Music legend and beloved “American Idol” judge Lionel Richie has been hospitalized again after suffering a heart issue. Notably, this follows the 77-year-old spending three days in the ICU near the end of August. Sadly, this also means that the “Hello” singer has been forced to cancel multiple upcoming tour dates.

Lionel Richie Is Said To Be Receiving Treatment For A Heart Condition

According to TMZ, the “All Night Long (All Night)” singer has checked himself into the hospital again due to a heart condition. Per the outlet, Richie is receiving treatment for atrial fibrillation, which means the singer may have recently experienced an irregular heartbeat.

Regarding his treatment, the medical professionals at the hospital are using AFib ablation, which is considered a minor procedure and is minimally invasive. Essentially, this procedure creates small scars in the heart to create a barrier to faulty electrical signals. AFib ablation also helps restore the heart’s normal rhythm.

The ‘American Idol’ Judge Previously Checked Himself Into The Hospital

Richie performed at The Muny in St. Louis on August 29, with the crooner needing the assistance of a chair near the end of the show and complaining of dehydration. After the performance, he checked himself into a hospital out of caution and stayed for three days.

According to TMZ, much of that time was spent in the ICU, where doctors conducted various cardiac tests. Several days later, he was spotted at a dinner party at Mr. Chow in Beverly Hills. He appeared in good spirits in the photos, even flashing a double thumbs-up at one point.

Transformers fans who attended last weekend’s 40th anniversary screenings of Transformers: The Movie were treated to a special surprise: an all-new animated short, Optimus Prime: Awakening, in which the dying Autobot hero is confronted with dark visions of friends and foes. Now, one of its most striking characters is coming to your home: Collider is proud to exclusively reveal the new Studio Series Optimus Prime: Awakening Bumblebee action figure.

In Transformers: The Movie, Optimus Prime (Peter Cullen) falls in a final battle with his arch-foe, Megatron (Frank Welker). While the movie’s surviving characters have little time to mourn before another galactic menace arises, Optimus Prime: Awakening sees the Autobot legend’s spirit commune with The One, an ancient and mysterious entity. The One hurls him into another battle with the Decepticons, but as he fights his way through those familiar fiends, he’s confronted with one more: Bumblebee. Once one of his most stalwart soldiers, Bumblebee has become disillusioned by the unending war and has switched sides.

Now, Hasbro has unveiled a new figure based on this dark incarnation of the once-cheery hero. A Deluxe-sized figure, Bumblebee transforms from car to robot in 29 steps and comes with Megatron’s fusion cannon, which can be attached to either mode. He’s fully poseable and features all sorts of screen-accurate detail, from the faded Autobot symbol on his chest to his sinister head sculpt. He’ll retail for $29.99 USD and can be preordered today, September 22, starting at 1 p.m. EST, from Hasbro Pulse and all other major online retailers. He’ll arrive on shelves next fall.

Who Created ‘Optimus Prime: Awakening’?

Optimus Prime: Awakening was directed by Joshua Wassung (Predator: Killer of Killers) and written by Ryan Parrott (Twisted Metal). It was animated by The Third Floor and features music by Bobby Krlic (Midsommar). It unexpectedly became the final act for veteran voice actor Cullen, who originated the character of Optimus Prime in 1984; Cullen died at age 85 last month. It reunites him with longtime friend, colleague, and co-star Welker, and also features the voices of Simon Henderson, Mathieu Bourassa, Scott Law, Gray Powell, and Jaret LeMaster.

Studio Series Optimus Prime: Awakening Bumblebee will be available for pre-order at 1 p.m. ET and will arrive in your hands next fall. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

August 8, 1986

Runtime

84 minutes

Advertisement

Director

Nelson Shin

Advertisement

Writers

Ron Friedman

Producers

Advertisement

Joe Bacal, Lee Gunther, Margaret Loesch, Tom Griffin

Advertisement

• 

  Norman Alden

  Hot Rod / Rodimus Prime (voice)

  Advertisement
• 

  Jack Angel

  Optimus Prime / Ironhide (voice)

• 

  Michael Bell

  Advertisement

  Soundwave / Megatron / Rumble / Frenzy / Wheelie (voice)

• 

  Gregg Berger

  Galvatron (voice)

  Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Back in 2022, one of the most popular horror movies of the year was M3GAN, the AI cyber thriller starring Allison Williams as Gemma, Violet McGraw as Cady, and Ami Donald as the titular android. The film was a massive hit, grossing over $180 million at the box office against a modest $12 million budget, which was enough to make it one of the most profitable films of the entire year. Just three years later, Blumhouse tried to recapture the M3GAN magic by bringing back the android for M3GAN 2.0, but things didn’t exactly go according to plan, even if it wasn’t a total disaster. The film grossed $39 million at the box office against a $25 million budget, but it did go on to become one of the most-watched movies on Netflix upon its premiere.

