Michael J. Fox was honored at the 2026 Emmy Awards with a prestigious award amid his ongoing battle with Parkinson’s disease.

Fox, 65, accepted the Bob Hope Humanitarian Award at the ceremony on Monday, September 14, in recognition of his contributions to Parkinson’s disease research and advocacy through his Michael J. Fox Foundation.

Julianna Margulies, Fox’s The Good Wife costar, presented the award to the legendary actor, who appeared on stage in a wheelchair while wearing a black suit. Fox received a standing ovation and hearty applause as he thanked the Television Academy for the award, calling the accolade a “humbling honor.” He also paid tribute to the award’s namesake, describing Hope, who died in 2003, as a “selfless” champion for people in need. Fox noted that he’s “proud” of the progress that the Michael J. Fox Foundation has made towards finding a cure for Parkinson’s disease.

Fox was previously announced as the winner of the award in a July press release from the Television Academy.

“[Fox] has spoken and written extensively about his predisposition to look at challenges, including his Parkinson’s disease, through a lens of optimism and humor,” the announcement read.

Related: Michael J. Fox Through the Years: See His Life in Photos

Michael J. Fox gained worldwide recognition beginning in 1982 on the NBC sitcom Family Ties and continued his rise to fame for the next four decades. The Back to the Future star was born in Alberta, Canada, in June 1961 and began his acting career at the age of 16 in the Canadian TV series […]

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The Bob Hope Humanitarian Award was created in 2002 to “honor a member of the telecommunications industry whose philanthropic efforts exemplify Bob Hope’s own decades-long altruism and positive impact on society,” the press release continued. “The award is given by the Television Academy and the Bob & Dolores Hope Foundation to an individual in the television industry whose humanitarian efforts have brought credit to the industry and whose deeds and actions have had a lasting impact on society.”

In addition to receiving the Humanitarian Award, Fox was nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for his role as Gerry, a Parkinson’s patient who bonds with Harrison Ford’s Paul, in AppleTV’s Shrinking.

Fox previously won Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series in 2000 for his role as Michael Flaherty in ABC’s Spin City and Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2009 for his role as Dwight in FX’s Rescue Me. He also won Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series three years in a row beginning in 1986 for playing Alex P. Keaton in NBC’s Family Ties, the role that shot him to fame.

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Related: Michael J. Fox Reflects on Decades-Long Battle With Parkinson’s Disease

Michael J. Fox is reflecting on living with Parkinson’s disease more than 30 years after his diagnosis. While attending his A Country Thing Happened on the Way to Cure Parkinson’s musical charity gala in Nashville earlier this week, the Back to the Future actor, 62, opened up about his health and how he won’t stop […]

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The Back to the Future star has received 19 Emmy nominations in total throughout his career.

In 1998, Fox publicly disclosed that he had been diagnosed with young-onset Parkinson’s disease. Two years later, he founded The Michael J. Fox Foundation, which has become the world’s largest nonprofit funder of Parkinson’s research and has supported more than $3 billion in research programs.

“[I knew] my name could attract attention to help us achieve our goals faster. But I also have this disease. I know the issues and I share my community’s sense of urgency,” Fox, who retired from full-time acting in 2020 amid his health battle, told People ahead of the Emmys. “Of course, things have gotten harder over the years. I’m privileged to commit my time and energy to bringing everything I’ve got to help cure this disease.”

Hayao Miyazaki is perhaps Japan’s best-known director of animated films, having made 12 so far in his legendary career. Most agree that his best film is Spirited Away, which was the first foreign film to win the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. It focuses on a young girl who winds up in the spirit world while moving to a new home and must survive working at a bathhouse run by an evil witch to save her parents — who were transformed into pigs — and ensure they can all escape.

Spirited Away continues to captivate audiences thanks to its detailed animation, diverse cast of well-rounded characters, and timeless themes regarding growing up, identity, resilience, and selflessness. Fortunately, many other films, both animated and live-action, tell similar stories and transport audiences into worlds bursting with creative visuals and wonder. This list will discuss the best movies to watch for fans of Spirited Away; they might not be as excellent as Miyazaki’s masterpiece, but they are perfect companions for it. These movies like Spirited Away are essential for Ghibli fans.

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‘Wolf Children’ (2012)

Image via Toho

Hana (Aoi Miyazaki/Colleen Clinkenbeard) is a young woman who falls in love with a man (Takao Osawa/David Matranga) who can shapeshift between human and wolf forms. They have two children together, Yuki (Momoka Ono and Haru Kuroki/Lara Woodhull and Jad Saxton) and Ame (Amon Kabe and Yukito Nishii/Alison Viktorin and Micah Solusod), but the father is tragically killed while out hunting. As the kids grow older and begin to develop their shifting powers, Hana does what she can to keep them safe and help integrate them into human society.

Wolf Children is a touching story about the difficulties of growing up from both a parent’s and child’s perspectives. Yuki and Ame find themselves at multiple crossroads in life and struggle to choose which path is right for them, while Hana does what she can to support them while coming to terms with the fact that their choices may not reflect her wishes. The result is a deeply moving exploration of love, letting go, and the quiet strength it takes to accept that we can only do our best for the people we care about.

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‘Bridge to Terabithia’ (2007)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Aspiring artist Jess Aarons (Josh Hutcherson) is having a hard time in his adolescence due to financial troubles, school bullies, and an estranged relationship with his father, Jack (Robert Patrick). One day, he befriends his new neighbor, Leslie Burke (AnnaSophia Robb), and the two create a world of their own called Terabithia on the other side of a creek. They use Terabithia to work through the troubles in their lives, but tragedy soon strikes Jess in a way he wasn’t prepared for.

Bridge to Terabithia was co-written by author Katherine Paterson’s son, David L. Peterson, and he made sure the film captured all of the book’s poignant themes. The story is a coming-of-age tale about the loss of childhood innocence, first through Jess trying to find ways to cope with life’s various struggles and then by forcing him to come to terms with death and grief. The visual medium allows the filmmaker to use effects to bring the fantasy world to life, which better demonstrates how the power of imagination and storytelling can help us face the hurdles in our lives.

