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10 Perfect Netflix Shows With 5 Seasons or Less

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Hilda from the Netflix animated series with her friend

Sometimes, TV shows, especially those on streaming platforms like Netflix, don’t require ten long seasons to feel memorable, perfect, or complete. A shorter run can actually help keep a series focused, avoid unnecessary fillers, and protect its strongest ideas. Whether it’s animated standouts, miniseries, historical dramas, emotional romances, or planned mysteries, many brilliant shows on Netflix that use five or fewer seasons deliver quite the memorable story.

Netflix series like the incredible teen drama Heartstopper, which uses its brief run to tell a almost sickeningly adorable tale about first love, and the action-packed period drama, The Last Kingdom, which builds a sweeping saga around war, loyalty power, and one man’s search for belonging, are two of the clearest examples of shows that use five seasons or less to deliver a strong and satisfyingly complete story. Compiled on this list are great Netflix series that effortlessly prove the streaming platform’s shorter shows can feel just as expansive without overstaying their welcome, each standing as a truly perfect watch.

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10

‘Hilda’ (2018–2023)

Hilda from the Netflix animated series with her friend
Hilda from the Netflix animated series with her friend
Image via Netfflix

This widely underrated Netflix gem delivers a short but carefully shaped story that proves perfection doesn’t always need a long, overextended run. The animated series Hilda follows the fearless and adorably curious blue-haired girl Hilda (Bella Ramsey) as she leaves the wilderness for the city of Trolberg, where she discovers a different type of magic.

Hilda is definitely one of Netflix’s top animated masterpieces. The show’s first season received a perfect critic’s score on Rotten Tomatoes, immediately establishing it as one of the finest shows ever created on the streaming platform. Both fans and critics alike have dubbed Hilda as a deeply watchable show that wields tons of imagination and wonder. With a protagonist like Hilda at the helm, the compact story works fantastically well, gifting audiences a consistently captivating and uniquely perfect watch with just three seasons under its belt.

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9

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

The main cast of Sense8 singing on a bus in the series finale.
The main cast of Sense8 singing on a bus in the series finale.
Image via Netflix

Sense8 is an underrated masterpiece that is consistently overlooked despite its original story. The sci-fi series focuses on eight strangers across the globe who find themselves linked to each other, inheriting a powerful psychic connection that allows them to share one another’s skills, emotions, thoughts, and experiences.

Sense8 used its short run to deliver a passion-filled wonder that genuinely captivated. The series’ limited number of seasons gives it a unique, concentrated emotional charge, which ensures every breakthrough and relationship feels far more precious. Sense8 travels across the world, building a quality ensemble and creating a powerful sense of connection despite distance and differences. It’s a truly memorable watch, one that’s perfect for anyone looking for a brilliant, relatively short sci-fi series rife with action, adventure, romance, and emotional depth.

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8

‘Heartstopper’ (2022–2024)

Kit Connor and Joe Locke look tense sitting at a table with others in Heartstopper Season 3, Episode 4.
Kit Connor and Joe Locke look tense sitting at a table with others in Heartstopper Season 3, Episode 4.
Image via Netflix

This quality teen romance series is almost too sweet for words. The Netflix teen drama Heartstopper follows the wholesome evolution of Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring’s (Joe Locke) relationship as it grows into a beautiful romance, while exploring friendship, identity, family, mental health, and the pressure of growing up.

Heartstopper’s perfection is tonal. It’s a memorable series that is frequently hailed for its sensitivity and character growth. The combination is what actually makes it such a rich, comforting watch. Heartstopper is no doubt a fantastic bout of brilliance that wields real charm. The show may not have very many seasons, but it’s a well-crafted story that understands the emotional stakes all without weaponizing misery. Heartstopper is quite memorable, a truly perfect show that succeeds through sincerity, chemistry, and characters that viewers tend to want to protect.

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7

‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)

Adeel Akhtar as Singh, Naledi Murray as Wendy, Christian Convery as Gus, Stefania LaVie Owen as Becky, Nonso Anozie as Jepperd gazing foward in episode 303 of Sweet Tooth.
Adeel Akhtar as Singh, Naledi Murray as Wendy, Christian Convery as Gus, Stefania LaVie Owen as Becky, Nonso Anozie as Jepperd gazing foward in episode 303 of Sweet Tooth.
Image via Netflix

This woefully underrated Netflix drama is one of the most overlooked sci-fi gems to make it onto the streaming platform. The post-apocalyptic show Sweet Tooth is set in a world reshaped by a plague and hybrid children, centering around the young deer hybrid Gus (Christian Convery) as he leaves his protected home in search of answers and safety.

Sweet Tooth is honestly one of the best and most ambitious series on the Netflix platform. With three seasons that provoke emotions ranging from laughter and thrill to sadness and despair, the show gifts audiences a truly epic tale. It’s an endlessly rewatchable bout of greatness, beloved for its sincerity and range. Sweet Tooth is a short but incredibly breathtaking series that remains easy to return to because of its offering of danger, loss, and consistent faith in human kindness.