Blumhouse officially returned to the world of evil androids earlier this year with Soulm8te, which arrived on digital platforms over the summer on August 1. The movie was originally going to be released in theaters earlier in the year, but the studio changed its mind and decided to save it for a fully digital premiere later in the year. The film has been available to rent or purchase on VOD platforms like Prime Video for almost two months now, but it’s finally set to arrive on streaming soon. Blumhouse announced not long ago that Soulm8te is officially set to begin streaming on Hulu on October 1, and to help promote the new streaming announcement, Collider is thrilled to partner with the studio to exclusively preview a deliciously twisted sneak peek from Soulm8te, which can be found below.

What Is ‘Soulm8te’ About?

The official synopsis for Soulm8te, which was written by Rafael Jordan, Kate Dolan, James Wan, and Ingrid Bisu, and directed by Kate Dolan, reads as follows: “After a ruthless tech giant acquires his company, a grieving engineer is tasked with testing their new AI companion. But when he attempts to program her to be a truly sentient soulmate, she develops needs of her own — unleashing a relentless spree of precision-engineered mayhem.” Soulm8te also comes in with a concise runtime of only 99 minutes, so those interested in checking out the film can easily do so in one sitting. Fans of The Boys and Gen V may also recognize Claudia Doumit in Soulm8te.

Check out Soulm8te on digital now and on Hulu in October, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of all the hottest horror projects on streaming.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

January 9, 2026

Runtime

Advertisement

120 Minutes

Director

Kate Dolan

Advertisement

Writers

Kate Dolan, Ingrid Bisu, James Wan, Rafael Jordan

Advertisement

Franchise(s)

M3GAN

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

A grand jury has found there wasn’t enough evidence to bring charges in the death of Nolan Wells. As previously reported, Wells was a Black teen who was found dead after a July 4 boating trip off the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Amid his family swiftly questioning the manner of his death, the internet and Black community have rallied behind them, especially his mom, Christine Wonsley. But now, it appears the state of Mississippi is stepping back from the viral case, following the grand jury review.

RELATED: Christine Wonsley Shares Heartbreaking Post Ahead Of Her First Birthday Without Her Son Nolan Wells (PHOTOS)

Details About Grand Jury Review In Nolan Wells’ Case

Angel Myers McIlrath, the district attorney overseeing Wells’ case, announced the no-charges decision late Monday (Sept. 21). The update comes after months of intense speculation about how the 18-year-old disappeared from a popping party and why the friends who ferried Wells to the island left without him.

The grand jury in Jackson County, Mississippi, found no evidence of criminal conduct. It noted that examinations of his body by the Mississippi medical examiner’s office and an independent forensic pathologist found the cause and manner of death to be undetermined. Nolan Wells’ family hired the independent pathologist.

“If credible evidence comes to light in the future that suggests Mr. Wells’ death was non-accidental, this matter should be represented to the Jackson County Grand Jury for further consideration,” the panel’s report said.

The grand jury also debunked public assertions that Wells was the only Black person on Horn Island on July 4.

“These false assertions have led to misidentification, speculation and rumors concerning the death of Mr. Wells,” it said.

The report concluded with the panel expressing sympathy for Wells’ family. “The evidence received in this matter convinced the Grand Jury of Mr. Wells’ outstanding character,” it said.

Wells’ Family Lawyers React To Grand Jury Findings 

Lawyers for Nolan Wells’ family, including civil rights attorney Ben Crump, said the grand jury’s report leaves more questions than answers. Also, they accused the district attorney of ending the investigation despite not determining what caused blunt force trauma on the back of Wells’ head and body.

Additionally, they  renewed their request that the U.S. Department of Justice conduct an independent investigation and called on DA McIlrath to release the investigation file and the full autopsy report by the medical examiner.

