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10 Best Feel-Good K-Dramas, Ranked

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Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon in She Was Pretty

Feel-good K-dramas are some of the most common Korean series out there, but very few are made to be genuinely feel-good in nature. With genre-bending ideas and premises, a K-drama that feels like a nice love story can also have elements of fantasy, science fiction, history, or heavy drama. K-drama creators may be experts at making all sorts of series for global fans, but sometimes it’s hard to find a show that is, at its core, just a sweet story that feels like an experience of the joy of living.

The best feel-good K-dramas are a blend of romance, comedy, and drama, and these ten know how to do it best while making the narrative uncomplicated. If you’re looking for a series that helps you feel better at the end of a long day, or you want to spend a weekend binge-watching K-dramas without investing any difficult emotions, these shows can undoubtedly help with that.

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10

‘She Was Pretty’ (2015)

Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon in She Was Pretty
Hwang Jung-eum and Park Seo-joon in She Was Pretty
Image via MBC

In the 2010s, K-dramas that were at the height of popularity revolved around physical appearance in some way. For example, Oh My Venus is an iconic show that could count as feel-good, but might be too much for some because it talks about a woman’s company secretly hiring a personal trainer to get her back in shape for the sake of appearances; My ID is Gangnam Beauty revolves around a woman, who was mocked for her looks, changing her entire face before going to college, etc. Out of all those, seemingly problematic shows, She Was Pretty might be the least problematic, and it’s a great representation of the 2010s K-drama wave.

She Was Pretty follows Hye-jin (Hwang Jung-eum), a woman who sports her natural look everywhere she goes, with her freckles and curly hair; before she started appearing everywhere “unkempt,” she was a pretty and popular girl at school, and she was friends with the underdog, Sung-joon (Park Seo-joon), who is now a very good-looking editor-in-chief of a magazine. Complications arise when Hye-jin gets a job at Sung-joon’s company, hiding her true identity from him, and asking her best friend to pose as her. It’s a fun situational comedy with a lot of misunderstandings, lost opportunities, and funny revelations, and even if the topic doesn’t sound like it, it’s very feel-good.

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9

‘Touch Your Heart’ (2019)

Yoo In-na holding a mirror and smiling with Lee Dong-wook crumpling up a piece of paper in Touch Your Heart.
Yoo In-na holding a mirror and smiling with Lee Dong-wook crumpling up a piece of paper in Touch Your Heart.
Image via tvN

Another K-drama that revolves around romance as the saving grace of its cold, career-oriented protagonists is Touch Your Heart. Lee Dong-wook stars in it, and by 2019, he was already an established name and one of the greatest K-drama male leads of his time; he’s joined by Yoo In-na, and people talk fondly about Touch Your Heart, Yoo and Lee’s chemistry, and the feel-good narrative in which their romance evolves.

Touch Your Heart follows a disgraced actress, Oh Jin-shim (Yoo), who has to prepare for her comeback project by immersing herself in the law world as a secretary for the lawyer, Kwon Jung-rok (Lee). They eventually fall in love, despite clashing at first, and Jung-rok goes from a workaholic who cares only about his reputation to a gentle, loving man. Jin-shim, on the other hand, learns about personal responsibility and taking accountability. Touch Your Heart has some life lessons ingrained, but it’s mostly a gentle and very feel-good series.

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8

‘Gaus Electronics’ (2022)

A man in a work suit holds his work badge and a thumb up at an office party in Gaus Electronics.
A man in a work suit holds his work badge and a thumb up at an office party in Gaus Electronics.
Image via Genie TV

Fans of workplace K-dramas will love Gaus Electronics because it was obviously inspired by The Office, but it has a unique Korean twist on it, with gags, situational comedy, and slapstick, but also personal ambition and romance. Gaus Electronics is one of the best K-comedies that will make you laugh out loud; you know what they say—laughter is the best medicine.

Gaus Electronics follows Marketing Team Number 3 at the famous multinational corporation, Gaus Electronics, which specializes in home appliances. The protagonist is, unofficially, Kwak Dong-yeon as Sang-sik, an ambitious go-getter who can’t seem to get things right around the office; he is joined by Ko Sung-hee, Bae Hyun-sung, and Kang Min-ah, who portray his colleagues, and the show focuses on their private lives, too. As a feel-good, slice-of-life office romance/comedy, Gaus Electronics is an underrated comedy that’s perfect from start to finish.

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7

‘Welcome to Waikiki’ (2018–2019)

Kim Jung-hyun, Lee Yi-kyung and Son Seung-won from Welcome To Waikiki standing together looking nervous.
Kim Jung-hyun, Lee Yi-kyung and Son Seung-won from Welcome To Waikiki standing together looking nervous.
Image via JTBC

One of the best comedies that is also a slice-of-life series is Welcome to Waikiki. It has two seasons, though the cast changes in Season 2 (except Lee Yi-kyung), and people rarely recommend it. You can watch Season 2 if you want to feel the vibes, but Season 1 is superior, and with 20 episodes, there’s enough to go around. Episodes are between 45 and 60 minutes and are typically divided into two parts; a lot happens, and a lot of it is situational comedy and comedy of misunderstandings. The cast is hilarious and has great chemistry, though the aforementioned Lee Yi-kyung is often the show’s funniest actor.