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6

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015–2022)

Alexander Dreymon covered in blood and standing in the rafters in The Last Kingdom.
Alexander Dreymon covered in blood and standing in the rafters in The Last Kingdom.
Image via Netflix

This masterful Netflix period drama somehow manages to feel incredibly expansive within just five seasons. The Last Kingdom focuses on a born Saxon noble, Uhtred (Alexander Dreymon), who is raised by Danes, which leads to a major identity crisis as he fights for power, loyalty, and his ancestral home.

Across five brilliant seasons, The Last Kingdom delivers thrilling battles, strong character development, and a sprawling historical story worth investing in. Five seasons give the show exactly the kind of scale it needs, feeling completely rich without ever feeling totally overwhelming. Fans often hail the series as a Netflix epic, one that feels perfect without ever betraying the emotional identity it initially established. The Last Kingdom is five seasons of pure entertainment that wields the aura of a much larger series.











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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars
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Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.

💊The Matrix

🔥Mad Max

🌧️Blade Runner

🏜️Dune

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🚀Star Wars

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01

You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.





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02

In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely?
What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.





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03

What kind of threat keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.





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04

How do you deal with authority you don’t trust?
Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.





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05

Which environment could you actually endure long-term?
Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.





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06

Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart?
The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.





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07

Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all?
Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.





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08

What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.





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Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…

Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.

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The Resistance, Zion

The Matrix

You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.

  • You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
  • You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
  • You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
  • The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.

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The Wasteland

Mad Max

The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.

  • You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
  • You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
  • You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
  • In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.

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Los Angeles, 2049

Blade Runner

You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.

  • You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
  • In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
  • You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
  • In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.

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Arrakis

Dune

Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.

  • Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
  • You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
  • Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
  • In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.

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A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars

The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

  • You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
  • You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
  • You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
  • In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.
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5

‘One Day’ (2024)

Ambika Mod as Emma Morley and Leo Woodall as Dexter Mayhew in One Day
Ambika Mod as Emma Morley and Leo Woodall as Dexter Mayhew in One Day
Image via Netflix
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This captivating Netflix drama is just as devastating as it is woefully underrated. One Day follows the relationship evolution of Emma Morley (Ambika Mod) and Dexter Mayhew (Leo Woodall) on the same day each year after their graduation.

Despite its compact structure, One Day feels expansive. Its single season covers a wide emotional span, feeling complete even with its format. The show’s limited story is far from the conventional romance of the will-they-won’t-they trope, instead asking what love is meant to look like when people keep evolving —or devolving—into new versions of themselves while carrying old attachments forward. One Day is genuine perfection that truly delivers on all fronts, standing as a masterpiece with a limited run time that gives its emotional journey real force.

4

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

Anya Taylor Joy in the final scene wearing a hat and looking at camera in 'The Queen's Gambit'
Anya Taylor Joy in the final scene wearing a hat and looking at camera in ‘The Queen’s Gambit’
Image via Netflix
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The Queen’s Gambit is a limited series on Netflix that stands as one of the clearest examples of a show that feels genuinely perfect because it knows exactly what to do with its story. The show centers on Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy)as she moves from a difficult childhood into the competitive world of chess, where talent, ambition, addiction, and isolation shape her rise to the top.

The Queen’s Gambit is an easy series to place on this list of Netflix greats with minimal seasons. The show sparked an insane global obsession with the game of chess, becoming one of the streaming platform’s most impactful hits. The Queen’s Gambit makes sure that its short run is not a limitation, masterfully delivering a story that feels both polished and complete. The show’s amazing story never loses sight of its protagonist amid its spectacle, making it one of Netflix’s greatest hits with just a single season under its belt.

3

‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Jamie in a chair with a small smile in Adolescence.
Jamie in a chair with a small smile in Adolescence.
Image via Netflix
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Adolescence is a rather powerful example of one of Netflix’s most perfect series with just a limited amount of time. The series centers around the aftermath of a shocking crime involving teen Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is accused of murdering a schoolmate, and then focuses on the collapse of certainty around him.

With its focused storytelling and killer nerve, Adolescence stands strong as one of Netflix’s standout series that definitely earns its place among the other fantastic shows on this list. Viewers have often praised the series for its emotional realism and the consistent lack of reliance on easy twists. Adolescence masterfully weaponizes intimacy, dread, and cadence, making each episode of the limited series feel like a confrontation nobody in the story is really ready to face.

2

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Louis Hofmann as Jonas wearing a yellow jacket on a road in Dark
Louis Hofmann as Jonas wearing a yellow jacket on a road in Dark
Image via Netflix
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Dark is a German sci-fi mystery that uses its limited run to feel carefully planned, allowing its puzzle of a plot to grow without losing control of the story. The series is set in the town of Winden, where children begin to disappear, sparking the unraveling of a complicated web of timelines, secrets, families, and repeated tragedies.

Dark is incredibly complex, and surprisingly, even with its short runtime, it masterfully connects its many mysteries and timelines into a deeply satisfying story. Across three excellent seasons, the show proves it’s pretty perfect, using its emotional payoff and total formal control to deliver an excellent viewing experience. Dark is undeniably one of Netflix’s best sci-fi watches with three captivating seasons that effortlessly showcase that perfection doesn’t require a long-drawn-out story.

