When Star Trek: Strange New Worlds was in early development, co-creator Akiva Goldsmith announced that the show would follow the episodic format of Star Trek: The Original Series. From the premiere onwards, it’s obvious that the creative team has embraced this ethos — each week has a new enemy and adventure awaiting the crew of the Enterprise. There has been plenty of criticism of the New Trek shows for straying too far from the formula introduced by franchise creator Gene Roddenberry. Both Star Trek: Discovery and Star Trek: Picard eschewed standalone stories for shorter seasons and serialized storytelling, and both shows have already concluded. But to say that Star Trek: Strange New Worlds takes the franchise back to its roots is to disregard the fact that the show was created in the New Trek era. Strange New Worlds combines the best aspects of New Trek, merging it with classic beloved series like The Original Series.

‘Strange New Worlds’ Allows Its Characters To Grow While Remaining Episodic in Format

In the opening scenes of Strange New Worlds, we see that Captain Christopher Pike (Anson Mount) is still struggling with the revelations about his future and impending death that he learned about in Star Trek: Discovery. This is an essential aspect of his character, though that premonition doesn’t necessarily define him. Pike doesn’t magically “get over” his struggle either — instead, he works through his trauma, all the while learning that he’s not alone in suffering. Other members of the crew are also recovering from their personal pain. Security Chief La’an Noonien-Singh (Christina Chong) grew up under the terror of the Gorn, lost her entire family to the aliens, and was tormented by those around her for being a descendant of the notorious genetic superman, Khan Noonien Singh. Cadet Nyota Uhura (Celia Rose Gooding), a prodigy on her first Starfleet mission, has a similar story. She was slated to go to university when her parents and brother were all killed in a shuttle accident. Uhura’s well-established plan for her life unraveled, and she lost her sense of belonging before her grandmother guided her toward joining Starfleet.

These stories help Pike contextualize his own pain and his place in the universe. This is a common theme among the characters — secrets and backstories are slowly revealed, bringing the characters closer, but not all of these revelations are conveniently wrapped up in one episode. The creators leave viewers hanging, weaving mysteries from episode to episode. Though each installment of Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has a self-contained story and spotlights some of the characters, there are also underlying threads like Pike coping with his trauma and the histories of the crew that are discovered but not concluded.

‘Strange New Worlds’ Straddles the Line Between Two Eras of Star Trek

Image via Paramount+

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds’ ability to straddle the line between Old and New Trek is in keeping with the rest of the shows in the franchise. Star Trek: Deep Space Nine was at its best in the latter seasons when the main arc was the Dominion War. The show perfectly encapsulated an umbrella storyline with episodic storytelling about the crew’s day-to-day lives and duties. This style of writing also influenced Star Trek: Enterprise, and many will argue that Enterprise’s multi-episode arcs were its most memorable. Even Star Trek: Voyager, which was as episodic as it gets, had the through-line of the crew attempting to return home — several of the episode plots were informed by this main mission.

Star Trek: Strange New Worlds is also able to balance the styles and tones of the two eras. The bright optimism and aura of kindness of the original are obvious in the production design and the character interactions. Though there’s darkness bubbling under the surface of several character arcs, the show doesn’t wallow in it. Pike doesn’t keep the horror of his future to himself; he shares it with his friends. Uhura tells the senior staff about her family’s demise and is accepted for it as well as encouraged to make the best choices for herself. The crew of this Enterprise is much more sheltered than those aboard Discovery or La Sirena, but they’re also living in an era when the Federation is at its most powerful.

‘Strange New Worlds’ Highlights the Entire Crew

The hallmark of the New Trek shows is that these series give the diverse cast plenty of screen time. Star Trek: The Original series was very much a Kirk (William Shatner), Spock (Leonard Nimoy), and “Bones” McCoy (DeForest Kelley) show. They were given the most screen time and characterization. Strange New Worlds also has a trio of familiar characters with Pike, young Spock (Ethan Peck), and Number One (Rebecca Romijn) taking the lead, but the show still takes the time to let the rest of the cast shine and grow. For a franchise that’s always attempted to be ahead of the curve in terms of representation, this is a welcome change.

What Star Trek: Strange New Worlds has achieved is creating a show that has married the classic style of Star Trek: The Original Series with the over-arching storytelling and sensibilities of the newer shows. The show allows for plenty of growth for its diverse cast, not just the three leads, and has a hopeful tone that’s been missing from the world and the franchise of late. While Star Trek: Strange New Worlds feels like Old Trek, it is still a product of New Trek, which makes it a unique and vital part of the franchise.

Jenelle Evans has found an interesting solution for an ex who leaves his problems behind.

The “Teen Mom” alum recently revealed how she handled David Eason’s abandoned vehicle after their relationship went sideways.

Jenelle Evans has spent years navigating a complicated relationship with David Eason, including marriage, separation, divorce, reconciliation rumors, and coparenting. The former couple co-parents their 9-year-old daughter, Ensley. 

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Evans recently shared a photo of a black SUV sitting inside her garage. She claimed the vehicle belonged to Eason, who had allegedly left it at her house after their relationship ended. Rather than waiting for him to retrieve it, Evans decided that the vehicle was no longer her responsibility. 

Her message to anyone facing a similar situation was remarkably straightforward. “If your ex abandoned his vehicle at your house, get it towed,” Evans wrote. She added “#NotMyProblem” over the photo, making her feelings about the situation particularly clear.

On her Instagram story, Evans also appeared to reference another former partner, August Keen, asking, “August, is yours next?” with a laughing emoji. In a follow-up selfie, she celebrated that the situation was finally off her “to-do” list.