Welcome to Waikiki follows three best friends and film enthusiasts, Dong-gu (Kim Jung-hyun), Joon-ki (Lee), and Doo-sik (Son Seung-won). They wish to have different careers in film and one day make their own movie, but until they can make their dream happen, they run a B&B called Waikiki, which isn’t very successful, but it’s definitely eventful. Sometimes, Dong-gu’s sister, Seo-jin, and single mother, Yoon-ah, join their daily adventures, and episodes are elevated with great relationships and hilarious events in each of their daily lives.

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6

‘Crash Course In Romance’ (2023)

Jung Kyung Ho stops Jeon Do Yeon from falling down the stairs with his leg in Crash Course in Romance.
Jung Kyung Ho stops Jeon Do Yeon from falling down the stairs with his leg in Crash Course in Romance.
Image via tvN

Another very feel-good show is Crash Course In Romance, a series that combines romance, comedy, and slice-of-life moments. This show became so popular when it came out that it directly impacted fashion trends across South Korea, with many women, in particular, seeking wardrobe pieces that Jeon Do-yeon wears in the show. The show is beloved for its middle-aged protagonists, reflections on society, tender vibes, and beautiful visuals.

Crash Course In Romance follows the former athlete Nam Haeng-seon (Jeon), a shopkeeper raising a teenage daughter, who starts taking courses for college entrance exams. Excellent math tutor Choi Chi-yeol (Jung Kyung-ho) frequently visits Haeng-seon’s store, but when he learns that she’s not trying to get his attention to tutor her daughter, they enter a strained relationship that goes from enemies to inevitably lovers later on. Crash Course In Romance is also a story about familial love and trust, and its 16 episodes go by very quickly because of how fun it is.

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5

‘Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo’ (2016)

Lee Sung Kyung, looking shocked, as Kim Bok Joo in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Lee Sung Kyung, looking shocked, as Kim Bok Joo in Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok Joo
Image via Netflix K-Content

One of the most beloved and best K-dramas of all time, Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo, is definitely feel-good material from start to finish. The show has excellent character development and a fun premise that can be relatable to anyone chasing their dreams. In fact, it was so relatable that the young demographic in South Korea was the show’s biggest audience, turning the show into a cult series with a large following.

Weightlifting Fairy Kim Bok-joo follows the eponymous Kim Bok-joo (Lee Sung-Kyung), a college freshman who pursues her dream of becoming an Olympic weightlifter. While the show is mostly about college athletes fighting for their way and to achieve their dreams, the story is also a romance when Bok-joo becomes friends with Joon-Hyung (Nam Joo-Hyuk) and his older brother Jae-Yi (Lee Jae-Yoon). The show is fun and heartfelt, and many people cite it as one of their all-time favorites.

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4

‘Summer Strike’ (2022)

Im Is-wan and Seolhyun enjoying the wind outside in Summer Strike
Im Is-wan and Seolhyun enjoying the wind outside in Summer Strike
Image via ENA

Summer Strike is a relatively unknown K-drama, but it’s one of those feel-good shows that gets under your skin very quickly. Visually stunning, with many wholesome moments in nature and with other people and animals, the show delivers a message of taking it easy and taking life one day at a time. Im Si-wan stars alongside Kim Seol-hyun (often known as just Seolhyun), who is the protagonist; she is charming and often goofy and funny, showing off a lighthearted side of her acting. Despite that, the story sometimes becomes heavy when repressed emotions come up.

Summer Strike follows Yeo-reum (Seolhyun), who grows tired of living the same life over and over. She decides to move to a small town by the sea called Angok, where she enjoys herself, takes things slowly, and meets friendly people. Among those people is a reclusive genius, Dae-bom (Im), and they bond and find that they both escaped busy city lives. Filmed on location, Summer Strike is perfect for lovers of rural escapes and living life in lush nature, away from the car horns and skyscrapers.

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3

‘Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha’ (2021)

Shin Min-a and Seok Ho sitting on the sand in Hometown Cha Cha Cha.
Shin Min-a and Seok Ho sitting on the sand in Hometown Cha Cha Cha.
Image via tvN

Speaking of K-dramas where the lead moves to a small town, there are plenty, and this kind of plot is quickly becoming one of the greatest K-drama tropes. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is the most popular representative of that particular genre of K-drama; Shin Min-a leads a colorful series filled with wholesome moments, calming vibes, and gentle but necessary character development. If you’re a K-drama beginner, this is also a great series to start with.

Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha follows Seoul-based dentist Yoon Hye-jin (Shin), who experiences career problems and decides to move to a seaside town to start over. She opens a dental clinic there and grows closer to a local man, known as Chief Hong (Kim Seon-ho). They go through misunderstandings and confrontations at first, but eventually bond despite those small clashes. Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha is one of the most-watched K-dramas of all time and one of the most popular shows on Netflix, even now, five years after it was released.

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2

‘Business Proposal’ (2022)

Seol In Ah and Kim Se-jeong sharing a romantic glance under an umbrella in the rain in Business Proposal. 
The two main characters sharing a romantic glance under an umbrella in the rain in Business Proposal.
Image via Netflix

One of the most romantic K-dramas and one of the greatest office romance shows ever is Business Proposal. Hardcore K-drama fans love it as much as beginners in that drama world do, with the show boasting a widespread appeal with its charming leads, fun humor, and lots of heartfelt moments. Business Proposal might be riddled with tropes and some clichés within the drama world, but it’s still a highly watchable series you will find yourself binge-watching at one point.

Business Proposal follows Ha-ri (Kim Se-jeong), who agrees to go on a blind date instead of her friend Young-seo (Seol In-ah), only to realize that the man she is meeting is her current boss, Kang Tae-moo (Ahn Hyo-seop). Tae-moo is the CEO of a food product corporation, and he is pressured into getting married by his family; he asks her to get married immediately to avoid any more blind dates, but Ha-ri is scared to reveal her true identity. The story takes different twists and turns, and it’s a very fun series often filled with slapstick comedy moments; you’ll love watching and relaxing with this feel-good series.

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1

‘Hospital Playlist’ (2020)

The 'Hospital Playlist' cast is looking forward and smiling side by side.
The ‘Hospital Playlist’ cast is looking forward and smiling side by side.
Image via Netflix

Hospital Playlist is one of those must-watch K-dramas; whether you’re a beginner or a veteran in the K-drama watcher world, you’ll undoubtedly fall in love with this medical drama immediately. It’s an ensemble effort that combines comedy, drama, romance, and slice-of-life moments; it is very feel-good, despite having some heavy-ish medical cases that resonate with real life. Even when rooted in some real-life troubles, a show becomes a lot more entertaining and relatable, so this shouldn’t be a detriment to the show’s appeal.

Hospital Playlist follows five doctors who have been friends since medical school and who have a band they play in their spare time. The five all have different backgrounds that often come into the foreground and provide lessons and obstacles. However, they also have a great time together and help each other get over problems and talk things over, being there when it matters along the way. It’s wholesome, ridiculously funny at times, and a beautiful series about the importance of friendship that you can watch all day long.

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Where is Sarah Pender now? Inside the “Girl on the Run” subject’s infamous prison escape (and its brutal aftermath)

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Pender, who eluded authorities for several months across multiple states, is the subject of a new ABC News docuseries.

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Mads Mikkelsen’s Most Divisive Fantasy Film Is Getting Its Due on Streaming

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Mads Mikkelsen on the red carpet

Mads Mikkelsen may not be one of the first names to come to mind when someone asks for a list of the biggest movie stars, but he consistently turns in the strongest performances of any actor working today, year after year. Mikkelsen first blossomed into a star 20 years ago with his work opposite Daniel Craig and his first James Bond movie, Casino Royale, and he has since taken on other villainous roles in major franchises like Indiana Jones. He started opposite Harrison Ford in his final performance as the globetrotting adventurer in Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny. Mikkelsen is also famous for playing Dr. Hannibal Lecter in the TV show that ran from 2013 to 2015, and around the same time, he briefly joined the MCU, where he starred opposite Benedict Cumberbatch in Doctor Strange.

Just a few years ago, Mikkelsen starred as Gellert Grindelwald in the 2022 fantasy epic Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore. The Harry Potter prequel story also stars Jude Law as a young Albus Dumbledore, and Eddie Redman is Newt Scamander. David Yates directed the film with a script from Steve Kloves, and it’s inspired by the works of Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling. Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore is streaming on HBO Max in America and around the world, where the film is in the top 10 in several countries. It’s also one of the most popular rentals and purchases on Apple TV in a few territories. Warner Bros. spent around $200 million on making Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore, but the film just managed to scrape past its break-even point, grossing $407 million at the global box office.

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What Else Is Streaming on HBO Max Right Now?

HBO Max has plenty of big movies floating in and out of its top 10 every day, but the platform is firing on all cylinders when it comes to TV shows right now. The most popular show on HBO Max at the time of writing is A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, the Game of Thrones spin-off inspired by George R.R. Martin’s series of Dunk and Egg novels. The Pitt, the critically acclaimed medical drama starring ER veteran Noah Wyle, is also one of the most popular shows on HBO Max right now. When the new Harry Potter TV series arrives on HBO Max next year, it’s expected to be one of the biggest streaming premieres in history.

Be sure to watch Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore on HBO Max in America, and stay tuned to Collider for more streaming updates.


