When it comes to fantasy stories, war is a pretty prevalent concept, especially in the epic fantasy subgenre. Even though fantasy is supposed to be a form of escapism, it sometimes parallels incidents in real life, which helps it relate to the audience more, even in spite of its detachment from reality. This is the case for a lot of fantasy stories, even in the realm of television.

The small screen has seen its fair share of fantastical wars, involving magic and monsters, but also a hefty dose of reality. Many of the characters in this show have often expressed their views of conflict, allowing the viewer to sit and ponder the nature of conflict in the real world. These are the best quotes from fantasy TV shows about the nature of war, conflict, and death.

1

“Never make war in anger.”

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

Say what you will about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but this simple line is actually pretty good. This line is uttered by Adar (Sam Hazeldine) in the second season. Much of the Middle-Earth legendarium outlined by J. R. R. Tolkien in his original works features numerous bloody conflicts, so many of the Elves, who are immortal, have lived through a lot of wars, Adar included. As such, they generally know when war is necessary, and when it’s not.

Adar may be corrupted by Morgoth, but his words are still true. With this quote, he weighs in on the fact that if one is going to start a war, they had best have a clear head and know what the heck they’re doing. To start a war based on a whim, or out of pure emotion, is not going to end well. Who knows? Maybe once the powers in charge have cooled down, they’ll realize their mistake, but at that point it will already be too late. Even though this is a fantasy series, this line couldn’t be any truer.

2

“Nobody wins in war.”

‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix

This quote from Season 1 of Arcane is pretty simply put and far from profound, but that doesn’t make it any less true. It’s pretty spot-on in fact. The one who drops this line is Vander (Jean-Benoît Blanc), who isn’t the main character of the show, but is still a supporting and guiding figure for the series’ main protagonists. This is because he used to be a ruthless killer, and is still pretty rough around the edges, so he certainly knows a thing or two about conflict.

While he doesn’t put it very eloquently, his statement is pretty fundamental to the concept of war. While most wars do have a definitive winner and loser on paper, the destructive power of war is such that it is bound to cause immense human suffering and death, as well as decimate the resources of the different factions. One might win, but at what cost? He’s basically arguing that the only way to win the game is to not play.

3

“No longer certain that one ever does win a war, I am.”

‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008–2020)

Image via Cartoon Network

Yes, Star Wars: The Clone Wars is fantasy — even franchise creator George Lucas says so himself. One of the franchise’s most iconic and recognizable characters is Yoda, voiced in Clone Wars by Tom Kane. The little green master is known for his backwards way of speaking, and for his infinite wisdom. He’s about 900 years old, after all. One is bound to gain some moral wisdom with all the things he’s seen and lived through.

As the Clone Wars rage, Yoda begins to doubt whether the Republic can actually win — in fact, he starts to doubt whether anyone can actually win. In Season 6, Yoda admits that he is growing more and more unsure that a victory is possible with how many people have died. Sure, someone might win on paper, but in the end, is any victory really worth the deaths? This is basically a more elaborate version of the one from Arcane, but it’s still true, in any event.

4

“War doesn’t build, it destroys. Only peace can create.”

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–2024)

Image via Netflix

The Dragon Prince is generally a less mature TV show, yet this line is still an important lesson to viewers of all ages. The one saying it is Prince Ezran (Sasha Rojen), who may be young, but still knows this to be absolutely true. Maybe it’s because he understands the conflicts that have been plaguing Xadia for much of its history, even if he previously spent much of his time far from the front lines.

He doesn’t put it in a very profound or philosophical way, but his statement is brutally honest and straight to the point. Even in real life, the sole purpose of conflict is to destroy. It’s not to foster courage or inspiration, it’s to beat the enemy into submission until they can’t take it anymore. Ezran states that many of the world’s greatest achievements, whether it be art, innovation, or the human connection, can only be fostered in times or places of peace.

5

“Sometimes, the best way to prevent a war is to be ready to fight one.”

‘Xena: Warrior Princess’ (1995–2001)

Image via Universal Television

This quote from Xena: Warrior Princess is said by Xena (Lucy Lawless) herself. She’s not just a great warrior, but she’s a great leader and tactician, too, who knows exactly how to defeat her enemies. This series is based on Greek myth, so it does parallel history a little bit, which is why this quote is particularly memorable. Namely in the fact that, like many of the others on this list, it’s pretty factual.

