Entertainment
10 Great HBO Shows You Probably Haven’t Seen
HBO has built its reputation on delivering some of the most recognizable TV of all time. The network has been home to culture-defining hits, including The Sopranos, Game of Thrones, Band of Brothers, and more. What often gets overlooked is that HBO isn’t just limited to its big moneymakers that bring in millions of views.
From the beginning, the network has backed ambitious projects with strong visions, and that still hasn’t changed. Unfortunately, many of these are overshadowed by bigger releases, but that doesn’t take away from their genius. Here is a list of some great yet underrated HBO shows you probably haven’t seen but absolutely need to.
10
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)
Sharp Objects features Amy Adams in her finest role as Camille, a reporter battling alcoholism who returns to her small Missouri hometown to cover the murders of two young girls. However, to do so, she has to finally confront a past that she has been running away from her entire adult life. The show might feel like a procedural crime drama at first, but Sharp Objects, based on Gillian Flynn’s novel, is a devastating portrayal of complex mother-daughter relationships. The narrative cuts between the past and the present and takes its time to take the audience through the protagonist’s history, and the pain that she wants to keep avoiding.
This slow-burn approach, combined with fleeting flashbacks and abrupt visual cuts, might feel jarring in the beginning, but the pacing immerses its audience in the suffocation of Camille’s life. The shocking twist in the finale is the highlight of the show and brings everything full circle without a traditional clean resolution. For anyone who wants a murder mystery that goes beyond a one-note investigation, Sharp Objects is the perfect binge-watch.
9
‘The Outsider’ (2020)
The Outsider is an underrated masterpiece based on Stephen King’s 2018 novel. The HBO miniseries begins as a procedural and follows detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) as he investigates the brutal murder of a young boy. Here’s where things get interesting. The early episodes of the show lean into realism with methodological timelines, witness accounts, and forensic details. There’s a sense of certainty about the narrative, which is why it feels so jarring when the rug is suddenly pulled from under the audience.
Unlike many other Stephen King adaptations, the series forces its characters and the audience to slowly question everything they know. We eventually find out about an unseen entity that preys on grief and trauma. Some characters cling desperately to logic, while others start to accept that reality might not be what they thought. This tension keeps viewers on the edge of their seats till the very end. By the time The Outsider fully embraces its supernatural elements, the fear feels earned, and thus, way more real.
8
‘The Plot Against America’ (2020)
The Plot Against America is one of the hardest-hitting miniseries of all time. The show, based on Philip Roth’s 2004 novel, imagines an alternate version of American history in which famed aviator Charles Lindbergh defeats Franklin D. Roosevelt in the 1940 presidential election and steers the country toward isolationism, authoritarianism, and borderline fascism. Rather than telling this story through politicians or military leaders, the series grounds everything in the everyday life of a working-class Jewish family, the Levins, in Newark, New Jersey.
This makes Lindbergh’s rise feel personal, with a fictional government program like “Just Folks” promising opportunity while subtly targeting Jewish families. The series is both fascinating and eye-opening to watch in how it shows a slow normalization of intolerance. The pacing is deliberately slow to let the audience sit with discomfort and realize how corruption started taking root within American institutions in this alternate version of history. On one hand, there is this national crisis, but the Levins’ story grounds all of this in the very intimate struggles of a small family. The Plot Against America is HBO’s version of a historical thought experiment, and it’s more than worth watching.
7
‘The Other Two’ (2019–2023)
The Other Two is a hilariously satirical portrayal of modern internet fame. The show follows siblings Brooke (Heléne Yorke) and Cary (Drew Tarver), whose lives take a turn when their 13-year-old brother Chase (Case Walker) becomes a viral pop star overnight. However, as Chase enjoys his newfound fame, Brooke and Cary struggle with their self-worth. The plot starts with a bunch of crazy situations that lead to Chase’s big break. Soon after, Brooke starts working as his assistant while Cary navigates the trials and tribulations of being a struggling actor.
Unlike many other shows, The Other Two doesn’t present internet fame and pop culture as shallow. Instead, the sitcom attempts to show what happens when one’s career rises and falls based on algorithms and relentless online scrutiny. Other than all the sharp commentary, though, the comedy is laugh-out-loud funny and features a pretty realistic portrayal of family dynamics. This is a show that isn’t scared to present its characters as messy and even unlikable at times, but that’s the whole point.