1

‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Characters from Arcane stand together in a jungle and look solemn in Season 2, Episode 6.
Characters from Arcane stand together in a jungle and look solemn in Season 2, Episode 6.
Image via Netflix
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Arcane is a Netflix animated icon that stands as one of the most impressive short-run achievements on the platform, feeling rather large without needing more than a few seasons. Set between the wealthy city of Piltover and the oppressed underground of Zaun, the show follows sister Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell) as they move from simple orphans to symbols of a social war.

Arcane wields a rare balance that allows for heartfelt character drama and spectacle to thrive side by side. The series is genuinely astonishing in both story and animation. It isn’t just expensive-looking; in fact, Arcane uses its visual flourishes to give more depth to its worldbuilding and characters rather than just distract from them. Fans frequently dub the series the perfect watch despite its compact seasons, lauding it as a fantastic video game adaptation that stays undeniably good because its emotional conflicts aren’t ever trapped inside its lore.


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Arcane

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Release Date

2021 – 2024

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Network

Netflix

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Showrunner

Christian Linke

Directors
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Barth Maunoury, Marietta Ren, Christelle Abgrall


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Shop Quay x Nader Sisters Sunglasses Starting at $49

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Shop Quay x Nader Sisters Sunglasses Starting at $49

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Sunglasses have a way of completing an outfit, and the Nader sisters know a thing or two about pulling out a look. So, we’re not surprised that Brooks, Mary Holland, Grace Ann, and Sarah Jane partnered with Quay to release a sunglasses collection that reflects each of them individually and as a family. You can shop the many styles now starting at $49.

This Made to Be Seen collection offers a range of colors and silhouettes — some new to Quay — so even if you’re a fan of the brand, you’ll find sunglasses you don’t already own. We love that there are familiar neutral colors, like black, tortoise and tonal finishes. But you’ll also find pops of pink and green for when your outfit needs a fun boost.

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Get the Quay x Nader Sisters Eyewear Collection starting at $49 at Quay!

When it comes to silhouettes, there are oversized options like Nightfall Remix, No Comment, and Clock It. For more narrow picks, there are smaller styles like Nevermind, Hit Single and Aura Points. We know that it can be tricky to select sunglasses online, but Quay offers a “Try on Virtually” feature, so you can see what you’d look like in a particular pair.

“This collection is really a reflection of who we are individually and together,” said the Nader sisters in Quay materials.

“Each of us has such a different personal style, but sisterhood has always been at the center of everything we do. We wanted these frames to feel fun, confident, versatile and like the perfect finishing touch no matter your vibe.”

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Whether you prefer square sunglasses or oval ones, these picks are all about being seen and feeling confident. The new styles are already getting a thumbs up for just how good they look.

“They’re so fashionable, comfortable and durable. They also don’t leave the imprint on your nose when you take them off. They’re so cute, I think I may purchase the brown-colored ones,” one five-star reviewer wrote about the No Comment style.

Quay is an Australian sunglasses brand known for its high-quality yet reasonably priced sunglasses, so you won’t find a single pair above $125 is the Nader sisters’ set.

Get the Quay x Nader Sisters Eyewear Collection starting at $49 at Quay!

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‘Battlestar Galactica’ Officially Sets New Release for August 11

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Few sci-fi franchises have successfully reinvented themselves as dramatically as this acclaimed military space opera did back in the early 2000s. Reimagining a cult classic that had long divided fans and whose production company was sued by Star Wars 20th Century Fox over alleged similarities, the reboot abandoned the original’s light-hearted space adventure in favor of a darker, post-apocalyptic drama. The result was a groundbreaking series that reshaped audiences’ expectations of sci-fi television through its exploration of religion, artificial intelligence, politics, and humanity’s fight for survival.

From Star Trek veteran Ronald D. Moore, the 95%-rated Battlestar Galactica premiered as a three-hour miniseries on the Sci Fi Channel in December 2003 before expanding into a four-season series that concluded on March 20, 2009. In the years following its dramatic 2009 finale, the genre-defining political drama has bounced between streaming services, making it difficult for new viewers to watch the complete saga in one place. However, now, fans have another opportunity to own the entire series.

According to MovieWeb, Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series returns on Blu-ray from Universal on August 11, 2026. The 21-disc collection includes the complete four-season series along with the original miniseries, totaling 4,171 minutes of content. While this is not a new 4K restoration, the set presents the series in 1080p high definition with its original 1.78:1 aspect ratio, DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1, and English SDH, French, and Spanish subtitles.

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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Personality Quiz
Which Sci-Fi Hero Are You Most Like?
Paul Atreides · Captain Kirk · Princess Leia · Ellen Ripley · Max Rockatansky

Five iconic heroes. Five completely different ways of facing an impossible universe. One of them shares your instincts, your values, and your particular way of refusing to back down. Eight questions will tell you which one.

🏜️Paul Atreides

🖖Capt. Kirk

Princess Leia

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🔦Ellen Ripley

🔥Max Rockatansky

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01

How do you lead when the stakes couldn’t be higher?
The way you lead under pressure is the most honest thing about you.