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Release Date

April 15, 2022

Runtime
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142 minutes

Writers

Steve Kloves, J.K. Rowling

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New Music Friday February 20: U2, Hilary Duff, Lana Del Rey, Foo Fighters, Ty Dolla $ign, Megan Moroney & More

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New Music Friday February 20: U2, Hilary Duff, Lana Del Rey, Foo Fighters, Ty Dolla $ign, Megan Moroney & More

Happy New Music Friday! The weekend is here, which means more streaming, new playlists and the best that music has to offer — and ET has you covered for everything in between.

Hilary Duff has released her highly anticipated sixth studio album, luck…or something. Last weekend, she celebrated her release with sold out, limited engagement performances at the Voltaire at The Venetian Resort Las Vegas. During her February 13 show, Hilary invited two fans onstage to perform the “With Love” dance who then surprised the crowd with a romantic onstage proposal. Hilary will also start the lucky me tour on June 22 and added second shows in four cities due to incredible fan demand.

Jennifer Lopez and David Guetta announced their new single “Save Me Tonight” will be out March 6. This is the first time they have worked in the studio together. Jennifer will also return to Vegas on March 6 for her residency, Jennifer Lopez: Up All Night Live in Las Vegas, at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace.

Backstreet Boys have announced six new summer dates for their Into the Millennium residency at Sphere in Las Vegas. Produced by Live Nation, the newly added shows will take place July 16-25. Since launching the residency last July as the first pop act to headline Sphere, the group has performed to over 575,000 fans across 35 sold out dates.

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Marc Anthony launched his debut at Fontainebleau Las Vegas last weekend for his VEGAS… MY WAY residency inside the BleauLive Theater. Marc and his 14-piece band performed a mix of his English and Spanish language hits such as “Valió la Pena” and “I Need To Know,” and closed the show with a first-ever performance of “My Way” in both Spanish and English, ending the night with the celebratory anthem “Vivir Mi Vida.” Marc will continue his show this week and will be back for more shows in July.

Last week, Cardi B kicked off her Little Miss Drama Tour, her first tour in six years. She celebrated her tour with the Official Little Miss Drama After Party at Hakkasan Nightclub in Las Vegas on February 13. Cardi arrived after her concert and made her way to the DJ booth, saying hello to fans and dancing along the way. She jumped on stage to surprise the crowd by singing a few of her hits and ended with “Bodak Yellow” before announcing to the crowd that she was done performing for the night and was ready to party.

Plus, new music from U2, Lana Del Rey, Ty Dolla $ign, Leon Thomas, Luke Bryan, Megan Moroney, WILLOW and more.

Days Of Ash  U2

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Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

luck… or something – Hilary Duff

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

“White Feather Hawk Tail Deer Hunter” – Lana Del Rey

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“Your Favorite Toy” – Foo Fighters

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify

“miss u 2” – Ty Dolla $ign with Leon Thomas

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“Word On The Street” – Luke Bryan

Stream it now: Apple / Spotify
 

Cloud 9 – Megan Moroney

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petal rock black – WILLOW

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“Drag Path” – Twenty One Pilots

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Ca$ino – Baby Keem

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Listen Up! – New Found Glory

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“Save My Love” – Kygo, GRYFFIN, Khalid

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“Tea Time”  Yung Miami

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“Science”deadmau5 feat Stevie Appleton

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“ROSITA”Tainy, Rauw Alejandro & Jhayco

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“Superarte” – Justin Quiles & Lenny Tavárez

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SPEED KILLS – Ally Evenson

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“hopeless romantic” – kwn

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“Broken Record” – Alemeda

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Russell Westbrook’s Wife Gets Angry Fan’s Email Wishing Them A Horrible Death

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Russell Westbrook’s Wife
Fan Sends Death Wish Email
After Husband’s 5-pt Game

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‘Project Hail Mary’ Gets the Best Popcorn Bucket We’ve Ever Seen at Alamo Drafthouse [Exclusive]

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Houston, we have liftoff on the sale of tickets for Project Hail Mary. After one final, breathtaking trailer released during the Super Bowl, only one month remains until the launch of the Ryan Gosling-led adaptation of Andy Weir‘s acclaimed sci-fi novel. As one of the most anticipated films of the year that’s been over half a decade in the making, it’s deserving of a special theatrical experience for viewers to immerse themselves in the space-faring adventure of school-teacher-turned-astronaut Ryland Grace. As such, Alamo Drafthouse has prepared an entire collection in support of the film, and Collider is excited to once again partner with the dine and drink theater chain to showcase everything they have in store.