6
‘My Brilliant Friend’ (2018–2024)
HBO’s heartwarming adaptation of Elena Ferrante’s celebrated Neapolitan novel doesn’t get nearly as much appreciation as it deserves. The show tells the story of a lifelong friendship between two women, Elena “Lenù” Greco (Elisa Del Genio, Margherita Mazzucco, and Alba Rohrwacher) and Raffaella “Lila” Cerullo (Ludovica Nasti, Gaia Girace, and Irene Maiorino), beginning in post–World War II Naples and unfolding across decades of social, emotional, and political change. The plot begins with a hook that you just can’t ignore after an older Lenù learns that Lila has vanished without a trace, something Lila had spoken about doing for years. That’s when Lenù begins writing their shared history that starts from their first meeting in 950s Naples in a poor, violent neighborhood shaped by poverty, patriarchy, and limited opportunity.
Over its four seasons, My Brilliant Friend traces how their relationship evolves as the women grow older, enter romantic relationships, confront class mobility, and navigate a society that consistently limits their choices. Even when they are physically apart, Lenù and Lila’s lives remain intertwined, and their friendship is obviously the heart of the show. My Brilliant Friend is one of the most realistic HBO shows and genuinely feels like a replay of someone’s lived memories. It’s immersive without feeling too indulgent, and that’s the mark of a great story.
5
‘Getting On’ (2013–2015)
Getting On is one of HBO’s most daring comedies because it refuses to be an easy watch. The show is set inside the Billy Barnes Extended Care Unit of a chronically underfunded California hospital, and the series focuses on the daily grind of caring for elderly patients who are often dying slowly, painfully, and without dignity. This isn’t Grey’s Anatomy with its medical breakthroughs and heroic saves. Getting On exists in an uncomfortable space between routine paperwork and the emotional exhaustion of these caretakers. Each episode revolves around mundane crises like hospice eligibility, understating, and patients whose suffering stretches for weeks. However, all these small conflicts keep adding up into something much more impactful.
The humor here is dry and almost always uncomfortable. However, the show understands that in real life, you can’t separate tragedy from the naturally human instinct of coping with laughter, even in the darkest of times. That’s not to say that the sitcom treats its patients as the punchlines. The medical comedy TV show actually comes from understanding the bureaucratic systems they have to exist in, along with the contradictions and moral compromises surrounding their care. The show is brutally honest about how good intentions can erode over time, so it might not be everyone’s cup of tea. For anyone who appreciates the absurdity of life, this is the perfect watch.
4
‘We Are Who We Are’ (2020)
Luca Guadagnino just hits different. His work has always been about creating the right mood, and We Are Who We Are is the perfect example of that. The show is set on a fictional U.S. military base in Chioggia, Italy, and follows two American teenagers, Fraser Wilson (Jack Dylan Grazer) and Caitlin “Harper” Poythress (Jordan Kristine Seamón), as they navigate friendship, desire, and self-discovery in the summer and fall of 2016. The contrast between Fraser, who arrives on the base with his two mothers, and Caitlin, who has lived on the base for years, is the highlight of the show for me.
Their bond feels organic and is given a lot of time to breathe. In fact, many episodes of the series linger on conversations that go absolutely nowhere, and that might be frustrating for some. However, Guadagnino’s We Are Who We Are actually argues that everything doesn’t need a motive, because confusion is a defining part of adolescence. Guadagnino turns this military compound into its own world with a soundtrack that mirrors the show’s dream-like quality. We Are Who We Are is one of the most realistic portrayals of teenagers because it doesn’t try to fit them into boxes. Instead, it embraces the messiness of these years.
3
‘Station Eleven’ (2021–2022)
Apocalyptic dramas are often flashy with no real substance, but not Station Eleven. The series is set in the aftermath of a devastating flu pandemic that wipes out most of the world’s population. The story doesn’t explore the mechanics of this tragedy, but focuses on what happens to the ones who survive. Station Eleven begins on the night civilization starts to collapse when famous actor Arthur Leander (Gael García Bernal) suddenly dies onstage during a Chicago production of King Lear. That leads to Jeevan Chaudhary (Himesh Patel), a man in the audience who ends up taking responsibility for Kirsten Raymonde (Matilda Lawler), a young child actor left alone as chaos ensues. The two barricade themselves in an apartment and become each other’s family during this dark time.
The story then jumps forward twenty years. Kirsten is now an adult (Mackenzie Davis) and a key member of the Traveling Symphony, a nomadic group of actors and musicians who travel between small settlements performing Shakespeare. However, they have to deal with threats from violent groups that see culture and memory as dangerous. Station Eleven is more of a character study than an action-driven survival story. It grounds something as major as the apocalypse in plausible human choices rather than some grand disaster. The show is a slow-burning one that demands patience from its audience, but the payoffs always land.
2
‘I May Destroy You’ (2022)
I May Destroy You is not an easy show to watch, but that shouldn’t discourage anyone from experiencing it. The series, created, written, and co-directed by Michaela Coel, stars her as Arabella Essiedu, a young London writer riding the wave of sudden literary success when her life is derailed by an assault. The story doesn’t focus on the shock value of an incident like this. Instead, its brilliance lies in how perfectly it captures the aftermath. Arabella doesn’t become a victim or some symbol of strength. In fact, the writing insists on her remaining a full person who is funny, impulsive, and even selfish at times.
Her healing arc isn’t perfect, but that’s the point. Recovery from something like this is never a linear process, and closure isn’t always guaranteed. Coel trusts her audience to accept that discomfort as part of life. The show features dark humor as a reflection of how people cope by oversharing, spiraling, and pretending to be fine through the worst moments of their lives. The audience doesn’t get catharsis in the traditional sense, but the honesty of the story is what keeps you wanting more.
1
‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)
The Leftovers is another supernatural drama that deserves way more recognition than it has gotten. The series, created by Damon Lindelof and Tom Perrotta and adapted from Perrotta’s novel, begins with a hook that can reel anyone in. This is a world where 2% of the world’s population has suddenly vanished in an instant without any warning or explanation. The story is set in the town of Mapleton, three years after what has been termed the Sudden Departure, and centers on police chief Kevin Garvey (Justin Theroux) and Nora Durst (Carrie Coon), a woman who lost her entire family in the event.
However, around them, the world is seeing the formation of cult-like belief systems as people try to cling to rituals, science, faith, or even madness to explain this strange global event. The Leftovers abandons the typical mystery beats and focuses more on what people might do when meaning itself collapses. Each season deepens the scope of the show without ever losing its emotional grounding. The Leftovers fully commits to ambiguity, but the kind that is bound to fascinate anyone.
The Leftovers
- Release Date
-
2014 – 2017-00-00
- Showrunner
-
Damon Lindelof
- Writers
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Damon Lindelof, Tom Perrotta
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The Love on the Spectrum cast went through a lot of changes throughout season 4, from engagements to breakups.
During the Netflix show’s new season, which premiered on Wednesday, April 1, viewers checked in on the cast as they offered glimpses into their personal lives. Madison Marilla documented her move to be closer to Tyler White, which came shortly before they got engaged.
“We have not even started [wedding planning] yet. We want to wait until the time is right,” Madison exclusively told Us Weekly about enjoying life as a newly engaged couple. “I know we’re going to do a very big wedding. We will have all our family and friends and cast mates there.”
Madison teased plans to wear “a big ball gown with lots of bling and lots of tulle,” while Tyler promised to be sporting his signature cowboy hat.
“With the logistics of TV, we’ve had to keep the engagement a secret, which made it hard to plan,” he told Us, noting that the “entire” Love on the Spectrum family will be invited to celebrate their big day.
Despite getting engaged, there are some milestones they are saving for after their wedding. The pair revealed to Us they are still living “down the road” from each other.
“We’re saving moving in together until we’re married,” Tyler noted, to which Madison replied, “We’re saving all that until marriage.”
While Madison and Taylor prepare to tie the knot, Connor Tomlinson made a different decision about his future when he chose to end his romance with Georgie Harris.
“It was my decision to end things. Georgie and I … this season was the longest time we spent with each other,” he told Us. “The more we did, the more we came to realize we’re just two different people. Good people, yes, but not each other’s people.”
He continued: “What she wanted, I couldn’t give her. What I wanted, she couldn’t give me. We both decided it was for the best.”
The exes have remained in touch, with Georgie reaching out for Connor’s birthday. Looking ahead, Connor is excited to meet his person, who he described as “understanding, kind, smart, sophisticated, talented and pretty.”
Connor isn’t the only single star on the show — Logan Pereira is still looking for love after briefly finding a connection during season 4.
“I have been thinking about dating after that date,” Logan shared with Us. “I’m looking for somebody that has the same interest as me. Maybe somebody that likes model trains and somebody with really nice hair — even if it’s not curvy or straight. Also somebody that has the same connection with me and likes cheesecake and red velvet cake.”
Love on the Spectrum is currently streaming on Netflix.
Over the course of the 21st century, filmmakers around the world have been treating audiences to some of the greatest, most creative, and most original science fiction movies that the Seventh Art has ever seen. From time travel comedies to dramatic thrillers to massive superhero blockbusters, the 21st century’s greatest sci-fi films are about as close as cinema can possibly come to true perfection.
These films—some of them already considered classics, others guaranteed to achieve that status not too far into the future—display why science fiction has remained one of cinema’s most popular genres since the very beginning of the 20th century, even before cinema was considered an art form or even a storytelling medium. They’re exceptional masterpieces, proof that this is a genre that will never get old.
10
‘Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie’ (2025)
Canadia’s national filmography is filled to the brim with excellent, often awfully underappreciated masterpieces. One of the country’s most recent international sensations is the brilliant Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie, a legacy sequel of the web series Nirvana the Band the Show and the mockumentary sitcom Nirvanna the Band the Show.
Armed with only an RV, a bottle of Orbitz, and a flawless understanding of fair use laws, Matt Johnson and Jay McCarrol created a love letter to Toronto and late-2000s pop culture, a genius parody of Back to the Future, and one of the best sci-fi masterpieces of the last 15 years. Full of man-on-the-street-type moments bound to make anyone and everyone go “how the hell did they pull that off?”, Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie has already joined the ranks of the greatest Canadian films ever made.
9
‘The Prestige’ (2006)
No list of the best sci-fi anything of the 21st century could possibly be complete without at least mentioning Christopher Nolan, a man who has re-defined the genre and constantly set a new standard for all Hollywood blockbusters. Between Batman Begins and The Dark Knight, he made The Prestige, a sci-fi thriller that’s always been hugely acclaimed yet still somehow underrated.
It’s the perfect film for people who love thrillers packed with plot twists. A rousing tale of rivalry and revenge fueled by strong yet subtle steampunk elements, it’s undoubtedly one of Nolan’s greatest works. Christian Bale and Hugh Jackman‘s fantastic performances are the perfect foundation for this character-driven story, made all the more fascinating by one of the strongest endings in its director’s filmography.
8
‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ (2023)
After Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse took the world by storm in 2018, expectations for its sequel rose sky-high. Somehow, Across the Spider-Verse managed to surpass those expectations and then some. It’s downright one of the most perfect movies of the last 5 years, simultaneously a love letter to the Spidey mythos and a nuanced study of the superhero genre as a whole.
Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the movie has the most impressive and jaw-dropping visuals of any animated film ever made. The excellent sound design and Daniel Pemberton‘s score definitely don’t hurt, either. In fact, almost everything about Across the Spider-Verse is pretty much perfect, making it a must-see for Marvel fans, Spidey fans, and virtually anyone who enjoys a well-made sci-fi film.
7
‘Interstellar’ (2014)
As if he still had anything to prove in regards to being one of the leading voices of Hollywood sci-fi going into 2014, Christopher Nolan decided to further enshrine himself in that title by making Interstellar. It’s one of the most perfectly-directed sci-fi epics ever made, but the main reason why it works as well as it does is that it is, first and foremost, a character-driven story about a girl and her father.
But though Interstellar is certainly most interested in its characters’ internal conflicts, it’s also a technically impressive epic that leaves nothing much to be desired. The visual effects, the performances, the sound design, the delectably long runtime, the best score of Hans Zimmer‘s career… What more could a diehard fan of sci-fi cinema possibly want from a movie?
6
‘Arrival’ (2016)
Denis Villeneuve was already a well-established filmmaker going into 2016, but the movie that established him as one of the most exciting voices in Hollywood sci-fi was Arrival. This is an alien invasion flick unlike any other, dealing with themes of language, communication, and memory with a deeply emotional story. By the time Arrival cuts to the credits, there won’t be a dry eye in the house.