Xena basically says that preventing war isn’t always a matter of pushing for peace or finding a compromise. Sometimes, the enemy is out for blood and isn’t planning on backing down. In this instance, the best solution is to prepare oneself for an attack and build up strength, so that when the enemy does make their move, the defenders will be ready to crush the resistance and end the conflict as quickly as possible. It’s a commentary on how it’s best to be on the defensive rather than on the offensive, especially in a situation where diplomacy isn’t an option.

6

“I know what’s worth the fight, and what is not. Honor and courage are matters of the bone, and what a man will kill for, he will sometimes die for, too.”

‘Outlander’ (2014–Present)

Image via Starz

Outlander opens up in World War II, but features the supernatural ability to time travel, leaving two lovers jumping back and forth between various eras, many of which are still pretty war-torn. This is a low fantasy series, so most of the eras explored are actual pieces of human history. As such, many of the characters are pretty familiar with the brutality people frequently inflict on each other, which has been a constant throughout time.

Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan) is the primary love interest for the protagonist of the series, who embarks with her on her journey through time. In this quote, he states that he has seen a lot of conflict, and has come to understand what drives people to fight and kill. He knows what is worth starting a war over, and when it’s better to walk away. He implies here that love is more than worth it, especially love as strong as he feels. Indeed, quite a few wars throughout human history have been started in the name of love, and love can drive people to go to any lengths necessary, so he’s not wrong.

7

“The best victories are won before swords are crossed.”

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Image via HBO

Lady Olenna Tyrell (Diana Rigg), also known as the Queen of Thorns, is known for her abrasive, yet clever insults and comebacks. She has lived a long time, which means she’s got a lot of wisdom underneath that headdress she’s always wearing. She generally disapproves of Westerosi politics, but isn’t afraid to make her move whenever she sees an opening. However, she would much prefer her move be discreet, so as not to cause major fallout.

In fact, in one of the later seasons of Game of Thrones, she drops this line, which is not only true to life, but also a perfect reflection of her character. What she’s basically saying is that the greatest victories are the ones that avoid conflict. If compromise is an option, it should be pursued. If not, it is best to assure your victory before the real fighting starts via a series of political maneuvers. It’s a line that more world leaders should really take to heart.

8

“We were taught that the Fire Nation was the greatest civilization in history, and somehow, the war was our way of sharing our greatness with the rest of the world.”

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Image via Nickelodeon

This is one of the truest things ever said in Avatar: The Last Airbender. The line is said by Prince Zuko (Dante Basco), a troubled and complex character throughout the series. He belongs to the Fire Nation, who largely serve as the antagonists of the series. It’s an authoritarian state that uses their superior technology to conquer the other three nations, ruling over them with an iron fist.

Here, Zuko reflects on his childhood, talking about how the Fire Nation brainwashed him into thinking the war was a good thing. It wasn’t until he got older that he realized how wrong that excuse was. This is actually pretty reflective of colonialism, with many colonial wars being fought in the name of “civilizing” or manifest destiny, yet they actually wrought unspeakable horrors. It’s a concept that’s true to life, and to the world of Avatar.

9

“Humanity will never stop fighting until there’s only one person left.”

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Crunchyroll

Commander Erwin Smith (Daisuke Ono) is known for being one of the most experienced and level-headed military officials in Attack on Titan. In humanity’s last remaining refuge, corruption reigns. Many military officials are cowardly, hedonistic, and perfectly content in letting others do their dirty work for them. But not Erwin. Erwin likes to be where the action is. As the leader of the Scout Regiment, his role is to go beyond the wall on excursions. Here, he witnesses the worst of human capability.

If there’s one thing Erwin knows, it’s that one constant piece of human history, even in a fantastical world, is conflict. It’s one thing to want peace, but it’s pretty unattainable since there will always be someone to muck it up. What Erwin is saying here is that the only way to achieve true peace is for there to be only one person left on Earth, because as long as there are two, someone is going to want someone dead. It’s pretty cynical, but it is a harsh truth about human nature.

10

“People blame us for breaking the world, but they didn’t bother to pick up the pieces. 3,000 years later, and they’re still bashing about with swords and queens.”

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

Image via Prime Video

Ishamael (Fares Fares) is the chief of the 13 Forsaken in The Wheel of Time. He has lived for millennia, and has witnessed some of the most devastating conflicts on Earth. To understand this quote, one has to know a bit of the context of the story. The Forsaken are commonly blamed for tainting the male half of the One Power, the source of all magic, which drove the Dragon Reborn, Lews Therin Telamon (Alexander Karim) insane. Lews Therin then destroyed the world, with the Forsaken taking the blame for it.