Evans made it clear that she no longer planned to keep accommodating someone else’s responsibilities. Another interesting part of her post was that it was set to the classic 2004 hit tune from rapper Jay-Z, “99 Problems.”

A BMW Created Drama Between The Former Couple

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Eason’s vehicle situation was not exactly new territory for the former couple. Their divorce settlement had already assigned him responsibility for a BMW that became another point of disagreement.

Eason was awarded the BMW in their July 2025 divorce settlement. He was also ordered to take over any remaining car payments connected to the vehicle. Evans later filed for Eason to be held in contempt of court.

She claimed he had refused to pay debts he was legally responsible for after their split, including the BMW. The 38-year-old had previously addressed the issue on X, writing, “I’m not paying to ship a BMW [laughing emoji] that’s why he agreed to take it.”

She added that the arrangement was included in a legal court document and suggested that Eason follow the rules, as shared by US Magazine. Their relationship has remained complicated since their February 2024 separation after years of being on and off.

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Jenelle Evans Says She Is Done With Her Ex Romantically

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Evans and Eason welcomed their daughter Ensley in January 2017 before marrying eight months later. They eventually separated in February 2024 after nearly a decade of being on and off.

Their divorce was finalized in July 2025, but the former couple later sparked reconciliation rumors after being spotted together. Evans subsequently explained that their relationship was about coparenting rather than getting back together romantically.

In her TikTok video, the “Teem Mom 2” star acknowledged that fans were worried about her allowing Eason back into her life. She said things initially felt positive.

According to Evans, he was “very sweet and caring” and tried to hold her hand and touch her frequently. She later said the change happened within a month, when Eason developed an “attitude” and began “name-calling” when frustrated.

She said the behavior reminded her of what she had dealt with for nine years and made her recognize familiar red flags. Evans said the behavior reminded her of what she had experienced throughout their relationship. “That was the sh-t I was dealing with for nine years, and I refuse to still put up with it now,” she said.

The ‘Teen Mom’ Alum’s Daughter Witnessed Her Breaking Point 

@jenellelevanss

Life Update Part 2 💔🙄 I’m done protecting everyone else’s feelings at the expense of my own. I’m finally ready to talk about this situationship I had with my ex. Leave before it gets worse. 🫶🏼

♬ original sound – Jenelle Evans

Evans said her breaking point came after her ex allegedly made insulting comments toward Ensley before school. She claimed the comments continued in the car until she turned around to reassure their daughter that she was “beautiful, gorgeous and smart.” Evans then said she ordered Eason to leave her house.

According to her account, he turned the car around and returned before demanding that she take the children to school herself. She said she could barely walk or drive because she was in pain.

When they returned home, Evans alleged that Eason began packing his belongings, dumping out her purse and going through her things. She said she threatened to call the police because there was a no-contact order between them.

She claimed Eason immediately became scared and left, leaving his belongings behind. Evans said he still had not asked for them, which she described as strange.

The incident came during a difficult period for Evans, who had undergone knee surgery in April and was later diagnosed with complex regional pain syndrome.

Evans said dealing with Eason’s behavior during that period made her feel like she was watching her past repeat itself. “I was seeing everything happen all over again before my f-cking eyes,” she said.

How Jenelle Evans Stepped Into Her Divorce Glow Up

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The MTV star focused on redefining her life since her divorce. That included a major physical transformation, but she has also described the period as an emotional reset focused on healing and rebuilding.

She underwent a full mommy makeover after three pregnancies and losing more than 15 pounds through diet and exercise. “I also thought it would be the best time because I got my tubes tied and I’m not having any more kids,” Evans said. 

The procedure included a tummy tuck to repair diastasis recti and the removal and replacement of her saline breast implants. The Las Vegas resident had the procedure done with Dr. Rachel Mason. In 2025,  The Blast revealed that Evans viewed her divorce as a “reset button” and chose the makeover as part of entering a new chapter.

She said she wanted to move away from the “fear, chaos, anxiety” of her previous life and create more “peace” and “safety” for herself and her children. The physical recovery was difficult, especially during the first two weeks, but Evans said she did not regret her decision. 

Jenelle Evans ticked a mark on her “to-do list,” but what is next?

Collider is proud to announce that we’re teaming up with IFC to offer Los Angeles an advanced opportunity to see The Stunt Driver, starring Jay Baruchel, ahead of its official release date this month. The movie, which celebrated a premiere as part of this year’s Toronto International Film Festival lineup, reunites Baruchel with Goon writer-director Michael Dowse in a comedy drama based on the true underdog story of Ken Carter (Jay Baruchel), the world champion stunt driver who, in the seventies, tried to jump a mile over the St. Lawrence River in a rocket car.

If you’re in the Los Angeles area or have the means to get there, don’t miss out on this early screening, which is taking place on Thursday, September 17th. The screening is located at the AMC Century City and will begin at 7:00 p.m. Our own Steve Weintraub will moderate the Q&A after the movie. Read on for more information on how you can enter for your chance to win free tickets to this advanced screening and Q&A.

How to Get ‘The Stunt Driver’ Tickets

We guarantee you don’t want to miss out on this special fan event! Come see The Stunt Driver in theaters early, plus an exclusive Q&A conversation with Dowse. This event will go fast, so don’t wait to claim your tickets! For your chance to win free tickets to the event, hit this link to provide us with your email address. The theater will fill up quickly, so grab your seats before they’re gone. Be sure to let us know if you’d like to bring a guest with you, and RSVP as soon as possible to secure your spot.

What Is ‘The Stunt Driver’ About?