“Today, the State of Mississippi is attempting to close the chapter on Nolan Wells’ death without getting to the truth,” Crump said in a statement.

Ben Crump, Wells’ family and the NAACP planned a news conference for Tuesday, Sept. 22. Additionally, Crump shared an official statement about the grand jury findings, which can be read below.

District Attorney Expresses Frustration Over Case Speculations

Following the grand jury review, Angel McIlrath posted a 15-minute social media video on Monday night. The district attorney expressed frustration about inaccurate speculation by some members of the public about what happened to Nolan Wells. She also said that lawyers for Wells’ family told her office last month that their own investigation found no evidence of crimes.

“What I cannot accept, what I cannot ignore, is that false narratives that Nolan’s death was somehow racially motivated, and that this is a case of another young Black man denied justice by a racist, corrupt system, were perpetuated and allowed to spread. There is not a shred of evidence to support these narratives,” she said.

Recap Of Investigation Into Nolan Wells’ Death

Nolan Wells disappeared while celebrating the Fourth of July with friends on Horn Island, an island off Mississippi’s Gulf Coast. His body was discovered on the island’s northwestern tip two days after he was last seen.

Shortly after, Jackson County Sheriff’s Office officials said investigators did not suspect foul play. That statement sparked widespread concerns about whether law enforcement would conduct a thorough investigation in a state with a brutal history of racism and civil rights violations. District Attorney McIlrath repeatedly promised a fair and thorough investigation into his death.

Meanwhile, Nolan Wells’ parents and their lawyers voiced suspicions after Wells’ friends left the island without him. The friends claimed that he wanted to stay behind and talk to a girl. Wells’ phone was on the boat that took him to the island, which was later towed partway back to the mainland after taking on water.

Ben Crump and Nolan Wells’ parents have cast doubt on why a teenager would choose to stay on an island without his phone. They also speculated that messages on his phone had been tampered with and alleged that his friends were reluctant to turn over his keys. Lawyers for Wells’ friends said the friends are cooperating with authorities.

RELATED: Christine Wonsley & Sybrina Fulton Embrace Amid Loss Of Their Sons, Nolan Wells & Trayvon Martin (VIDEO)

Associated Press contributed to this report via AP Newsroom. 

A few days ago, it was confirmed that the long-gestating World War Z sequel is finally moving ahead with Brad Pitt back in the lead role and Edward Berger set to direct. Previously, David Fincher was attached to helm the project, a sequel to Pitt’s 2013 hit, which survived a particularly difficult production. The original World War Z, directed by Marc Forster, emerged as a sturdy hit with $540 million worldwide against a budget that reportedly escalated to around $270 million — the movie was successful at the box office, but given that budget, it barely broke even. However, World War Z has been incredibly successful in its post-release era, which no doubt contributed to a sequel being greenlit. Now, another film that did so-so business at the box office but found major success on home video has re-emerged on the streaming charts.

In fact, it’s currently among the most watched movies globally on Paramount+, according to FlixPatrol. More interestingly, it’s competing with none other than World War Z. The movie in question was released theatrically in 2022, grossing $75 million worldwide against a reported budget of $70 million. Not long after its release on the PVOD market, however, it became clear that the film was on an unusually positive trajectory. Reacting to its home-video success, director Robert Eggers said in an interview with The Daily Beast that while he was disappointed that the film was released on PVOD after a short theatrical window, he was glad that it had found an audience.

The Brutal Epic Received Excellent Reviews

By now you’ve probably guessed that we’re talking about The Northman, Eggers’ dark-fantasy epic based on Norse mythology. Starring Alexander Skarsgård as a vengeful Viking, the movie also featured Anya Taylor-Joy, Nicole Kidman, Willem Dafoe, Ethan Hawke, Claes Bang, and others. It now holds a “Certified Fresh” 90% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, where the consensus reads, “A bloody revenge epic and breathtaking visual marvel, The Northman finds filmmaker Robert Eggers expanding his scope without sacrificing any of his signature style.” According to FlixPatrol, The Northman is currently the third most-popular movie on the global Paramount+ chart.

