Entertainment
How Hollywood’s Hatred Of Fans Destroyed The Next Big Sci-Fi Franchise
By Joshua Tyler
| Published
In 2001, Halo was launched, sending shockwaves through the entertainment and technology industries. There hadn’t been anything like it since the debut of Star Wars, a totally fresh, fully formed original property with complex lore, background, technology, big ideas, and even bigger action sequences.
It seemed poised to become a generational hit, an SF juggernaut. Blockbuster movies were planned, tie-in novels were released, and fans camped out days in advance for each new release. Then it fell apart. The promised Halo movie never happened, the games based on it declined in quality, and it was buried under a mountain of cash-grabbing and corporate greed.
Now, what should be the biggest sci-fi in the world is nothing but a fading memory from the past. This is why Halo failed.
Halo Launches And Becomes A Juggernaut
On November 15th, 2001, Microsoft released Halo: Combat Evolved. Developed by Bungie and published by Microsoft Game Studios, the game was first released for the Xbox console. In 2003, Microsoft released versions for Windows and Mac OS.
Since then, Microsoft has released numerous Halo games, books, shorts, and, most recently, a television show. Halo has become a globe-spanning franchise with legions of fans. But now, it’s stalled, and as evidenced by the recent failed attempt at a Halo TV show on Paramount+, after nearly 25 years, Microsoft still has no idea what to do with it.
It didn’t have to be this way. Back in 2005, Microsoft went to work on a Halo movie, a movie that could have delivered everything the space franchise’s fans had been waiting for. Unfortunately, twenty years later, there is no Halo movie.
Microsoft’s Halo Movie Dreams
After the mega-success of the game Halo 2, Microsoft wanted more from the Halo series. They knew they had something big on their hands, and as such, they could make lots of cash from box office sales. Not only that, but they thought a Halo movie would increase sales for their Xbox consoles.
To actualize its Halo movie dream, Microsoft commissioned a full script. They paid acclaimed 28 Days Later screenwriter Alex Garland a whopping $1 million to complete the script, and he delivered.
Microsoft “supervised” the screenplay to protect their brand. Alex Garland finished the first draft in just a few months, and in 2005, the title of the first movie, Halo, was announced.
The software giant approached iconic Hollywood talent agency CAA about its Halo movie ambitions. It was such a big deal and thought to be such a sure moneymaker that they held an auction to find the highest bidder.
The Biggest Movie Pitch In Hollywood History
To up the ante, CAA and Microsoft put together one of the biggest pitch events in the history of Hollywood, something that’s still never been topped. They hired actors, then dressed them in Spartan armor like that worn by Halo’s main character, Master Chief, and sent them to pick up and deliver scripts to major Hollywood studios. Around midday on June 6th, 2005, these fully outfitted, script-bearing Master Chiefs marched through the streets of Hollywood in costume and arrived at the studios in red, blue, and green Spartan armor.
It was Larry Shapiro at CAA who came up with the idea that the messengers dress in Master Chief’s armor. He wanted the Halo deal to make headlines, and this stunt seemed like a sure way to make that happen. He was right. It was a massive spectacle, one that was widely discussed and covered by the then-flourishing independent online entertainment news industry. Everyone was excited, everyone wanted it, and word was that the script they were delivering in such an attention-getting fashion was as good as fans hoped.
Each of the Master Chiefs had a red-bound folder bearing the Creative Artists Agency logo. In the folder were two items: a terms sheet and a copy of the screenplay commissioned by Microsoft. These red-bound folders were delivered to every major Hollywood studio, except for Columbia, which is owned by a direct Microsoft competitor, Sony, the company behind PlayStation.
After the delivery of the scripts, the various Master Chiefs waited for hours outside while Studio Execs read the screenplay. Each studio had 24 hours to read the script. Each script came with a term sheet.
Since Microsoft was unfamiliar with Hollywood’s culture, they wanted to dictate the terms. They planned to protect the Halo franchise by controlling how their game was portrayed. The clock was ticking. Everyone wanted to know if Hollywood would be ready to make an offer.
It was the deal of the century, and everyone expected that the Halo movie would take over Hollywood in the same way the games took over their industry. Every studio responded, but they tried to negotiate the terms. Only Fox responded with a “Yes” on their term sheet without negotiating.
Microsoft Makes Ridiculous Demands Of Hollywood
Microsoft demanded $10 million for 15% of the box office gross sales on Halo. This was in addition to a minimum $75 million budget for the film. They also wanted a fast-tracked production and required creative approval over the Halo movie’s director and cast. The demands were far outside the norm for Hollywood culture, and some of them were, admittedly, ridiculous. For instance, Microsoft requested 60 first-class plane tickets for its employees and guests to attend the Halomovie premiere.
It’s also important to keep in mind here that Microsoft was not putting up ANY of its money into production. All they were willing to risk was the $1 million already paid for Alex Garland to write the Halo script. Additionally, the company was unwilling to assign any of the Halo merchandising rights.
Microsoft’s enormous requirements kept Paramount and others out of the fray. Eventually, Fox and Universal decided to jointly fund the movie. The agreement was that Fox would take foreign box office revenue while Universal took the domestic box office revenue. Unfortunately, Fox and Universal soon realized that Microsoft was an impossible partner. The numbers didn’t work out. The amount of profit left for Fox and Universal after Microsoft skimmed off the best parts wasn’t enough to move forward with the Halo film.
Peter Jackson Starts Work On The Halo Movie
While Hollywood’s execs were worrying about the numbers, they were well aware they had what seemed like a sure-fire hit in their hands.
Alex Garland’s Halo movie script laid out a storyline that was basically the entire plot of the original Halo game. The Master Chief, assisted by an AI called Cortana, would fight the Covenant while attempting to save the human race from being pulverized. The story was a direct adaptation of exactly what happened in Halo: Combat Evolved.