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‘Alice in Wonderland’ (1951)

Image via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

Bored with her sister’s lessons, Alice (Kathryn Beaumont) imagines a world where there are no rules. Just then, she spots a white rabbit (Bill Thompson) with a waistcoat proclaiming that he is late, and Alice follows him in a fit of curiosity. She falls down his rabbit hole and arrives in Wonderland, a nonsensical land full of such oddities as food that can make you grow or shrink, shapeshifting Cheshire Cats (Sterling Holloway), and an execution-happy queen who commands an army of playing cards.

Alice in Wonderland failed upon release due to suffering from too many cooks in the kitchen behind the scenes, but it has since become one of the most beloved of Disney’s Silver Age films. This status is thanks in large part to its art style, which blends expressive characters animated in bold colors with dark, foreboding backgrounds to create a world that feels both whimsical and off-putting. Alice also serves as a wonderful protagonist thanks to how she reacts to every strange new thing she comes across, and Beaumont’s perfect casting.

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‘Wolfwalkers’ (2020)

Image via Apple TV+

Robyn Goodfellow (Honor Kneafsey) travels to Kilkenny with her father, Bill (Sean Bean), to hunt wolves in the woods on the orders of the authoritarian Lord Protector (Simon McBurney). She is bitten by a young wolf who is really a girl named Mebh (Eva Whittaker), whose spirit can leave her body when she sleeps and transform into a wolf. The bite ends up giving Robyn the same power, which places her relationship with her father, and their safety, in jeopardy.

Wolfwalkers is a fantastic fairy tale story that introduces modern audiences to a more ancient take on werewolves. The film has a gorgeous interpretation of how wolves use smell to see the world, which, combined with the fluid animation and bright colors, creates a great contrast between the freedom of the natural world and the claustrophobic world of civilization. That said, there is still some nuance in the human world; the Lord Protector is an authoritarian figure, but he genuinely sees himself as a righteous defender of civilization, which leads to some interesting character moments.

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‘A Whisker Away’ (2020)

Image via Netflix

Miyo Sasaki (Mirai Shida/Cherami Leigh) is a young girl who has a crush on her classmate, Kento Hinode (Natsuki Hanae/Johnny Yong Bosch), though he publicly declares that he doesn’t like her. One day, a mysterious mask seller (Kōichi Yamadera/Keith Silverstein) gives Miyo a Noh mask that, when worn, transforms her into a white cat. As a cat, Miyo has a positive relationship with Kento, and the contrast to their human relationship, as well as her own difficult home life, causes her to see her cat form as preferable.

A Whisker Away is a fun take on the classic story of using animal transformation as a form of escapism. While Miyo’s cat form allows her to see the world from a different point of view, it also becomes a literal mask to hide her true self, which has the unfortunate effect of stunting her social and personal growth. The second act of the film even gets dark in places, but it still maintains plenty of levity and fun visual gags.

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‘The Last Unicorn’ (1982)

Image via ITV Studios Global Entertainment

After overhearing two hunters talk of the absence of unicorns, and learning that they were driven north by a monstrous Red Bull to the country of King Haggard (Sir Christopher Lee), the last unicorn in the world (Mia Farrow) leaves her forest home to see if she can find the others. She finds that the absence of unicorns has caused the world to lose some of its magic, and most humans see her as nothing more than a regular horse. However, she finds two allies: a bumbling wizard named Schmendrick (Alan Arkin) and a female outlaw named Molly Grue (Tammy Grimes).

The Last Unicorn‘s screenplay was written by the book’s author, Peter S. Beagle, so it sticks close to the plot and captures all of the book’s important themes. Namely, it captures the melancholic tone brought about by discussions about regret, loss, longing, and whether it is better to never know these emotions or not. All of this is beautifully captured through the gorgeous animation by Topcraft, the company whose fall would lead to the rise of Studio Ghibli.

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‘The NeverEnding Story’ (1984)

While evading bullies, Bastian Balthazar Bux (Barret Oliver) slips into a bookstore and makes off with one called The NeverEnding Story. It details a fantasy world called Fantasia, ruled by the Childlike Empress (Tami Stronach), that is slowly being eroded by an abstract force called The Nothing. A hero named Atreyu (Noah Hathaway) is tasked with finding a way to stop it, and the more Bastian reads his story, the more real it starts to feel.

The NeverEnding Story is one of the quintessential fantasy films of the 1980s, thanks to its phenomenal effects and profound themes. The Nothing is not a traditional antagonist: it is an abstract force that represents the death of hope, as seen in how it not only destroys the land but drives optimistic characters like the Rock Biter (Alan Oppenheimer) to despair. Yet the film’s message reminds us of the power of human imagination and creativity, as through it, we can inspire ourselves and others to fill nothingness with something beautiful.

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‘Coraline’ (2009)

Image via Focus Features

Coraline Jones (Dakota Fanning) and her overworked parents move into the Pink Palace Apartments, inhabited by all sorts of quirky tenants. One day, Coraline travels through a mysterious door in the wall that leads her to an alternate world created by her Other Mother (Teri Hatcher). Everything Coraline could hope for is given to her in this world, but a black cat (Keith David) warns her that not all is as it seems.

Coraline blends dark storytelling with the stylistic character designs of Henry Selick to create one of the darkest family films in recent memory. It uses these terrifying visuals to tell an important story about appreciating what you have and maintaining a healthy level of skepticism, especially when something seems too good to be true. Coraline herself is also a great child protagonist because the filmmakers ensure that she feels like a real kid, prone to moments of anger and cynicism, while still having a good head on her shoulders for getting out of trouble.

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‘The Secret of Kells’ (2009)

Image via Buena Vista International

As Viking raiders plunder Ireland, Abbot Cellach (Brendan Gleeson) of Kells oversees the construction of a massive wall and forbids his nephew, Brendan (Evan McGuire and Michael McGrath), from venturing into the forest. One day, master illuminator Brother Aidan (Mick Lally) arrives in Kells, bringing with him the incomplete Book of Iona, which, when finished, will transform darkness into light. Aidan requests Brendan’s help to finish the book, and in doing so, Brendan discovers the magic of his world and that of the fairies.