Given the renewed attention that the Norwegian dark horses brought to Viking culture during the recent FIFA World Cup, it wouldn’t be surprising if The Northman attracts new audiences in the next phase of its life. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

Advertisement

Release Date

Advertisement

April 22, 2022

Runtime

137 minutes

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Oscar winner Mahershala Ali (Green Book) returns to the big screen in writer-director Bassam Tariq’s (Mogul Mowgli) Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother. At this year’s Toronto International Film Festival, where the movie world-premiered, Collider’s Steve Weintraub had the chance to sit down with Ali, Tariq, and the cast to discuss the making of their near-perfect action-packed crime drama.

Set in Texas, Ali plays Latif, a devout Muslim and loving family man who also just so happens to be a contract killer with a strict code. As a rule, Latif never uses guns, and he only kills those the world would be better off without. When the unthinkable happens, and Latif’s wife passes away, he’s ready to move on from his violent past and focus on raising his three children. Unfortunately, his employer, Mike (Laith Nakli), isn’t keen on this idea, and suddenly Latif finds himself in a perilous race across Houston to outrun the forces surrounding him and protect his family. The movie also stars John Cho (Searching), Giancarlo Esposito (Captain America: Brave New World), and Tramell Tillman (Spider-Man: Brand New Day).

Tariq, Ali, Cho, Adia, and Esposito stop by the Collider Media Studio, presented by Campari and The Cayman Islands, where they discuss the visual language of the film, the inspirations Tariq drew from, Adia’s first feature, and the importance of trusting a director and their vision. Ali also digs into Latif’s emotional complexities and discusses performing his own stunts and overcoming physical challenges on set.

Mahershala Ali Takes on His Most Intense Action Role Yet

“I hadn’t had a chance to do that. I’ve always wanted to do that.”

Image via Amazon MGM

For Ali, audiences have seen what he can deliver on screen dramatically. Early in his career, the actor was awarded one of the industry’s highest achievements and has gone on to work on many high-profile projects, including The Hunger Games franchise, Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, the Jurassic World films, and was set to lead his own MCU feature that fans were eager to see.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother offers Ali a career first, however. When asked about the scenes they were most anxious about filming on set, or most excited to tackle, Ali highlighted the movie’s climax.

“For the first time ever, the scene I was most concerned with was our climactic action scene, because we had very limited time in terms of our rehearsal and preparation for what this film is and was. I know the audience doesn’t care about how much time you have; they just expect it to be done in a way that is excellent. Considering the epic nature of the fight and the time and lack thereof, and even if we had time, I would still have a certain type of nervousness around it, and it was around all the action sequences, but that particular fight and action sequence, we knew it was a big task, and you just don’t know.

It’s one thing for the director to do his job, but then those fights are almost a separate piece that have to be covered as best as the director and cinematographer can cover, but it’s really someone’s coming in and choreographing this thing, and it’s like your heart is outside of your body a little bit.”

Advertisement

Bassam interjects to clarify that Ali isn’t stepping back for those action-packed sequences, either. “That was also Mahershala. That was him doing all the stunts, because his face is in it. He’s got to be doing all the stuff.” He continues, “We couldn’t just ever just be like, ‘Use a double there.’ No, this is him. So he’s got to not just also perform every day in these really intense, dramatic scenes, but he’s also got all these action scenes.”

In response, Ali explains:

“That was unfamiliar to me. I hadn’t had a chance to do that. I’ve always wanted to do that, especially as a former athlete, but I had never really had that opportunity in that way. And so I think that that moment going into it and going, ‘When are we going to rehearse this, Bassam? When are we gonna rehearse this in between takes?’ So, it was that type of thing. And I’m very proud of what all involved were able to achieve in making this film.”

Check out all of this and more in the video above, with time codes provided below.

• 00:35 – The team shares their favorite movie theater spots and why.
• 03:57 – Giancarlo Esposito shares his meditative pre-scene ritual.
• 05:00 – Bassam Tariq shares his inspiration for Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother.
• 05:34 – Tariq discusses the visual language of the film, drawing on spiritual westerns, samurai movies, and the vibrant colors of Muslim culture.
• 06:52 – Mahershala Ali reflects on Tariq’s script and the collaborative effort required to bring its world to life.
• 08:50 – Adia shares her experience making her first feature.
• 09:45 – Esposito describes the importance of trusting a director and allowing performances to flow naturally.
• 11:58 – Cho recalls how the opening pages of the script immediately drew him into the story.
• 13:20 – Adia reflects on the masterclass of working alongside experienced actors and honoring her own process.
• 16:09 – Ali discusses Latif’s emotional complexities as a character.
• 18:15 – Esposito says every day on set required him to remain open and present.
• 20:08 – Adia describes the anticipation surrounding her character’s climactic scene.
• 20:46 – Cho recalls the pressure of filming his character’s introduction.
• 21:53 – Filming the final scene on the last day was challenging.
• 22:35 – Ali reflects on the scenes that intimidated him and performing his own stunts.