Ishamael doesn’t deny his actions, but he does make a good point. Namely, he says that nobody bothered to try to build a better world after the Breaking, and that humanity was still set in its way. Wars still erupted, and they’re still going on. So maybe the world was always meant to break, and maybe it’s not entirely the fault of the Forsaken. This is pretty cynical as well, and kind of mirrors what Erwin Smith says, but it does also help the viewer understand the Dark One’s view a little bit.

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2021 – 2025-00-00

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Rafe Judkins

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Sanaa Hamri, Ciaran Donnelly, Salli Richardson-Whitfield, Thomas Napper, Maja Vrvilo, Wayne Che Yip

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Roomies…President Donald Trump is suddenly at the center of what could be the most serious showdown with Iran yet. Early Saturday, reports are coming in that the U.S. and Israel launched a massive military operation targeting multiple sites in Iran — and things are already looking chaotic.

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Tehran Strikes, Minab Tragedy, Donald Trump Responds

On Saturday, videos verified by media outlets show explosions and smoke rising from Tehran, with some footage hinting at areas near the presidential palace. Meanwhile, Iranian state media are claiming a tragic hit on a girls’ school in Minab, southern Iran, allegedly killing at least 50 students. These numbers haven’t been independently confirmed, but investigations are underway.

In an 8-minute video shared in the wee hours of Saturday morning on Donald Trump’s Truth Social, he addressed the U.S. airstrikes in Iran, warning that their nuclear ambitions and missile programs threaten the U.S. He urged Iranian citizens to “take over your government.”

“For these reasons, the United States military is undertaking a massive and ongoing operation to prevent this very wicked, radical dictatorship from threatening America and our core national security interests. We’re going to destroy their missiles and raze their missile industry to the ground. It will be totally again obliterated. We’re going to annihilate their navy. We’re going to ensure that the region’s terrorist proxies can no longer destabilize the region or the world and attack our forces, and no longer use their IEDs, or roadside bombs as they are sometimes called, to so gravely wound and kill thousands and thousands of people, including many Americans. And we will ensure that Iran does not obtain a nuclear weapon. It’s a very simple message,” he reportedly stated in part.

Middle East Braces After Massive Strikes

Furthermore, missiles have been flying across the region since the strikes began. The U.A.E. intercepted several Iranian missiles but reported one death in Abu Dhabi from falling debris. Jordan, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar — all locations with U.S. military bases — have also reported intercepted attacks. In Iraq, U.S. forces reportedly hit areas near Baghdad tied to Iran-affiliated militias, including Kata’ib Hezbollah, who are vowing retaliation.

U.S. Forces Mobilize, Operation Epic Fury Underway

Before all of this, the U.S. quietly moved more than a dozen naval ships and aircraft into the Middle East, signaling that tensions were about to boil over. Satellite images show smoke rising from locations linked to Iranian politician Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. And, though his death is speculated, it remains unconfirmed. The operation has already been dubbed by the Pentagon as “Operation Epic Fury,” and if things continue at this pace, the ripple effects could be massive.

Folks Share Fear, Hope Amid Crisis

Folks immediately flooded TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their reactions. Some said this wasn’t the news they wanted to wake up to, while others expressed heartbreak over the people reportedly being hurt. And, of course, plenty are sending prayers, hoping for protection amid the chaos.

One Instagram user @_trill.sky commented, “Praying for our soldiers 🙌”

This Instagram user @dresuave901 added, “😮 d*mn we in other folks business again???“

And, Instagram user @kalibabbyywontbeherelong shared, “How we wake up in we in a d*mn war… smh“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @jamilwilkerson said, “I sure hope they don’t attack the White House at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20500.“

While Instagram user @glamgirl24_ wrote, “I’m just giving it to god to protect us and cover us“

Lastly Instagram user @c.anais___ commented, “This is f*cking RIDICULOUS!!!“

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Sometimes the strongest people are carrying battles the world can’t fully see. Beyond the viral moments and bold persona, there are very real challenges happening behind closed doors. And, Bhad Bhabie is sharing another personal update — and it’s one that has fans wrapping her in love, prayers, and support.