Magic is the best way to describe The Secret of Kells. Everything, from its gorgeous art style to its traditional Irish music, evokes feelings of another world, where nothing is entirely as it seems and foreboding darkness creeps in. Yet the film’s message is one of hope, for while the darkness will come eventually, light will always outlast it so long as people fight for it. This approach is captured through Brendan’s story, which sees him grow from a young boy too scared to venture into the woods to someone willing to defy his uncle and face down dark gods because he knows his work is worth completing.

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‘Song of the Sea’ (2014)

Image via GKIDS

Ben (James Ó Floinn/David Rawle) lives in a lighthouse with his father, Conor (Brendan Gleeson), and his mute sister Saoirse, whom Ben blames for the disappearance of their mother. One day, Saoirse discovers a seal skin coat, which makes her a Selkie, but the kids are taken to Dublin by their grandmother, and Conor throws the coat into the sea. When the siblings sneak away from their grandmother, they learn that Saoirse is destined to lead the fae folk back to their realm of Tír na nÓg, but only if she can reclaim her coat and voice.

Song of the Sea is one of the greatest examples of Ireland’s animated films and their ability to adapt classic mythology into timeless stories. Grief is at the forefront of this story, be it Ben’s resentment towards Saoirse, Conor’s broken emotional state, or the witch Macha (Fionnula Flanagan), who turns people to stone to shield them from sorrow. As Ben and Saoirse go on their adventure, he learns that the only way to heal from grief is not to bury it or lash out at others but to face it and find acceptance.

Love Story: John F. Kennedy Jr. & Carolyn Bessette walked away with only one award at the 2026 Emmys.

The FX show won Outstanding Casting for a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Courtney Bright, Nicole Daniels and Jennifer Brooks) during the 78th annual Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards on September 6.

However, Love Story lost the other five categories it was nominated in, two of which were presented during the main Emmys ceremony at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, September 14: Outstanding Limited or Anthology Series; Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Sarah Pidgeon); Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Limited or Anthology Series or Movie (Constance Zimmer); Outstanding Period Costumes (Rudy Mance, Natalie Turturro Mettouchi, Brittany Griffin, Moria Sine Clinton and Liz Samuels); and Outstanding Period or Fantasy/Sci-Fi Makeup, Non-Prosthetic (Milagros Medina-Cerdeira, Blair Aycock, D’angelo Thompson and Jill Karol).

The nine-episode series starred Paul Anthony Kelly and Pidgeon, 30, as John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette, respectively. (Zimmer, 55, played Bessette’s mother, Ann Messina Freeman.)

Related: Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Stars Turn Up the Glamour for TV‘s Biggest Night

Television’s biggest stars stepped into the spotlight for the 2026 Emmys, bringing plenty of personality to the red carpet. Celebrities showed their sartorial flair while posing for the cameras at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, September 14. From bold fashion statements to timeless Hollywood looks, there was no shortage of glamour […]

Love Story, which aired from February to March, chronicled the real-life couple’s whirlwind romance and untimely deaths in a 1999 plane crash.

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Pidgeon received her first Emmy nomination for her portrayal of the fashion icon, but the Television Academy did not nominate Kelly, 37, for his turn as the businessman son of late President John F. Kennedy and first lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. (Love Story marked Kelly’s professional acting debut.)

“Of course, I was hoping that everyone — especially Paul — would be recognized,” Pidgeon told Variety in July of her costar’s snub. “Something I learned is that film, TV and theater, all of it really takes a village. It’s not a solo show; it’s not a solo performance. It all makes sense in some of its parts, and working with Paul Anthony Kelly was such a dream every single day — from the moment he walked into the audition room, and then every single day through a six-month long shoot, seeing his evolution of John. To see the ease that he had on set and this transformation that he was able to take on, it was something I admire so much. Hats off to Paul.”

She added, “I would love to work with him and everyone on the show 10 times over, and I’m so excited to see all of the future recognition that everyone gets.”

Colorful looks were all the rage at the 2026 Emmy Awards.

Shades of red and purple took over the carpet during TV’s biggest night, which was held at the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles on Monday, September 14. Take host Mariska Hargitay, who wore a ruby red gown by Monse. Her sexy ensemble featured off-the-shoulder straps, a sweetheart neckline, all-over sequins and a thigh-high slit complete with a detailed train.

Brooks Nader also channeled her Baywatch character, Selene, in a stunning sequin look with a keyhole cutout over her chest. Her look was complete with halter straps that criss crossed over her décolletage and a bodycon silhouette. The Sports Illustrated star styled her look with matching heels and diamond rings.

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Related: Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Stars Turn Up the Glamour for TV’s Biggest Night

Television’s biggest stars stepped into the spotlight for the 2026 Emmys, bringing plenty of personality to the red carpet. Celebrities showed their sartorial flair while posing for the cameras at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, September 14. From bold fashion statements to timeless Hollywood looks, there was no shortage of glamour […]

Niecy Nash-Betts, for her part, was a vision in a Khaled and Marwan look. Her shiny frock featured a strapless neckline, a built-in corset and a fitted skirt that cascaded into a dramatic train.

More stars who were radiant in red included Krys Marshall, who wore a mermaid Bach Mai dress, Cailee Spaeny in a custom Miu Miu number complete with bows, and Rhea Seehorn, who stunned in a pleated Louis Vuitton look.

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As for hues of lilac, Florence Pugh was as pretty as a princess in a Vivienne Westwood dress featuring tulle sleeves, a corset and a glamorous train. Sarah Pidgeon proved to be the ultimate It Girl in a silk Chanel dress with a cowl neckline adorned with pearls and jewels.

Emilia Clarke took part in the violet trend as well, wearing a Prada dress equipped with a strapless neckline, a fitted bodice and a column skirt. Her look was finished with a cape, as well as a bow on her knee-high slit.

Jessica Williams was another star who stunned in a purple Honor dress. Her trendy look featured a semi-sheer bodice, underwire cups and a tiered skirt embellished with silver detailing. She styled her look with silver rings and matching earrings.

Jason Statham is an undisputed action icon. The actor has given us some amazing high-octane thrillers, heist movies, and ensemble action franchises, including The Transporter, The Meg, Fast X, Expendables, and newer entries like The Beekeeper, A Working Man, and more. He has a filmography where he excels at playing a “lone wolf” kind of character, who is sucked back into a violent life usually to avenge a loved one. Fans love to see him go all out on the bad guys, increasing his kill count with each film.