In addition to standard screenings, tickets are available now for Alamo’s Early Access 70 mm screenings and their Book Club screenings. The former offers viewers the chance to strap in for Grace’s seemingly impossible mission a full week early and experience it with the brightest colors and sharpest picture possible, though tickets are very limited. The latter, meanwhile, is made for readers who fell in love with Weir’s original novel and are curious to see how it translates to the big screen. Anyone attending a Book Club screening will also receive a special bookmark passport with a Project Hail Mary sticker proving that they came to Alamo to see the film. Attending other Book Club screenings of literature adaptations will come with more stickers to add to the collection, or, if you came on board with a previous film, like the recent Wuthering Heights, you can tack on Hail Mary to your existing assemblage. After the film, certain Alamo locations will also offer a pop-up Book Fair in the bar in collaboration with local booksellers, including draft beers and cocktails to sip on while browsing the titles on offer.

Like with past films, Alamo has also prepared a themed menu for partaking in during viewings of Project Hail Mary. Leading the charge is A Drink With Grace, a special cocktail named for Gosling’s spacefarer, as well as the sweet Astrophage Shake. In terms of meals, the menu leans into Grace’s time as a science teacher with Ryland’s School Lunch, alongside Tau Ceti Solar Flare Pizza. Completing the collection are two limited edition keepsakes to take on the return trip from the theater. Alamo will be selling 130-ounce popcorn buckets shaped like Grace’s red space helmet, complete with a top that flips open for easy consumption, as well as 16-ounce pint glasses complete with exclusive art of Grace floating through space from Chris Bilheimer. The glass can be added to the cost of a ticket, while the bucket can either be bought on location or at the online Alamo Mart, though both will only be available while supplies last.

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What Is ‘Project Hail Mary’ About?

Published in 2021, Project Hail Mary was the fourth original novel penned by Weir, following 2017’s Artemis and 2011’s The Martian, which inspired the Oscar-nominated Ridley Scott hit starring Matt Damon. The film will hew close to the original story, following Grace as he awakens from a coma alone on a space station with little recollection of who he is or how or why he got there. With bursts of memory flooding back to him, he slowly remembers his mission, a last-ditch “Hail Mary” operation to save all of Earth from a mysterious parasite killing the sun. As the sole survivor on the station, sent to the Tau Ceti solar system light-years away from his home, he’s left to piece together the details of his mission and use his scientific ingenuity to save humanity from the early stages of an Ice Age. Fortunately, he finds out that he may not be as alone in this endeavor as he feared.

Gosling anchors the film, but it also features the talents of The Zone of Interest and Anatomy of a Fall star Sandra Hüller, alongside Lionel Boyce, Ken Leung, and Milana Vayntrub. It’s directed by Spider-Verse duo Christopher Miller and Phil Lord, with a screenplay by Drew Goddard.

Tickets are on sale now for Project Hail Mary, which premieres in theaters on March 20. Check out a preview of the new Alamo Drafthouse pint glasses and popcorn bucket in the gallery above, and visit the theater chain’s official website for more information on how to snag tickets for the Early Access and Book Club screenings.

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Release Date

March 20, 2026

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Runtime

156 Minutes

Director
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Christopher Miller, Phil Lord

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    Sandra Hüller

    Eva Stratt

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    Milana Vayntrub

    Olesya Ilyukhina

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Patrick Dempsey Reveals Final Communication With Eric Dane 1 Week Before Death

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Patrick Dempsey
My Heartbreaking Final Chat With Eric Dane

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LaMelo Ball Avoids Talking About Car Accident In First Game Back

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LaMelo Ball
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… ‘Just Alive And Blessed’

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Daniel Radcliffe’s Sharp New Sitcom Puts a Fresh Spin on Mockumentaries

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After The Office and Parks and Recreation introduced the mockumentary genre through awkward glances and a camera catching what characters wish it wouldn’t (we still think about you, Michael Scott), The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins most cleverly treats that setup less like a gimmick and more like a liability. In the new NBC sitcom from co-creators Robert Carlock and Sam Means (the Emmy-winning guys behind 30 Rock), the camera isn’t just there to catch punchlines from its titular lead, played hilariously by the iconic Tracy Morgan. Instead, it’s there to ruin things — or at least, further embarrass people with enough precision that it could be the same thing.

The 10-episode series feels familiar at first as a disgraced former football superstar lets a documentary crew follow him around as he attempts to refine his public image. But with the addition of Daniel Radcliffe’s pretentious and self-conscious filmmaker Arthur Tobin capturing every moment behind the lens, the single-camera comedy is anything but. With both carrying their own versions of reputational baggage, the half-hour sitcom thrives on the chaos of watching two men who love controlling the narrative get trapped inside the constant replay.

And that’s where The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins really separates itself from mockumentary alums. The camera is never objective or silent because it belongs to Arthur, an award-winning director who’s too pretentious, fragile, and emotionally invested to pretend he isn’t shaping the story in real-time. That push-and-pull turns the comedy into a sharp riff on image control, public shame, and all the increasingly ridiculous ways people try to rewrite their own legacy when eyes are on them. Having watched the entire show twice, it’s by far one of the sharpest comedies from the past five years. With heart and humor that sneaks up on you and one-liners that are sure to stick, it’s more than just a must-watch this season, but also one of the best new comedies of 2026.

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What Is ‘The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ About?

Following its preview after the NFL playoff game this past January on NBC, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins is ready to make its official debut on Monday, February 23. But if you missed it the first time around, it’s the kind of premiere that tells you everything you need to know about the show’s sense of humor and tone in its first 10 minutes. Morgan’s Reggie was at the top of his game once as one of the best players of the New York Jets, but is now living in this strange post-fame purgatory where people will still recognize him (hats off to Mike Carlsen for playing a consistently obnoxious New Yorker) and then immediately remember not to clap.

Of course, Reggie is convinced a documentary will be the cleanest way to get his reputation back, but the problem is, he’s surrounded by people close to him who are still reeling from his social fall. Like Monica (Erika Alexander), his ex-wife and manager, who will fix every situation for her former husband (and the father of their teenage son, Carmelo, played by Jalyn Hall), but is also exhausted doing it. It’s the same for his young influencer fiancée, Brina (Precious Way), who isn’t interested in being an accessory to his comeback story. Even his best friend and former teammate (and now housemate), Rusty (Bobby Moynihan), is a walking reminder of Reggie’s glory days and his worst impulses, depending on the day, actually.

But while the “Pilot” lays the groundwork with an enjoyable dose of comedy, the episodes that follow are where the show really starts to have fun with the premise as Arthur becomes an active agent in their lives. What begins as a straightforward comeback spirals into a parade of unhinged situations that are wildly specific and weirdly character-driven, like Reggie clinging to a decades-old “food poisoning” debacle that Arthur needs more answers on, Rusty being on an all-butter diet after a child convinces him it’s good for you, or Monica’s post-divorce dating life taking a horrifying detour (trust me, you’ll laugh out loud even if it’s dark AF). Even Arthur gets into his own steamy shenanigans with an appearance by Megan Thee Stallion, who definitely owns every scene she’s in.

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But because the series is never afraid to swing big, it also leans into genre play, like an episode that plays most charmingly to an Agatha Christie mystery episode where paranoia takes over Reggie’s mansion, or Brina flirting with a reality dating show that is even crazier when you realize what you do about its host. All in all, the first season does a stellar job of expanding the world around Reggie in ways that make the comedy feel bigger than the documentary aspect itself.

The ‘Reggie Dinkins’ Ensemble Makes the Chaos Feel Effortless

Because it never loses track of how these characters bounce off each other, the show’s momentum only gets stronger as it goes thanks to its ensemble. With Morgan as the quick-witted engine of the series, he makes The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins feel effortless even when the comedy is at maximum absurdity. While his funniest moments aren’t always the loud ones, he has some incredible throwaways that hit because he treats Reggie’s delusion like it’s completely reasonable whether it’s proudly pointing out the taco named after him at Hardee’s or owning a Miss Piggy-skin football (RIP, queen). But it’s these random jokes that the SNL alum plays with straight-faced sincerity that make the show what it is.

Meanwhile, Radcliffe’s Arthur is the perfect balance to Morgan because the actor commits to his character’s self-seriousness so much that it becomes the comedy. Nailing that tonal tightrope too, he pivots most refreshingly from dry, British discomfort to genuinely raw self-pity without a genre shift. Playing someone who wants to be this Werner Herzog, authoritative documentarian but keeps giving himself away with tiny humorous reactions that you need to see to believe, Radcliffe treats Arthur less like a man behind the camera and more a security blanket for his own emotional issues, and that’s where his performance gets sneakily rich.

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The 10 Wildest Fake TV Shows and Movies on’ 30 Rock,’ Ranked

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Supporting the pair are Alexander and Moynihan, who are absolutely perfect casting. These two are the show’s perfect example of when stability meets chaos and tries to manage something that makes sense. Alexander never plays Monica like an exhausted fixer, but instead gives her a sharp, controlled energy where you can see her doing mental math in real time. Naturally, Moynihan barrels into Rusty with a heartwarming joy and hilarity that really cranks the jokes up to an eleven. Between moments like the spa candling aftermath, a vocal ad-lib on a viral track that will have you howling with laughter, or finally reading the NFL rule book, he’s so good at disrupting scenes without making them feel like sketch comedy.

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Rounding out the trio is Way, who gives real dimension to Brina by grounding her influencer caricature in actual frustration, especially in the episodes where Reggie can’t even figure out why she’s mad or why he won’t pin down a wedding date. And Hall is quietly terrific as Carmelo, playing the believable teenager who’s sharp enough to clock all the nonsense from the adults, but still young enough to get caught between wanting the perks and wanting his parents to act like parents. Along the way, the sitcom brings a stacked bench of guest stars too who fit seamlessly into the madness, like Craig Robinson as a Michael Strahan-stylized caricature named Jerry Basmati who is also Reggie’s smug rival. There’s also The Daily Show standouts, like Ronny Chieng as a hilariously dramatic sports agent and Michael Kosta popping in with the kind of deadpan sports-host energy that makes Reggie’s public humiliation feel even more official.