Your Mother Your Mother Your Mother opens in select theaters on September 25 and releases nationwide on October 9.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

September 25, 2026

Runtime

Advertisement

112 minutes

Director

Bassam Tariq

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

The 1990s are widely considered the most transformative decade for video games in history, and for good reason. The shift from 2D to 3D, the arrival of optical discs, the birth of all-new genres, the arrival of far more complex stories… The list of reasons why the ’90s saw video gaming completely transform into a proper art form are pretty much endless. And as such, it should come as no surprise that several games from this decade are now considered classics.

The number of video games from the ’90s worthy of the “classic” label are too many to count, but there are ten in particular that have gone down in history as some of the most essential, influential, and impactful games in the medium’s history. From handheld RPGs like Pokémon Red and Blue to fighting game essentials like Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, the biggest classic games of the ’90s are a testament to how much the medium has evolved since its inception.

10

‘Pokémon Red and Blue’ (1996)

Image via Nintendo

Nowadays, the Pokémon multimedia franchise is easily one of the most gargantuan and essential pillars of modern pop culture. Even history’s greatest giants have to start somewhere, though, and in the case if Pokémon, that was Pokémon Red Version and Pokémon Blue Version. Published by Nintendo for the Game Boy in 1996, these have since aged as two of the best ’90s video games worth playing over and over.

Indeed, far from only being essential because of their historical importance, Pokémon Red and Blue are still incredibly entertaining and highly replayable. They helped establish core RPG mechanics and gameplay loops, have some of the best world-building in the series, and single-handedly launched the global phenomenon that this franchise has since become.

Image via Konami

Advertisement

The racing platformer Penguin Adventure was technically the world’s introduction to Japanese video game creator Hideo Kojima, but it was the quiet success that was 1987’s Metal Gear that showed the world they were in the presence of a master who would soon become one of video game development’s first true auteurs. However, it wouldn’t be until the third mainline installment in the series, Metal Gear Solid, that Kojima would truly cement his status as a bona fide genius.

Far and away one of the best video games of 1998, Metal Gear Solid was one of the first games to fully push the video gaming medium into the territory of genuine art. Never before had gamers experienced a title that felt this potently cinematic and radically experimental, and those experiments were so successful that the game has somehow aged like fine wine since its release.

8

‘Super Mario World’ (1990)

Image via Nintendo

Advertisement

Nintendo really kicked things off on the right foot in the ’90s, publishing Super Mario World for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in Japan in 1990. The Super Mario Bros. franchise had already established itself as something really special going into the ’90s, with World only further proving that this series of platformers was sure to remain a mainstay of the gaming industry for the foreseeable future.

Over three decades later, Super Mario World is still seen as one of the most beloved Nintendo classics from the 20th century, one of those Mario Bros. games that are perfect throughout. Seen by many as the absolute peak of the 2D side-scrolling genre, this groundbreaking SNES launch title may not have radically altered what Mario had to offer, but it sure did perfect the formula in ways whose influence can still be felt across the entire genre to this day.

7

‘Final Fantasy VII’ (1997)

Image via Square

Advertisement

The Final Fantasy franchise was a massive, unbelievably impactful game series from the very start, but Final Fantasy VII was an undeniable watershed moment in the franchise’s history, as well as a defining milestone for the entire video game industry. Almost three decades and one massive three-game remake project later, this is still generally remembered as one of the best JRPGs of all time.

Released on three CD-ROMs for the original PlayStation, the game not only shattered regional boundaries by becoming an international success, but also proved that story-driven games could hold just as much power as any film or TV show. It proved that Western audiences craved the sort of RPG experiences that Japan had to offer, as well as highly cinematic games and bold storytelling. For that and many more reasons, it’s a real must-play classic.