His loyal fan base enjoys his stoic characters and extensive stunt work that put him right in the league of other beloved action stars like Keanu Reeves, Tom Cruise, and Sylvester Stallone. Despite a hit or flop at the box office, Statham continues to star in action-oriented roles that his fans appreciate and always turn up for either in theaters or at home. Among such features is his latest release, Mutiny. Directed by Jean-François Richet, the movie was originally conceived as a sequel to the Gerard Butler action film, Plane, but after the actor had difficulty returning to the project, it was retooled as a Statham-led action thriller.

The film follows Cole Reed (Statham), a fallen London cop and special forces veteran turned private bodyguard. Things take a turn when the shipping billionaire he’s hired to protect is murdered, and Cole is framed for it. When he discovers that the killers are tied to a commercial freight vessel, Reed sneaks aboard the cargo ship to wage a one-man war and uncovers a deeper conspiracy. Mutiny received mixed reviews upon its release and tanked at the box office, earning only $28 million against a $40 million budget. The box-office slump is owing to a major pre-release leak when Amazon accidentally made the movie available for a couple of hours, days before release. However, Lionsgate officially released the feature on VOD three weeks after the movie’s theatrical release.

The movie also severely divided its audience. The critics gave it a 50% Rotten Tomatoes score, compared to an 86% audience score. The audience consensus reads, “Fueled by Statham’s signature high-octane charisma, Mutiny delivers satisfying action entertainment that doesn’t require too much brainpower.” Now, the audience’s love is catapulting the movie to new heights.

Mutiny Is an Instant Streaming Hit on Digital

It seems releasing the film on home video worked in its favor, as Mutiny has quickly risen to the top spot of Amazon’s domestic top 10 list. It’s an impressive feat considering the other titles on the list include smash hits such as Backrooms, Obsession, Moana, Toy Story 5, and more.

Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming and box office updates, and you can watch Mutiny on your preferred VOD platform.

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Release Date

August 21, 2026

Runtime

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95 Minutes

Director

Jean-François Richet

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  Ben Cartwright

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Macklemore is receiving support after being removed from Ed Sheeran‘s tour following his recent comments about Palestine. The rapper has addressed the issue in a lengthy post, explaining his perspective as the decision continues to generate discussion.

While some have criticized Macklemore’s remarks, others have defended his right to speak out, with several figures now weighing in on the controversy.

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Macklemore, real name Benjamin Haggerty, was recently booted as Ed Sheeran’s opening act for the Loop Tour after intense backlash over his pro-Palestine remarks at a performance in early September. The concert promoter issued a statement that said venues would not allow concerts to take place if the rapper is one of the performers, per The Blast.

Following his dismissal, Macklemore took to social media and posted a lengthy statement, shedding light on the circumstances surrounding his removal. He prefaced it by again highlighting how many people have been killed in Gaza.

The artist went on to say that he had “difficult conversations” with Sheeran about the decision to axe him, sharing that they still have “love and respect” for each other but are in “fundamental disagreement.”

Macklemore revealed that billionaire businessman Robert Kraft, who owns Gillette Stadium, wouldn’t allow Sheeran to perform at the venue if the rapper is included in the lineup. He also claimed Kraft “rallied” other stadium owners to do the same.

The rapper said Sheeran was put in a “f-cked up position” but was firm in his “apolitical stance.”

Several Public Figures Rallied Behind The Singer

Elsewhere in his post, Macklemore noted that he understood why people don’t publicly express their opinions. However, he also noted that he has been vocal for years. “Why is it an issue now? Because now I’m sharing a stage with one of the biggest artists in the world, in some of the biggest stadiums in America,” he wrote.

He concluded by writing, “Free Palestine. But if those words cost me the stage, while turning the conversation back to Palestine, then it was the most successful tour I’ve ever been on.”

Several personalities supported Macklemore. British singer-songwriter Paloma Faith commented on the post, writing, “You are a rare and important voice… You are a hero.” Rosie O’Donnell also stands with the singer “in solidarity.” Kehlani, Kevin McHale, Xavier Dolan, and Lauren Jauregui also stood in Macklemore’s corner.

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Likewise, rock band Garbage made an Instagram post about the issue, writing in part, “Can I remind everyone that nothing Macklemore actually said was violent or hateful or remotely radical.”

Robert Kraft Offers To Sit Down And Have A Discussion With Macklemore

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In a statement, Kraft confirmed that he banned Macklemore from performing at Gillette Stadium because he believed what the singer said was “deeply offensive and hurtful to the Jewish community.”

The New England Patriots owner agreed that many lives have been lost in the Gaza War, but said “only sharing selective information and ignoring the actions of Hamas is not honest and only advances more divisiveness and hate,” per ESPN. Kraft added that he has been providing resources and opportunities to Palestinians for decades.

“I would welcome the opportunity to sit down with Macklemore and discuss the facts, because ultimately our goal is the same – peace for all people, an end to suffering, and an end to all hate,” Kraft said.

Ed Sheeran Called Out For Apolitical Stance

Sheeran is also facing his share of backlash after booting Macklemore. YouTuber and activist Ms. Rachel took to Instagram and called out the singer for not using the opportunity to speak out. Pop band MUNA also stood by Macklemore, saying, “Everyone involved in the move to silence free speech about a genocide is utterly pathetic,” per Billboard.

One online user noted, “The ‘I don’t take sides’ part is sending me because Ed Sheeran somehow managed to take a side while claiming he doesn’t.”

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“Ed Sheeran is a coward afraid to make a stance or say anything real at the risk of losing his reputation, position of influence, and money. Lame,” another person wrote.

Macklemore Clarifies His Position On The Issue

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A past incident has resurfaced amid the recent controversy. In 2014, Macklemore performed wearing a black wig, fake beard, and a large prosthetic nose that many critics described as antisemitic Jewish caricature. The singer said he picked the items randomly and did not intend to be hateful, and the Anti-Defamation League accepted his apology.

