Entertainment
Lindsey Vonn Addresses Claims She Was ‘Selfish’ for Competing in Olympics
Lindsey Vonn is addressing the haters… again.
“It wasn’t all for nothing… it wasn’t a dream… although sitting in this hospital bed it seems far away now…,” Vonn, 41, wrote via Instagram on Saturday, February 21, defending her decision to compete in the 2026 Winter Olympics despite tearing her ACL nine days earlier.
“But I did it. I came back. I won,” she continued in the caption, shared alongside a highlight video of her recent races. “I showed up and did what most thought was impossible at my age with a partial knee replacement. These memories I’ll have forever and I’m grateful for every one of them. Every moment was amazing. Every moment was worth it.”
After tearing her ACL in a World Cup competition on January 30, Vonn decided to compete in the Olympics despite the athlete publicly confirming the ligament was “100 percent gone.”
Just 13 seconds into her first run of the Games on February 8, she broke her left tibia after clipping a flag and crashing out. She was airlifted off the course in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, and transported to a nearby hospital where she underwent four surgeries.
She returned to the United States on Tuesday, February 17, and underwent several additional surgeries.
Critics jumped on Vonn after the second injury, with some claiming she should not have competed in the Olympics after tearing her ACL and, instead, let someone else compete in her spot.

Lindsey Vonn Getty Images
Vonn is having none of that, listing out her achievements in Saturday’s Instagram post.
“One thing that stung was when people said I was selfish and should give my Olympic spot to someone else,” she said in the post. “So… I just wanted to recap my season for all the haters out there that don’t understand what it means to earn your spot, and on a more positive note, to just reflect… #1 in the downhill standings; 3rd in sg standings; 2x Downhill wins; On every downhill podium all season; 7/8 podiums overall (only one 4th place).”
She continued, “It’s not impossible until it’s done. I didn’t reach my ultimate goal…. But I still did a lot. Thank you to those who believed! ❤️🙏🏻 #BELV.”
Vonn previously defended herself on social media after several people were questioning the extent of her ACL injury, even before breaking her leg at the Olympics.
“lol thanks doc,” Vonn posted via X on February 7, in response to a sports medicine doctor who was questioning the state of her injury. “My ACL was fully functioning until last Friday. Just because it seems impossible to you doesn’t mean it’s not possible. And yes, my ACL is 100% ruptured. Not 80% or 50%. It’s 100% gone.”
On Friday, Vonn shared a new photo of her broken leg, an x-ray showing what looks like a medal stabilizing brace on her bone.
“As you can see, it required a lot of plates and screws to put back together but Dr. Hackett did an incredible job,” Vonn posted via Instagram on Friday, along with a carousel of videos of her in the hospital with the x-ray photos. “Thank you Dr. Viola for the surgery assist as well!”
She acknowledged the struggle of her long recovery, saying she has not been on her feet in over a week.
Through it all, she claims her second, more grueling, injury had nothing to do with her original ACL tear.
“I was simply 5 inches too tight on my line when my right arm hooked inside of the gate, twisting me and resulted in my crash,” she shared via Instagram after the crash. “My ACL and past injuries had nothing to do with my crash whatsoever.”
Entertainment
The RizGod says he was put on “Survivor 50” to be both loved and hated
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“They all love the RizGod or they hate the RizGod. That’s why I’m kind of here.”
Entertainment
Friend Of Eric Dane Addresses His Finances Following GoFundMe
Eric Dane sadly passed away following a short, but brave battle with ALS, and his friends have come out to create a GoFundMe to support his two daughters in the wake of his death.
However, the reaction to the fundraiser has been mostly negative, with many slamming its creation due to Dane’s long Hollywood career and high-profile TV work, including the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”
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Friend Of Eric Dane Shares Insight Into His Finances Following GoFundMe Backlash
In a post on Instagram, Dane’s friend, Mike McGuiness, posted a series of photos of the two together in happier times alongside a lengthy caption in which he commented on the need for the GoFundMe.
“Covid and ALS did a number on his work life and he sadly couldn’t leave his family with the resources he had hoped,” McGuiness wrote. “A gofundme is being made and I will post it on my story for anyone able to help.”