In other words, Alex Garland’s script was exactly what fans wanted. It was also pretty much the exact opposite of what we all got in the terrible Paramount+ TV show years later.
Several filmmakers wanted to be part of the Halo movie project. Peter Jackson, director of the Lord of the Rings movies, came on board as a producer in October 2005. Commercial director Neill Blomkamp (who would later be known for thes sci-fi movie District 9) was to direct the film.
Neill Blomkamp Tries To Remake Halo In His Own Image, Destroys Everything
Before Neill, Guillermo del Toro had also been in negotiations. It was Del Toro that everyone really wanted. Unfortunately, Del Toro passed on the Halo movie opportunity to work on Hellboy 2: The Golden Army. So, Neil got picked instead. Lord of the Rings special effects gurus WETA Workshop were chosen to handle the Halo movie’s effects.
Unfortunately, Neill Blomkamp wasn’t happy with giving fans what they wanted. He began insisting he would do something different. Instead of making a Halo movie where a warrior battles his way across a mysterious alien ring and uncovers its secrets, Neill wanted to make a cyberpunk film.
Blomkamp spent five months at WETA rewriting the Alex Garland screenplay, a screenplay that most thought was already perfect. When he was done, Fox did not like the idea, and they knew Microsoft would hate it even more.
The only people in Blomkamp’s corner were Bungie, the developers of Halo. Despite being almost certain to alienate their fans, Bungie loved the cyberpunk style Blomkamp planned for the film. Their support didn’t matter. Fox was getting sick of battling with Microsoft, and the entire project imploded in a fireball of greed and ego.
The Slow, Final Death Of The Halo Movie
The potential for profit lingered for a few years, occasionally drawing in newly interested parties.For instance, in 2010, DreamWorks briefly considered taking a stab at making the Halo movie. Just as Neill had a different vision for the film, DreamWorks also wanted to explore the Halo novels instead of the games.
Their idea was to sidestep Microsoft and its ties to the game entirely. It was as if creatives refused to take the game seriously and wanted to slap the name on something different. None of the execs involved thought that was a good idea either, so after a few months, they abandoned that idea too.
Microsoft proved difficult to work with, Hollywood’s entrenched interests were uncooperative, and Halo was just too big for anyone to be willing to spend the kind of money on it that the franchise deserved. No one wanted that kind of risk. Halo was dead as a potential movie franchise.
Halo’s Creators Abandon Their Franchise
Amidst all of the mess, Halo’s creators at Bungie seemed to give up on their cash cow. From Halo: Combat Evolved in 2001 through Halo 3 in 2007, the series reflected Bungie’s priorities, not Microsoft’s long-term brand strategy. By 2007, Bungie was openly eager to move on. The studio no longer wanted to be defined by a single franchise, while Microsoft wanted Halo to outlive any one creative team.
A separation agreement formalized this shift. Bungie would finish Halo 3: ODST (2009) and Halo: Reach (2010), effectively closing its own chapter, while Microsoft consolidated full control of the IP.
Given Bungie’s willingness to let Neill Blomkamp ruin their universe with his bizarre cyberpunk plans, some Halo fans might have felt optimistic about the change. But the truth is, the day Microsoft took over fully is the day fan enthusiasm began to wane.
The Halo TV Show No One Wanted
Microsoft’s inept stewardship eventually resulted in a Halo TV show, released in 2022, long after Halo’s peak, and produced by Steven Spielberg’s Amblin Television. If you’ve seen it, you hated it. The TV series used almost nothing from the game and ignored the basic fundamentals of the Halo universe.
For instance, not only did Master Chief take his helmet off, but he also almost never wore it. They even failed to get Cortana right. She ended up as a minor character who was never with Master Chief for more than a minute in the show’s entire run.
The Halo TV series seemed to go out of its way to avoid showing anything good. Characters often talked about cool things happening off camera, but aside from three or four minutes of actual style Halo combat (spread throughout the entire two seasons), nothing Halo-like ever happened. There wasn’t even a ring.
Now, with the failure of the Halo TV series, it’s unlikely anyone will want to invest time and money in a Halo movie. If you’ve seen the TV series, then you know they didn’t invest much money in that either.
Halo’s Future Is Not Bright
The idea of a Halo movie is dead, for now. Maybe in a far-off future not yet seen, fans will finally get the Halo movie they’ve wanted and deserved. But even that feels unlikely. Microsoft itself now seems to have given up on the Halo brand.
In 2025, they announced that Halo would no longer be an Xbox exclusive and instead would be cross-platform. They don’t think it’s enough of a draw to bother with anymore.
Worse, there hasn’t been a new Halo game released in years, and there aren’t any plans for it. Instead, word is that the old games will simply be remade and ported over to new platforms.
It didn’t have to be this way. When those multi colored Spartans marched through Hollywood, they weren’t just selling a script; they were marching toward a once-in-a-generation sci-fi opportunity. This could have been, and should have been, the Millennial Star Wars.
Greed, ego, and a failure to take gamers seriously doomed it all. Now, Halo is on life support, a dying franchise with little to look forward to, and fans with nothing to do but remember the glory days of midnight line release parties and wonder what if.
Continue Reading
NeNe Leakes is setting the record straight regarding her dating life, after she made headlines that she has a new boyfriend. Shortly after his identity was revealed, fans went investigation mode and uncovered his criminal past.
Article continues below advertisement
NeNe Leakes Clarifies Her Relationship Status After Rumored New Boyfriend’s Criminal Past Is Uncovered
Leakes addressed her current relationship status after she was recently seen out cuddling and kissing a new man, identified as Memphis attorney Arthur Horne III. The reality TV icon offered the clarity after online sleuths dug into Horne’s past and discovered his prior criminal history.