Macklemore has repeatedly clarified his stance, saying that his disapproval of Israel’s actions does not equate to criticizing Jews. At the same concert where he exclaimed “Free Palestine,” he also said, “To all of my Jewish brothers and sisters. Criticism of Israel, criticism of apartheid, being against genocide, is in no way a criticism of you.”

When a TV series has already won nine Primetime Emmys and is only two seasons in, you know it has to be good. The Pitt is not only good, but exemplary. The hit series starring Noah Wyle centers around a 15-hour shift at the fictional Pittsburgh Trauma Medical Center, nicknamed “The Pitt.” Having a time constraint on the action creates an immediate sense of urgency and gives the show unparalleled momentum.

As Season 3 of The Pitt is set to release in January 2027, fans are left with some vacant viewing time on their hands. Luckily, there are several other medical and procedural-type TV shows that make for excellent placeholders as devotees wait patiently for the new season. So if you have a Pitt-sized hole on your watchlist, adding these eight series is a great way to fill it until January.

‘House’ (2004–2012)

Image via FOX

In an absolute masterpiece of a series that has been called “The Pitt meets Sherlock“, House features Hugh Laurie as the titular protagonist, Dr. Gregory House. Together with his long-suffering team, the temperamental, moody, and highly insightful doctor attempts to diagnose some of the rarest and most unique medical conditions. Laurie is spectacular as House and earned seven Emmy nominations for his performance.

House combines the drama of The Pitt with the pressure of not having the answers readily available. As House and his team encounter each patient, they have to think outside the box, explore multiple theories, and try to diagnose patients that no one else has been able to. Like The Pitt, House delivers on compelling storylines full of intrigue that happen both in and outside the hospital.

‘High Potential’ (2024–Present)

Similar to The Pitt, another new series that has been a winner from the start is ABC’s High Potential. The show stars Kaitlin Olson as Morgan Gillory, the ultimate working mom with an amazing ability to solve riddles and remember even the minutest details with a photographic memory. Hired to be a cleaner at a local police precinct, Morgan soon becomes invaluable to the team as her unique mind proves exactly what they need to help solve baffling murder cases.

Fans of The Pitt can commiserate with followers of High Potential as they too are waiting with bated breath until the long-anticipated Season 3 releases in January 2027. Given the synchronicity of their release dates, High Potential is an ideal show to have in rotation to watch alongside The Pitt. Both shows have a procedural format and dig into science and medical facts. Now is the prime time to get started on this hit series that continues to dominate on streaming.

‘Grey’s Anatomy’ (2005–Present)

Image via ABC

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When it comes to medical dramas, one of the foremost reigning dynasties is Grey’s Anatomy. Blending the everyday ins and outs of a medical center with due attention given to the characters’ personal lives, this audience-favorite show is 22 seasons strong and still going. Grey’s Anatomy has had a rotating cast of stellar talent and has made household names out of series regulars like Ellen Pompeo, Sandra Oh, and Patrick Dempsey.

You don’t get to be the longest-running American medical drama in history for no reason, and Grey’s Anatomy continues to excel on every front. Some credit The Pitt for drawing viewers back to medical dramas, and series like Grey’s Anatomy are reaping the residual benefit. With series creator Shonda Rhimes — Bridgerton, Scandal, Private Practice — at the helm, it is clear that Grey’s Anatomy is on par with her level of TV excellence, and it is a superb addition to anyone’s watchlist.

‘9-1-1’ (2018–Present)

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If Grey’s Anatomy and House feel a little too laid back, then 9-1-1 is the perfect choice. Focusing on the professional and personal lives of fictional first responders, 9-1-1 has everything from structural emergencies to medical crises and more. The cast is an embarrassment of riches and includes acting titans such as Angela Bassett, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and Peter Krause.

9-1-1 captures the urgency of The Pitt and deals with high-stakes situations. It is terrific for a weekly dose of adrenaline on the screen. Season 10 will be released with ABC’s fall lineup in a few days, and with nine seasons to watch, you can get fully invested before January.

‘Scrubs’ (2026–Present)

Image via ABC

Rebooting a beloved series is tricky, and several have tried and failed. One that has succeeded with flying colors is Scrubs. Fans of the 2001 sitcom will be pleasantly surprised by the latest iteration of everyone’s favorite medical team. J.D. (Zach Braff), Elliot (Sarah Chalke), Turk (Donald Faison), and Carla (Judy Reyes) are back and navigating their medical careers as seasoned professionals while mentoring an entirely new team of interns.

What Scrubs does very well is keep the focus where it needs to be, on the core four. While the new interns are exciting to watch and the new characters are reinvigorating the show, Scrubs‘ creators know that the attention needs to be an 80/20 split in favor of the original gang, who are the main draw and who everyone wants to see. Original series creator Bill Lawrence brings his signature magic back to the revival, and it is a must-watch for fans of medical comedies.

‘St. Denis Medical’ (2024–Present)

Image via NBC

A quirky medical comedy that has been a big success with viewers is NBC’s St. Denis Medical. The show depicts the interesting conundrums of a hospital staff at the fictional St. Denis Medical Center in Oregon. Though the hospital is underfunded, the people who devote their lives to the care of their patients make do. St. Denis Medical is absurdist comedy at its best, and it never stops delivering laughs and hilarious character performances.

Filmed in a mockumentary style similar to The Office and Parks and Recreation, St. Denis Medical aims to tickle your funny bone rather than set it. It is one of the best new sitcoms of the past five years, and you will wonder why you haven’t watched it sooner. Life in an emergency room setting can be full of chaos, but St. Denis Medical chooses to dance to the beat.

‘Doc Martin’ (2004–2022)

Image via ITV

Somewhere between a drama and a comedy, Doc Martin is a British series that has won the world over. The story involves a highly skilled doctor named Martin Ellingham (Martin Clunes) who has a radical change in his life circumstances. After being a successful surgeon in London for many years, Martin spontaneously develops a severe case of haemophobia, an intense fear of blood. Needless to say, his days as a big-shot London surgeon are over, and as he follows the major twist that life has thrown him, he ends up being a local doctor for a small village called Portwenn.

