Lioncourt (Sam Reid) at his absolute best, and he can be a lot. That’s why Collider’s Carly Lane said the show gave her a “hangover.” Lane anticipated even more changes in future seasons, saying the show can “certainly reinvent itself again and again without sacrificing its bite,” in her review of The Vampire Lestat. Other critics had all-positive things to say, with ScreenRant‘s Nick Bythrow calling it “one of the best seasons of TV in 2026 so far.” Like Lane, MovieWeb‘s Dan Selcke was positively overwhelmed by the show and had one word to describe the season: bold.

New episodes of The Vampire Lestat debut on AMC+ on Sundays. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

June 7, 2026

Network

AMC

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Writers

Jonathan Ceniceroz, Ryan Kattner, Anusree Roy, Hannah Moscovitch, Kevin Hanna, Rolin Jones

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Cast

• 

  Jacob Anderson

  Louis de Pointe du Lac

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Adaptations are possibly more popular than ever right now, and there are several upcoming shows based on books that are capturing the headlines. The latest Harlan Coben novel to receive the Netflix treatment is I Will Find You, starring Avatar favorite Sam Worthington and Severance‘s Britt Lower​​​​​​. An adaptation of Marissa Stapley’s Reese’s Book Club hit Lucky is on its way, starring Anya Taylor-Joy in the titular role, and it wouldn’t feel right not to have a Jane Austen adaptation in development, with the next high-profile arrival coming in Netflix’s six-part Pride & Prejudice this fall.

But before Lucky and Pride & Prejudice hit our screens, Netflix is bringing one of the most beloved series of novels back to life, following its original TV adaptation between 1974 and 1983. Based on the popular work of the same name by Laura Ingalls Wilder, a new adaptation of Little House on the Prairie is set to hit Netflix on July 9, 2026, and is one of the most exciting upcoming shows. “I’m incredibly grateful to our wonderful cast and crew, who put their hearts and hard work into making our first season come alive,” said showrunner Rebecca Sonnenshine (The Housemaid), who will already be celebrating the show’s renewal for a second installment.

Of course, before this new Netflix interpretation, there was the classic NBC adaptation, which ran for almost a decade and delivered 200 episodes of heartwarming family fun. But will Netflix’s adaptation be closer to the show or the books? Thankfully, Linwood Boomer recently gave fans an answer to that burning question in an interview with Collider, promising that the new series is “much closer to the books” and will be a “little bit grimmer of a life” like the novels.

Who Stars in ‘Little House on the Prairie’?

Image via Netflix

The original cast of this cozy series is still beloved to this day, so that makes for some big shoes to fill. Thankfully, an exciting cast for the new adaptation has been assembled, led by Alice Halsey (Lessons in Chemistry) as the young hero Laura Ingalls. She is joined by the likes of Skywalker Hughes (I, Object) as Mary; Luke Bracey (Hacksaw Ridge) as Pa; Jocko Sims (New Amsterdam) as Dr. George Tann; Warren Christie (Happy Town) as John Edwards; and Crosby Fitzgerald (Crime 101) as Ma.

Little House on the Prairie debuts on Netflix on July 9, 2026. Make sure to stay tuned for more streaming stories.

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Release Date

July 9, 2026

Network

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Netflix

Directors

Kat Candler, Julie Anne Robinson, Sydney Freeland, Sarah Adina Smith, Erica Tremblay

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Cast

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  Alice Halsey

  Laura Ingalls

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  Crosby Fitzgerald

  Caroline Ingalls

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  Skywalker Hughes

  Mary Ingalls

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There are many reasons people love HBO shows, including the depth of their subject matter, the technical execution of their concepts, and the scope of their storytelling. The cable network has some of the most timeless stories that, even decades later, viewers who discover them get the same pleasure of watching as everyone else. From megahits like The Wire to cult favorites like The Leftovers, HBO has been at the forefront of some impressive storytelling. The network knows a good story when it sees one, and sometimes it collaborates with other studios and networks to bring shows to a larger audience.

In one of their numerous collaborations with the BBC, HBO was the home for the 2019 television adaptation of Philip Pullman‘s fantasy trilogy, His Dark Materials, stateside. The series had a perfect television run, with each season gaining more acclaim over the last. His Dark Materials ran for three seasons, and even though it did not achieve wild mainstream success like Game of Thrones, it remains one of the best HBO shows. That may explain why it has been one of the most-watched shows on iTunes over the last week, according to streaming data from FlixPatrol. The mystery of Dust and the story’s ability to blend together genres make His Dark Materials an engaging first-time watch or even a rewatch.

Starring Dafne Keen before her turn in Star Wars: The Acolyte, His Dark Materials explores various sci-fi themes but through a fantasy lens. Multidimensional travel and dark matter are prevalent in the story that uses theology to frame them as fantasy. Keen plays Lyra, an orphan who, while on a quest to find a missing friend, discovers some multiworld conspiracies that change everything she knew about herself. The series boasts strong performances from other main cast members, including Amir Wilson as Will, Ruth Wilson as Mrs. Colter, James McAvoy as Lord Asriel, and Lin-Manuel Miranda as Lee.

Is ‘His Dark Materials’ a Good Show?

Like many HBO shows, His Dark Materials takes time to settle into itself. Depending on who you ask, it took several episodes or an entire season to find its footing. But years after the show ended, it remains celebrated as a perfect, if not better, adaptation of Pullman’s books. The series started with a 77% score on the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes and bowed out with a 90% in the third and final season, which aired in 2022.

All seasons of His Dark Materials are available to stream on HBO Max. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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2019 – 2022-00-00

Network

BBC One

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Directors

William McGregor, Amit Gupta, Leanne Welham, Charles Martin, Otto Bathurst, Euros Lyn, Dawn Shadforth, Harry Wootliff, Jamie Childs

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Writers

Jack Thorne, Francesca Gardiner, Amelia Spencer, Sarah Quintrell

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In 1978, Stephen King‘s beautifully written epistolary short story was first published and received widespread praise, even for its brutal ending. Decades later, in December 2019, Epix (now MGM+) commissioned a straight-to-series order for a 10-episode television adaptation, which premiered in 2021 to mixed reviews, but still seemed to have a promising future until it was cut short by cancellation.

Loosely inspired by Salem’s Lot, Chapelwaite premiered on Epix on August 22, 2021, and concluded on October 31, 2021, after 10 episodes. Roughly four months after the finale, the horror series was renewed for a second season, but unfortunately, in November 2023, co-showrunner Jason Filardi broke the disappointing news that MGM+ had decided not to move forward with a sophomore run.

Upon its release, Chapelwaite was widely praised by audiences for its dark atmosphere and the lead performance of two-time Oscar winner Adrien Brody. However, several critics felt the vampire series suffered from severe pacing issues, given that it was adapting a fairly short story. It currently holds a 56% critics score and a 79% audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, five years later, Chapelwaite is experiencing a surprise revival on streaming in the United States, where it has been trending as the second most-watched title on MGM+ over the past few days.

Stephen King’s Canceled 10-Part Horror Drama Is Worth Watching

Set in the 1850s, Chapelwaite follows Captain Charles Boone (Brody) as he moves his three children to his ancestral home in the seemingly sleepy town of Preacher’s Corners, Maine, after the death of his wife at sea. However, Charles soon finds himself forced to confront the secrets of his family’s disturbing past and fight to end the darkness that has tormented the Boones for generations.

Meanwhile, the logline continues, Rebecca Morgan (Emily Hampshire), an ambitious young woman who left Preacher’s Corners to attend Mount Holyoke College, has returned home with an advance to write a feature for the prestigious Atlantic Magazine. Her writer’s block lifts when Boone and his family arrive in town, and despite her mother’s objections, Rebecca applies to become governess at the infamous Chapelwaite manor and for the Boone family, hoping to document their story. In doing so, she not only begins to shape what could be her breakthrough gothic work but also unravels a mystery that has haunted her own family for years.

Chapelwaite streams on MGM+.

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Release Date

2021 – 2021-00-00

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Showrunner

Jason Filardi

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With HBO’s hit psychological drama Euphoria concluding last month with its third and final season, fans have begun exploring other similarly intriguing titles featuring the show’s lead stars. As a result, Sydney Sweeney, who portrayed the hypersexualized Cassie throughout the series’ run from June 16, 2019, to May 31, 2026, is enjoying renewed interest through her 2025 neo-noir thriller. Amid the attention, fans are also anticipating the actress’ return to the big screen, as her next project, The Custom of the Country, also starring Leo Woodall, is expected sometime next year.

Released in theaters on June 6, 2025, Sweeney’s stylish thriller Echo Valley sees her portray Claire Garrett, a troubled drug addict who has been in and out of rehab. The film, directed by Michael Pearce and written by Brad Ingelsby, also stars Julianne Moore as Kate Garrett, Claire’s mother and a horse trainer who, while reeling from the loss of her wife, struggles to reconnect with her daughter while helping her cover up a murder. Other stars featured in the film are Domhnall Gleeson, Kyle MacLachlan, and Fiona Shaw.

Echo Valley debuted on Apple TV seven days after its theatrical release and has since surged up the platform’s charts, occasionally dropping off the trending list entirely before climbing back up again. However, as of this publication, the bingeworthy thriller is attracting fresh attention worldwide, including in the United States. Recently, Echo Valley ranked as the #1 movie stateside on Apple TV, dethroning the mega-hit F1, while on the global scale, it currently holds the second spot.

Is Sydney Sweeney’s ‘Echo Valley’ Worth Watching?

In the 53% Rotten Tomatoes-scored thriller, Kate is struggling to make ends meet running her farm, Echo Valley, in southern Pennsylvania and seeks financial help from her ex-husband, Richard. Richard does come to her aid but lectures her for wasting her money on their daughter Claire. Speaking of which, Claire suddenly returns home covered in blood, claiming she accidentally killed her boyfriend, Ryan (Edmund Donovan), during an argument. Desperate to protect her daughter, Kate helps dispose of what she believes is the boyfriend’s body and even pays off Claire’s dangerous drug dealer, Jackie Lawson (Gleeson).

However, Kate later discovers she was manipulated: Claire’s boyfriend is actually alive, and the body belonged to a local addict, Greg Kaminski, who overdosed on fentanyl Ryan dealt him. As the drug dealer begins blackmailing her, Kate devises an elaborate plan to frame him for the crime and reclaim control of her life. Producers of Echo Valley include Ridley Scott, Michael Pruss, Ingelsby, and Kevin J. Walsh.

Echo Valley streams on Apple TV.

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Release Date

June 13, 2025

Director

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Michael Pearce

Writers

Brad Ingelsby

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Producers

Kevin J. Walsh, Ridley Scott, Brad Ingelsby, Michael A. Pruss

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