6

‘Street Fighter II: The World Warrior’ (1991)

Image via Capcom

Advertisement

The franchise today is as mainstream as they come, which makes it easy to forget that the original Street Fighter was a commercial disappointment back in 1987. On the other hand, its sequel, Street Fighter II: The World Warrior, became the best-selling game since the Golden Age of arcade video games. When the game came out on SNES, it became Capcom’s best-selling software game for the next two decades.

All this record-breaking would be worth nothing if Street Fighter II didn’t actually have any staying power, though. However, the game continues to be remembered as one of the best video game masterpieces of the 1990s, having helped lay the groundwork for modern esports and revitalize the global arcade industry while it was going through a steep decline. Indeed, the game was absolutely revolutionary back in 1991, and it’s still just as entertaining and iconic all these many years later.

5

‘GoldenEye 007’ (1997)

Image via Rare

Advertisement

By the time Pierce Brosnan entered his tenure as James Bond, the 007 film franchise was already well-established as one of the most popular and iconic action film franchises on the planet. As such, it’s no shocker that the series eventually made the jump to game consoles. Based on GoldenEye, Brosnan’s first movie as Bond, the Nintendo 64’s GoldenEye 007 is nothing short of one of the best FPS games of all time.

The game, which was originally conceived as a side-scrolling platformer for the SNES, eventually evolved into one of the most groundbreaking 3D shooters of the 20th century. Developed by a small team of rookie creators, it proved that shooters could work on console just as well as on PC. Unique level design, pioneering stealth mechanics, and revolutionary couch multiplayer all made it jaw-droppingly modern back in 1997; and almost 30 years later, it’s still worth playing for hours on end.

4

‘Chrono Trigger’ (1995)

Image via Square

Developer and publisher Square had such immense faith in Chrono Trigger that they had their development team led by a trio of designers they dubbed the “Dream Team”: Hironobu Sakaguchi, creator of Final Fantasy; Yuji Horii, creator of Dragon Quest; and Akira Toriyama, author of the Dragon Ball manga series. The end result was a tremendous critical and commercial success, and many continue to deem it one of the greatest video games ever made.

Indeed, far from just being one of the best JRPGs in history or one of the best turn-based RPG games ever, it was a massively innovative game that introduced revolutionary elements to the RPG genre which changed it forever. A masterclass in tight, impactful storytelling, zero-fluff game design, and 16-bit 2D spite artistry, it’s one of the most essential video game classics that anyone who loves the medium should play at least once.

3

‘Doom’ (1993)

Image via id Software

There is arguably no shooter video game more impactful, foundational, or influential than Doom, the third major independent release by developer and publisher id Software. It was a critical and commercial success upon release, but it’s the ever-lasting impact that it has continued to have over the decades that has truly enshrined it as one of the most crucial works of the video game canon.

It is, indeed, one of the most influential video games of the 20th century, and then some. Fundamentally birthing modern multiplayer culture, establishing the PC as the ultimate gaming powerhouse, and embracing modding culture were but a few of the contributions that Doom had—and has continued to have—within the gaming space. With its being playable pretty much anywhere and everywhere with a screen and a processor, there’s no excuse for anyone who calls themselves a gamer to say that they’ve never played Doom.

2

‘Super Mario 64’ (1996)

Image via Nintendo

Super Mario 64 did not invent 3D gaming, but it did completely revolutionize how 3D games were played and designed. By pairing 360-degree analog joystick movement with a moving camera and some of the smoothest controls the industry had ever seen, Nintendo didn’t just change the course of the Mario franchise going forward, but of the entire gaming industry as a whole.

There are plenty of Nintendo games that are amazing from start to finish, including several from the 1990s, but remarkably few are even remotely as important or foundational as Mario 64. The game still plays surprisingly nicely considering that it truly was the very first of its kind, and that’s why it’s one of the biggest and most iconic classics in the history of video games.

1

‘The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’ (1998)

Image via Nintendo

The Legend of Zelda became one of Nintendo’s biggest franchises pretty much right away, but it would be its transition into 3D that would fully cement it as one of the most essential classic franchises in the history of video games. In the eyes of many, Ocarina of Time, the game that took Zelda into the 3D realm, is something akin to the Citizen Kane of video games. At least as far as the ’90s—and, arguably, the entire 20th century—go, it doesn’t get much pop-culturally significant than this.