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02

What is your greatest strength in a crisis?
The quality that keeps you alive when everything else fails.





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03

What is the thing you’d sacrifice everything else for?
Your deepest motivation is your truest compass.





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04

How do you relate to the people around you?
Who you are to others under pressure is who you really are.





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05

You’re facing a threat that no one else believes is real. What do you do?
How you respond when you’re the only one who sees it defines everything.





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06

What has your heroism cost you personally?
Every hero pays. The question is what — and whether they’d pay it again.





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07

How do you feel about the rules of the world you’re in?
Every hero has a relationship with the system. What’s yours?





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08

When everything is on the line, what keeps you going?
The answer is the most honest thing about you.





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Your Hero Has Been Identified
Your Sci-Fi Hero Is…

Your answers point to the iconic sci-fi hero who shares your instincts, your values, and your particular way of facing the impossible.

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Arrakis · Dune

Paul Atreides

You carry a weight most people would crumble under — the knowledge of what you’re capable of, and the burden of what you might have to become.

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  • You see further ahead than others and you plan accordingly, even when the vision frightens you.
  • You are driven by loyalty to your people and a sense of destiny you didn’t ask for but can’t escape.
  • Paul Atreides is not simply a hero — he is someone who understands the cost of power and chooses to bear it anyway.
  • That gravity, that willingness to carry what others won’t, is exactly you.


USS Enterprise · Star Trek

Captain Kirk

You lead with instinct, warmth, and an absolute refusal to accept a no-win scenario — because you’ve always believed there’s a third option nobody else has thought of yet.

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  • You take the mission seriously without ever taking yourself too seriously.
  • Your crew would follow you anywhere, not because you demand it, but because you’ve earned it.
  • Kirk’s genius isn’t tactical — it’s human. He reads people, bends rules with purpose, and wills outcomes into existence through sheer conviction.
  • That combination of warmth, audacity, and relentless optimism is unmistakably yours.


The Rebellion · Star Wars

Princess Leia

You are the kind of person who holds the line when everyone else is losing faith — not because you’re fearless, but because giving up simply isn’t something you’re capable of.

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  • You lead through conviction. Your voice carries because your belief is unshakeable.
  • You gave up everything ordinary the moment you chose the cause, and you’ve never looked back.
  • Leia is not a supporting character in her own story — she is the moral centre of the entire rebellion.
  • That same fierce, principled, unbreakable core is what defines you.


The Nostromo · Alien

Ellen Ripley

You are not reckless, not grandiose, and not particularly interested in being anyone’s hero — you just refuse to stop when it matters.

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  • You see threats clearly, you document the truth even when no one listens, and when the time comes you handle it yourself.
  • Ripley’s heroism is earned, not performed. She doesn’t have a speech — she has a flamethrower and a plan.
  • You share her composure under the worst possible pressure, and her refusal to pretend the monster isn’t there.
  • When it counts, you don’t flinch. That’s everything.


The Wasteland · Mad Max

Max Rockatansky

You have been through fire that would break most people — and what came out the other side is something the world underestimates at its peril.

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  • You don’t ask for help, don’t need validation, and don’t wait for anyone to tell you the rules no longer apply.
  • Your loyalty, when it finally arrives, is absolute — but it’s earned in silence and tested in action, not in words.
  • Max is not a nihilist. He is someone who lost everything and found, against his will, that he still has something worth protecting.
  • That bruised, stubborn, ultimately human core is exactly yours.

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How Does ‘Battlestar Galactica’ Hold Up?

Starring Edward James Olmos as Commander (later Admiral) William Adama and Mary McDonnell as President Laura Roslin, Battlestar Galactica follows the last survivors of humanity after the robotic Cylons launch a devastating genocidal attack on the Twelve Colonies. Forced into exile aboard a ragtag fleet led by the older titular ship, apparently the only military capital ship that survived the Cylons’ attack, the survivors set out in search of the mythical Thirteenth Colony: Earth.

Unlike most space operas, Battlestar Galactica features no alien civilizations. Instead, its central conflict revolves around humanity’s war against the Cylons, human-made sentient machines. The series also distinguishes itself with a grounded approach to combat, favoring ballistic weapons, rail guns, and missiles over the energy weapons commonly associated with the genre, like lasers. Beyond its military action, the space opera examines the moral choices survivors must make as they deal with the decline of the human race and their war with the Cylons.

Battlestar Galactica: The Complete Series arrives on August 11. Preorder yours here.


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Release Date

2004 – 2009-00-00

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Directors

Wayne Rose, Michael Nankin, Rod Hardy, Sergio Mimica-Gezzan, Edward James Olmos, Robert M. Young, Jeff Woolnough, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Jonas Pate, Allan Kroeker, Anthony Hemingway, Jean de Segonzac, Marita Grabiak, James Head, Paul A. Edwards, Gwyneth Horder-Payton, Brad Turner, Ronald D. Moore, Bill Eagles

Writers
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Carla Robinson, Michael Taylor, Bradley Thompson, David Weddle, Jane Espenson, Mark Verheiden, Michael Angeli, Anne Cofell Saunders, Jeff Vlaming, Michael Rymer, Dawn Prestwich, Nicole Yorkin, Seamus Kevin Fahey

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10 famous couples with unconventional sleeping arrangements

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Whoopi Goldberg said it best: “I don’t want somebody in my house.”