Doc Martin is a fantastic fish-out-of-water scenario. As the cynical and introverted doctor relocates to a small town, he must learn to vastly improve his social skills and bedside manner. Clunes is brilliant in the series, and it has become a favorite for audiences around the globe. Doc Martin has inspired several remake series in multiple countries, including America’s version, Best Medicine starring Josh Charles, which debuted in January of this year. Doc Martin is the cozy medical dramedy to round out your watchlist.

‘ER’ (1994–2009)

Image via NBC

Fans of Noah Wyle may or may not know that one of his biggest roles was in the epic medical drama, ER. In a complete role reversal, Wyle’s character in ER is not a hardened, seasoned professional, but a wide-eyed and naive underling, trying to prove himself to everyone. His character, John Carter, became a fan favorite, and he unassumingly stole every scene he was in.

ER was a powerhouse of network television, and it consistently drew in viewers over its 15 years on the air. ER has won 23 Primetime Emmys and is still considered by many to be the gold standard when it comes to medical dramas. If you are an admirer of Wyle and The Pitt looking to fill some watch time between now and January, ER can’t be beat.

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ER

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Release Date

1994 – 2009-00-00

Showrunner

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Michael Crichton

Directors

Michael Crichton

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Martin Short stepped out for a rare red carpet appearance at the 2026 Emmy Awards following the death of his daughter, Katherine, earlier this year.

Short, 76, posed for photos alongside Only Murders in the Building costar Steve Martin at the 78th annual Primetime Emmys in Los Angeles on Monday, September 14. The pair of longtime pals looked dapper in classic tuxedos and bow ties.

Selena Gomez was also spotted turning heads on the red carpet in a glistening gold gown but did not appear to cross paths with her costars before the awards ceremony.

Short is nominated for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series for his performance as Oliver Putnam on Hulu’s Only Murders in the Building. The show received a total of five Emmy nominations this year, including Outstanding Comedy Series.

Related: Emmys 2026 Red Carpet: Stars Turn Up the Glamour for TV‘s Biggest Night

Television’s biggest stars stepped into the spotlight for the 2026 Emmys, bringing plenty of personality to the red carpet. Celebrities showed their sartorial flair while posing for the cameras at the Peacock Theater in downtown Los Angeles on Monday, September 14. From bold fashion statements to timeless Hollywood looks, there was no shortage of glamour […]

Nearly seven months before the awards show, news broke in February that Short’s daughter had been found dead at the age of 42.

“It is with profound grief that we confirm the passing of Katherine Hartley Short,” read a statement from the Saturday Night Live alum’s rep. “The Short family is devastated by this loss and asks for privacy at this time. Katherine was beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world.”

Katherine’s death was eventually ruled a suicide. According to an autopsy report obtained by Us in May, Short called one of his daughter’s friends to “check on her welfare” after he hadn’t heard from her in “over 24 hours.”

The report indicated that there were “multiple notes” at the scene presumably left by Katherine. Her friend discovered the notes and called 911.

Related: Martin Short’s Daughter Katherine Short’s Neighbors React to Her Death

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Martin Short’s daughter Katherine Hartley Short’s neighbors are “sad” over the death of the “great” resident. A next door neighbor exclusively tells Us Weekly that Katherine was a “great neighbor and gardener,” ahead of her death at age 42, which her family confirmed on Tuesday, February 24. “It’s incredibly sad,” the resident, who wishes to […]

According to the Los Angeles Department of Medical Examiner’s summary, Katherine “had a history of depression and other mental health illnesses.” She tested positive for benzodiazepines at the time of her death.

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Short shared his daughter with late wife Nancy Dolman, along with sons Oliver, 40, and Henry, 37.

In May, Short spoke about his daughter’s death for the first time in depth during an interview with CBS Sunday Morning.

“It’s been a nightmare for the family,” he said at the time. “But the understanding [is] that mental health and cancer, like my wife’s, are both diseases, and sometimes with diseases they are terminal. And my daughter fought for a long time with extreme mental health, borderline personality disorder, other things, and did the best she could until she couldn’t.”

What’s got you down, champ? Did you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Maybe even under it? Did your partner leave you, or – no judgment – did they decide to stay? Did you pour scalding coffee on yourself, because your mug doesn’t have that “Caution – contents may be hot” warning, causing you to jump up and hit the nearby radio, inadvertently changing it to a station that plays John Mellencamp‘s “Jack and Diane” on repeat 24/7, and you couldn’t stop it so you threw it out the window where it hit a bus, forcing it off the road to hit a streetlight, injuring all the orphans and nuns aboard? Hey, I’ve been there. But don’t be glum, chum – we here at Collider want to turn your frown upside down, and to that end we’ve got a list of 20 tunes, in no particular order, guaranteed to do the job.

1. “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves

In early 1983, Katrina and the Waves pooled their funds together to record an album they could sell at gigs. But one of the songs on the album, “Walking on Sunshine,” wasn’t exactly a favorite of the band, with bass player Vince de la Cruz citing it as “irritating.” They weren’t the only ones unenamored with the tune, with Katrina Leskanich saying, “It proved to be a total dance floor emptier. So we dropped it.”

Then fate stepped in, with their album getting radio play and The Bangles covering their song “Going Down to Liverpool.” That prompted Capitol Records to sign the band, and for the first album with the new label they looked to change up “Walking on Sunshine.” According to Leskanich, when they were recording the song “an arranger popped by and said: ‘You should put horns on that.’” Now, with upbeat saxophones and trumpets, tighter production, and live drums, the new and improved 1985 version was released. The rest, as they say, is history. “Walking on Sunshine” is a consistent presence on happiest song lists like this one, a song that exists purely to celebrate joy. Fun fact: even the ever-optimistic Dolly Parton took a crack at it in 1996.

2. “Best Day Ever” by SpongeBob SquarePants

Songs from children’s programming could fill this list alone, guilty pleasures like “Get Ready to Wiggle” from The Wiggles or “The Yodeling Veterinarian of the Alps,” a classic Silly Song with Larry from VeggieTales. But we’ll settle for one entry, a classic from Nickelodeon mainstay SpongeBob SquarePants: “Best Day Ever.” There’s waking up on the right side of the bed, and then there’s this, where SpongeBob’s (Tom Kenny) excitement for the day begins before he even leaves the bed. It’s virtually impossible not to get caught up in the unabashed giddiness of living, so just run with it. Close second? “Campfire Song Song.”