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Bhad Bhabie Shares Heartbreaking Cancer Update

Over the weekend, the 22-year-old rapper and internet personality shared an unfortunate health update more than a year after revealing she had been diagnosed with a form of blood cancer. On Saturday, Bhad Bhabie — born Danielle Bregoli — took to X with a heartfelt message following a recent doctor’s appointment.

“God has the last say so not my cancer,” she wrote, revealing that she had received some “bad news” during her visit the day before. While she did not go into detail about the specifics of the update, the message alone was enough to spark concern across social media, with fans flooding her mentions with support and prayers.

Instagram Comments Flooded With Support And Stories

Fans immediately rushed to TSR’s Instagram comment section to share their reactions. Some expressed disbelief, while many offered condolences and sent prayers to show their support. Others got personal, opening up about their own battles with the disease and connecting over shared experiences.

One Instagram user @really_bigmomma said, “Cancer isn’t nothing to play with 🙏🏾🥺”

This Instagram user @iaintfuccin commented, “You got this 🤞🏼💗”

And Instagram user @_we.luvv.dayy.too.much_ added, “May God bless her with a full recovery ❤️‍🩹”

Meanwhile, Instagram user @miss_niamoon claimed, “I hate to say this but I’ve never believed this story“

While Instagram user @exactlywhatcravenwants shared, “🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾”

Lastly, Instagram user @heerealmissceo_ said, “i really hopes the best for her , she’s been through so much“

Inside Her Ongoing Health Battle

Back in November 2024, Bhad Bhabie revealed her diagnosis after fans began speculating about her noticeable weight loss. Addressing the chatter at the time, she shared via her Instagram Story that her cancer medication was causing the weight changes. She reassured supporters that she was “slowly gaining it back,” making it clear that her health journey was ongoing. Since then, Bhabie has continued to navigate her career and personal life while quietly battling the reported illness — showing resilience even in the face of uncertainty.

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Neve Campbell
Good Genes or
Good Docs?!

Published
March 1, 2026
12:01 AM PST

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Police have revealed shocking details about an incident involving three boys and a 12-year-old girl in Miami. NBC Miami reports that prosecutors have charged three minors as adults in connection with the rape of a 12-year-old girl. Nelson Nunez and Jusiah Jones reportedly have already appeared in adult court. Records show that Xavier Tyson attended his arraignment hearing on Feb 27.

RELATED: Prayers Up! 17-Year-Old Fatally Shot In Her Home By Teen She Was Allegedly Dating (VIDEO)

Police Reveal Disturbing Details About Incident With Miami Minors

Per CBS News, Nelson Nunez, 13, and Jusiah Jones, 12, appeared in bond court on Feb 27 for a crime that took place in June 2025. Arrest reports state that on June 18, 2025, Nelson Nunez allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl at the Green Haven Project, a community garden on 11th St. and NW 2nd Ave.

Police say the girl was walking home when the boys pulled her to a sofa between two buildings. Jusiah Jones and Xavier Tyson, who was 14 at the time, allegedly held the young girl’s hands, while Nunez took off her pants and proceeded to have intercourse with her. Mike Vega, spokesperson for the City of Miami Police, said the victim screamed for help, prompting one of the boys to shove rocks in her mouth. The victim’s father searched for her while yelling her name. The boys eventually ran off, but the police caught them the next day.

“It’s heartbreaking, and I can only imagine the pain that a 12-year-old is gonna have for the rest of her life, knowing what occurred to her,” Mike Vega said.

What’s Next For Three Suspects?

NBC Miami states that authorities charged Jones with aggravated battery and false imprisonment. Nunez faces sexual battery on a minor by a minor and kidnapping, while Tyson has been charged with sexual battery, false imprisonment, and lewd and lascivious conduct with a child. Right now, authorities haven’t released details about the boys’ sentencing or their next court dates.

Green Haven Project Speaks Out After Incident With Minors Leaves The Community Heartbroken

Shortly after the tragic incident, the Green Haven Project released a statement. The organization said it stands with the victim and her family and expressed heartbreak that a construction opening created an opportunity for unintended access.

“The Green Haven Project is deeply saddened by this unforeseen and unacceptable incident and stands with the victim and her family. As a community garden, our space is meant to serve the community by providing access to fresh food. Like many public community spaces, we recognize that spaces open to the public can attract both positive and negative activity; however, an opening caused by nearby construction activity created unintended access, after hours, and this occurred during non-operational hours, when the garden is normally closed and secured, following an unauthorized intrusion into the space. We remain committed to serving the community.”

The community also said they are working with law enforcement to implement new security measures as the investigation continues.

“The GHP maintains perimeter security measures, including fencing and protective barriers, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement as they continue their investigation,” the project reportedly told the press, per NBC 6 South Florida.

RELATED: Prayers Up! Police Search For Suspects After Six Teens Were Reportedly Shot Following Sweet Sixteen Party (VIDEO)

Netflix truly changed the rules for TV. The streamer started dropping entire seasons at once, and all of a sudden, it was over for traditional programming schedules where the fans only got one episode a week. Binge-watching became the norm, and showrunners had the creative freedom to take bigger swings with storytelling without worrying about traditional network constraints.

Here’s the catch, though: When viewers can watch several episodes in a single sitting, they have very little patience for slow burns that don’t instantly click. A Netflix original, no matter how great, is expected to hook its audience within seconds. Sometimes, though, even the most promising shows need time to find their footing, and some Netflix series deserve a little more patience because they only get better after Season 1.

10

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

Image via Netflix

Sex Education felt like a breath of fresh air when it first premiered. The series, created by Laurie Nunn, follows a socially awkward teenager, Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), whose mom, Jean (Gillian Anderson), is a blunt sex therapist. The story kicks off when Otis partners up with the wildly intelligent Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey) and launches an underground sex therapy clinic at their school to offer advice to their classmates. Sex Education Season 1 handles tough and awkward conversations about physical intimacy and delivers a story that feels exciting, inclusive, and emotionally grounded.

However, as confident as the show is in its first installment, the stakes are still relatively contained. Season 2 is when the narrative starts to expand, and one-off storylines evolve into longer arcs that directly impact the characters’ development. Sex Education also begins to explore institutional repression when the school’s new leadership attempts to control education about sex within the student body. The show suddenly goes from light-hearted teenage dilemmas to larger conversations about power and shame without ever feeling preachy. The writing remains character-first, and that ensures that things always feel relatable.

9

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

Image via Netflix

In many ways, Never Have I Ever is the quintessential teen rom-com series about the messiness of growing up, falling in love, and finding oneself. However, beneath all that, the show is layered with so much more meaning. The series, created by Mindy Kaling, follows 15-year-old Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan), who is dealing with the death of her father while being determined to reinvent herself after a humiliating freshman year. Season 1 opens with Devi temporarily losing the ability to walk following the trauma of losing her dad so suddenly, and while she has recovered once the story actually starts, her emotions are still all over the place. That’s the key to understanding why Never Have I Ever gets better after Season 1.

Initially, Devi is shown to be a selfish, impulsive teenager who doesn’t care about how her actions affect others. However, that is the entire point. The audience has to stick with Devi in all her flawed, insecure, and sometimes even jealous glory. The great thing about the show is that it doesn’t ever try to fix Devi. Instead, the narrative slowly exposes why she is the way she is. The audience sees her attending therapy where she confronts all the emotions she has been trying to bury, and that becomes one of the most important elements of the show. Eventually, Devi’s storylines and her personality mature, but the audience has to trust the process and really embrace the chaos of Never Have I Ever Season 1 to fully understand that growth.

8

‘Grace and Frankie’ (2015–2022)

Image via Netflix

Grace and Frankie is one of the most unique shows on Netflix. The series reunites legends Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin as Grace and Frankie, respectively, two women in their seventies whose lives take a turn when their husbands, played by Martin Sheen and Sam Waterston, reveal that they have been in love for decades and plan to marry each other. The premise is intriguing right off the bat, especially given that Grace and Frankie are forced to live together in a Malibu beach house as they rebuild their lives from scratch. Sadly, though, all of this feels more like a post-divorce drama than a fast-paced sitcom in Season 1. The pacing of the show is a bit too slow, and the jokes just don’t land the way they should. In fact, it often feels like Grace and Frankie are one-dimensional stereotypes, and it’s hard to get fully invested in their journey.

Thankfully, though, things shift in Season 2 when the show finally stops relying on the shock of the husbands’ announcement and starts exploring what Grace and Frankie’s life actually looks like afterward. That’s when Grace and Frankie start leaning into the ladies’ reinvention and the genuine friendship they find in each other. The show normalizes conversations about aging without being too on-the-nose, and watching these two women find themselves all over again, starting a business, makes Grace and Frankie the perfect comfort show for everyone.

7

‘A Series of Unfortunate Events’ (2017–2019)

Image via Netflix

A Series of Unfortunate Events, based on the beloved novels by Lemony Snicket, is a genuinely hilarious show with lots of heart. The series follows the orphaned Baudelaire siblings as they are passed from one incompetent guardian after another, all while being hunted by the petty Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris). On the surface, the show paints the picture of a villain trying to steal a fortune. However, beneath the absurd humor and gothic production design, this is a story about what happens when young children are forced to grow up too fast. There’s no denying that A Series of Unfortunate Events Season 1 is visually rich and extremely faithful to the books. Harris deserves a special shoutout for the way he transforms into Olaf and embodies his absolute madness.

Yet, the show truly finds its footing in Season 2 when the narrative expands beyond Olaf’s schemes. The second installment expands the larger mythology of the story as the children uncover the secret organization V.F.F (Volunteer Fire Department), and the moral grey areas their parents operated in. That’s when the show stops being about one bad man and becomes about a broken system. The tone darkens, the humor becomes more absurd, and the production leans harder into the surrealism of the source material. By the time A Series of Unfortunate Events reaches its end, the audience can practically see how self-aware the series becomes as it progresses.

6

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

Image via Netflix

The Crown is one of Netflix’s greatest breakout hits, but the show definitely took its sweet time to get there. The series, created by Peter Morgan, chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II across six seasons and reimagines decades of royal history. From the beginning, the ambition of the show is obvious. The Crown Season 1 stars Claire Foy as a young Elizabeth and her reluctant ascent after the death of King George VI. The stakes here feel extremely personal, with Elizabeth struggling to navigate marriage and duty. The first installment of the show is deliberately controlled and slow-paced as Elizabeth learns the rules of the institution that she will eventually go on to embody.

The drama is quiet, and the monarchy feels fragile. However, The Crown Season 2 takes all of that and puts it into a pressure cooker. The season covers events including the Suez Crisis and goes beyond the palace walls. It’s almost as if The Crown completely reinvents itself with each season to show the political instability the monarchy has always had to navigate. It’s easy to see why and how the series grows in scope and confidence as the story progresses. By the time Olivia Colman takes over the role of the Queen, The Crown feels like a more seasoned drama that explores the generational consequences of power. However, the careful groundwork of Season 1 is essential to the weight that the later seasons carry.

5

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Image via Netflix

The Umbrella Academy isn’t a typical superhero show, and that’s exactly why it found its audience. The series, based on the comics by Gerard Way, follows seven adopted siblings raised by the cold, manipulative billionaire Sir Reginald Hargreeves (Colm Feore) to be child superheroes. Instead, they grow up completely damaged, estranged, and resentful of the man who treated them like experiments rather than humans. The premise is intriguing right from the start, with 43 women giving birth simultaneously, and Reginald adopting seven of these babies and training them as the Umbrella Academy. Season 1 introduces this strange, fractured family as they reunite for their father figure’s funeral, only to learn that the world is about to end. The show doesn’t pull any punches and throws its characters in the deep end while fully embracing the weirdness of it all.

However, the biggest issue with The Umbrella Academy Season 1 is its uneven tone. The story goes from the apocalypse plot to intense character drama, and that shift doesn’t always land smoothly. The show starts to find its footing in Season 2 after the first apocalypse resets everything, and the siblings land in 1960s Dallas. By this time, the emotional arcs feel sharper and more purposeful, and the narrative strikes the perfect balance between absurdity and heart. That’s when the story becomes about trauma and these siblings finding their way back to each other despite the damage their father inflicted on them. The Umbrella Academy ends as a messy, heartfelt family saga where every little storyline feels deliberate and earned.

4

‘Orange Is the New Black’ (2013–2019)

Image via Netflix

Orange Is the New Black remains one of Netflix’s most unique original shows. The series, created by Jenji Kohan and based on Piper Kerman’s memoir, follows Taylor Schilling as Piper Chapman, a privileged New Yorker sentenced to 15 months in a minimum-security women’s prison for transporting drug money a decade earlier. The simple fish-out-of-water premise then transforms into something much greater as the audience is introduced to the diverse women in Litchfield Penitentiary, who live by the place’s own social code and order. Orange Is the New Black balances dark humor with an impactful storyline that humanizes these inmates and explores how they ended up behind bars. Now, Orange Is the New Black Season 1 was technically a smash hit and turned the show into Netflix’s most-watched original series at the time.

However, everyone can agree that it truly took off in terms of storytelling in Season 2 when the ensemble deepened, and other characters, including Suzanne “Crazy Eyes” Warren (Uzo Aduba), stepped into the spotlight. All of a sudden, the show doesn’t just follow Piper and her experience. Instead, it becomes an exploration of systemic poverty, addiction, abuse, and America’s broken prison system. The great thing about Orange Is the New Black is that it was willing to outgrow its premise, and in doing so, it refused to turn these inmates, including Piper, into stereotypes. The prison dramedy still stands as one of the most important ensemble shows of the streaming era, one that just cannot be missed.

3

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

Image via Netflix

BoJack Horseman is an animated series like no other, set in a version of Hollywood where humans and anthropomorphic animals live together. The story follows BoJack (Will Arnett), a washed-up sitcom star from the ’90s who is clinging to relevance through a tell-all memoir written by Diane Nguyen (Alison Brie). The show sounds like yet another edgy adult cartoon with crude jokes and satire. Now, BoJack Horseman Season 1 featured all of this, and wasn’t exactly what critics received as groundbreaking TV. In fact, many viewers tend to drop off after the first couple of episodes because the show feels like it’s just being raunchy for attention. However, things change dramatically midway through Season 1.

The tone of the show shifts, and it starts asking uncomfortable questions about the human condition. BoJack, who comes across as selfish and cruel initially, transforms into a complex character whom the viewers slowly begin to understand. By Season 2, BoJack Horseman completely shifts gears and starts focusing a lot more on the emotional depth of the narrative. It tackles themes like depression, addiction, generational abuse, sexuality, and self-sabotage in ways animated series rarely ever do. The series evolves into a full-blown psychological drama, and its impact is felt long after the credits roll for the final time.

2

‘Ginny and Georgia’ (2021–Present)

Image via Netflix

Ginny and Georgia is a generational dramedy that follows a complex yet realistic mother-daughter relationship. The series follows 31-year-old Georgia Miller (Brianne Howey) and her teenage daughter Ginny (Antonia Gentry) as they relocate to Wellsbury, Massachusetts, after years of running. Season 1 follows Georgia’s journey as a survivor of abuse who is willing to do anything to protect her kids, even if that means lying or stealing. Ginny, on the other hand, struggles to fit in at school as she navigates race in a predominantly white town. The show combines teen comedy, murder mystery, and melodrama to deliver a story that feels ambitious yet personal.

However, in the beginning, this ambition is the very problem the series has to overcome. It often feels like Ginny and Georgia Season 1 is taking the story in every possible direction, just to see what sticks. The story feels chaotic, and the characters are half-baked at best. Season 2 begins to treat storylines with more nuance instead of dramatizing things for shock value. The mother-daughter relationship also matures, and the show moves beyond its initial teen soap territory.

1

‘Locke & Key’ (2020–2022)

Image via Netflix

Locke & Key is hands down one of Netflix’s most intriguing fantasy series. The show follows the Locke family after their patriarch, Rendell (Bill Heck), is murdered. His wife, Nina (Darby Stanchfield), then moves their three children, Tyler (Connor Jessup), Kinsey (Emilia Jones), and Bode (Jackson Robert Scott), to his ancestral home in Matheson, Massachusetts, which holds plenty of mysteries. Turns out that the house contains keys that unlock all kinds of magical abilities, but the children aren’t the only ones searching for them. A demonic entity known as Dodge (Laysla De Oliveira) wants the keys for herself, and so begins a battle over these artifacts. Locke & Key Season 1 builds a strong foundation, and the concept is pretty imaginative from the start.

The premise isn’t the issue here at all. Instead, it’s the execution. In the show’s early episodes, the Lockes repeatedly make confusing decisions that keep the audience from rooting for them. The show feels like a teen drama, which is engaging, but isn’t anything to write home about. Locke & Key reaches its true potential in Season 2, where the characters become more proactive, and the stakes escalate with real consequences. Instead of dragging the story out under the guise of setting up the lore, the series carries its worldbuilding and character arcs side by side. Once Locke & Key leans into its full mythology, it turns into a completely different show that ends on an extremely powerful note.

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Locke & Key

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Release Date

2020 – 2021

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Directors

Mark Tonderai

Writers

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Carlton Cuse, Aron Eli Coleite

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Published
March 1, 2026
12:30 AM PST