Leakes explained in the video clip that she simply “went on a date” and that she and Horne are not in a relationship or serious about each other. She also shared that she is in her “soft girl era” and wants to date multiple people like men often do.
Leakes continued, noting that she felt bad for Horne because his past had been publicly exposed because he was seen out with her.
Article continues below advertisement
The Man Recently Seen With NeNe Leakes Has A Troubling Criminal History
According to TMZ, Arthur Horne III was previously arrested for allegedly raping and assaulting his ex-girlfriend in Tennessee back in 2017 but was later convicted of a misdemeanor.
The law firm that Horne owns released a statement to the outlet after the news of Horne’s past circulated online.
“Nearly a decade ago, a jury heard all of the evidence and found Arthur Earle Horne III NOT GUILTY on every serious charge brought against him, including aggravated rape, aggravated kidnapping, and aggravated assault,” the statement said. “That is the verdict. That is the record.”
Article continues below advertisement
“With respect to the misdemeanor, Mr. Horne has always maintained his innocence and accepted the outcome of that proceeding while never wavering from the truth. That matter was resolved by the courts years ago and he has nothing further to say about it,” the statement continued.
Article continues below advertisement
Leakes Excited Fans When She Was Seen Out With Horne At An NBA Game
Per TMZ, on February 25, Leakes attended the Memphis Grizzlies basketball game with Horne, and they definitely looked like they were more than friends.
Per video from the outlet, Leakes and Horne were seen kissing while sitting courtside at the game and also cuddled up together with matching smiles.
In addition to owning his own firm, Horne also practices criminal defense and personal injury law, according to the outlet.
Leakes’ last public relationship was with Nyonisela Sioh, whom she dated off and on from 2021 until 2023.
Article continues below advertisement
The Reality Star Is Set To Make Her Long-Awaited Return To The ‘Housewives’ Universe
Fans have been begging and pleading for years for Leakes to return to Bravo, and they finally got their wish.
In January, it was confirmed that the ‘RHOA’ legend would return to the network by appearing on the upcoming season of “Ultimate Girls Trip,” which is set to celebrate 20 years of the “Housewives” franchise.
Shortly after the news was announced, Leakes took to social media to thank her fans and those behind the scenes who championed her return.
“I am happy, overjoyed to say that I will be returning to Bravo,” she said in the nearly four-minute video. “I almost can’t believe the words that are coming out of my mouth.”
The reality TV star also thanked Andy Cohen, and the chairman of Bravo unscripted, Frances Berwick.
“[I want to thank] so many executives behind the scenes who have worked to make this happen,” Leakes continued. “So many people that have continued to throw my name in the ring. Thank you to everybody over at Bravo.”
“Thank you to all the people over at Truly Original. Thank you, Shed Media. Thank you to the producers on the ground who are calling and texting me, wanting this to be an amazing thing,” she added.
Article continues below advertisement
NeNe Leakes Will Be In Good Company In The Upcoming Series
While on “Watch What Happens Live,” Cohen revealed the main cast of the upcoming “Real Housewives” spin-off, which includes Lisa Barlow, Luann de Lesseps, Kyle Richards, Gizelle Bryant, Teresa Giudice, Porsha Williams, and Vicki Gunvalson.
He also revealed that in addition to the main cast, there will be “appearances by dozens of additional Housewives with stops in Orange County, Beverly Hills, Atlanta, Miami and New York City, from across the cities and eras, joining familiar faces in both emotional and unexpected ways as new relationships and dynamics unfold along the journey.”
“They’re going from town to town. A group of about seven or eight gals is gonna be going from town to town. More will be revealed, and then there will be, in total, I think you may wind up by the end of the series seeing 60 of your Housewives friends. Something like that,” he added.
Ten years ago, Timothée Chalamet was an aspiring actor with only a handful of credits on his resume across television and film. The last five years have seen the Dune star advance in his career with back-to-back hits that have helped him break some long-held box office records. The Marty Supreme star’s name is enough to get people to theaters, something impossible before his hit 2017 LGBTQ+ romance film, Call Me by Your Name, came out. The Luca Guadagnino romantic drama launched Chalamet’s career, and he’s been on an upward trajectory since then.
As fans experience his latest electrifying performance in Marty Supreme following the film’s arrival on Digital, HBO Max is ready to revisit that role that cemented him as a generational talent. Call Me By Your Name is one of the many films set to be added to HBO Max next month, on March 1. The list promises something for everyone with a mix of horror, romance, and drama. With a 95% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes, Call Me by Your Name remains one of Chalamet’s highest-rated projects, a critic and fan darling. Collider’s Adam Chitwood gave it a glowing review back in 2017, praising the acting and impact as a generation-defining gay love story. An excerpt from his review of Call Me by Your Name reads:
“It must be said that Call Me by Your Name is a triumph in every regard. [Michael] Stuhlbarg’s role as Elio’s father isn’t necessarily a large role in terms of screentime, but he delivers a monologue towards the end of the film that felt like it made time stop. Guadagnino and James Ivory’s script is measured and tight; thoughtful and delicate. Every inch of this movie is expertly crafted, right down to the stunning final shot. It’s at once a universal story of young love and a relatable, emotional story of a homosexual awakening. In that regard, it’s a tremendous love story period, but also a winning entry in the legion of queer cinema.”
What’s Next for Timothée Chalamet?
The actor is currently basking in the glory of his hit A24 film Marty Supreme. The Josh Safdie–directed biopic is officially A24’s highest-grossing film, passing Everything Everywhere All at Once (which is also coming to HBO Max on March 1). The actor is next expected to appear in Dune‘s threequel, Dune: Messiah. Chalamet is also attached to star in James Mangold‘s heist thriller High Side, reuniting him with his A Complete Unknown director, Mangold.
Stream Call Me by Your Name on HBO Max beginning March 1. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
-
January 18, 2018
- Runtime
-
132 Minutes
- Writers
-
James Ivory, André Aciman
- Producers
-
Howard Rosenman, Peter Spears, Emilie Georges, Marco Morabito, Rodrigo Teixeira
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Winter white popped off this season, but the color’s real time to shine? Spring and summer. Dakota Johnson‘s white bag style is the easiest way to nail the perennial trend. It’s a wardrobe staple you’ll wear for at least six months of the year, making it an equally stylish and practical pick. At just $18, it’s already in our cart!
Johnson rocked her white bag during New York Fashion Week, pairing it with a moody, all-black outfit. The eye-catching contrast served quiet luxury vibes, and while we love her monochrome moment, the same bag style stuns with floral dresses, pastel hues and everything spring-inspired. It’s no wonder the deal is selling out as we type!
Get the Kxkiu Shoulder Bag for $18 (originally $30) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Cindy Crawford makes California cool-mom style look effortless, and her latest outfit gives Us an easy formula for how to nail the look. All it takes is a loose-knit sweater that’s secretly hiding in Amazon’s sale section. The soft, luxurious find is flattering on all body types — plus, it’s only $20 right now! To celebrate […]
Like Johnson’s version, the Kxkiu Shoulder Bag has a sleek rectangular silhouette that’s both timeless and modern. However, this luxe-looking find is even roomier and more structured than what the Materialists star carried, holding everything and then some without losing its shape. Smooth vegan leather, shiny gold hardware and intricate stitching are just a few other highlights that make this bag mega polished.
Style aside, versatility is key. Two strap options let this luxe-looking purse transition from a shoulder bag to a crossbody in seconds. In other words, you can switch up your look without switching bags — a luxury when you’re used to shuffling your stuff between different options for every occasion. This bag can now be your go-to for errands, travel days and everything in between.
If you’re still on the fence, just check the reviews. It’s Amazon’s number-one bestselling shoulder bag for a reason, with hundreds of five-star ratings to back it up. Many praise the spacious and organized interior, classy design and wear-everywhere versatility. One said it feels “luxurious to carry . . . like a Coach bag.”
Another customer agreed and wrote, “I deeply love this bag and have contemplated buying a second one. I was getting a million Coach ads for a similar bag and wanted to make sure I liked the style first. I’ve used this daily for a couple months and I don’t feel the need to replace it for a Coach one. It works for day or nighttime, there’s no silly logo, the zipper works smoothly and it feels secure with the thick strap and metal hardware.”
The Amazon bag comes in 28 colors and prints, and while each one is super sleek and stylish, we’re biased toward Dakota Johnson’s aesthetic. White is always ‘in’ for the warm months (and occasionally winter, like this year), so don’t wait to score this capsule piece on sale. It’s a must!
Get the Kxkiu Shoulder Bag for $18 (originally $30) on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate at the date of publication but are subject to change.
Not what you’re looking for? Shop other bags on Amazon and don’t forget to check out Amazon’s Daily Deals here!
Leopard print is the hottest trend among rich New Yorkers lately, so it’s no wonder Dakota Johnson is on board. Her statement-making bag style makes any outfit appear high-end, and we found the look hiding on Amazon. Like Johnson’s, it’s classy, versatile and roomy enough for commutes. Score! Johnson has worn her oversized leopard-print tote […]
Sitcoms are the band of television — or sometimes, exactly what viewers are looking for when they want something easy to unwind to. They are easy to watch, relatively lighthearted, and most of the time don’t require much commitment. Most importantly, they know how to make people laugh.
However, in today’s world, it takes more than comedic chops to keep viewers engaged. In the current political and cultural climate, sitcoms must also reflect the modern changes of modern life, all while remaining funny. After all, no medicine is better than laughter. Without further ado, here are 10 modern sitcoms that are a 10/10, no notes.
10
‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–Present)
It’s an American invasion in Ted Lasso. Kansas City football coach Ted Lasso (Jason Sudeikis) is recruited by English soccer/football club A.F.C. Richmond as its new coach. The problem is, Ted has no clue about the sport. With his new team underestimating and Richmond’s fan base doubting his abilities, Ted proves otherwise with the power of kindness.
Ted Lasso is the ultimate culture clash. Nothing is more awkward and entertaining than watching Ted’s Southern hospitality collide with the British people’s brutally honest demeanor. On a bigger picture, the show also presents these football players at their most hilarious in their personal lives. Underneath the machismo of the sport, these players are big softies at heart. In a world where it’s easy to be cynical due to the devastating news, Ted Lasso‘s advocacy for utter kindness is wholeheartedly refreshing.
9
‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016–2021)
Don’t forget to stop by Toronto’s favorite corner shop. Kim’s Convenience follows first-generation Korean immigrants, Mr. Sang-il Kim/Appa (Paul Sun-Hyung Lee) and Mrs. Yong-mi Kim/Umma (Jean Yoon), as they tend to their humble little store. From generational to cultural gaps, the two stumble into delightfully awkward moments with their customers, most notably the “gay discount” schtick.
Thankfully, they have their more culturally assimilated daughter, Janet (Andrea Bang), to rely on whenever they’re stuck in an awkward crisis. As a show about immigrants making it on the other side of the world, Kim’s Convenience may be full of misunderstandings, but these characters also embrace where they come from. Whether it’s Appa breaking into Hapkido in the middle of the store, or old-school superstitions, it’s unapologically Korean. As immigration becomes an increasingly crucial topic within today’s heated political climate, Kim’s Convenience shows how joy itself can be a form of resistance.
8
‘What We Do in the Shadows’ (2019–2024)
Based on the 2014 mockumentary of the same name, What We Do in the Shadows follows four centuries-old vampire roommates who spend their immortality bumbling through modern life on Staten Island. Although being undead has its perks, Nandor the Relentless (Kayvan Novak), Laszlo Cravensworth (Matt Berry), Nadja (Natasia Demetriou), and Colin Robinson (Mark Proksch) are stuck in their own silly little existential crises.
With all the time in their hands, these vampires sure know how to make use of it to fill their boredom. What We Do in the Shadows takes viewers from one misadventure to another, stripping away the traditional mysteriousness of these bloodthirsty creatures. Whether it’s doing very human errands like going to the supermarket or discovering Van Helsing blood, these vampires have the best (or worst) of both worlds. Beneath the fangs and centuries-old demons in What We Do in the Shadows, the joke is simply and utterly relatable: having terrible roommates. Whether it’s avoiding chores or refusing to pay the bills, these vampires need to — no pun intended — grow up.
7
‘One Day at a Time’ (2017–2020)
Based on the 1975 series of the same name, One Day at a Time follows the Cuban-American Alvarez family living in Echo Park, Los Angeles. Single mother Penélope Alvarez (Justina Machado) is a former United States Army Nurse Corps nurse trying to find her footing in civilian life. With three generations living in one apartment, Penélope is often dragged into family mishaps.
In between raising her outspoken children and clashing with her tradition-loving Cuban mother, there’s never a boring day in the Alvarez household. But when the show isn’t joking around, One Day at a Time knows how to get serious. The series doesn’t shy away from familiar realities — from Penelope’s PTSD to her ex-husband’s alcoholism — showing that life may be hard, but we can alway scope with a bit of laughter along the way. No parent is perfect. Beyond its immigrant story, One Day at a Time validates exhausted mothers who are often messy, overworked, and stretched thin — especially when the family is of little help. Yet no matter how much they nag at each other, they are the ones who stay with you, no matter how dark it gets.
6
‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)
The Good Place follows Eleanor Shellstrop (Kristen Bell), a selfish and self-absorbed sales agent who dies and is mistakenly sent to a heaven-like afterlife called the Good Place. Created by the immortal architect Michael (Ted Danson), it’s meant for virtuous souls who’ve done good in their past lives. Eleanor quickly realizes that she’s not supposed to be here and secretly hides her wrongdoings.
The afterlife can be a touchy subject, but The Good Place knows how to have fun with it without getting too personal. Trying to hide her true identity, Eleanor often causes chaos in this “heaven-like” realm, from setting off a fire alarm to disrupting a neighborhood potluck. But if heaven’s willing, maybe Eleanor can learn a thing or two about redemption in this “life.” The Good Place shows what it actually means to shed your ego in exchange for accountability. There are missteps along the way, yet the most meaningful moral growth comes from making and learning from your mistakes.
5
‘Adults’ (2025–Present)
When you put five reluctant twenty-somethings in one building, you get Adults. Issa (Amita Rao), Billie (Lucy Freyer), Samir (Malik Elassal), Anton (Owen Thiele), and Paul Baker (Jack Innanen) are roomies and de facto best friends crammed into a New York City house. Fumbling their way through adulthood, their co-dependent friendship brings out the best and worst in each other.
From now knowing how social security works, to blowing a one-shot job promotion, Adults is just as amusing as it is accurate. Nobody truly gets the anxiety of collapsing into unemployment, or having your boiler break down in cold weather. No matter how outrageous the situation, what’s most important is having people who show up through the highs and lows. Most audiences understand the pains of adulting. While becoming a full-fledged adult is often difficult, Adults shows that the best remedy is the people who help you survive your quarter-life crisis — with a little laughter along the way.
4
‘St. Denis Medical’ (2024–Present)
No better and more inappropriate place to joke around the job than a hospital. St. Denis Medical follows the overworked healthcare workers of a poorly financed hospital as they provide the best care possible to patients. Overseen by oncology surgeon Joyce (McLendon-Covey), she’s in charge of making sure hospital operations run smoothly — without staff sacrificing their own sanity.
Hospitals can be some of the scariest places for people. In a high-stakes environment like this, it’s easy for health workers to lose their cool. But just like patients, the staff are human too. In a place where death could be around any corner, St. Denis Medical shows how difficult it is to remain empathetic without being consumed by the grim reality of a hospital. The staff may not always come across as the heroes they imagine themselves to be. However, given the amount of care and compassion they’re expected to show every single day, the show gives these employees their flowers.
3
‘Shrinking’ (2023–Present)
The world’s worst therapist is ready to psychoanalyze you in Shrinking. Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) has spent the past year grieving the death of his wife, and work hasn’t been easy. With patients rambling about their problems without making progress, Jimmy finally snaps and gives them the cold, hard truth — which, in a surprising turn of events, actually works.
Part workplace comedy, part family sitcom, Jimmy’s scientifically and ethically questionable methods often land him in hilarious situations with his patients. From getting his patient beat up to forcing another to talk to his barista, these small, chaotic interactions are pieces of the bigger picture: figuring out how to find meaning in life after mourning. Grief isn’t a one-way street, and it’s definitely not linear. There will be peaks worth celebrating and dips worth crying over, much like the ones in Shrinking. There’s no simple step-by-step guide to mourning; it’s about getting through each day with whatever capacity we can conjure up.
2
‘Ghosts’ (2021–Present)
Ghosts follows cheerful journalist Samantha (Rose McIver) and her partner Jay (Utkarsh Ambudkar), an aspiring city chef, who inherit a rundown country mansion and decide to turn it into a bed-and-breakfast. Little do they know, their charming, humble abode is a hotbed for a lively, eclectic group of ghosts. But with all their money spent on renovations, it’ll be a waste to throw the entire project away.
These ghosts are nothing like the vengeful demons often seen in horror. They’re more like your annoying neighbors. From a sassy Prohibition-era lounge singer to a 1700s militiaman and a 1960s hallucinogen-loving hippie, these housemates are more hilarious than horrifying. When Samantha actually starts seeing these spirits, things get a lot more comedically complicated. Just like the spirits in Ghosts, human audiences can learn a thing or two about moving on. Sometimes our problems freeze us in a state of “purgatory” — much like the mansion. It’s easy to feel trapped in our worst habits. The only way forward is by confronting these demons head-on.
1
‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)
These teachers have no time for a break. Abbott Elementary follows a group of dedicated, passionate teachers, and their slightly tone-deaf principal in a Philadelphia public school. Despite being underfunded and outnumbered, they are determined to help their students succeed and make a positive impact on their lives. Of course, that is if the difficult school district doesn’t breathe down their necks.
No teacher is perfect at Abbott, but at least they’re trying their best. Second-grade teacher Janine (Quinta Brunson) is eagerly enthusiastic about making positive changes at the school, which often throws the staff into unwanted situations. Still, they see the good intentions in Janine, and together, they band together to ensure their students receive the best learning experience possible despite the limitations. All too often, students take for granted the effort teachers put in. No blame to them — it’s because these teachers make it look so easy. Abbott Elementary highlights the real work involved in teaching kids not just their ABCs, but also how to grow into good human beings.
Entertainment
Zack Snyder defends “Batman v. Superman” and his die-hard fans: 'We were kicking the zeitgeist in the nuts'
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/ben-affleck-henry-cavill-batman-v-superman-032525-87aeff28c15445878645a285567cf4cd.jpg)
“They catch a lot of flak for being toxic or whatever, but they literally saved human lives,” the director said. “So you can go f— yourself if that’s what you think.”
Entertainment
“Saturday Night Live” recap: Connor Storrie hosts, “Heated Rivalry” costar Hudson Williams joins in cameo
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Connor-Storrie-Saturday-Night-Live-promo-022526-d03d6d07dc19435d91a27c81894e98bb.jpg)
Mumford & Sons perform as musical guests.
Vanderbilt quarterback Diego Pavia is turning to a controversial football figure for advice ahead of the upcoming NFL Draft.
The polarizing quarterback revealed that he is connecting with former Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Johnny Manziel — who’s had his own run-ins with controversy — for advice and mentorship as the draft inches closer.
“He’s giving me what to look out for, what it’s like, how to stay in the process,” Pavia told reporters at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis on Friday, February 28. “And, you know, he’s given me some good advice, for sure.”
He continued, “And he always reaches out, too, checks up on me, makes sure I’m good, and he just, like, he’s just a friend to me, you know? And so he’s giving me some mentorship. He’s been around me, he’s been around my family. He’s just a great person for those that really don’t know him.”
Vanderbilt’s standout quarterback Diego Pavia put together an impressive college football season, which earned him a spot as a 2025 Heisman Trophy finalist. He finished the regular season with 3,192 passing yards and 27 touchdowns, with only eight interceptions. Pavia also ran for 826 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground, leading the Commodores to […]
Pavia finished second in this year’s Heisman Trophy voting — behind Indiana quarterback and national champion Fernando Mendoza — after putting up impressive numbers in his final year at Vanderbilt. Pavia led the Commodores to a 10-2 season with 3,192 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and only eight interceptions. He added 826 yards and nine touchdowns on the ground.
Similar to Manziel’s story, Pavia’s career has been rife with controversy, boiling over at the Heisman Trophy ceremony when Pavia posted disparaging messages to Heisman voters and the Indiana football team on his social media. He later apologized for the posts.
Pavia said on Friday that NFL teams have not asked him about those eye-opening social media posts.
“Nope, they haven’t,” Pavia told reporters. “I just think, not that they don’t care or whatever, but they kind of know the situation already.”
Diego Pavia speaks to the media during the 2026 NFL Draft Combine Michael Hickey/Getty Images
He continued, “One thing about me is I don’t care what people think about me. God has a plan for me regardless. But the way the media is, they’re supposed to put out clickbait and things like that. That’s how people get views, and that’s how people make money. I understand that. And so people will twist a story and try to put out bad media to get clicks, good media to get clicks. That’s just today’s world that we live in. So I’m just adjusting to the new world.”
Manziel had his own string of trouble throughout his college career and into his brief NFL career.
His time at Texas A&M was marred with controversy leading up to the 2014 NFL Draft, where he fell all the way to the No. 22 pick by the Cleveland Browns after he was projected to be selected in the top five.
He played just 14 games in the NFL — all with the Browns — and was cut by the team after two seasons due to personal issues, including substance abuse.
Manziel has been open about his struggles with mental health and substance abuse, speaking on the topic in the 2023 Netflix documentary, Untold: Johnny Football.
“When I had gotten everything I’d ever wanted, I think I was the most empty that I ever felt inside,” he said. “I think I was trying to suppress how I felt and get out of being Johnny Football. [I] had bought a gun that I knew I was going to use. I had planned to do everything that I wanted to do at that point in my life, spend as much money as I possibly could, and then my plan was to take my own life.”
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255).
Entertainment
Cameron Diaz And Christina Applegate’s Ultra-Raunchy, R-Rated Comedy Is A Forgotten Classic
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
Did you know that one of the most celebrated film genres of the ‘80s and ‘90s has quietly died? The genre in question is the R-rated comedy, one typified by vintage classics such as Porky’s and American Pie. These movies won over audiences through a simple combination of raunchy jokes and scantily clad stars.
These days, the R-rated comedy has been retired in favor of streamer-friendly slop, and it’s nearly impossible to find films featuring this potent combination of dirty jokes and exposed flesh. But over two decades ago, we got a criminally underappreciated sex comedy with a twist: instead of focusing on men, it focuses on women proving just how much they love to get nasty when the boys aren’t around. That film is The Sweetest Thing (2002), and you can now stream this star-studded classic for free on Tubi!
Treat Yourself To Some Pleasure
The premise of The Sweetest Thing is that Cameron Diaz plays a woman with a reputation for loving and leaving men so that she can keep enjoying the single life. However, she runs into a man who pushes back against her take-charge attitude, getting under her skin like no man ever had before. After getting an invite to a wedding the man is attending, she embarks on a raunchy road trip with her best friends, proving once and for all that the fairer sex can be just as rude, crude, and hilariously nasty as any man.
For a relatively unknown raunch comedy, The Sweetest Thing has a really star-studded cast, including Christina Applegate (best known for Married…With Children) as a divorce lawyer and BFF who really holds her gal pals together. Selma Blair (best known for Cruel Intentions) plays one of those pals, someone who might just rebound with a confident hunk played by Thomas Jane (best known for Boogie Nights). He has a chauvinistic brother played by Jason Bateman (best known for Arrested Development); however, the performer who anchors the entire thing is Cameron Diaz (best known for Charlie’s Angels), who delivers a dirty-talking, fearlessly raunchy performance that may forever change how you see this cinematic girl-next-door.
Hated By The Critics
The Sweetest Thing proved to be a modest box office success, earning $68.7 million against a $43 million budget. Sadly, the film didn’t prove to be the same kind of pop culture phenomenon that earlier gross-out movies like There’s Something About Mary were. However, this movie did cement Cameron Diaz (who notably played Mary in the earlier film) as an actress who is never afraid to get down and dirty in order to make the audience laugh.
When The Sweetest Thing came out, critics really hated it: the movie has a 25 percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with reviewers complaining about the thin plot and the bevy of hit-or-miss gags. However, it’s worth noting that the movie has a 64 percent critical score. This helps prove that this raunchy film is quite the crowd-pleaser, with audiences deeming it “fresh” even as critics declared it downright rotten.
More Than A Few Surprises
So, the critics hated it, and it wasn’t exactly a box office darling. Why, then, should you watch The Sweetest Thing? The short answer is that it is funny in the most transgressive way, and if you have a dirty mind (it’s not just me, right?), you’ll find plenty to love in this raucously funny raunchiest.
Then and now, part of what makes The Sweetest Thing so entertaining is that it is an unflinchingly gender swapped version of the “boys behaving badly” genre of film. Even if you’ve seen male-led movies like The Hangover a million times, there is something refreshing about seeing women take part in the same kinds of gross-out gags and filthy conversations usually reserved for men. It helps that the central actors embrace the sex jokes with such gusto, and Cameron Diaz’s hypnotic performance is practically an ecstasy of exhibitionism.
Guys are sure to enjoy the film; after all, it’s filled with hot ladies, dirty talk, and nudity, all of which can reliably rev a fellow’s motor. But The Sweetest Thing is designed by and for women, and much of its humor works by making men the butt of some fairly hilarious jokes.
Time To Get Down And Dirty
The scene is funny in and of itself, but the punchline doesn’t come from girls behaving badly; rather, it comes from the fact that guys are so easy to manipulate when it comes to anything and everything naughty. This is just one small example of the film’s surprising emphasis on sex positivity and its emphasis on female agency. It’s the rare raunchy comedy framed from the perspective of the female gaze, but most men will be too busy laughing to realize that male horniness is the butt of each and every surprisingly funny joke.
Will you agree that The Sweetest Thing deserves more love when you watch it on Netflix, or will these gals gross you out before the end of the first scene? The only way to find out is to stream the film and rediscover this overlooked classic for yourself. If nothing else, you’ll never look at Cameron Diaz the same way after these credits roll!
Now parents to three children, the couple relies on candid feedback from each other, whether about work projects or daily life.
Chris Hemsworth and Elsa Pataky relocated from Los Angeles to Byron Bay, embracing an active, outdoorsy lifestyle while still making time for each other.
Article continues below advertisement
Chris Hemsworth And Elsa Pataky Say ‘Honesty’ Is The Key To Their Marriage
For Hemsworth and Pataky, a lasting marriage isn’t built on flattery; it’s built on honesty.
Reflecting on their relationship, the longtime couple shared that unfiltered honesty has been the foundation of their bond since they met in 2010 and married later that year in Australia.
Hemsworth and Pataky, who share daughter India Rose and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, say their ability to be truthful with one another has only strengthened over time.
“There’s an honesty, the north star of truth, that you’re going to get with Elsa,” Hemsworth explained to People Magazine. “I can show something to a bunch of other people, and they might be like, ‘Oh, great work,’ but Elsa will tell me if it sucks.”
Pataky doesn’t disagree. “I’ll tell him, ‘That’s actually not funny. It doesn’t work,’” she said.
Article continues below advertisement
The “Thor” actor added that their ability to offer a “critical sort of assessment” works because his wife “knows who I am, and we know what each other can do.”
Article continues below advertisement
The Marvel Star Says His Wife Is His Ultimate Critic
Hemsworth and Pataky also recently teamed up on screen, appearing in a commercial for Amazon Alexa+ that aired during the Super Bowl.
For Hemsworth, Pataky remains his most trusted critic when it comes to his work. He has said her opinion helps him gauge whether a performance or project truly lands.
“Elsa’s honesty is my barometer for whether something works. I take that with the films I do, the commercials, whatever,” the actor stated. “It’s like everyone else can tell me one thing, but I know that I’m going to get the absolute truth from her.”
The “Crime 101” actor further noted that sometimes, honesty is “dressed up in gentleness from time to time, so that it doesn’t shatter my soul, which I appreciate.”
Article continues below advertisement
Why Chris Hemsworth And Elsa Pataky Left L.A. For Australia
During an appearance on the “SmartLess” podcast, Hemsworth opened up about why he and Pataky chose to leave Los Angeles and return to Australia.
“It was right around the time my boys were born, and we kind of were set up in L.A. and not enjoying it, you know?” he explained. “Like, nothing was shooting there. We were filming kind of everywhere else. And then … you’d come home and paparazzi and all the sort of trappings of, you know, living in that space.”
Back home in Australia, Hemsworth says everyday life feels like a vacation. For him, returning from work doesn’t spark the urge for a holiday; being home already feels like one.
Article continues below advertisement
“We have a big farm and horses and motorbikes and surf,” he shared. “We lived about 20 minutes from the main sort of suburban areas in Melbourne, up in the hills. And the nearest neighbour was a kilometre or two away.”
These days, the family is based in Byron Bay, where they’ve embraced a laid-back, outdoorsy lifestyle. Close to the beach, the couple and their three children spend their time surfing, riding horses, and enjoying motocross.
The Actor Credits Quality Time And Understanding For 15-Year Marriage With Elsa Pataky
Speaking on the December 15 episode of the “On Purpose” podcast, Hemsworth offered more insight into his home life, revealing what he believes has helped sustain his 15-year marriage to Pataky.
The “Extraction” star said the key is surprisingly simple: “Making time for one another,” he said, adding, “Just having time for the two of us and making space for each other.”
Hemsworth also noted that continuing to learn about each other plays a major role in keeping their relationship strong.
“It allows you to forgive each other,” he explained. “It allows you to be more compassionate with each other. It allows you to have a greater understanding of both your shortcomings. I think that has kept us in check.”
Article continues below advertisement
Chris Hemsworth Thanks Elsa Pataky For Always Supporting Him During His Walk Of Fame Ceremony
At Hemsworth’s Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 2024, he gave an emotional speech, sharing his gratitude and appreciation for Pataky.
The Marvel actor acknowledged her unwavering support throughout his career, noting how she sacrificed her own dreams and aspirations to be by his side.
“It doesn’t get lost on me that she put aside her own dreams in order to support mine and, again, [I am] forever in your debt,” Hemsworth said, per People. “The fact [is] that nothing that I do, any of these moments, these special occasions and events, none of it is special without you by my side. I love you.”
Mauricio Umansky appeared to have a wild night out Friday … he was snapped out with fellow ‘Real Housewives of Beverly Hills’ alum PK Kemsley and a mystery brunette!
Check out the pics … after enjoying an evening at Hollywood hotspot Chateau Marmont, Mauricio was caught leaving the hotel with an unknown lady riding shotgun while PK lounged in the backseat.
Last month, Mauricio’s estranged wife Kyle Richards shut down all gossip that the two were reconciling on ‘Watch What Happens Live.’
As you know, Kyle and the real estate mogul have been separated since 2023, but have yet to file for divorce. Their respective love lives have been under a microscope since their split … with Mauricio jumping into the dating pool as seen by some PDA-filled outings with potential partners.
We previously spotted Mauricio locking lips with a woman at an airport in Greece and smooching a love interest in Aspen.
Even without official divorce docs, it seems Mauricio is fully moved on.
Politics3 minutes ago
Trump Says He Brought ‘Justice’ To Iran. His War Boosts Fears The US Has Gone Rogue.
Video4 minutes ago
Cristiano Ronaldo’s financial journey reflects sustained excellence, discipline, and smart brand
NewsBeat5 minutes ago
What makes the ideal Airbnb host? We studied guest experiences to find out
Crypto World4 weeks ago
Smart energy pays enters the US market, targeting scalable financial infrastructure
Politics3 weeks ago
Why Israel is blocking foreign journalists from entering
Video2 weeks ago
Bitcoin: We’re Entering The Most Dangerous Phase
Video4 minutes ago
Cristiano Ronaldo’s financial journey reflects sustained excellence, discipline, and smart brand
Video26 minutes ago
Manchester City Financial Case: Potential Relegation and Major Premier League Fallout#shorts
Video48 minutes ago
Gyanendra Shahi Appeals for Financial Support | Nepal Election 2026 | Breaking Political News
-
Politics7 days agoBaftas 2026: Awards Nominations, Presenters And Performers
-
Sports5 days agoWomen’s college basketball rankings: Iowa reenters top 10, Auriemma makes history
-
Fashion1 day agoWeekend Open Thread: Iris Top
-
Business4 days agoTrue Citrus debuts functional drink mix collection
-
Politics6 days agoNick Reiner Enters Plea In Deaths Of Parents Rob And Michele
-
Politics2 days agoITV enters Gaza with IDF amid ongoing genocide
-
Crypto World5 days agoXRP price enters “dead zone” as Binance leverage hits lows
-
Sports1 day ago
The Vikings Need a Duck
-
Business7 days agoMattel’s American Girl brand turns 40, dolls enter a new era
-
Tech5 days agoUnsurprisingly, Apple's board gets what it wants in 2026 shareholder meeting
-
NewsBeat14 hours agoDubai flights cancelled as Brit told airspace closed ’10 minutes after boarding’
-
Business7 days agoLaw enforcement kills armed man seeking to enter Trump’s Mar-a-Lago resort, officials say
-
NewsBeat3 days agoCuba says its forces have killed four on US-registered speedboat | World News
-
NewsBeat3 days agoManchester Central Mosque issues statement as it imposes new measures ‘with immediate effect’ after armed men enter
-
NewsBeat18 hours agoThe empty pub on busy Cambridge road that has been boarded up for years
-
NewsBeat6 days ago‘Hourly’ method from gastroenterologist ‘helps reduce air travel bloating’
-
Tech7 days agoAnthropic-Backed Group Enters NY-12 AI PAC Fight
-
NewsBeat10 hours agoAbusive parents will now be treated like sex offenders and placed on a ‘child cruelty register’ | News UK
-
NewsBeat6 days agoArmed man killed after entering secure perimeter of Mar-a-Lago, Secret Service says
-
Politics7 days agoMaine has a long track record of electing moderates. Enter Graham Platner.