The Stunt Driver is set in the mid-70s and recounts the true and incredible underdog story of Canada’s Ken Carter, the world champion stunt driver, who battles personal demons and public doubt to attempt what everyone considers impossible — a mile-long jump across the St. Lawrence River in a rocket-powered car. The movie also stars Ed Helms (The Office) as Dick Keller, the car’s designer and technician, and Ben Foster, as Evel Knievel. In the vein of Free Solo or Fitzcarraldo, this is an underdog story about one man’s singular blinding passion to complete the impossible, to finish what he started. What’s both funny and tragic is that his mile-long jump, to anyone with two eyes, is completely impossible.

The Stunt Driver opens in theaters on September 25. Check back with Collider for more special event screenings.

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Release Date

September 25, 2026

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Runtime

99 minutes

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Michael Dowse

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Jenelle Evans says she done “playing games” when it comes to ex David Eason.

“If your ex abandoned his vehicle at your house, get it towed,” Evans, 34, wrote via her Instagram Story on Saturday, September 12, over a photo of a black SUV in her garage.

Eason, 38, was awarded a BMW in his July 2025 divorce settlement with Evans and was ordered to take over any remaining car payments. Three months later, Evans filed for her ex to be held in contempt of court, claiming that he refused to pay the debts he was legally responsible for after their split, including the BMW, The U.S. Sun reported in October 2025.

The Teen Mom alum added on Saturday, “#NotMyProblem.”

Evans also appeared to shout out ex August Keen, whom she dated from August 2024 to early 2025.

Related: Jenelle Evans Clarifies Her Relationship Status With Ex David Eason

Teen Mom star Jenelle Evans is clarifying where she stands with her ex David Eason after the pair were spotted spending time together. “David has been back recently to visit Ensley [their daughter] in Vegas, but now he’s back in North Carolina,” Evans, 34, exclusively told Us Weekly on Saturday, March 7. “I’m in a […]

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“August, is yours next?” she wrote with a laughing emoji.

In a follow-up post, Evans shared a selfie and wrote, “Sooo happy that’s off my ‘to-do’ list.”

Evans previously threw shade at Eason over the BMW in September 2025, writing via X, “I’m not paying to ship a BMW 😂 that’s why he agreed to take it. That’s on him, and it’s in a legal court document, so I suggest he obey by the rules 😊.”

Evans and Eason welcomed daughter Ensley in January 2017 and tied the knot eight months later. The pair later separated in February 2024 after nearly a decade of being on and off.

Months after their divorce was finalized in July 2025, Evans and Eason sparked reconciliation rumors when they were spotted together on multiple occasions earlier this year.

The former reality star clarified where she stands with her ex-husband in a TikTok video earlier this week, explaining that she and Eason are “coparenting” Ensley, 9. (Evans is also a mom to son Jace, 17, with ex Andrew Lewis and son Kaiser, 12, with ex Nathan Griffith.)

Related: Teen Mom 2’s Jenelle Evans and David Eason’s Ups and Downs

Jenelle Evans and her ex-husband, David Eason, have gone through ups and downs over the years. The Teen Mom 2 alum began dating Eason in 2015. Shortly after their September 2017 nuptials, the pair welcomed daughter Ensley in January 2018. (Evans is also the mom of son Jace, whom she shares with ex Andrew Lewis, and son […]

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Evans then acknowledged fans’ concerns about her reuniting with Eason after past legal drama and reassured viewers that she’s “done” with him romantically.

“Everything was nice at first, [he was] very sweet and caring,” Evans said. “He was trying to hold my hand and touch me a lot. That all went away within a month.”

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Evans claimed that Eason developed a new “attitude” and began “name-calling” when he was frustrated.

“That was the s*** I was dealing with for nine years and I refuse to still put up with it now,” she said. “I don’t know if he was being manic at some points but it showed me a lot of red flags I’ve recognized for years.”

Evans noted, “I’m always a believer of second chances, unfortunately. I do that with my exes. That’s my track record. Everybody knows that. This time, at least it only took a few months to see the dramatic change in his behavior. Ladies, don’t put up with that.”

The historical drama genre is gaining traction with hits like Bridgerton and The Gilded Age building huge audiences. Among more recent releases, The Hardacres stands out for its uplifting story and unique perspective, combining the new-money aspect of The Gilded Age with the societal tensions of My Brilliant Career to create something new. The BritBox series, which recently concluded its second season, has endearing characters, an unshakable family bond, and surprising twists that will leave viewers wanting more.

Based on C. L. Skelton‘s novels, The Hardacres follows a family who earns an unexpected fortune in the late 1800s. Rather than being set in their ways or chasing blind ambition, the Hardacres seek to use their new wealth to benefit their community as they adjust to their new lives. Consisting of only 12 episodes so far, The Hardacres is a quick watch, but it’s a heartwarming and surprising story that’s worth every minute.

What Is ‘The Hardacres’ About?

The Hardacres is set in 1890s Yorkshire, where the titular family works as dockworkers, including Sam (Liam McMahon) and Mary (Claire Cooper); their three children, Joe (Adam Little), Liza (Shannon Lavelle), and Harry (Zak Ford-Williams); and Mary’s mother, Ma (Julie Graham). When Sam is injured, the family falls on hard times, forcing them to make tough decisions. The Hardacres not only find a way to survive, but out-earn their previous wages, enabling them to invest their money and, with a stroke of good luck, acquire a fortune that catapults them into a new life. After embracing their new circumstances, they expand their business and buy a manor house, trying to make their way into a society that doesn’t want them. Though the Hardacres’ humble beginnings shock both high society and their new staff alike, the down-to-earth family is undeterred and unwilling to change who they are.