Elsewhere in the caption, McGuiness shared Dane’s courage throughout his ALS journey.
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“My friend of almost two decades just left us after a brutal battle with ALS,” he wrote. “I’m the positive spin guy and can come up with something hopeful in most any situation. This one broke me. I had nothing to say, it’s about as hopeless an affliction one could get. I truly don’t know if I could muster grace or dignity in that spot. Eric did.”
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Dane’s GoFundMe Sparked Mostly Negative Reaction

A GoFundMe was created for Eric Dane and Rebecca Gayheart’s two daughters, Billie, 15, and Geraldine, 13, following his death on February 19.
The fundraiser, which to date has raised close to $190,000 of its $250,000 goal, stated the intent behind the money.
“As his illness progressed far more quickly than anyone could have imagined, Eric’s friends have come together to create this GoFundMe to support his girls and their future needs,” the fundraiser reads.
“Any contribution, no matter the size, will help provide stability during this incredibly difficult time and in the future for Eric’s wonderful daughters.”
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“Here we go again… if you absolutely must give away your money, donate directly to ALS research,” a Reddit user wrote regarding the GoFundMe for Dane. “His friends can “afford” to gift his daughters money. They don’t need his fans to do it,” another shared.
Some Redditors also pointed out Dane’s successful acting career, which netted him millions, specifically on “Grey’s Anatomy” and the upcoming third season of HBO’s “Euphoria.”
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“This guy was on network TV for a decade raking in millions — what are we doing here?,” a Redditor commented.
“He literally filmed for euphoria when he was sick and it hasn’t even aired yet… idk how much he makes off that show but it’s pretty popular,” another user wrote. “And Grey’s Anatomy? I feel for Rebecca and kids I really do but it’s not like they lost a bunch of income.”
The GoFundMe For The Late James Van Der Beek Was Also Slammed After Details Of His Finances Were Revealed

Per Realtor.com, on January 9, 2026, James Van Der Beek and his wife, Kimberly, purchased a 36-acre ranch in Texas for $4.76 million.
When news of the multi-million-dollar purchase was revealed amid the creation of the GoFundMe for his wife and six children, many were outraged, as there was a belief that the property could be sold to financially support Van Der Beek’s family.
The fundraiser, which set an initial goal of $1.5 million, was intended to help cover medical bills and other living expenses for his wife and children.
“This is why these GoFundMe efforts are annoying,” one user wrote on Reddit. “It’s usually gullible people giving celebrities with bad financial planning their hard-earned money.”
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“They also have a $2.5 million home in Beverly Hills they’re collecting rent on,” another user wrote. “Healthcare in the US is bad, but come on people, don’t get grifted.”
“I don’t want to be rude, but couldn’t they sell the land and ranch and downsize if they needed money?,” a third Redditor shared. “I’m not saying their donations should be taken away, or they are not possibly struggling, but there are so many less fortunate people on gofundme who don’t even get a dime nor do they have a 5 million dollar property they can use as collateral.”
Eric Dane Died 10 Months After Announcing His ALS Diagnosis In April 2025

“With heavy hearts, we share that Eric Dane passed on Thursday afternoon following a courageous battle with ALS,” the statement began. “He spent his final days surrounded by dear friends, his devoted wife, and his two beautiful daughters, Billie and Georgia, who were the center of his world.”
“Throughout his journey with ALS, Eric became a passionate advocate for awareness and research, determined to make a difference for others facing the same fight. He will be deeply missed, and lovingly remembered always,” the statement continued.
“Eric adored his fans and is forever grateful for the outpouring of love and support he’s received. The family has asked for privacy as they navigate this impossible time,” the family shared.
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Dane’s ‘Euphoria’ Family Expressed Their Condolences Following His Death

In April 2026, more than four years after the second season finale, HBO’s massive hit “Euphoria” returns, and Eric Dane’s controversial character, Cal Jacobs, is back for the third season.
Per Deadline, “Euphoria” creator Sam Levinson shared his thoughts regarding Dane’s passing.
“I’m heartbroken by the loss of our dear friend Eric,” Levinson said. “Working with him was an honor. Being his friend was a gift. Eric’s family is in our prayers. May his memory be for a blessing.”
HBO also released a statement about Dane’s death.