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Wonder Man Showrunner Reveals Why Marvel Suddenly Canceled Season 2

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X-Men '97 Season 2 Review (Episodes 1-3): Marvel's Best Series Returns in Impressive Fashion : Coastal House Media

Following one of the strongest debut seasons in Marvel Animation history, X-Men ’97 faced enormous expectations entering Season 2. Fortunately, the first three episodes prove the series hasn’t lost any momentum, delivering another thrilling blend of superhero action, emotional storytelling, and deep comic book lore.

Rather than easing viewers back into the world of the X-Men, Season 2 immediately picks up after the explosive finale of Season 1. With the team scattered across three different time periods, the opening episodes follow multiple storylines simultaneously while laying the groundwork for Apocalypse‘s rise.

It’s an ambitious approach, but one that largely succeeds.

Episode 1 centers on Cyclops, Jean Grey, and the future timeline, adapting elements from The Adventures of Cyclops and Phoenix. Their reunion with Nathan, better known as Cable, provides some of the strongest emotional moments of the season so far. The episode reminds viewers that beneath all of the time travel and mutant battles, X-Men ’97 continues to thrive because of its characters.

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X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]

Episode 2 shifts gears with a fun, action-packed adventure featuring Cable, Jubilee, Sunspot, and the formation of a new X-Force. While the episode embraces the over-the-top style of the classic ’90s comics, it also explores the moral differences between Cable’s hardened worldview and Jubilee’s optimism. Their dynamic creates one of the season’s most entertaining character pairings.

The third episode may be the strongest of the bunch, taking audiences thousands of years into the past as Magnetoencounters a young En Sabah Nur, the mutant destined to become Apocalypse. Rather than presenting the iconic villain as a one-dimensional conqueror, the episode explores his origins in a surprisingly thoughtful way. The conversations between Magneto and En Sabah Nur are among the most compelling scenes in the series, adding emotional complexity to a character fans thought they already knew.

Visually, X-Men ’97 remains one of Marvel’s most impressive productions. The animation captures the spirit of the original 1990s series while elevating every action sequence with fluid movement, vibrant colors, and cinematic direction. Whether it’s mutant powers colliding on the battlefield or quieter emotional moments between teammates, every frame feels carefully crafted.

The voice cast also continues to shine, bringing authenticity and heart to these beloved characters. Even with multiple storylines unfolding simultaneously, each episode finds time for meaningful character moments that remind viewers why the X-Men have endured for generations.

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The biggest criticism of these opening episodes is pacing. Episode 1 in particular moves through a significant amount of story in a short amount of time, and several of the timelines could have benefited from an extra episode to further develop their characters and emotional beats. It’s less a flaw in storytelling than a reminder that there’s simply so much happening at once.

X-Men 97′ Season 2 [credit: Marvel Animation]

Even so, those concerns do little to diminish what has been an outstanding start to Season 2. Marvel Animation has once again found the perfect balance between nostalgia and fresh storytelling, honoring classic comic arcs while keeping longtime fans guessing about what’s coming next.

Three episodes in, X-Men ’97 is already shaping up to be one of the year’s best animated series. If the remaining episodes maintain this level of quality, Season 2 has every chance of surpassing its already exceptional predecessor.

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Verdict

X-Men ’97 wastes no time reminding fans why it became one of Marvel’s biggest success stories. While the opening episodes occasionally move too quickly through their ambitious storylines, the outstanding animation, emotional character work, and faithful adaptation of beloved comic arcs make for an exceptional return. After three episodes, Season 2 is firing on all cylinders.

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Where is “The Princess Diaries” cast now? See the stars 25 years later

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Since Mia Thermopolis became a princess 25 years ago, Anne Hathaway has gone on to become the queen of Ithaca.

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These 17 Summer-to-Fall Amazon Pieces Look Like Zara

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Jennifer Lawrence

Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

You’d think after staring at chic summer clothes all day — and successfully restraining ourselves — we’d be strong enough to resist Zara’s magnetic pull. Well, we’re not. But this time is different; after discovering Amazon’s late-summer selection, we’re ditching our Zara carts (well, for now at least). These summer-to-fall staples are just as polished, and start at only $6!

If you ask Us, you can’t tell the difference between the two elevated styles. These dresses, blouses, pants and more have all the signature signs of the cool-girl label. We’re talking about crisp fabrics, clean lines and billowy silhouettes. Boho and sophisticated, our favorites whisper ‘old money’ from across the room. Scroll on to see the 17 lookalike pieces that’ll make you do a double take!

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17 Zara-Style Amazon Pieces — From $6

Zara-Style Dresses

1. Our Favorite: Nothing says ‘put together’ like a striped shirtdress. This midi number is a complete outfit with simple white sneakers and a tote.