As Sam risks profits to improve working conditions on the docks, Joe struggles to meet his father’s expectations, straining their relationship. Meanwhile, Mary is snubbed by society, while Liza grows close with their new neighbor, Adella Fitzherbert (Holly Sturton), despite her uptight family. The youngest son, Harry, pursues an education, which sends him away for much of Season 1, though he plays a more consistent role in Season 2. The clash between the Hardacres’ past and their new status offers both drama and humor, making the historical drama a must-watch.

‘The Hardacres’ Is a Heartwarming Take on the Period Drama

While there are plenty of rags-to-riches stories, The Hardacres is unique because the central family never forgets where they came from, remaining grounded by trying to improve other people’s lives. Whether through creating healthier working conditions, offering literacy classes, or simply treating their servants as equals, the Hardacres remain humble despite their rise to prominence, which sets the show apart from other series in the genre that often concentrate on societal tensions rather than letting characters bridge those divides.

The Hardacres is a heartwarming story of good fortune and hard work, but the most important part is the characters and the loving family dynamic they share. Whether they face ruin or hold a considerable fortune, the family supports each other, contributing to the series’ positive tone. Too many period dramas get caught up in conflict and don’t offer the same wholesome moments that The Hardacres thrives on. Of course, there are plenty of arguments, from Joe and Sam’s different visions for their business to Mary and Ma’s contrasting opinions of how their lives should look, but when things go awry, the Hardacres ultimately come together as a family. With lovable characters and an uplifting tone, The Hardacres is a show like no other, making it an ideal watch for anyone who enjoys historical dramas.

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Release Date

October 7, 2024

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Channel 5

Directors

Rachel Carey

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Writers

Emma Reeves

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  Liam McMahon

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  Sam Hardacre

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  Claire Cooper

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Whew, Roommates! Folks online started side-eyeing Boosie after a viral video seemingly showed him walking into a building with a mystery woman following his recent Wichita show in Kansas. The clip immediately had folks asking, “What’s going on here?” especially since fans know the rapper is engaged to Rajel Nelson, the mother of his youngest daughter, Sevyn. But chile, Boosie didn’t let the speculation run for too long! He quickly stepped in to clear the air about the viral clip.

RELATED: Mini Me? Rajel Nelson Sparks Debate Over Whether Baby Sevyn Looks Like Her Or Boosie

Boosie Sets The Record Straight About Viral Clip With Mystery Woman

A video making rounds on social media shows Boosie and a mystery woman hopping out of a vehicle before making their way inside a building. Someone was recording the pair as they walked by, and both Boosie and the woman even looked directly at the camera while a fan yelled, “Good show, Boosie.” It’s unclear where Boosie and the woman were headed, but chile, fans wasted NO time jumping to conclusions about their link-up. As speculation started running wild, Boosie slid straight into The Shade Room’s comment section and made thing VERY clear, telling he “DIDN’T TOUCH HER.” But Boosie’s response didn’t stop the internet from sounding OFF!

Guilty Or NOT Guilty? Fans React To Boosie’s Explanation

Plenty of social media users flooded The Shade Room’s comment section with reactions. Several Roomies said the fact that he and the woman arrived together looked extremely suspect!

Instagram user @1nonlytri wrote, “Y’all he was just helping his cousin her groceries 😂” 

Instagram user @haydiosmioo wrote, “I didn’t touch her in all caps is crazzzzzzy 😂😂😂😂😂” 

While Instagram user @demouryaa wrote, “It says a fan but she went into a place with you. What she do pay you for a day to hangout 😂” 

Then Instagram user @transition_in_process wrote, “his whole walk and body language changed up 😂👌🏾” 

Another Instagram user @reallyher__09 wrote, “He just ain’t expect nobody see him 😂😂😂 and record.” 

Instagram user @sheepasleepa1 wrote, “But did she touch you???? 😂” 

Then another Instagram user @khloewiththegoodhairr wrote, “Why was you with her is the actual question 😂” 

While another Instagram user @_poison_22_ wrote, “Even if he didn’t touch her why she getting out the vehicle with him like they are a couple.” 

Finally, Instagram user @ntunga.abantu wrote, “Guilty AF 😂😂” 

Boosie Pops Out With Rajel Nelson & Their Daughter Sevyn At The LSU Football Game

Despite all the reactions online, Boosie kept doing HIM! On Sunday, September 13, the rapper hit Instagram with some family flicks showing him popping out with Rajel Nelson and their daughter, Sevyn, at the LSU Tigers football game. One photo shows Boosie and Rajel posted up in their game-day fits, while another adorable flick sees baby Sevyn sitting pretty in her stroller while rocking the cutest lil’ cheerleader outfit. Peep the photos below.

RELATED: Boosie Wants To Take It Back To The 80s As He Shares Opinion On Women’s Lack Of Clothing & Fans React (VIDEO) 

Naruto and Dragon Ball are two of the most influential and iconic anime series ever released, garnering international recognition and widespread popularity that solidified their status as household names in pop culture. When the late Akira Toriyama first wrote Dragon Ball and its even more popular follow-up, Dragon Ball Z, he pushed the medium of anime to new heights by setting the precedent and blueprint for generations of shōnen that followed. Masashi Kishimoto‘s Naruto was one of the most notable successors to DBZ, becoming one of the “Big Three” manga alongside One Piece and Bleach due to their unmatched commercial success for Shōnen Jump in the 2000s.

The lasting legacy of Dragon Ball can be seen in Naruto, which built off of the foundation set by the earlier anime to continue making innovations in the exciting genre. Though there was never an official crossover between the two series, Kishimoto paid homage to his predecessor and included a surprisingly extensive reference to Dragon Ball in Naruto, writing a character who was directly inspired by Toriyama’s most famous creation. This Dragon Ball allusion was hidden in plain sight without unnecessary attention drawn to it, but was nonetheless a heartwarming and innovative way for Kishimoto to applaud the shōnen series that put anime on television for Western audiences. Kishimoto created a character whose design — from visual aesthetics to naming conventions — was directly inspired by Toriyama and one of the most recognizable heroes in all fiction, Son Goku.

Son Goku Is the Inspiration Behind ‘Naruto’s Four-Tailed Beast

Kishimoto referenced Dragon Ball with his creation of the Four-Tails, one of the most powerful creatures in the entire world of Naruto. The Four-Tails is one of the massive tailed beasts, a kaiju-sized creature possessing unfathomable strength and destructive capabilities made entirely of chakra, the main power source in the series. While a cursory glance at the large red-furred and horned gorilla-like beast with four tails doesn’t immediately draw parallels with the cheerfully energetic Son Goku of Dragon Ball, there are actually several layers to this cross-anime connection. Though their names have been lost to people for generations, each of the tailed beasts has their own unique name that is later revealed to Naruto in Naruto: Shippuden. The Four-Tails’ true name is Son Gokū, which was directly inspired by Son Goku from Dragon Ball, though they can be separately identified thanks to the difference in accents.

In terms of design inspiration, Son Gokū takes two important traits from Goku’s upbringing and family. Kishimoto chose to make Son Gokū a monkey based on the Great Ape form that Saiyans from Dragon Ball can turn into when they see the full moon. It is also specifically important that Son Gokū possesses four tails, which is an allusion to the Four-Star Dragon Ball that Goku’s Grandpa Gohan once possessed. This Dragon Ball was Goku’s prized possession when he was a child, as he believed it to contain his grandfather’s soul, and would later be passed down to his son, Gohan, who was named after the original owner of the ball.

In Naruto, tailed beasts can be sealed within ninja called jinchuriki. The jinchuriki within Son Gokū was named Rōshi, referencing the Turtle Hermit, Master Roshi, from Dragon Ball who trained Goku and Krillin. Master Roshi is one of Goku’s most important teachers, having taught him fundamental training skills and even his signature technique, the Kamehameha

‘Dragon Ball’ and ‘Naruto’ Are Both Heavily Inspired by ‘Journey to the West’

While Son Gokū takes direct inspiration from Dragon Ball’s Goku, both characters find their true origins in the classic Chinese story, Journey to the West. The story follows Sun Wukong, a mythical monkey king with unparalleled strength, knowledge of mystical techniques, and a confident and often mischievous personality. Although many stories draw inspiration from Journey to the West, the connections to Goku are already apparent from those traits alone. However, it’s further confirmed by the existence of the Great Ape form, which was the major mystery with Goku’s character in the original series. Toriyama took heavy inspiration from Journey to the West when writing Dragon Ball, as many of the characters, such as Bulma, Yamcha, and Oolong, are based on characters from the story.

In Naruto, the complete name of the Four-Tails, as it refers to itself, is Seiten Taisei Son Gokū, which translates to “Great Sage Equalling Heaven,” a title originating from Sun Wukong. Naruto also features another reference to Journey to the West with Monkey King: Enma, who was a ninja monkey summoned by Hiruzen Sarutobi. Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, summoned Enma to combat the First and Second Hokage in the midst of the siege on Konoha during the Chūnin Exams.

CBS is preparing fans for the return of one of its highest-rated action dramas, and the date can’t come soon enough. Tracker Season 4 premieres in less than a month, bringing a significant upgrade that promises interesting developments in the new episodes. After last season’s explosive finale, Colter Shaw faces difficult truths about his family’s past. With these shocking revelations and the support of his trusted team, he must set aside the past to focus on what he does best: using his instincts and survival skills to find the missing and earn rewards.

Inspired by Jeffery Deaver‘s bestselling novel The Never Game, Tracker stars Justin Hartley as Colter, a lone-wolf survivalist who, driven by the troubles of his past, uses his instincts to earn a living by finding the missing. Tracker premiered on February 11, 2024, to critical acclaim, with the first Season currently holding an impressive 89% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes. The season also drew large viewership, debuting immediately after Super Bowl LVIII on CBS while sticking with a simple, case-of-the-week format.

Later seasons replicated the success, leading to a Season 4 renewal announced earlier in January. This new season of Tracker will now see Cassady McClincy Zhang, who was previously recurring as Reenie’s (Fiona Rene) assistant Mel in her law office, upped to series regular, as confirmed by Deadline. That means the bingeworthy drama will once again have four series regulars: Hartley, Rene, Zhang, whom you may also remember from The Walking Dead, and Chris Lee.

‘Tracker’ Season 4 Could Have a Major Plot Twist Ahead

Fans may recall that when Tracker premiered two years ago, it had five regulars: Hartley, Rene, Robin Weigert, Abby McEnany, and Eric Graise. By Season 2, Weigert was no longer part of the main cast, and by Season 3, McEnany and Graise had also left, leaving Hartley and Rene as the only regulars. Besides, Lee was initially a recurring character before being promoted to series regular.

Now, with Zhang’s promotion, an exciting plot twist could be in store for viewers as they wait to see when Tracker returns. In the meantime, Hartley suggested as much during a Season 3 interview, teasing that Season 4 could see Mel (Zhang) possibly having an ulterior motive, seeing as she has taken an interest in Colter’s cases while working for Reenie, who assists the tracker in legal matters.

Tracker returns for Season 4 on October 4, 2026, at 9 p.m. ET/PT on CBS, with the premiere episode also streaming on Paramount+.

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Release Date

February 11, 2024

Showrunner

Elwood Reid

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Writers

Ben H. Winters, Hilary Weisman Graham

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  Colter Shaw

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The Vampire Diaries is often brushed off as a teen “girly” show, but let’s be honest, it got plenty of guys hooked too. The supernatural vampire drama got us deep into the vampire lore, far beyond what The Twilight Saga ever touched. And then there were the Salvatore brothers, Stefan (Paul Wesley) and Damon (Ian Somerhalder), two dangerously attractive vampires who quickly had the ladies swooning over them, and teenage boys who wanted to be as charming and powerful as them.

Watching Ian Somerhalder and Paul Wesley’s bromance and rivalry onscreen became a guilty pleasure for so many who lived for friends-to-lovers, enemies-to-lovers, and every messy trope in between. Over its run, the show gave us every supernatural being that exists: witches, vampires, werewolves, doppelgängers, hybrids, and Originals (the first vampires created almost a thousand years ago). Now, 17 years after its debut, it’s the perfect time to revisit and celebrate some of the best bloodsuckers to ever rule Mystic Falls.

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Lexi Branson

Played by Arielle Kebbel

Image via The CW

Lexi Branson (Arielle Kebbel) doesn’t have the longest screen time in The Vampire Diaries, but she leaves an outsized mark on the show’s emotional quotient. She was introduced in Season 1 as Stefan’s best friend, who brought him warmth and moral clarity in a world dominated by morally gray vampires. She was the only person who stood with Stefan as a rock-solid presence, and her very existence in his life hinted at the special bond the two shared in their early years.

Lexi was witty, easygoing, and humorous, and her unwavering loyalty towards her friends made her a breath of fresh air in the otherwise supernatural world of backstabbers. Her death, at the hands of Damon, was one of the show’s earliest gut punches, but the writers found a way to bring her back through memories and flashbacks. She reappeared in Seasons 4, 5, and 6 to pull Stefan back from the edge whenever he needed her.

9

Rebekah Mikaelson

Played by Claire Holt

Image via The CW

The scream “REBEKAHHHH” still echoes in the ears of TVD fans, years after the show ended. Rebekah Mikaelson (Claire Holt) carried her sass and villainous energy in The Vampire Diaries, but we couldn’t help but feel pity for her occasionally. She was one of the two daughters of the Mikaelson clan, an extremely emotion-driven and impulsive Original vampire who made the wrong choices for love.

She came to Mystic Falls in Season 3, all blonde hair and lethal stilettos, with a confidence that comes from living through a thousand years of family drama, betrayal, and loss. She’s the only Original sibling who openly craves a normal human life — not power, not bloodlust, just a chance to go to school dances, fall in love, and maybe raise a family without dagger-related interruptions. She’s also the only one whose dreams have been interrupted time and again, often by her own brother’s dagger, which left her to spend centuries trapped in an enchanted sleep.

8

Silas

Played by Paul Wesley

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Silas (Wesley) was Stefan’s doppelgänger, who was introduced in Season 4 as the shadowy figure pulling strings long before the audience ever saw his face. He was the world’s first Immortal, with only one desire — to be reunited with his one true love, Amara (Nina Dobrev). But his deep love for Amara didn’t make him a noble hero or a romanticized vampire; instead, he became one of the most manipulative and cunning figures in the series.

Wesley took on a completely different persona with Silas, marking a 180-degree shift from Stefan’s personality. Silas’ charm came with a quirky edge, but it was his psychic abilities, shapeshifting, and immunity to most supernatural weaknesses that made him one of the most elusive and dangerous villains to confront, both literally and morally.

7

Caroline Forbes

Played by Candice King

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Caroline Forbes (Candice King) might have started The Vampire Diaries as the picture of high school insecurity. Competitive, needy, and constantly trying to prove herself. But her transformation into a vampire in Season 2 (due to Katherine’s scheme) made us fall in love with the confident, sharp-witted woman she grew into. Honestly, vampire Caroline had more guts, character, and edge than human Caroline, and her arc became one of the most satisfying in the series.

She mastered control over her bloodlust faster than almost anyone else, excelled at strategic thinking during crises, and often stood there as the emotional anchor for the group when everyone else’s lives were spinning out of control. Even after being a vampire, Caroline remained the most human character in the show, who felt everything deeply — from her friendships to her most complicated relationships.

6

Katherine Pierce

Played by Nina Dobrev

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Katherine Pierce is as captivating as she is fierce, and The Vampire Diaries wouldn’t have half its intrigue without her constant games of manipulation. Played with razor-sharp charisma by Nina Dobrev, Katherine was Elena Gilbert’s 500-year-old doppelgänger, her darkest self, and a far more adept vampire than Elena ever was; someone who would go to any length to survive.

Katherine lived through half a century not because she was strong, but because of her intelligence, uncanny ability to read a room, and the talent to exploit people’s weaknesses before they even realized they had been played. Every major plotline she touched was turned into an unpredictable tragedy for the good ones around her. Her on-again, off-again alliances with the Salvatore brothers added more mystery and oomph to the storyline, and unlike many villains who fade with time, Katherine stayed relevant by adapting, switching allegiances, and always keeping a backup plan (or three) ready.

5

Elijah Mikaelson

Played by Daniel Gillies

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Elijah Mikaelson (Daniel Gillies) is one of the most honorable vampires in the TVD universe. What we know about Elijah is that he keeps his word, never turns his back on anyone, and can be ruthless when it comes to his family. As an Original, he’s powerful enough to snap most enemies out of existence without breaking a sweat, yet he carries himself with the restraint and elegance of an old-world gentleman. Always impeccably dressed, with a neatly folded handkerchief in his pocket, Elijah was the most sophisticated brother of the Original family.

He had an ironclad moral code, even when it put him at odds with his own family. His loyalty to his brother, Klaus (Joseph Morgan), despite centuries of betrayal, gave the audience a constant push-and-pull between wanting him to break free and respecting the fact that he never abandons his own. He’s a peacemaker in a world that thrives on war, and when diplomacy fails, he’s as lethal as any other Mikaelson, perhaps, even more so.

4

Enzo St. John

Played by Michael Malarkey

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Enzo St. John (Michael Malarkey) was never meant to be a central figure in The Vampire Diaries, but soon became a loved character as viewers saw his bromance with Damon. Born 170 years ago, he unexpectedly came across the Augustine organization, which tortured and experimented on him for decades. Those early years left him deeply cynical and bitter in conflict, yet beneath the hardened exterior was someone with a soft heart and a strong sense of self-awareness.

Soon after, he fell in love with Bonnie (Kat Graham), and everything shifted. He became more vulnerable and emotional. Another strong bond he shared was his friendship with Damon, which was built on shared drama and gallows humor, though far from perfect. Enzo was unpredictable at all times, capable of brutal decisions one moment and selfless acts the other. This tension made him one of the most human characters in the show, a reminder that even the most damaged people can find something or someone worth living for.

3

Stefan Salvatore

Played by Paul Wesley

The good Salvatore brother, Stefan, was over a century-old decent vampire when he was first introduced. A brooding, self-controlled figure who refused to feed on humans and cherished rabbits (as a food). He was the moral compass of the show, but soon met with a transition that gave him a perfect good boy-turned-bad trope. As the series unraveled, it became clear that Stefan’s self-controlled nature wasn’t innate, but it was a fragile dam holding back the “Ripper”, his bloodthirsty alter-ego, who reveled in carnage. This duality gave Stefan a rich arc as a hero constantly at war with the darkest parts of himself.

Stefan lived for the people he loved. His relationship with Elena was a slow, all-consuming kind of love, steady but tangled in secrets. With Damon, he was caught in a constant cycle of rivalry and redemption, each brother pulling the other back from the brink at different times. And with Caroline, he found a quieter, more honest kind of love, more like a partnership built on friendship and mutual respect.

2

Klaus Mikaelson

Played by Joseph Morgan

Image via The CW

The man, the myth, the legend — Klaus Mikaelson — was the most feared and powerful creature in The Vampire Diaries. An Original and a hybrid, half-vampire and half-werewolf, he carried the most dangerous abilities of both. Klaus rewrote the rules, bent them to his will, manipulated those around him, and ruthlessly killed anyone who crossed him. Every time he appeared on-screen, there was a sense of unpredictability that anything could happen at any moment. Maybe a peace treaty could be struck over a glass of bourbon, or a massacre could unfold before the ice melted in it.

With time, as Klaus’ vulnerable side revealed, everyone quickly jumped to sympathize with the ultimate bad boy of TVD. He could be cruel enough to dagger his siblings one moment and then fiercely protective of them the next. Just a complicated brother who loved and hated his family at the same time, but would never turn his back on them. His bond with Caroline Forbes was one of the most twisted yet beautiful threads in the series, which revealed a softer and more loving layer, one that everyone longed to see.

1

Damon Salvatore

Played by Ian Somerhalder

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Damon Salvatore was the reason the audience tuned in, week after week, long before the plot had even settled in. The ever-charming and charismatic Damon, played by Lost‘s Somerhalder, was the bad Salvatore brother, who could kill with his deadly smirk and a wicked smile. He became our favorite villain of the show, but somewhere along the way, his love for Elena completely changed him and turned him into the ultimate romantic hero of the series.

Damon’s moral compass only pointed north when it suited him, and he had no hesitation about snapping necks if it got him what he wanted. Yet, just as easily, he could switch gears and lay his heart bare in a way that caught you off guard. You could never predict his next move, but you could always know that Damon would go to any length to protect Elena. His redemption arc was as complete as it was unexpected, and by the end, Damon had become the most dangerously compelling presence in the entire series.

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The Vampire Diaries

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Release Date

2009 – 2017-00-00

Network

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The CW

Directors

Chris Grismer, Joshua Butler, Marcos Siega, Kellie Cyrus, J. Miller Tobin, John Behring, Jeffrey G. Hunt, Rob Hardy, Leslie Libman, Paul Wesley, Lance Anderson, Darren Genet, John Dahl, Wendey Stanzler, Jesse Warn, Garreth Stover, Geoff Shotz, Ian Somerhalder, Liz Friedlander, David Von Ancken, Kevin Bray, Mike Karasick, Brad Turner, Carol Banker

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War television has to be compelling without making war itself feel entertaining, and that’s not an easy feat. The audience still needs tension and momentum, but those things can’t come at the expense of reducing real suffering to shallow spectacle. That challenge becomes even harder because, firstly, war is never a single experience. It means different things to different people.

Secondly, history has usually spoiled the ending for every war drama out there. Now, when the audience already knows who won the battle, how does one still make them tune in? The best war miniseries then find their suspense somewhere more personal. These six miniseries understand that responsibility better than most and find completely different but perfect ways.

1

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

Image via HBO

Band of Brothers is the blueprint for war miniseries, and it’s easy to understand why. The HBO show, based on Stephen E. Ambrose’s book, follows the men of Easy Company, part of the U.S. Army’s 101st Airborne Division, from their brutal training at Camp Toccoa through D-Day, Operation Market Garden, the Battle of the Bulge, and eventually the end of the war in Europe. The story initially seems to revolve around Richard Winters (Damian Lewis), who gradually becomes one of the company’s most respected leaders, but Band of Brothers never limits the narrative to his perspective.

Different episodes shift the focus to others in the unit, which is one of the smartest decisions the miniseries makes. This turns Easy Company into the real central character while giving individual soldiers’ arcs enough room. The audience gets to understand the company from completely different positions, which adds weight to every loss or win. Band of Brothers completely changed the emotional scale of war.

2

‘The Pacific’ (2010)

Image via HBO

The Pacific had every chance to recreate Band of Brothers, but it delivers a completely different experience. Instead of following one company across the war, the HBO miniseries splits its story between three Marines whose paths keep crossing. The protagonists include writer Robert Leckie (James Badge Dale), Eugene Sledge (Joseph Mazzello), who initially can’t enlist because of a heart condition, and celebrated hero John Basilone (Jon Seda). Their stories carry the audience through Peleliu, Iwo Jima, Okinawa, and some of the most punishing campaigns of the Pacific Theater. What’s interesting is how the war looks completely different based on the man in focus.

The Pacific never paints its characters as invincible, but as men constantly being reshaped by the situations they face. The Pacific keeps showing how the same war can leave completely different marks on the people fighting it, and that is the show’s gripping hook. The final episode sustains this momentum by following the survivors home and showing how just returning to ordinary life is its own struggle. The Pacific is never building toward a clean victory because it wants to ask what exactly is left of these people once the fighting stops.

3

‘Generation Kill’ (2008)

Image via HBO

Generation Kill strips away all the shock value audiences normally expect from a war miniseries. The seven-part HBO series, based on Evan Wright’s reporting and book, centers on the journalist, played by Lee Tergesen, as he follows the U.S. Marines of First Recon during the opening weeks of the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Most of the story unfolds alongside Marines, including Brad Colbert (Alexander Skarsgård) and his endlessly talkative driver, Ray Person (James Ransone), as their convoy pushes toward Baghdad. The show obviously covers all the action along the way, but it’s actually interested in exploring the logistics of war. Generation Kill features long stretches of driving, petty arguments over equipment, confused radio chatter, and frustrating orders coming from the people in command.

The series makes war feel oddly normal. The Marines can be discussing something completely stupid one minute and suddenly find themselves making a life-or-death decision the next. This tonal whiplash is the point. The series captures how boredom, fear, humor, and danger can all exist within the same context. Generation Kill isn’t the show that wants to manufacture stakes or deliver some inspiring military narrative. In fact, its brutal realism is why it remains a fan favorite to this day.

4

‘We Were the Lucky Ones’ (2024)

Image via Vlad Cioplea/Hulu

We Were the Lucky Ones is another show that approaches World War II on an intimate scale. The Hulu miniseries, based on Georgia Hunter’s novel and inspired by the experiences of her own family, begins with the Kurcs, a Polish-Jewish family, celebrating Passover together in Radom shortly before the war tears their lives apart. The five siblings, Halina (Joey King), Addy (Logan Lerman), Genek (Henry Lloyd-Hughes), Mila (Hadas Yaron), and Jakob (Amit Rahav), are eventually scattered across different countries with almost no way of knowing who in their family is still alive.

The series keeps jumping between the siblings as each of them deals with their fair share of struggles. The reason why this hits so hard is that the audience gets to see the Kurcs together before taking all sense of normality away from them. The larger question then becomes whether these people will ever find one another again. That makes the final episode incredibly rewarding when scattered members of the family finally begin finding each other again, forever changed by the lives they have lived.

5

‘The Narrow Road to the Deep North’ (2025)

Image via Prime Video

The Narrow Road to the Deep North is a war story that stays with the audience long after the credits roll. Based on Richard Flanagan’s Booker Prize-winning novel, the five-part miniseries follows Australian doctor Dorrigo Evans, played by Jacob Elordi during World War II and Ciarán Hinds decades later. Before leaving for war, Dorrigo begins an affair with Amy Mulvaney (Odessa Young), his uncle’s young wife. Their relationship is cut short when he is deployed and eventually becomes a prisoner of war, forced alongside other Australian soldiers to work on the Burma Railway.

The show tracks how life in the camp completely changes the central character. He is put in impossible situations, with thoughts of Amy being his only comfort, only for that to be taken away as well. The series jumps between Dorrigo’s affair, his captivity, and his life as an older celebrated surgeon. The audience already knows Dorrigo survives, so the suspense comes from discovering what survival actually does to him.

6

‘War and Remembrance’ (1988)

Image Courtesy of ABC

War and Remembrance is about as ambitious as war television gets. The sprawling miniseries, adapted from Herman Wouk’s novel, picks up immediately after Pearl Harbor and follows the extended Henry and Jastrow families through almost the entirety of America’s involvement in World War II. Naval officer Victor “Pug” Henry (Robert Mitchum) is sent from one major assignment to another, while his sons Warren (Michael Woods) and Byron (Hart Bochner) fight in the Pacific. On the other hand, Byron’s wife Natalie (Jane Seymour) is trapped in Europe with her Jewish uncle Aaron Jastrow (John Gielgud) and her young son, desperately searching for a way out as Nazi control closes around them.

That eventually becomes the most devastating part of the narrative. There’s no denying that the enormous scale of War and Remembrance could have easily felt like a dry history lesson, but the Henrys and Jastrows give every new stage of the war a human connection. Major battles and political decisions are constantly happening alongside marriages collapsing, families being separated, and people simply trying to find out if their loved ones are safe. The miniseries truly earns the word epic thanks to how seamlessly it moves between the different storylines it follows while still preserving the sheer magnitude of the war surrounding them.

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War and Remembrance

Release Date

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1988 – 1989-00-00

Writers

Earl W. Wallace

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• 

  Barry Bostwick

  Uncredited

• 

  Clifford Rose

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  Leslie Slote

• 

  David Dukes

  Rudolf Hoess – Commandant K. L. Auschwitz

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• 

  G.W. Bailey

  Field Marshal Erwin Rommel

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