“We are deeply saddened by the news of Eric Dane’s passing,” the network said. “He was incredibly talented and HBO was fortunate to have worked with him on three seasons of ‘Euphoria.’ Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
Entertainment
Megan Fox’s Cult Horror Hit Is Moving Streamers as Sequel Buzz Builds
Time can prove a cruel mistress to the legacy of some movies. For others, it is the distance that allows a reevaluation from audiences, turning a once-critiqued project into a cult classic. That is what has happened to the genius feminist horror flick Jennifer’s Body, which, thanks to sex-appeal-driven marketing, was not seen for its clever feminist ideology at the time. 17 years on, Karyn Kusama‘s third directorial feature, written by Diablo Cody, has been reframed by a new generation of audience, and seen as one of the best of its kind from the past 25 years.
Starring Megan Fox and Amanda Seyfried as two unlikely best friends, Jennifer’s Body takes place following the demonic possession of the former, as she begins to kill the men around her and consume their flesh to survive. Featuring intelligent direction, memorable performances, and a killer 2000s rock soundtrack, Jennifer’s Body is a true gem of the horror comedy genre, with audiences on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes calling it an “absolute classic,” and another saying, “Jennifer’s Body is a darkly funny and surprisingly smart horror film that mixes teen drama with sharp satire and killer performances.”
If you are one of the few left to rediscover Jennifer’s Body, you’re in luck, as it is about to debut on a new streamer. As of March 1, 2026, you’ll be able to watch Jennifer’s Body on Starz in the U.S. Made for just $16 million, its relatively small budget was enough to help bypass the negative reviews and make a solid return at the box office. Globally, Jennifer’s Body earned $32 million, split evenly between a domestic haul of $16 million and a further $16 million from overseas markets.
Could a ‘Jennifer’s Body’ Sequel Be on the Cards?
In the age of sequels and reboots, and considering the newfound love for Jennifer’s Body, a sequel feels like an obvious choice. Excitingly, back in October 2025, director Kusama confirmed that work on a script is underway in an interview, saying, “I know she’s [Diablo Cody] working on it right now, and I’m very excited to hear what comes of it.” She continued, “I know some of the bones of it, so I’m not going to give anything away, but it sounds fun and crazy like the first film. And I have no doubt that Diablo will do something absolutely incredible with it.”
Jennifer’s Body is streaming on Starz this March. Stay tuned to Collider for more streaming stories.
- Release Date
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September 18, 2009
- Runtime
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107 minutes
- Director
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Karyn Kusama
- Producers
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Brad Van Arragon, Daniel Dubiecki, Jason Reitman
Entertainment
17 Stylish Trench Coats Perfect for Rainy Spring Days
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A chic trench coat is the unsung hero of any well‑curated spring closet. Indeed, this lightweight layering piece is ready for whatever the forecast has in store—and we’re not just talking about the classic beige button-front design we all know and love. Lately, we’re opting for fresh silhouettes that combine weatherproof performance with standout style, proving elegance doesn’t have to disappear all in the name of rainy-day dressing.
In anticipation of those spring showers ahead, we found 17 stylish trench coats from retailers like Amazon, Nordstrom and Quince that deliver equal parts function and fashion. From cinched‑waist classics to colorful alternatives and everything in between, these spring trench coats make rainy-day dressing an absolute breeze!
17 Spring Trench Coats That Have Us Wishing For Rain
1. Surprise Inside: This long, lightweight trench coat is giving major Burberry energy, from its chic plaid lining to its refined, quiet‑luxury presentation.
2. Seasonless Pick: We’re keeping things short and sweet in this cute, cropped design that has the look and feel of an expensive barn coat.
3. Classic Maker: If you’re ready to invest in a trusted classic, a London Fog trench coat is worth the splurge — timeless tailoring and classic British heritage included.
4. Rainbow Bright: In a sea of neutrals, make a bold entrance in this colorful option that comes in pink, blue, red, purple and a kaleidoscope of other eye-catching hues.
5. Go With the Flow: When the weather can’t make up its mind, this bestselling double‑breasted trench lets you manage the drizzle and dryness. Just pop the removable hood on or off as needed.