3. “California Gurls” by Katy Perry (feat. Snoop Dogg)

Once upon a time, Katy Perry had a great sense of humor in her songs, a cheeky, in-on-the-joke vibe that was a fresh breath of air among her self-serious peers. Alas, those days may be gone, hopefully not for good, but it did leave us with “California Gurls,” the pinnacle of that era. It’s bubble-gum, camp pop at its purest, a celebration of all things California that’s playfully naughty, upbeat, and yes, humorous, with one of the few rap interludes that didn’t suck in the 2010s, thanks to the effortlessly cool Snoop Dogg.

4. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” by Monty Python

Trust Monty Python to turn a crucifixion into a boisterous sing-along moment celebrating the glass as half-full, as they did in Monty Python’s Life of Brian. “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life,” with its joyful whistle refrain, is a reminder that as dark as things can get, there’s always a glimmer of hope. Funny, inspirational, and, in the context of the movie, a brilliantly clever summation of the Easter season. Every life lesson should be this much fun.

5. “AM Radio” by Everclear

Songs about reminiscing can go in one of two directions: morose and depressing, like Terry Jacks‘ “Seasons in the Sun” or Nickelback‘s “Photograph”; or fondly and fun, which is where Everclear‘s “AM Radio” sits. With an infectious sample from Jean Knight‘s 1970 classic “Mr. Big Stuff,” the song is a catchy, loving tribute to growing up in the 1970s. It was the days before VCRs and the world-wide web, when hanging out with friends, listening to the rich mix of music that could be found on AM radio (on a single station no less, well before the siloing of genre formats) was all it took to be happy.

6. “Jesus Is a Friend of Mine” by Sonseed

What do you think of when you think of Christian pop music in 1981? You probably don’t, and with good reason: it sucked. That was the year that Catholic pop rock band Sonseed released their one and only album, First Fruit. To promote the album, they appeared on a religious public service TV program in New York and performed “Jesus Is a Friend of Mine.” The performance was taped, broadcast, and stowed away, never to be seen again. Until 2008, that is, when someone posted the performance on YouTube, where it became a huge, huge hit, landing six million views and an appearance as a number for TV’s Glee.

The question, of course, is why. One listen and you’ve got your answer. It’s catchy and cheesy as all hell – errr, heck – with a horribly dated organ and an Osmond-like vocalist, but with an almost unbelievably excellent bass riff that runs through the entire song. Theologically, it’s about as deep as a Sunday School lesson for kindergarteners, likening Jesus to a Mountie because he “always gets his man,” but damn, they’re enthusiastic about it.

7. “The Booze Cruise” by Blackjack Billy

Women, liquor, and the open sea. Is there a simpler joy than that? Not according to Blackjack Billy, whose 2014 hit “The Booze Cruise” extols the virtues of such vices. It’s not deep by any stretch, nor does it have any aspirations to be: it’s an unapologetic party-time track for people who just want to turn off the noggin and enjoy some shallow revelry, like a hillbilly martini off a string bikini.

8. “Buddy Holly” by Weezer

What do you get when you mix 90s alt-rock with 50s pop into a short and bouncy two-and-a-half minutes? Weezer‘s “Buddy Holly.”

Bright and cheerful, with its earworm “oo-wee-oo” hook, nostalgia and geek-chic cred, “Buddy Holly” is impossible to resist. Written to uplift the spirits of his Asian girlfriend, who was teased by his friends (“What’s with these homies dissing my girl?”), the song almost didn’t make it onto their debut album. Thankfully, music icon Ric Ocasek of The Cars, who produced the album, convinced the band to include it, where it’s uplifted spirits since its release in 1994.

9. “It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” by R.E.M.

“It’s the End of the World as We Know It (And I Feel Fine)” is a rapid-fire wave of apocalyptic nightmares, pop-culture references and the commonplace, like “We Didn’t Start the Fire” on speed. Then comes the twist of “I feel fine.” It’s a spiritual cousin of “Always Look on the Bright Side of Life” to a degree, finding hope, or at least not outright despair, in life despite its impending demise. Whether it’s the buoyant groove, the try-to-keep-up vocals from Michael Stipe, or both, the song is more infectious and uplifting than it probably should be… but I feel fine about it.

10. “Get Rhythm” by Ry Cooder

“Get Rhythm” was written by none other than Johnny Cash, the B-side to “I Walk the Line” in 1956 before earning its own release as a single, with overdubbed “live” effects in 1969, where it reached number 60 on Billboard’s Hot 100. While it’s been covered a number of times in the years since, it’s Ry Cooder‘s 1987 version that stands out from the pack. The song itself, about a shoeshine boy who keeps his spirit up with music and rhythm, is already uplifting, a positive, straightforward statement about how music is the key to overcoming the blues. Cooder’s version ups the dose with an uptempo roots-rock, borderline zydeco approach that adds horns and an accordion into the mix, a recipe that guarantees foot-stompin’ and smiles.

11. “Good Time” by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen

“Whoa-oh-a-whoa-oh-oh-whoa-oh – It’s always a good time!” The chorus is simple and repetitive, like a mantra designed to channel your focus toward sunshine and stay in your head to ensure that you do. “Good Time” doesn’t have a lick of cynicism, with Adam Young‘s smooth vocals playing a delightful call-and-response to Carly Rae Jepsen‘s ingénue playfulness. If “Good Time” doesn’t elicit a smile, you’re clearly dead. You should get that looked at.

12. “Good Time Music” by The Brady Bunch

Full confession: yours truly is a big fan of The Brady Bunch, and I have actually uttered the words, “Yes, I would like to buy this CD of It’s a Sunshine Day: The Best of the Brady Bunch.” Their songs are as wholesome, upbeat and chipper as the series, with pearls like “Merry-Go-Round,” “Keep On,” and the titular track an absolute guilty pleasure (although “Candy (Sugar Shoppe)” is probably a little racier than intended). What is not on the album is “Good Time Music,” which appeared in the 1973 episode “Adios, Johnny Bravo.”