‘The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins’ Comedy Makes the Absurd Feel Earned

fall-and-rise-reggie-dinkins-02 Image via NBC, Scott Gries

One of the sheer joys of The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins is the writing. Longtime fan of shows like 30 Rock and The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt will see that particular style of comedy here, but it’s also its own thing. Carlock and Means steer the ship with Tina Fey, David Miner, Eric Gurian, and Morgan in producer roles, for a show that feels sharply paced and clever in its joke-dense rhythm without ever recycling old tricks — even if there are a few 30 Rock Easter eggs. But as the humor moves fast, it’s rarely random. Even some of the most absurd bits, like a hashtag to support Reggie Dinkins standing for something entirely different or an existential side quest into the forest with Reggie and Arthur trying to find a missing cat named Namath (like, Joe), are all rooted in character logic. The jokes land because they expose something, not just because they’re weird.

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That being said, what’s especially impressive about the NBC sitcom is how it can pivot tones without snapping itself in half. One minute, it’s skewing apology culture or viral beef, and the next, it’s letting a sincerely surprising moment breathe between Monica, Reggie, and Arthur into a revelation. It’s this kind of writing that understands Reggie’s biggest flaw is not ego, but rather avoidance. It keeps finding new ways to poke at that aspect of our sports hero without turning the show into a lecture.

By the back half of the season, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins is confident enough to let jokes land sideways and find its balance between sharp satire, emotional awareness, and the laugh-out-loud commitment to a bit that makes the series feel bigger than your standard network comedy. With jokes that come fast and stick hard (with some delightfully funny and memorable one-liners), it’s rare to see a sitcom that only gets better as it goes.

The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins airs Mondays at 9 p.m. EST on NBC.

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‘American Idol’ Alum Caleb Flynn Arrested for Allegedly Murdering Wife

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‘American Idol’ Alum Caleb Flynn
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‘The Night Agent’ Season 4 Needs To Address These 7 Things (or Else)

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Aidan looking at Peter as they walk together down the street in The Night Agent.

Spoiler Alert: This list contains spoilers for The Night Agent Season 3.The Night Agent Season 3 ended with a neat and tidy resolution to Peter’s (Gabriel Basso) latest case. But his work doesn’t stop here. While the hit Netflix series hasn’t officially been renewed for a fourth season, there has been talks of a shift in production location that suggests one will be in the works. Considering The Night Agent remains one of the streamer’s most-watched series, and Season 3 is arguably the best one yet, it’s almost a given that it will continue.

That leads us to where the plot will go from here. While it’s obvious Peter will pick up another case while working as a night agent for the secret Night Action branch of the FBI and government, there are other questions that need answers beyond just what the case will be and what actors will be joining and returning to the cast.

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1

Who is Peter’s Potential New Partner?

Aidan looking at Peter as they walk together down the street in The Night Agent.
Aidan looking at Peter as they walk together down the street in The Night Agent.
Image via Netflix

At the end of Season 3 of one of the most anticipated Netflix shows of 2026, FBI Deputy Director Aidan (Albert Jones) urges Peter to take some time off. He hasn’t taken a break for over a year, arguably longer. Since getting that phone from Jacob Monroe (Louis Herthum), he had been biding his time, taking on case after case while waiting for the fateful call to help take the billionaire broker down. Now that the case is over and Jacob is dead, Peter can finally relax. And Aidan wants him to do just that.

But he also tells Aidan that once he does return, likely very soon, he has put in a request for a partner. Aidan mentions that he has someone in mind for him, so the big question is who this person will be. Will it be a character we already know or a new cast member? This is probably the biggest question for Season 4 as this person will likely be a big part of the story.

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2

Does Peter Ever Reunite With Rose?

Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) in The Night Agent
Rose Larkin (Luciane Buchanan) in The Night Agent
Image via Netflix

We knew after Season 2 of the action thriller, one of the best spy and secret agent shows on Netflix, that Luciane Buchanan would not be returning to the show. In the plot, she and Peter decide that it’s best they stay away from one another, as much as they want to be together. When she is around, people use her importance to Peter to get to him, and he ends up making dangerous decisions to protect her. It’s best that they separate so others can’t use her against him, and he doesn’t feel like he’s putting her in danger. His job requires him to travel the world anyway, going to places to work on jobs he can’t reveal. So, a relationship simply wouldn’t work.

That said, a reunion of sorts would be nice. In Season 3, Peter visits the human resources department to ask about leaving his benefits in the event of his death to someone, and he names Rose. But he’s told that he can only leave them to family, a stark reminder that Peter has no living relatives or even close friends. Rose is all he has, so it would be nice to see her in his life in some capacity, even if not romantically.

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3

What Will the Next Big Case Be?