6. Two In One: This Chartou’s versatile trench coat is fully reversible, featuring solid green on one side and a green‑and‑blue plaid on the other, giving you double the rainy‑day styling power.
7. Throwback Style: There’s a definite military influence in this gorgeous army‑green, double‑breasted layer. The removable belt and pockets-a-plenty only add to its utility feel.
8. On the Go: If weekend staycations and rain-soaked vacations are on the agenda, don’t overlook this packable trench coat. It comes with a zip storage bag that’s easy to toss in a tote or suitcase.
9. Perfect Definition: This beautiful belted trench coat cinches the waist for a polished, figure‑flattering fit that avoids any unflattering bulk.
10. Plus-Size Pick: Available in green, black and brown and in sizes 12 through 28, this fit-and-flare trench makes it easy to find a flattering plus‑size fit.
11. Trending Pick: Animal print is everywhere right now, which means you’ll want to grab Topshop’s zebra‑print trench coat before it’s gone. The ultra‑long silhouette only adds to its glamour, giving off expensive designer vibes.
12. Rain Don’t Go Away: This glossy, belted rain jacket has Us practically praying for downpour days — it’s that chic. Plus, the drawstring hood will help keep your hair dry.
13. Fits Your Shape: It’s all too easy to get lost in an oversized trench coat, but Quince solves that problem with a cinched waist that defines your shape and subtly slims.
14. Layer to Your Liking: Say goodbye to rigidity and hello to rainy‑day comfort in a stretchy trench that lets you layer with absolute ease.
15. Unexpected Fabric: We never tire of demure denim, which explains why this Gap option slid straight into our spring wardrobe rotation. While it’s not the most practical for staying dry, the high-fashion look and under-$100 price make it an instant add-to-cart.
16. Falls Just Right: Not too long and not too short, Abercrombie’s mid‑length trench is the perfect proportion for all your spring style staples — dresses and denim included.
17. Zip and Go: For an easy, goes-with-everything pick, consider Old Navy’s zip-up trench coat that takes the fuss out of rainy-day dressing but not the fashion.
Entertainment
Olympian Ana Alonso Rodriguez Wins 2 Bronze Medals After Being Hit By Car
Team Spain ski mountaineer Ana Alonso Rodriguez finished her 2026 Winter Olympics journey with two bronze medals mere months after being hit by a car.
On Saturday, February 21, Rodriguez, 31, and her teammate Oriol Cardona Coll clinched a bronze medal in the Milan and Cortina, Italy, ski mountaineering mixed relay event, finishing behind France’s gold medal winners Emily Harrop and Thibault Anselmet and silver medalists, Marianne Fatton and Jon Kistler, of Switzerland. Rodriguez had previously won bronze in the women’s sprint event earlier in the week.
Two podium placements for Rodriguez was a particularly astounding result since she survived being struck by a car last October. Rodriguez said her “risky” decision to compete in the Olympics so soon after her injuries payed off, despite her decision to avoid having surgery for her torn ACL and separated shoulder.
“I made a very risky decision, which was not to have surgery on my knee or shoulder, and many people thought I was crazy, but in the end it wasn’t so crazy, and I won as many medals as I thought I could,” she told Reuters on Saturday.
Rodriguez added, “I feel very proud that I didn’t give up and gave it my all until the end and believed in myself so much because it was very difficult. I think I’ve managed to find a strength that even I didn’t know I had.”
In October 2025, Rodriguez posted a look at the aftermath of a devastating accident that occurred during training.
In a series of slides via Instagram, Rodriguez showcased the moments after the crash as she lay in the street below an SUV with a cracked windshield. A selfie shot later in the gym showcased the athlete with her left arm in a sling and her left knee protected by a heavy brace as she used a crutch to stand upright.
“A few days ago, while I was training on my road bike, a car hit me. At the last moment, when I saw there was no way out, I was able to tense my body and brace for the impact… and I’m convinced that’s what prevented something much worse,” she wrote.

At the time, Rodriguez admitted her future in ski mountaineering was uncertain because of a litany of injuries, including ACL and MCL ligament tears, a broken ankle, a separated shoulder and bone edema in her knee.