2. Runner-Up: Polka dots are everywhere this season, and this mock-neck maxi dress nails the aesthetic.

3. Flattering Find: By balancing loose and structured elements, this button-front midi creates the illusion of an hourglass figure. No shapewear required!

4. Cottagecore Cute: Let this be your sign to snag a trendy gingham-print sundress. This Amazon Essentials find pairs equally well with summer flip-flops and fall booties.

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5. Everyday Outfit: Calling comfort connoisseurs! This tank-style midi dress is made with stretchy fabric that truly feels like loungewear.

Jennifer Lawrence


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Zara-Style Tops

7. Our Favorite: Ruffles, pleats, crochet! This flowy babydoll top looks much more expensive than it is.

8. Runner-Up: This sleeveless sweater, otherwise known as a knit tank top, bridges the gap between warm and brisk weather like a champ.

6. Mock-Neck Maven: Sassy, stunning and secretly airy, this dressy mock-neck blouse checks every box and more.

9. Elevated Tee: Ribbed-knit material takes this comfy tee from casual to polished, so you can wear it with jeans, skirts and dress pants alike.

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Zara-Style Pants and Skirts

10. Our Favorite: Silky satin fabric and polka dots come together in one epic skirt. This classy pick is a number one bestseller for a reason.

11. Runner-Up: Wide-leg pants has its merits, but rich moms reach for these straight-leg jeans for a more tailored look. We love that they come in petite sizes, too.

12. Secretly Stretchy: An elasticized back waistband makes these wide-leg dress pants as comfortable as they are professional.

13. Corporate Queen: Something between a skirt and trousers, this office-friendly pick belongs in any workwear rotation. It just dropped and is destined to sell out!

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14. Trendy Trousers: When buttons feel like too much, opt for these breezy palazzo pants that deliver all of the style and none of the squeeze.

Zara-Style Cardigans and Layers

15. Our Favorite: Cool nights and chilly mornings call for this cropped utility jacket. It keeps you temperate without adding bulk.

16. Runner-Up: Swap your go-to cardigan for this classy blazer and feel like a CEO without even trying. According to shoppers, the fabric is exceptionally silky.

17. Nearly Half Off: This refined, ultra-lightweight cardigan is essential for grocery runs and in-office days. At only $20, we’re grabbing two colors.

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Related: I‘ve Covered Nordstrom for Years, But I‘m Shocked by These Dress Deals

As a fashion writer, this isn’t the first time I’ve covered the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. However, it is the first time my jaw dropped to the floor when I saw these dresses from Reformation, Farm Rio, Treasure & Bond and more marked down to Black Friday-level lows. The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale is still going strong with […]

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Samantha Morton Talks Being ‘Homeless’ As A Teen

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Samantha Morton at ''The Odyssey'' World Premiere In London, UK

Samantha Morton‘s journey to the top was not smooth sailing!

The actress recently recalled the rough paths she went through from her younger days, with experiences that shaped the strong woman she is today. Her journey, leading up to landing the hit role on “The Odyssey,” has been an experience of a lifetime.

Samantha Morton was not born with a silver spoon, but through hard work, dedication, and experience, she has made a name for herself despite her background.

Samantha Morton at ''The Odyssey'' World Premiere In London, UK
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Morton revealed that her childhood was far from a bed of roses. The actress got candid about her parents’ struggles with different vices, which in turn affected her life as a child. The entertainer’s mother, Pamela, who died in 2017 from lung cancer, struggled with mental health issues.

Her father, Peter, who, on the other hand, passed away last year, battled with alcoholism. The combined effect of her parents’ issues landed Morton in the system. “I went pillar to post with foster families, homeless hostels, sleeping by the bins at the back of the Co-op,” she disclosed.

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The state of affairs also had a personal effect on the English actress, shaping how she viewed life. “I have made choices that have always been about survival, because I watched my mum trying to survive and I watched my dad trying to survive,” Morton told The Sunday Times.

The 49-year-old movie star shared that she was described as “resilient” when she was younger, an attribute she gained from her life. To Morton, it was a no-brainer: you had to be resilient “because if you are not, you’re dead.”

The Actress Spent Her Teenage Years Being The Life Of The Party

Samantha Morton on 'The Odyssey' NYC Red Carpet
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Over a decade ago, the actress who plays the sorceress Circe in “The Odyssey” got candid about her upbringing, sharing that she lived between her parents’ separate homes until the age of eight, when she was placed as a “ward of court.” Her mom was a factory worker while her dad was a coal miner.

Being a ward of court means that a person is placed under the legal guardianship of the U.K. Court of Protection. Morton shared that she was abused as a child “by various people,” which made her form the view that “violence is irrational.”

The TV personality told The Guardian at the time that she moved between several foster parents and care homes before leaving school at the age of 13 to lead a different lifestyle.

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The actress disclosed that she spent most of her early teenage years “raving, taking ecstasy and hallucinogenics with older children and young adults, lawless and lost.”

Morton revealed that she was homeless for almost a year as a young teen. She got by spending nights in bus shelters or at friends’ houses.