Louis Herthum as Jacob Monroe in The Night Agent Season 3
Louis Herthum as Jacob Monroe in The Night Agent Season 3
Image via Netflix

Of course, the big question about Season 4 of one of the best spy shows of the 2020s, is what the next case will be and who will be the bad guy or gal Peter is chasing down. It could be something local since it has been confirmed that the show will be moving from New York to Los Angeles to qualify for a tax credit, according to Deadline. Assuming fans still have an appetite for the series, and it gets an official renewal, the show may either see Peter working a case in Los Angeles or using sets in Hollywood to recreate other locations around the world.

Peter has traveled all over throughout the show, including to countries like Turkey in Season 3 and Thailand in Season 2. So, we can expect a case with international intrigue for Season 4. So far, he has fought off political corruption, a war criminal plotting a chemical attack, and a billionaire broker making money by selling intelligence. A story and script has reportedly already been devised for a fourth season, but we’ll have to wait and see what it will be about.

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4

Do Peter and Adam Ever Cross Paths Again?

David Lyons as Adam in The Night Agent
David Lyons as Adam in The Night Agent
Image via Netflix

Adam (David Lyons) was a compelling character addition in Season 3, a new partner for Peter who, as it turns out, is close personal friends with the President. While Peter is initially hesitant about Adam, the two hit it off and become something close to friends. However, Peter quickly learns that Adam is on assignment of the president and will do whatever is asked of him without question, including trying to kill Chelsea (Fola Evans-Akingbola).

By the end, however, Peter gets through to Adam, who is inherently a good person. He lets the man know that President Richard Hagan (Ward Horton) is not the same man he once knew. He has changed and has done, and continues to do, heinous things. This has fans wondering if maybe Adam might be the person Aidan has in mind to be Peter’s new partner, or if he will have moved on and won’t cross paths with Peter again.

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5

Will We See Chelsea’s Wedding?

Chelsea and her fiancé posing for a photo in The Night Agent.
Chelsea and her fiancé posing for a photo in The Night Agent.
Image via Netflix

The season had us back and forth about Chelsea’s husband and whether he was a good guy or not. It turns out any hints that he might have been working against her were false, and he is indeed a good man. By the end, they were planning their wedding, and it was a joyful moment to see this character who has always been surrounded by death and destruction. Fans wonder if her wedding will be part of the plot of Season 4 or at least shown as a happy occasion where Peter can finally let his guard down and enjoy a night out in a suit and tie.

Season 3 started to dive more into Peter’s personal life, notably his relationship with his mother, who he lost when he was young to cancer. With Chelsea arguably Peter’s only friend and the only person he trusts implicitly (aside from Aidan and Rose), seeing their friendship grow would be nice. Chelsea’s wedding would be a welcome reprieve from the constant intense action.

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6

Will Peter Start To Focus on a Personal Life?

Peter walking alone, hands in his pocket, looking relaxed in The Night Agent.
Peter walking alone, hands in his pocket, looking relaxed in The Night Agent.
Image via Netflix

Not since Rose has Peter had a romantic interest. While it’s understandable that he steers clear of that because of his job, maybe it’s time for him to let someone in. Is it possible his new partner is a woman with whom he begins a romantic relationship? This could complicate things, and fans likely don’t want to see Peter tied down and distracted from his work. But he also needs a personal life, too, and seeing him flourish in this respect is one of the reasons you should be watching The Night Agent.

Even if it’s to go out and have drinks with friends, like Adam, Chelsea and her soon-to-be-husband, even Isabel (Genesis Rodriguez) once she returns to the U.S. or Jay (Suraj Sharma), since they seemed to get along well, it would be nice to see Peter relax a little and focus on himself outside of work. At the very least, he needs to have more open and vulnerable conversations like he did with Chelsea in the car. Recalling the memories of being at the beach with his mother helps further humanize the character, making him even more likable to fans.

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7

Will The Father Be Back?

The Father looking at papers in a hotel room as the son stands on the bed in The Night Agent.
The Father looking at papers in a hotel room as the son stands on the bed in The Night Agent.
Image via Netflix

One of the best new characters in the season is the assassin known only as The Father (Stephen Moyer), a man hired by the bad guys to take out anyone who gets in their way. At one point in time, he’s tasked with killing Peter. He’s such a complex character, a man who, after killing two targets, realized they had a baby and took the little boy in as his own. Raising him ever since in hotels and random places, he has clearly done a good job homeschooling the child and turning him into a strong, smart, independent young boy.

In the end, The Father decides to take Peter’s advice and end his cycle of kills, targeting his final victim before heading off into the sunset with the boy. But what is next for him? There could be a whole spin-off about this character! Does he take a basic job and live in the suburbs as a single dad, leaving his assassin past behind him? Has he accrued enough money to run away to another country and live comfortably for the rest of his days? Or does he fall back into his old ways? Inquiring minds need to know! That can’t be the end of his story.


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The Night Agent
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Release Date
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March 23, 2023

Network

Netflix

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Directors

Adam Arkin, Guy Ferland, Millicent Shelton, Ramaa Mosley

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