“All things considered, I’m here (which is what matters most), in one piece and more determined than ever to move forward,” she wrote. “I know the road ahead won’t be easy. There will be gray days—days of pain, doubt, and exhaustion… but I also know those are the days that make you truly appreciate it when the sun shines again.”
Rodriguez went on, “It’s not the first time I’ve had to get back up. Even though this time the hill is steeper and I have to climb it faster—you already know I’ve never liked the easy paths. I’m putting my fighter suit back on and going for it, surrounded by the best professional and human team I could possibly have.”
Rodriguez admitted that the roadside collision was an unexpected twist on her quest for glory in Milan and Cortina.

Ana Alonso Rodriguez with her bronze medal. Alexis Boichard/Agence Zoom/Getty Images
“Just 7 months ago, I fulfilled a dream [to qualify for the Olympics] that was born when I was 7 years old,” she wrote. “I don’t believe life brought me there just to leave me here. This isn’t an ending—it’s just a new challenge to climb with determination, faith, and a lot of passion.”
She concluded, “From the bottom of my heart, thank you to everyone who has been and continues to be there. Feeling so much trust, love, and support is my engine, my drive, and my strength to achieve this. There aren’t enough words to express all my gratitude. I am fortunate—now more than ever 🥹🙏🏻This is for you—for those who never doubted for a moment; and for those who are no longer here, but whom I feel with me in every step.”
Rodriguez’s dedication paid off when she hit the slopes in Milan and Cortina. Earlier in the week, the ski mountaineer told the Associated Press that it was “so emotional” to have triumphed in the face of such adversity.
“I couldn’t believe it [that I won a bronze medal] … Trying to believe that I achieved this medal, it was a beautiful moment for me,” she added.
Rodriguez stressed that her only goal coming into Milan and Cortina was simply to compete since even that possibility seemed remote only a few months ago.
“I wanted to focus on myself and be proud of my performance, no matter the result,” she said. “So I only wanted to cross the finish line being happy with my performance.”
Entertainment
‘Vanderpump Rules’ Reboot Scores Early Renewal Despite New Cast Doubt
‘Vanderpump Rules’
New Cast, Same Old Hit TV Show …
Receives Early Renewal
Published
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Updated
Longtime “Vanderpump Rules” fans may still be upset the cast they grew to love over the course of a decade is gone … but, clearly the newbies are doing something right — because the show’s already been renewed!
Sources connected to the show tell TMZ … the first season since ‘VPR’ rebooted is still coming out — but, the network has already decided to bring it back.
We’re told the show has performed so well on Bravo and Peacock the network just had to pick it up. Our sources say this isn’t standard timing … it’s an early renewal.
This is great news for the cast — all of whom are expected to come back for season 13 of the reality show though they’ll also be joined by new faces currently being cast — but, it’s even better news for the network … which might have been a bit worried given the tepid reaction early in season 12.
The show received some negative reviews early on from people who missed the OGs … with one reviewer for a prominent publication even calling the show “Bravo’s losing bet.”
The “Vanderpump Rules” team decided the show needed a reboot after season 11 for a variety of reasons … chief among them being the new cast, mainly Gen Zers, are just at a different — more messy — place in life.
Plus, while the “Scandoval” helped ratings, it didn’t help relationships on set … and some stars simply no longer wanted to film together.
The season 12 finale and reunion are coming out over the next few weeks … and production on season 13 is set to begin in April.
New cast, same old story … ‘Vanderpump’ rules the airwaves!
Entertainment
HBO’s Overlooked 5-Part Miniseries Had the Most Fun With One of America’s Greatest Political Scandals
The “Watergate scandal” involving the administration of President Richard Nixon has been one of the most well-documented moments in American history. In addition to films like All the President’s Men and Dick that were about the break-in itself, Watergate has also been an essential part of biopics of the President, including Nixon, Frost/Nixon, and Secret Honor. The implications of Watergate also inspired several conspiracy thrillers that created similar scenarios, including The Conversation, The Parallax View, and Capricorn One. However, in all these studies of Watergate, attention was rarely paid to those who actually performed the break-in, and why they were motivated to act on behalf of President Nixon. White House Plumbers is a quirky, enlightening HBO series that shines a spotlight on the colorful characters involved in a major incident that shaped the next few decades of American politics.
Inspired by a non-fiction novel by Egil Krogh and Matthew Krogh, White House Plumbers explores the bizarre true story of two self-proclaimed patriots within Nixon’s White House who were convinced to stage the Watergate break-in, and ultimately end up taking the fall for it. Howard Hunt (Woody Harrelson) was a longstanding member of the CIA who worked alongside the bumbling White House lawyer G. Gordon Liddy (Justin Theroux) to serve as a covert organization known as the “White House Plumbers,” who were tasked by the attorney John Dean (Domhnall Gleeson) with fixing any “leaks” that may have come from Nixon and his allies. However, this isn’t a typical HBO drama about the “best and brightest” members of an espionage crew; the misadventures that Hunt and Liddy get into result in a hilarious satire about who actually has the power to shape the actions of a nation.
HBO’s ‘White House Plumbers’ Spoofed One of America’s Greatest Scandals
White House Plumbers is unique among recreations of the Nixon administration because the series is focused on the actual minutia of how the break-in happened, and not just about its ramifications. Although Watergate would become a stand-in for many political films of the 1970s, the scandal escalated because of the way that the Nixon administration doubled-down on their obstruction of justice. The actual burglary was a relatively minor incident, which makes it so funny that Liddy and Hunt treat it as an important moral duty that they have on behalf of their nation.
The show explores how the desire for power and legacy is enough to convince people to take elaborate risks that they can’t justify. Hunt at least seems to be aware that what they are doing could have severe consequences, but he sees performing a dangerous activity as a means to possibly gain the favor of senior members of Nixon’s inner circle. Of course, most of the powerful Republicans at the time had no idea who Liddy and Hunt were, which is made clear within a particularly amusing scene with John Caroll Lynch as Attorney General John N. Mitchell.
HBO’s Prestige Crime Drama Miniseries Vindicates Ryan Coogler’s Smartest ‘Sinners’ Casting Decision
Mosaku gave her most powerful, impactful performance in this underrated HBO miniseries.
Even ignoring the pointed commentary on who actually ends up shaping history, White House Plumbers is a great buddy comedy with two actors who have finally been able to sink their teeth into comedic roles. Harrelson has done so many serious television and film roles recently that it’s easy to forget that he was once a comedy icon with White Men Can’t Jump, Kingpin, and Wag the Dog. Similarly, Theroux had been doing more serious work with The Leftovers and The Mosquito Coast, and White House Plumbers gave him the opportunity to be just as colorful and idiosyncratic as he was with his animated voice work. One of the standout moments of the scene is a painfully awkward dinner party in which Liddy and Hunt introduce each other to their respective wives; Hunt and his wife Dorothy (Lena Headey) quickly learn that Liddy and his wife Fran (Judy Greer) are eccentrics who shouldn’t be given any degree of influence.
HBO’s ‘White House Plumbers’ Is a Relevant Piece of Satire
White House Plumbers finds it comedy in showing the escalation of the situation and how poorly managed it was from the beginning. Liddy and Hunt were clearly ill-fitted for the responsibility of infiltrating Democratic headquarters, but they ultimately couldn’t be blamed for a heist for which there was little planning. It was due to the vast ignorance of the other conspirators that everyone else ended up being prosecuted, as no one would ever believe that Liddy and Hunt were the “masterminds” behind it all.
It’s a scathing takedown of how scapegoating works in conspiracies, but also an ironic reflection on how history is written. Even though Liddy and Hunt were involved in a failed plot that resulted in a changing-of-the-guard within the White House, they won’t be remembered in history textbooks the same way that the more prominent conspirators were. Given that HBO has a knack for historical miniseries like Band of Brothers and John Adams, White House Plumbers was a nice change of pace because it wasn’t afraid to poke fun at the self-importance of people who tried to avoid culpability. Looking back at the past in White House Plumbers wasn’t just revelatory, but successful in putting history into perspective.
Entertainment
Kate Walsh recalls first “Grey's Anatomy ”scene with Eric Dane: 'He was so handsome…but can this guy act?'
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“He had the gravitas & old soul that made his work magnetic and made him a great friend off set,” the actress remembered of her late costar.
Entertainment
10 Most Ambitious Sci-Fi Shows, Ranked
If there’s any genre that perfectly lends itself to high ambitions, it has to be science fiction. Throughout the entire history of sci-fi television, there have been countless shows that have aimed for the stars—whether they met those aspirations or not. From big chapters in huge multimedia franchises to entirely original series that changed the game, these sci-fi shows are proof of the heights that the genre can reach when done with enough passion.
Whether it’s The Mandalorian bringing Star Wars to the world of live-action television or The Leftovers proving that sci-fi and the world of prestige TV can get along wonderfully, these series have shown that determination and big ideas can be all a show in this genre needs to be great. Ambition doesn’t always equal greatness, but in these shows’ case, that’s certainly what it ended up amounting to.
10
‘WandaVision’ (2021)
Proving that a new formula for shows properly and fully connected to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, after the downfall of Netflix’s street-level side of the franchise, could work; paying homage to different eras of the American sitcom format through complex and varied visual tones; delivering a metafictional, genre-bending narrative that prioritized character work over traditional superhero action (most of the time, at least). Those are but a few of the things that make WandaVision ambitious.
Had this series not worked, who knows whether the franchise would have built up the confidence to make the jump to more TV series? But as one of the most perfect sci-fi miniseries ever, WandaVision clearly did work, despite an underwhelming finale. Its aesthetics were the cherry on top of what was already one of the MCU’s most ambitious projects to date, and it all paid off wonderfully.
9
‘Andor’ (2022–2025)
A show centered on the deuteragonist of a prequel spin-off where he dies at the end, returning to the focus on space politics that made so many people dislike George Lucas‘ prequel trilogy, leveraging a high budget to deliver a gritty, grounded, mature political thriller that prioritizes complex character study over fan service. Those are but a few of the things that make Andor ambitious.
It’s one of the highest-rated prequel shows on IMDb, and for good reason. It’s Star Wars at its best: Politically charged and refreshingly nuanced, packed with thrilling action sequences, and full of emotionally satisfying character arcs that aren’t without their occasional bits of tragedy. It might just be the best that the franchise has been since the ’80s.
8
‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)
Ever-so-subtle uses of science fiction that keep its plot grounded in reality and character work; refusing to ever fully explain its mysterious central premise, instead focusing on the emotional and philosophical effects that it has on the characters and their world; touching on aspects of the human condition so intellectually challenging that most shows wouldn’t dare touch them with a ten-foot pole. Those are but a few of the things that make The Leftovers ambitious.
The best thing about the series is that all of its philosophical, intellectual, and narrative ambitions pay off. It’s one of the best sci-fi shows with zero filler episodes, an engrossing and emotionally raw drama with some of the most intricate thematic work of any HBO show. It’s a modern classic that sometimes doesn’t get nearly as much love as it deserves, and though it may not be all that technically ambitious, its narrative aspirations are sky-high.
7
‘The Last of Us’ (2023–Present)
Adapting both one of the most acclaimed video games in history and its sequel, one of the most divisive video games of all time; expanding the games’ lore and changing key aspects, trying not to upset fans in the process (sometimes successfully, sometimes not); and translating the many ambitions of both of its pieces of source material into a televisual language. Those are but a few of the things that make The Last of Us ambitious.
For the longest time, video game adaptations on both the big and small screens had a track record bordering on embarrassing. At some point during this century, though, creatives seemed to start figuring things out. By this point, video game adaptations seem to have found in television their ideal home, and few shows prove that better than The Last of Us. It can be scary, it can be exciting, it can be emotionally devastating, and it never fails to be entertaining. Even in the face of a disappointing second season, fans are still hoping for a return to form, so this will likely continue being one of the most-watched HBO shows ever.
6
‘Star Trek: Deep Space Nine’ (1993–1999)
Constantly breaking the established Star Trek formula to deliver a more serialized, morally grey story; bringing Gene Roddenberry‘s romantic and optimistic view of humanity into question throughout its whole run; making it so that all actions had far more permanent consequences than in any show the franchise had seen before. Those are but a few of the things that make Star Trek: Deep Space Nine ambitious.
The Star Trek franchise as a whole is one of the most ambitious multimedia sci-fi franchises in history, and all of its television installments have made sure to aim for the stars. But even though it may not be the most popular Trek show, Deep Space Nine is one of the only installments in the franchise mainly known precisely for being ambitious. Its commitment to giving the Star Trek franchise and all the traditions it had built up a refreshing spin remains admirable almost three decades after its conclusion, and it always made it so that this was one of those sci-fi shows that gets better every season.
5
‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
Diving deep into a tale about time travel and parallel universes in a way so layered that viewers practically need a notebook to keep up; telling a pre-planned three-season story while always remaining true to the original thematic and tonal vision; having to pay far more meticulous attention to detail than most sci-fi series, lest a plot hole seep in through the cracks and bring the whole house of cards crashing down. Those are but a few of the things that make Dark ambitious.
For the mere fact that it was Netflix’s first-ever German-language show alone, Dark could have already been labeled ambitious. But on top of that, there’s everything that makes it one of the most nearly-perfect sci-fi shows ever: Profoundly intricate plotting, several jaw-dropping twists, satisfying character arcs, and flawless production values. It’s an entirely unique masterpiece of a show.
4
‘The Mandalorian’ (2019–Present)
Being the very first live-action TV show in Star Wars history, after 42 years of the franchise’s existence; bridging the gap between the beloved original trilogy and the divisive sequel trilogy; giving fans Easter eggs to be excited by while establishing new characters (some of which ended up being among the best Star Wars TV show characters ever); and revolutionizing the visual effects industry with the introduction of StageCraft, a.k.a. “The Volume.” Those are but a few of the things that make The Mandalorian ambitious.
Underwhelming third season notwithstanding, The Mandalorian ended up being one of the best things that Disney has done for Star Wars since their purchase of Lucasfilm, expanding the lore and world-building of the galaxy far, far away in all sorts of thrilling ways. It would have been very easy for the House of Mouse to just haphazardly put a cash-grab together and call it a day, but instead, they allowed Jon Favreau and Dave Filoni to aim as high as they wanted.
3
‘Lost’ (2004–2010)
Breaking the conventions of network television by blending a high-budget cinematic aesthetic with a complex, serialized mystery structure, having an ensemble of more characters than one can count, while giving each one of them their fair share of time under the spotlight, and constantly aiming higher and higher with its fractured narrative structure and “mystery box” storytelling. Those are but a few of the things that make Lost ambitious.
Throughout the show’s run, it felt like everyone and their grandmother were watching Lost and talking about it. And if its divisive finale achieved anything, it was at least ensuring that the series would remain a part of the pop-culture conversation for many more years. It’s one of the most ambitious drama shows ever, and regardless of whether it stuck the landing in the end or not, the fact that it never stopped swinging for the fences is worthy of props.
2
‘Doctor Who’ (1963–Present)
Constantly refreshing itself by allowing its main character to change their appearance and personality every time they die; finding ways not to run out of creative ideas after over 60 years on the air (hiatus not counted); transforming itself as society has changed over the years since 1963. Those are but a few of the things that make Doctor Who ambitious.
Technically, Doctor Who consists of the original show and two revivals, all three shows having different pages on IMDb; but with the series holding a Guinness World Record as the longest-running sci-fi TV show ever, it can all be considered a single iconic show. There has probably never been a television series better at reinventing itself than Doctor Who, which was originally devised as an educational show for children, but has since evolved into one of the biggest pillars of sci-fi pop culture ever. It’s one of the best sci-fi shows with over five seasons, perfect for fans of the genre looking for a long commitment.
1
‘Babylon 5’ (1993–1998)
Revolutionizing American broadcast television by telling a serialized pre-planned five-year story arc at a time when such a thing was virtually unprecedented; being the first-ever TV show to use CGI as its primary method for VFX; covering a wide range of themes far more complex than what most sci-fi shows were tackling at the time; and doing all this with a fraction of the budget of most of its contemporaries. Those are but a few of the things that make Babylon 5 the most ambitious sci-fi show in television history.
Saying that Babylon 5 broke the mold would be an understatement. Sci-fi television would probably not be what it is today without it, and the world certainly would be a far sadder place. Not all of its elements have aged gracefully, as can be expected from a mid-budget ’90s sci-fi show, but that has never been a problem for fans. Babylon 5 was, and still is, utterly historic.
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