Samantha Morton Said Landing Circe In ‘The Odyssey’ Was A ‘Dream Job’

Samantha Morton at The BAFTA Nominees Party 2024
CAN/Capital Pictures / MEGA

Morton is no newbie to screens and acting, but she has rarely been offered projects on the scale of the 2026 action-fantasy hit. She previously disclosed the surge of emotions she experienced when Christopher Nolan reached out to her about the part. “I got a phone call saying that Sir Christopher Nolan wanted to meet and I actually wept,” she shared.

After landing the role, the English actress decided not to research what Homer scholars have written about Circe over the years, but rather to get into character by living in the moment on set. Morton drew inspiration from the filming location and her Scottish roots.

Another key aspect of her personal life that seeped into the role was her experience with magic. Raised in the English foster-care system, Morton joined a drama group for working-class teens and even spent a summer as a magician’s assistant. 

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According to the Central Oregon Daily News, she was excited when she learned that Nolan would use practical effects such as puppetry and prosthetics during Circe’s spellbinding sequence. “It’s proper movie magic. It’s all in camera; what you see is real. So this was a dream job for me; I got to do all the things that I love,” Morton explained. 

The TV Personality Continues To Work On Her Craft

Samantha Morton at Women in Film & TV Awards 2019
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Morton, in a recent interview with PEOPLE, shared that the opportunity to work with one of Hollywood’s giants changed her life. She praised Nolan for being a master of his craft, adding that even at her age, she feels privileged to learn from him and improve at her job.

“It was incredible, and for Christopher to give me that opportunity; I’m 49, and you don’t know that those roles are ever going to come your way again,” she said, expressing gratitude to the director for giving her the part. The iconic actress also added that the whole experience has become one stamped in her mind, which she would hold on to for the rest of her life. 

For Nolan, Morton was not a choice but the choice. It was a classic case of opportunity meeting talent. The Oscar-winning filmmaker previously disclosed that he wanted Morton because of her talents and limitless performance. To ensure she was part of the project, he even built a filming schedule around her availability.

Inside Samantha Morton’s Trail To ‘The Odyssey’

Samantha Morton at the 21st British Independent Film Awards
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The mom of three joined the Central Junior Television Workshop at 13 and made her first TV appearance in the 1991 series “Soldier Soldier”. She continued acting in a number of television series, such as “Band of Gold,” in which she starred as Tracy Richards from 1995 to 1996, and the miniseries “The History of Tom Jones, a Foundling.”

Morton voiced Ruby on the series “Max and Ruby” for over a decade, from 2002 to 2013, and has starred in several movies. She played the leading role, Iris, in the independent drama “Under the Skin,” which was on the list of British Best Films from 1984 to 2009.

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The actress made her directorial debut in 2009 with “The Unloved” and won a BAFTA TV Award. She won a Golden Globe Award in 2008 and has been nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award. Having started as a young homeless teenager, Morton has risen to success and now has a net worth of $10 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

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Jason Momoa Calls Blanka His “Dream Role” in New Street Fighter Featurette

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day Swings to Second Biggest Opening Weekend in Box Office History

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially cemented its place in the history books.

After a record-breaking opening day, the latest Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration has delivered an astonishing $355 million domestic opening weekend, making it the second biggest opening weekend of all time, trailing only Avengers: Endgame‘s $357 million debut. Worldwide, the film has already soared to an incredible $927 million, instantly becoming the biggest launch of 2026.

The film’s massive debut is another milestone for Tom Holland, whose fourth solo Spider-Man outing has exceeded even the phenomenal opening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It also reinforces Spider-Man’s status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office franchises during a time when many recent superhero films have struggled to attract audiences.

Credit : Brianna Bryson/WireImage

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Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Brand New Day picks up after the events of No Way Home, following Peter Parker as he embraces life as a truly anonymous, street-level Spider-Man. The film also stars Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman.

Internationally, the film has proven just as dominant. It earned $572 million overseas, including an impressive $121 million in China, where it posted the country’s biggest superhero opening in years.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day [credit: Marvel Studios]

The historic opening is especially significant given recent questions surrounding the superhero genre’s staying power. While several comic book films have underperformed over the past few years, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has demonstrated that audiences will still turn out in massive numbers when excitement, strong word of mouth, and a beloved character come together.

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With overwhelmingly positive audience reactions and one of the strongest starts in cinematic history, the film is now positioned to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time if it maintains momentum over the coming weeks.

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Ethan Slater’s Ex Sends Blunt Message After Ariana Grande Split

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Ethan Slater at Wicked For Good - New York Premiere

Ethan Slater’s breakup with Ariana Grande will not lead him back to his ex-wife, Lilly Jay, despite recent speculation surrounding their relationship. A source close to Jay has shut down rumors that the former spouses could be heading toward a romantic reconciliation following Slater’s split from his “Wicked” co-star. While Ethan Slater and Lilly Jay remain connected through their child, the insider emphasized that their current relationship is focused entirely on raising their family.

Ethan Slater at Wicked For Good - New York Premiere
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

A source close to Jay told TMZ that she and Slater are “absolutely not” getting back together. The insider also denied that Slater is attempting to revive his marriage to the clinical psychologist following the end of his nearly three-year relationship with Grande. Instead, the former couple’s relationship is reportedly “strictly about coparenting.”