Arguably the most essential Nintendo game that every fan of gaming has to play at least once in their lives, Ocarina of Time is a classic unlike anything else that any video game console has ever seen. It’s the definitive gold standard for foundational action-adventure game design, thanks to its invention of many a modern 3D action mechanic and its masterclass in atmospheric world-building and storytelling. Even to this day, it’s still a must-play cornerstone of video gaming history.

Comedic murder mystery series seem like an odd concept at first, but the niche genre is gaining ground. From Only Murders in the Building to The Afterparty, each series has its own twist, including the often-forgotten Netflix series, The Residence. The 2025 series combines Only Murders in the Building‘s quirky characters and humorous mystery with The West Wing‘s focus on daily life in the White House. But instead of exploring the President’s senior staff, The Residence offers an upstairs-downstairs twist with a behind-the-scenes look at the White House from the kitchens to the basement.

The series isn’t especially long, with only one season, and after its swift cancellation, there won’t be another installment. However, in just eight episodes, it slowly unravels a mysterious death that no ordinary detective could solve. With unique characters and constant surprises, The Residence does not disappoint. This hilarious, unpredictable Netflix series is the perfect binge-watch for all fans of murder mysteries.

‘The Residence’ Explores a Shocking Mystery

The Residence centers on the death of White House Chief Usher A. B. Wynter (Giancarlo Esposito), which occurs during a state dinner honoring the Australian Prime Minister. However, the series splits its time between the investigation and the following congressional hearing held to address the incident. When the long-serving staff member is found dead, all evidence points to a suicide, and the President’s Chief Advisor, Harry Hollinger (Ken Marino), is eager to have the detectives declare that to be the case and move on, but not everyone is as confident. This is when eccentric consulting detective Cordelia Cupp (Uzo Aduba) gets involved. Throughout the investigation, Detective Cupp doesn’t follow the expected method, but she is effective.

Dragging the reluctant FBI Special Agent Edwin Park (Randall Park) behind her, Cupp has Wynter’s second-in-command, Jasmine (Susan Kelechi Watson), guide her around the White House. Cupp quickly realizes there is much more to the story, declaring that Wynter’s body has been moved and that he wears a bloody shirt that isn’t his own. These oddities push her investigation forward and cast doubt on the initial theory. Cupp uncovers several strange events happening that night as she questions everyone who interacted with Wynter, from the President’s family to the pastry chef. Slowly, Cupp pieces together the complicated truth, but the investigation is routinely interrupted by flash-forwards to the congressional hearing, where the characters are as invested in the story as the audience. The mystery includes shocking twists that will keep the audience guessing until the very end.

The Characters Set ‘The Residence’ Apart

While The Residence‘s mystery is its defining feature, the series works because of its characters. Cupp collects over 100 suspects from those present that night, but only a few stand out. Ranging from a temperamental chef to the President’s screw-up brother, Cupp’s list creates a quirky group to focus on, and that is what makes the series so hilarious. Despite the gravity of the situation, these characters constantly make the audience laugh with their antics and confessions. Yet, the suspects also amplify the mystery, adding ambiguity to the series. With reasons like Harry’s desperation to wrap up the investigation, Jasmine’s interest in Wynter’s position, or Sheila Cannon’s (Edwina Findley) drunken expectation that Wynter will fire her, each seems more guilty than the last, making the mystery difficult to solve.

Each character adds to the comedy with their desperation to cover up unrelated secrets and overdramatic reactions, but none compare to Cordelia Cupp herself. Though a renowned detective, Cupp rarely explains herself, and as she sees things others miss, her moves often confuse those around her and those in the hearing. In addition to her investigative skill, Cupp’s passion for birdwatching makes her a unique hero for the series. Ultimately, The Residence isn’t long, only releasing one season before Netflix cancelled the show, but it does wrap up the mystery of Wynter’s death. While it is disappointing that fans will not see more of Cupp’s cases, this ending turns the shocking mystery into a perfect binge-watch.

The Residence is streaming on Netflix in the U.S.

Advertisement

Advertisement

Release Date

2025 – 2025-00-00

Advertisement

Network

Netflix

Writers

Advertisement

Paul William Davies

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement