Television is an unforgiving business. Most shows never make it past the pitch stage, and even the ones that do live and die by ratings. Network TV may be viewed as a primitive medium now, but it’s still cutthroat, which is exactly the lesson Joel McHale’s character tries to teach the “coddled” millennials in The Great Indoors. And while we’re still waiting on the long-promised Community movie, it’s worth revisiting the McHale series that briefly looked like a hit before the numbers turned.

The CBS show experienced surprising success during the onset stages of the first season in 2016. During the second half of the season, The Great Indoors‘ ratings plummeted, and the show was cancelled upon the season’s conclusion in 2017. Some would claim the show was not so much taken off the schedule, but rather, a victim of “cancel culture,” due to offending millennials. But in reality, it cancelled itself due to an egregious misread on the part of executives to move away from the perfect lead-in.

McHale Is an Older Journalist Teaching Millennials How To Work in the Real World in ‘The Great Indoors’

Created by Mike Gibbons, co-creator of Tosh.0 and prolific late-night writer, The Great Indoors follows an outdoors magazine journalist, Jack (McHale), who becomes the boss of a group of millennials after the magazine pivots to exclusively digital. Jack, an old-school guy with traditional ways, clashes with the new generation and their tech-obsessed behavior. The magazine is produced by an outdoors adventurer and staunch baby boomer, Roland (Stephen Fry). The series also features Christopher Mintz-Plasse and Christine Ko as the naive millennial employees, and Chris Williams as Jack’s friend and bar owner, who guides him on how to manage this group of young hipsters. Susannah Fielding stars as Brooke, who once had a romantic fling with Jack, and is not only Roland’s daughter but Jack’s boss as well. Throughout the show, Jack embarks on a series of romantic endeavors.

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Because modern-day seemingly exists in a cultural vacuum, any year of the decade blends in with each other with few distinct characteristics, but derisively looking down upon millennials as a curse on society is very much 2016-coded. It was a time when “triggering” people deemed “snowflakes” was in vogue and used unironically. The Great Indoors premiered on October 27, 2016, less than two weeks before the hotly contested Presidential election, which was a platform for that hostile dialogue surrounding toughness and fortitude. While the CBS show is not explicitly political or socially active to any degree, it imagines a fantasy where the traditionally masculine, world-traveling reporter teaches inexperienced twentysomethings how to operate in the world beyond the purview of their computer. In the same breath, it gleefully pokes fun at the vanity and arrogance of McHale’s character.

‘The Great Indoors’ Sparked Controversy Among Some Millennials

Life mirroring art, The Great Indoors, a show that provokes its millennial characters, was mired in controversy among millennials upon release. At a press conference for the show’s pilot, a fiery discussion broke out between Gibbons and the cast with members of Millennial Media. The showrunner shared that when they focus-grouped the pilot, the millennial viewer took umbrage with the jokes about the respective generation being coddled. A millennial audience member interrupted Gibbons and asked, “How are we so coddled, and what about our overly politically correct workplace bothers you?” in an incendiary tone. Stephen Fry defended his showrunner, bringing up familiar talking points such as his generation growing up in tougher times, which ignited more contentious back-and-forths between Gibbons and the disgruntled audience member. Gibbons clarified that he respects millennials and their intelligence, but added that they have an “inability to resist taking four photos of themselves a day. They will come back if it’s about them.”

Defending himself against the wrath of the combative millennial audience member, Gibbons insisted that The Great Indoors is an equal-opportunity offender, claiming it targets younger generations and the older generations of McHale and Fry. When a different conference attendee asked Gibbons if the show would be dismissed for its simplistic premise, the writer jokingly responded, “Our show is going to make America great again.” In 2016, those latter four words were destined to ignite any crowd, positively or negatively. The millennial audience member returned to ask if Gibbons wanted millennials to watch the show, since he was striving to alienate them. If the show is offending millennials, it is “the best strategy ever,” McHale responded.

‘The Great Indoors’ Struggled Once It Lost Its ‘Big Bang Theory’ Lead-in

Image via Darren Michaels; CBS/Everett Collection

It appeared The Great Indoors struck a chord with a certain demographic in America, as it opened to a solid rating of 8.8 million viewers. Most importantly, the show received a 1.9 rating in the key 18-49 age demographic. The show attracted enough attention to earn a full season extension through 2017. However, The Great Indoors proved to be a front-runner, as the ratings plummeted in the second half of the season. The May 1 airing of Episode 21 dropped to 4.1 million viewers and a 0.8 demo rating.

What happened? Did the “woke mob” ostracize The Great Indoors from the airwaves? Some would tie the show’s initial outrage from select millennials to the show’s eventual cancellation, but the explanation is actually simpler than that. The series initially aired right after CBS’s crown jewel, The Big Bang Theory. Having an advantageous lead-in of that caliber is vital for a brand-new show, and Gibbons’ sitcom capitalized on that opportunity with high ratings. All but the last two episodes of its lone season aired on Thursday nights, then, for whatever reason, executives moved it to Monday to conclude the season. The week before moving to Mondays, the show received 6.4 million viewers and a 1.2 demo. The following week, without the aid of The Big Bang Theory, ratings dropped to 0.9. The series failed to obtain a second season.

Even in an era where network television, especially multi-camera sitcoms, is marginalized in pop culture, the fundamental principles remain intact. An ideal lead-in like The Big Bang Theory can set a show up for decades-long success. When Seinfeld premiered, it aired behind Cheers, and by the time the latter show ended, the former carried the mantle as NBC’s prized show. However, The Great Indoors is no Seinfeld, but merely a forgotten, poorly reviewed sitcom with redundant jokes about every clichéd stereotype of millennials. The show ridiculed people left and right, but they didn’t get the last laugh once the show lost The Big Bang Theory lead-in. If anything, sticking with this lead-in would appear to be common sense, something that Joel McHale’s character would likely mock millennials for lacking.

The Great Indoors is available to rent on Prime Video in the U.S.

Michael Jackson’s former family friends, the Cascios, have reportedly filed a lawsuit against his estate, alleging sex trafficking and abuse. According to TMZ, members of the Cascio family claim they endured decades of misconduct, starting when some of them were minors.

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Cascios Family Claims Michael Jackson Subjected Them To Years Of Misconduct

Edward Cascio, Dominic Cascio, Marie Porte, and Aldo Cascio filed a lawsuit against The Michael Jackson Company, accusing the corporation of sex trafficking children through force, fraud, and coercion. In the suit, they claim the pop icon carried out the alleged conduct for years, starting when some of them were just seven or eight years old. The siblings stated that Jackson would insert himself into their lives by showering them with gifts and giving them access to his lavish lifestyle. Afterwards, he would allegedly separate them from each other and from their families before carrying out years of abuse.

The lawsuit lists several accusations, including claims that he targeted the siblings during interstate and international trips, taking them to places like Switzerland, Florida, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. Edward Cascio specifically alleges that Jackson assault him inside Elizabeth Taylor’s home in Switzerland and Elton John’s home in the United Kingdom. The Cascios also argue that Jackson tried to normalize the abuse by showing them explicit photos of nude children. Additionally, the family mentioned that MJ frequently used prescription drugs such as Xanax and Vicodin.

The Cascios previously approached Jackson’s estate after watching the 2019 ‘Leaving Neverland’ documentary, leading them to secure a settlement. TMZ notes that each sibling reportedly collected $690K, per year for five years, but they now consider that amount insufficient. Their attorney, Mark Geragos, reportedly traveled to Los Angeles last month in an effort to void the agreement. However, MJ’s estate lawyer, Marty Singer, pushed back and accused the siblings of attempting to extort the late singer’s team.

Social Media Reacts To Allegations In MJ Lawsuit

After The Shade Room posted the details about the suit against Michael Jackson’s estate, fans flooded the comment section. Some said they don’t believe the allegations, while others insisted on letting the “King of Pop” rest in peace.

Instagram user @liyaahjasinyah wrote, “Bro he’s been gone since 2009 be fr rn.” 

Instagram user @thegatheringspots wrote, “It’s still Black History Month.” 

While Instagram user @sheismichaela wrote, “Yeah.. this is where you cut it out.” 

Then Instagram user @joshuamccravey wrote, “Mike been gone longer than most children on the internet been alive. Please let him rest in peace already.” 

Another Instagram user @jcockerhamofficial wrote, “WE THE PEOPLE DON’T BELIEVE YOU BEAT IT!” 

Instagram user @deucecaliber wrote, “Ain’t no way. This man ain’t got a good 24 hrs rest since he passed 😔” 

Then another Instagram user @saucee.chasee wrote, “anything to take the spot light off the Epstein files.. we ain’t having it. nice try.” 

Finally, Instagram user @_jadaabigail wrote, “You guys don’t want to let this man rest in peace.”

MJ’s Estate Previously Made Headlines For Reportedly Reacting To Sexyy Red’s ‘Beat It’ Sample

Earlier this month, Michael’s team made headlines after Sexyy Red teased a spicy sample of ‘Beat It.’ Some fans thought she was just trolling and having fun in the studio, but the viral clip reportedly caught MJ’s estate’s attention. ‘Breakfast Club’ host Loren Lorosa said a spokesperson from the estate spoke with her exclusively, making it clear that Sexyy Red didn’t have permission to use Michael’s music. The spokesperson also added that the estate had no idea about Red’s sample before it went viral.

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As the search for Savannah Guthrie’s mom, Nancy Guthrie, continues, authorities are remaining tight-lipped on some burning questions surrounding the case.

Nearly a month after Nancy, 84, was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona, home, police have yet to identify a suspect or person of interest in the case.

“This remains an active investigation and will continue until Nancy Guthrie is located or all leads have been exhausted,” the Pima County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement on February 27, 2026. “The Pima County Sheriff’s Department is refocusing resources to detectives specifically assigned to this case. As leads are developed and resolved, resource allocation may fluctuate.”

Nancy was last seen at her home in Arizona after she was dropped off by family members on January 31, 2026. One day later, Nancy did not attend a virtual service for her church, which caused alarm.

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Since then, her disappearance has grabbed the attention of millions of Americans who want to bring Nancy home.

As the investigation continues, take a look at the most burning questions that police seemingly can’t address quite yet.

How Did Someone Get Into Nancy Guthrie’s Home?

On February 12, 2026, the FBI released surveillance footage of a suspect on Nancy’s porch the night of her alleged kidnapping. Since then, people have wondered how the kidnapper got access to Nancy’s home.

While theories range from the door being unlocked to the suspect having a key, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos will not reveal exactly what could have happened.

“I’m not going to go into whether that’s forced entry or not forced entry or my suspicions,” Nanos told NBC News on February 17.

Was Blood Found Inside Nancy Guthrie’s Home?

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos addressed reports that there was blood found inside Nancy Guthrie’s home.

“We’re not confirming whether there was blood in the home or any of that,” Nanos told NewsNation on February 3, 2026. “What we’re saying is we do have evidence that we submitted to DNA labs, actually, through other sources that we use, and they have confirmed that the DNA that we found was in fact, belonged to Nancy, Savannah’s mom, which we were hopeful that it would give us a different profile than just hers, but that’s where we’re at with the DNA.”

Who Is the Suspect in Nancy Guthrie’s Disappearance?

Days after FBI Director Kash Patel shared surveillance photos and footage of a potential suspect spotted at Nancy Guthrie’s porch the night of her disappearance, authorities released “identifying details” about the person caught on camera.

The suspect is described as a “male, approximately 5’9” – 5’10” tall, with an average build. In the video, he is wearing a black, 25-liter ‘Ozark Trail Hiker Pack’ backpack.”

Police, however, have not confirmed if they’ve identified the person caught on camera.

Do Police Have New Leads in the Case?

In an Instagram video posted on February 24, 2026, Savannah Guthrie revealed that a reward of up to $1 million will be paid for the recovery of Nancy Guthrie.

In just one day, the FBI received “more than 750 tips related to Nancy’s disappearance” following Savannah’s latest message, Today reported.

While it’s unclear if any of the tips have provided substantial leads, Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos previously told NBC News, “When you’re transparent, it doesn’t mean you just open up your whole investigation up.”

Why Is Nancy Guthrie’s Home Being Returned to Her Family?

On February 25, 2026, NBC News reported that Nancy Guthrie’s home, which has been treated as a crime scene since she was first reported missing, will be returned to her family. 

While police haven’t revealed why they made the decision, former FBI Special Agent Bryanna Fox, who is not affiliated with the case, said on Today, “They feel like they’ve exhausted it in terms of every single piece of DNA, every piece of fiber, every single video camera.”

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Questions still remain after Today show host Savannah Guthrie‘s mother, Nancy Guthrie, was reported missing. The Pima County Sheriff’s Department confirmed the news on February 1, sharing a missing person report via X. Nancy was described as a “vulnerable adult” who was last seen “at her residence” within Arizona’s Catalina Foothills area on the evening […]

When Do Police Believe Nancy Guthrie Will Be Found?

Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos acknowledged to The New York Times on February 13, 2026, that nobody truly knows when Nancy Guthrie could be found.

“Maybe it’s an hour from now,” Nanos said of the search. “Maybe it’s weeks or months or years from now. But we won’t quit. We’re going to find Nancy. We’re going to find this guy.”

Anyone with information on Nancy’s disappearance is urged to contact 1-800-CALL-FBI or visit http://tips.fbi.gov

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As the search for missing woman Nicole “Nikki” Winder continues in Texas, police have revealed a major update in the case: Authorities said that shortly after she was last seen, Winder’s truck was found torched as a result of “arson.”

The Brazos County Sheriff’s Office said that Winder, 53, was last seen around 3 p.m. on Wednesday, February 25, in the 19000 block of FM 974 in Brazos County.

About an hour later, her white 2025 Chevy truck with black rims was located on fire about 2 miles away from where she had last been seen.

“Investigators believe the vehicle fire was the result of arson,” a sheriff’s office press release stated.

Despite confirming that the fire was started intentionally, police have not shared any theories about who may have set the car aflame.

“The Sheriff’s Office is asking residents in the area to review any available security or game camera footage for a vehicle matching this description traveling in the area between 3:00 p.m. and 4:15 p.m. on February 25, 2026,” the department wrote via Facebook on Thursday, February 26. “Anyone with relevant footage or information is urged to contact the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office immediately.”

A missing persons poster for Winder describes her as a white woman who stands 5-foot-7 and weighs approximately 130 pounds. Additionally, she has green eyes and blond hair. She was last seen wearing a dark grey shirt and pink pants, though it’s possible she might have changed outfits since she went missing.

“Authorities believe Nikki may be in danger of death or serious bodily injury, and her whereabouts are currently unknown,” the sheriff’s office added.

Police officers did not share any suspicions about why Winder may be missing or if she is believed to be with anyone else.

In order to help with the search, Texas Department of Public Safety issued a CLEAR Alert (Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue) to inform people to keep an eye out for her.

The CLEAR alert stands for the Coordinated Law Enforcement Adult Rescue (CLEAR) alert, according to NCT 9-1-1.

The specific type of alert was created to close the gap between missing children and senior citizens, who have their own alerts with AMBER and Silver alerts when reported missing.

The CLEAR alert intends to help law enforcement locate and rescue missing, kidnapped or abducted adults who are believed to be in immediate danger. Additionally, the alert is also sent out with the intention to help locate any potential suspects in the missing persons cases.

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The name of the CLEAR alert honors victims of violence — Cayley Mandadi, D’Lisa Kelley, Erin Castro, Ashanti Billie and the “Rest” — which ultimately led to the CLEAR alert legislation that was passed in Texas in 2019.

Police are asking that anyone with information regarding Winder’s disappearance or whereabouts contact their local law enforcement agency or the Brazos County Sheriff’s Office at (979) 361-4900.

The search for Winder remains ongoing, and it’s crucial that anyone with information share those details with authorities immediately.