Slater and Jay were together for 11 years and married for nearly five before their relationship ended. Their divorce attracted considerable public attention after news of his romance with Grande emerged. The Broadway actor and pop star met while working together on the movie adaptation of “Wicked” in 2022.

Their relationship became public in July 2023, shortly after both stars separated from their respective spouses. Grande had previously been married to real estate agent Dalton Gomez.

Ariana Grande Reportedly Reconciles With Ricky Alvarez

Ariana Grande at 31st Annual Critics Choice Awards
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

The denial surrounding Slater and Jay comes shortly after reports that Grande has rekindled her romance with former boyfriend Ricky Alvarez.

Grande and Alvarez initially began dating after meeting in 2015, when he was working as a backup dancer during her Honeymoon Tour. Their original relationship lasted approximately one year.

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The singer reportedly revealed that they had reconnected by changing lyrics and giving Alvarez affectionate shoutouts during performances of “Thank U, Next” on her current concert tour.

Ariana Grande Has Pushed Back Against Public Scrutiny

Ariana Grande on the red carpet
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

Grande’s relationships have remained the subject of intense interest throughout her career, something she directly confronted through her 2024 single “Yes, And?” In the song, the former Nickelodeon star pushed back against strangers commenting on her body and questioning her private relationships.

Grande has repeatedly made it clear that she does not believe the public is entitled to speculate about her appearance, health, or romantic choices simply because she has spent much of her life in the spotlight. That scrutiny intensified following the July 31 release of “Petal” and its accompanying music video.

Although the project generated attention for Grande’s music, some of the online conversation shifted toward her appearance and prompted unsupported speculation about her health. No diagnosis or medical information supporting those theories has been publicly disclosed.

Ariana Grande at the premiere of Universal Pictures' 'Wicked'
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

Some social media users made extreme comparisons between Grande and deceased musicians Amy Winehouse and Karen Carpenter.

Meghan McCain joined the discussion on X by comparing the public reaction surrounding Grande to the scrutiny Winehouse received before her death in 2011. Another user shared an image of Carpenter alongside Grande and wrote, “This is singer Karen Carpenter, a month before she DIED of anorexia at only 32 years old.”

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Carpenter died in 1983 at age 32 following complications associated with anorexia nervosa. However, comparing Grande’s appearance to Carpenter’s does not establish anything about Grande’s health.

Ariana Grande Plans To Step Away From The Spotlight

Ariana Grande on a red carpet
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency / MEGA

As the comments continue, one of Grande’s representatives told PEOPLE that the singer intends to reduce her public presence after completing her “Eternal Sunshine Tour.” Grande’s team framed the decision as a response to years of relentless attention surrounding her appearance and personal life. The “Wicked” star will be “taking a step back from visibility after she completes the Eternal Sunshine Tour,” her representative said.

“She looks forward to finishing the tour and ending it on a high note, both healthily and happily, and then taking a much-deserved break from public-facing work and appearances, which has led to endless, ongoing public scrutiny,” the rep added. “This tour has been a beautiful experience for her. She loves her fans and has loved every minute of this tour so much.”

The statement did not disclose any health diagnosis or indicate that Grande’s planned break was caused by a medical issue.

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Endgame’s All Time Domestic Opening Weekend Record

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Spider-Man: Brand New Day Swings to Second Biggest Opening Weekend in Box Office History

Spider-Man: Brand New Day has officially cemented its place in the history books.

After a record-breaking opening day, the latest Marvel Studios and Sony Pictures collaboration has delivered an astonishing $355 million domestic opening weekend, making it the second biggest opening weekend of all time, trailing only Avengers: Endgame‘s $357 million debut. Worldwide, the film has already soared to an incredible $927 million, instantly becoming the biggest launch of 2026.

The film’s massive debut is another milestone for Tom Holland, whose fourth solo Spider-Man outing has exceeded even the phenomenal opening of Spider-Man: No Way Home. It also reinforces Spider-Man’s status as one of Hollywood’s most reliable box office franchises during a time when many recent superhero films have struggled to attract audiences.

Credit : Brianna Bryson/WireImage

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Directed by Destin Daniel Cretton, Brand New Day picks up after the events of No Way Home, following Peter Parker as he embraces life as a truly anonymous, street-level Spider-Man. The film also stars Zendaya, Sadie Sink, Jacob Batalon, Jon Bernthal, Mark Ruffalo, Michael Mando, and Tramell Tillman.

Internationally, the film has proven just as dominant. It earned $572 million overseas, including an impressive $121 million in China, where it posted the country’s biggest superhero opening in years.

Spider-Man: Brand New Day [credit: Marvel Studios]

The historic opening is especially significant given recent questions surrounding the superhero genre’s staying power. While several comic book films have underperformed over the past few years, Spider-Man: Brand New Day has demonstrated that audiences will still turn out in massive numbers when excitement, strong word of mouth, and a beloved character come together.

Advertisement

With overwhelmingly positive audience reactions and one of the strongest starts in cinematic history, the film is now positioned to become one of the highest-grossing movies of all time if it maintains momentum over the coming weeks.

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