Thankfully, A Very Brady Sequel, the follow-up to 1995’s The Brady Bunch Movie, resurrected the tune, which initiates an impromptu choreographed sequence by the Brady kids aboard an airplane, like how the first film used “It’s a Sunshine Day” for a similar sequence in a Sears store. The scene itself is gold, but “Good Time Music” stands on its own as a shot of glee when you’re down in the dumps. Heck, you might even “create a lot of lovin’ good vibes for humanity” too, after hearing it.

13. “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” by The Proclaimers

It could be the heavy Scottish brogue. It could be the galloping call-and-response “la-da-da-da” bridge. It could be the story of a man who would walk 500 miles — twice — just to be with his girl. Whatever it is, there’s no denying that once that opening acoustic guitar riff starts, the compulsion to grab a beer with your mates and sing-along to “I’m Gonna Be (500 Miles)” is impossible to resist. The Proclaimers‘ other big hit, “I’m On My Way,” is just as joyful, with its “I’m on my way from misery to happiness today” optimism, narrowly missing out on the list by a “la-da-da-da.”

14. “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” by The Beatles

The Beatles are no strangers to the upbeat and cheerful tune, the likes of “Yellow Submarine” and “All You Need is Love.” But for our purposes, the Caribbean-inspired “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da” is the one that does the trick. It’s right in Paul McCartney‘s wheelhouse, a perfect fit for his bright and friendly vocal stylings, with John Lennon and George Harrison adding cheeky wit with their background vocals. The lyrics tell of the simple, laid-back life of Desmond and Molly Jones, driven by McCartney’s catchy bass groove, with Lennon’s double-time piano introduction setting the cheerful tone.

15. “Red Solo Cup” by Toby Keith

“Red Solo Cup” is the second of two country songs to make the list, but unlike “The Booze Cruise,” Toby Keith‘s tune is an even simpler declaration of good times, personifying the immortal red Solo cup (not blue or yellow) that has been an iconic party staple since the 1970s. It’s a comical, yet sincere, love letter to the vessel, whose presence indicates that the party can proceed as planned. No thinking involved: it’s only as deep as the 18-ounces the cup holds.

16. “Weird Al” Yankovic’s Polka Medleys

Truth be told, you can’t go wrong by turning to any “Weird Al” Yankovic song for the cure to your blues, but for pure, straightforward delight, you need a shot of a “Weird Al” polka medley. Doesn’t matter which one, there’s enough to make a list based on them alone (and there is one!). For the uninitiated, the medleys are pretty straightforward: “Weird Al” takes snippets of lyrics from multiple pop/rock songs, typically ones released in between albums, and blends them together in a high-energy polka. Musically, how “Weird Al” and his band transition between those songs within the medley is brilliant, making each recognizable without losing the frenetic polka pacing. Hey, if you can make Soundgarden‘s morose “Black Hole Sun” jaunty, you can do anything.

17. “I Really Like You” by Carly Rae Jepsen

There may be no other artist that personifies 2010s joyfulness better than Carly Rae Jepsen, whose sweet, light voice and impressive range elevate the positive leanings of “Call Me Maybe,” “Good Time” and this, “I Really Like You.” It edges out the former simply by being slightly more relatable — no one makes phone calls anymore — and the presence of her buoyant doppelgänger, actor Tom Hanks, in the video. Again, it’s the catchy chorus that draws you into Jepsen’s sunny world: It isn’t love (yet), but “I really, really, really, really, really, really like you” is pretty darn close.

18. “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” by Captain Tractor

This entry needs a little context, so take a piece of paper and hold it horizontally. That’s Canada’s Saskatchewan, flat as a board and completely land-locked. Now apply that to “The Last Saskatchewan Pirate” and you understand the ridiculousness, and hilarity, of its premise. Originally recorded by fellow Canucks The Arrogant Worms, Captain Tractor‘s version has a faster pace and kick-ass flute riffs (seriously, it’s awesome). Furthermore, it’s a vicarious delight, with the song’s protagonist taking matters into his own hands when job cuts and taxes force him into piracy, making off with bales of hay off the shores of Regina (fun fact: only Wascana Creek runs through Regina, adding to the song’s absurdity).

19. “Mah Na Mah Na” by Mahna Mahna and the Snowths

“Mah Nà Mah Nà” is a song by Piero Umiliani, an Italian composer who included it in the score for the Italian softcore mondo film Sweden: Heaven and Hell in 1968. That version, however, isn’t the one here, and more likely an entry on a very, very different list. No, we’re talking about the famed Muppets version of the song, which first aired on Sesame Street in 1969 before hitting it big on The Ed Sullivan Show mere days following its introduction.

Really, though, it’s the 1977 version that appeared on The Muppet Show that is the most memorable, with its two pink, tube-mouthed creatures, the Snowths, singing the “do doo do doo doo” part, while a purple Muppet with wild orange hair and a green tunic, Mahna Mahna, constantly interrupts, saying his own name and scatting. “Mah Na Mah Na” is just nonsense, with no rhyme or reason to its existence, but its continued presence in the zeitgeist is almost mythical. Those four words alone are enough to crack a smile on the most dour of faces.

20. “Bottle of Smoke” by The Pogues

If I Should Fall From Grace With God is a must for any fan of Celtic folk-punk legends The Pogues and its frontman, the “Gorgeously Messy Soul of Irish Music,” Shane MacGowan. It’s where you’ll find a track of pure, unadulterated NSFW celebration that demands beer drinking and sing-along: “Bottle of Smoke.” In a nutshell, the narrator placed a huge bet at 25-1 on a horse, “Bottle of Smoke,” to win the Cheltenham Gold Cup. And it does, coming “up on the left like a streak of light” to win, or, in the more colorful simile, “like a drunken f**k on a Saturday night.” To say he’s happy about it is an understatement, and the blistering Celtic drive and MacGowan’s trademark slurry vocals reflect it.

dsafdasReligion is a constant theme in Pogues songs, but MacGowan also never lost that obsession with horse racing. He once wrote an entire ramshackle tune called Bottle of Smoke with fellow Pogue and Fairytale of New York co-writer Jem Finer that gloriously — and profanely — details cashing a huge bet at 25-1 on a horse named Bottle of Smoke that wins the Cheltenham Gold Cup.