Villeneuve’s direction is pretty much flawless, which makes it unsurprising that Arrival earned him his first Oscar nomination. It’s also one of the most perfectly-written sci-fi movies ever, with some enthralling character writing and a plot that keeps growing increasingly mind-bending as it goes on. It doesn’t feel like any other alien invasion film in history, and that uniqueness is enough to make it obligatory viewing for fans of the genre.
5
‘Everything Everywhere All At Once’ (2022)
There are Oscar winners that feel like frontrunners in the awards race since months before they even come out; but then, there are others which feel like they come out of the blue and end up sweeping. There’s no contemporary example more perfect than Everything Everywhere All At Once, a quirky and ambitious indie sci-fi action dramedy that ended up winning a whopping seven Academy Awards.
A thrilling and beautifully touching tale about parenthood, love, aging, and everything bagels.
On paper, Everything Everywhere seems like it shouldn’t work. Its thematic breadth is enormous, its sense of humor is undeniably offbeat, and its elements of campy silliness are potent and abundant. But what soon proved to be one of the most chaotic movies of all time also proved to be one of the greatest sci-fi epics of the 21st century, a thrilling and beautifully touching tale about parenthood, love, aging, and everything bagels.
4
‘Children of Men’ (2006)
Mexican filmmaker Alfonso Cuarón is no stranger to genre cinema, but his strongest genre work happens to be in science fiction. Children of Men is a masterpiece, a dystopian action thriller that unfortunately underperformed at the box office, but has since become a cult classic so huge that it’s arguably more mainstream that it is cult by this point.
It’s one of the most thrilling movie masterpieces of all time, full of impressively shot sequences and permeated by a nail-biting atmosphere of suspense. Bleak though its tone may be, it’s also beautifully hopeful, celebrating faith and humanity’s resilience in the face of a crisis. Excellently performed and strikingly shot by frequent Cuarón collaborator Emmanuel Lubezki, it’s dystopian science fiction at its ver best.
3
‘Mad Max: Fury Road’ (2015)
After three decades away from the action genre and from the Mad Max franchise that he revolutionized low-budget Australian cinema with, George Miller made his triumphant return with Mad Max: Fury Road. This wasn’t just a return to form for the filmmaker, nor was it just the best installment in the franchise thus far: We’re talking about one of the most perfect sci-fi action movies of the 21st century.
The over-the-top world-building is a delight, the non-stop adrenaline shots that are all the action sequences (which comprise the vast majority of the film’s relentless runtime) are a blast, and the visuals prove that the sky’s the limit when Miller is given a proper budget. Exciting, emotionally compelling, and packed with some of the most memorable action scenes of the century, Fury Road is one for the cinematic history books.
2
‘Dune: Part Two’ (2024)
For the longest time, it seemed that it was simply impossible to turn Frank Herbert‘s world of Dune into a film franchise that lived up to the source material’s legacy. Along came Denis Villeneuve and proved that belief embarrassingly wrong. But while the Canadian director’s first Dune is already amazing enough, it’s Dune: Part Two that smashed every expectation any fan might have had going in.
It’s this generation’s The Empire Strikes Back, a stunning sci-fi franchise epic that expands the scope of its world tremendously and has the guts to conclude with an ending that’s nothing if not dark-toned. Just two years after its release, it can already be considered one of the best sci-fi movies of all time, one with virtually no flaws to talk about. Greig Fraser‘s stunning cinematography, Hans Zimmer’s haunting score, all the amazing performances, the flawless way in which Villeneuve and co-writer Jon Spaihts understand the essence of Herbert’s work, and—of course—Villeneuve’s hugely imaginative direction. There’s basically nothing not to love about this masterpiece.
1
‘Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind’ (2004)
By the time 2004 rolled in, Charlie Kaufman had already established himself as the greatest, most intelligent, and most talented screenwriter working in Hollywood. But as if any more proof were needed, he wrote what some may call the single greatest sci-fi screenplay ever written, Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, directed by Michel Gondry. The result? The most perfect science fiction movie of the 21st century thus far.
Rather than focusing on its sci-fi elements, Eternal Sunshine leverages them as tools to elevate its story about a crumbling relationship and the power of memories. It’s a raw, emotionally powerful, thematically hard-hitting exploration of the very concept of romantic love, concluding with one of the best endings of any sci-fi film from the 2000s. Many great sci-fi movies have been released since, but none quite as exceptional as this 21st-century masterpiece.
When XO, Kitty first released, fans were excited to watch one of the most bubbly and chaotic characters from To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before set off on her own romantic journey halfway across the world. But the spin-off was plagued with issues and disappointment, dulling the charm of Kitty Song Covey (Anna Cathcart), to no fault of Cathcart herself. Season 2, however, subtly branched away from contrived storylines and romantic tropes, fleshing out its characters and tone so much that it seemed to finally be paving its own identity. Season 3, however, has fallen right back into all the show’s old traps.
Kitty is embarking on her final adventure at KISS: senior year. She’s dealt with the heartache of losing her first love (over miscommunication, no less), navigated the nuances of her sexuality, fallen for the cold, rich, secretly-sweet boy, and has reconnected with her heritage in the most heartwarming ways. In Season 3, the show’s focus shifts to the future, where Kitty is adamant about savoring senior year but is forced to think about college plans or whether she and Min-ho (Sang Heon Lee) could become a real couple. But with Kitty, nothing is straightforward.
‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3’s Central Romance Hits the Same Old Roadblocks
Gone are the days of love triangles (for Kitty, at least), as this season’s central romance is between her and Min-ho, giving the show plenty of space and potential to do something exciting, sweet, or complex with the arc. However, XO, Kitty can’t seem to let go of the poorly-used miscommunication trope, where any of the pair’s problems could be cleared up with a single conversation, one that is constantly delayed by phone calls or interruptions. It makes the first half of the season drag along at a dull pace, and the finale feels far less satisfying than it could’ve been. There are a couple of episodes in the middle of the season that capture interest, but that’s because they focus less on the problems between Kitty and Min-ho, and more on their individual insecurities.
Apart from the fact that XO, Kitty is supposed to be a romance show, the real crime in failing the central couple is how Min-ho is written. The show gives him the same treatment as Dae (Choi Min-yeong) in Season 1, where, in shaping the perfect love interest, any character flaws that made Min-ho interesting and beloved are smoothed out into a blank slate. Where Dae was passive, Min-ho is now a mannequin. This is no slight to Lee’s performance, who does what he can under the constraints of the newly bland character, but Min-ho goes from a scene-stealer in Season 1 to a mere accessory in Season 3.
‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 Is Strongest as a Coming-of-Age Tale
Where XO, Kitty Season 3 finds its wins are on the sidelines, among the supporting cast who tend to have storylines that outshine the central character. In particular, Yuri (Gia Kim) is navigating the fallout from the lawsuit against her family, and Kim portrays the complexity of finding one’s new identity without the crutch of wealth in a wonderfully compelling way. Meanwhile, Q (Anthony Keyvan) is wrapped up in his own messy situation that becomes the beacon in the first half of the season, the reason we stick with the show until the more well-rounded episodes come along. This season also introduces us to Gigi (Christine Heesun Hwang), a character who adds some much-needed spark to the show.
Although the chemistry between Kitty and Min-ho is diminished this season, by the halfway mark, their individual stories actually garner some interest. One thing we can applaud XO, Kitty for is how Cathcart represents turning points in Kitty’s character development. There are scenes after Episode 4 that quickly elicit sympathy thanks to Cathcart’s performance, as Kitty is always ready to admit mistakes on her part and welcomes growth. On the other hand, Min-ho has a handful of scenes of interest when he is worried about his relationship with his father. Hints of his former self emerge here, but in a more vulnerable form that rounds off his personal character arc.
As a coming-of-age tale between friends, XO, Kitty is a feel-good show, even if the romance is contrived, and the storylines are repetitive and nonsensical at times. Teenagers are supposed to be messy, dramatic, and have room to grow, which is where the show succeeds — there just needs to be an internal logic to the chaos. It’s also a pity that Season 3 didn’t involve more of the adults who delivered some of the stronger storylines in Season 2. There was only one of substance this season that involved Kitty’s cousin Jiwon (Hojo Shin), which develops into something beautifully moving in the later episodes.
‘XO, Kitty’ Season 3 Once Again Relies Heavily on ‘To All the Boys’ Nostalgia
Like always, XO, Kitty never quite lets go of its roots to To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before and heavily relies on nostalgia at times. Last season, Peter (Noah Centineo) made a special appearance, and this time, Lara Jean (Lana Condor) returns to the story. On the surface, inviting Condor to the show seems like an easy way to play on fans’ nostalgia, but it arguably works better this season than it did before. Family and sisterhood have always been an endearing undercurrent in the franchise, and XO, Kitty Season 3 is no exception. That being said, these scenes make it a tad more glaring that the aspects of the show without nostalgia are losing the identity it managed to form in Season 2.
It’s a shame that XO, Kitty didn’t manage to maintain the momentum created in Season 2, and instead returns to the formulaic, forced nature of Season 1. The comparatively strongest parts of the show are rarely the romances or the chemistry, and instead live between the friendships and the personal growth of the supporting cast. As Kitty finishes off her senior year at KISS, it’s a bittersweet moment that leaves us longing for a more memorable final year in Seoul.
XO, Kitty Season 3 is now streaming on Netflix.
- Release Date
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May 18, 2023
- Network
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Netflix
- Showrunner
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Jenny Han
- Directors
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Jennifer Arnold, Katina Medina Mora, Anna Mastro, Jeff Chan, Steven K. Tsuchida, Pamela Romanowsky, Sherwin Shilati
- Writers
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Jessica O’Toole, Sarah Choi, Alanna Bennett, Hanna Stanbridge, Chris Martin, Emily Kim, Siobhan Vivian
-
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Anna Cathcart
Katherine ‘Kitty’ Song Covey
Pros & Cons
- The supporting cast have storylines to fuel interest throughout Season 3.
- The central romance loses its charm along with Min-ho’s vitality.
- Season 3 doesn’t pick up until the second half, then loses momentum at the end.
- The storylines remain nonsensical and are difficult to invest in.
“Summer House” fans are going to bat for Ciara Miller after learning her friend, Amanda Batula, recently began dating her ex-boyfriend, West Wilson. On social media, users are sharing their strong reactions to the controversial announcement, with one even calling the situation “anti-Black.”
West Wilson, Amanda Batula Confirm They’re Dating Following Speculation
For those who may be unfamiliar with what’s occurred in the Bravoverse over the last 24 hours, “Summer House” co-stars Wilson and Batula recently confirmed their relationship following weeks of speculation, according to The Blast.
“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” their combined post read, according to The Blast. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”
Continuing, Batula and Wilson said, “We’ve shown up for each other as friends over the years, through all the highs and lows, and what’s developed recently was the last thing either of us expected. Our connection grew out of a genuine, long-standing friendship, which made it especially important for us to approach this with care.”
Ciara Miller Dated West Wilson, Opened Up About Interracial Dating On The Show
Wilson and Batula’s sudden relationship took many Bravo viewers by surprise, given that Wilson had previously dated Batula’s best friend, Miller, during season 8 of the show.
Their relationship hit a bit of turbulence, however, when Miller revealed during the reunion that Wilson couldn’t commit to her.
The news of their recent relationship also comes at an unfortunate time, as Miller previously opened up to her castmates about the struggles of interracial dating in March 2026.
“I don’t think you guys also realize the interracial aspect that exists and all the s— that goes on,” Miller said. “I get a lot of blowback that’s very racial, obviously, being in this position. I was the first Black person in this house, and then dating publicly, dating white guys publicly, is a whole contraption that I don’t think you guys can understand or can even empathize with.”
One User Comes To Miller’s Defense, Creates Post Calling Out Batula And Wilson’s Relationship
Some assumed that Miller’s candid explanation about her experience as a “Summer House” cast member would be enough to steer Wilson and Batula away from one another.
Seeing that it did the opposite, however, has riled up some viewers, specifically @ItsRealityWithAli on Instagram.
In her video, she called the situation between Wilson and Batula “anti-Black.”
“Anti-blackness is not the same as calling someone racist or saying that they hate Black people,” the creator said. “Anti-blackness is often not intentional; it’s not always conscious. Oftentimes, it shows up in who gets chosen, or who’s deemed long-term material.”
The creator went on to say that anti-Blackness shows up in interracial dating for some people, as they’re often desired and relied upon, but never chosen when it’s time to actually settle down.
“But then somehow, he’s ready when the right white woman comes along,” the creator finished.
Fans Rally Behind Miller
The response to Wilson and Batula’s relationship was much of the same on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“Regardless, Ciara shared how the relationship deeply and negatively impacted her and how having it play out publicly affected her as a Black woman,” one user said. “The length of time they were together is a moot point. It’s fine for you to be dismissive and ignorant. I’m choosing the hill that acknowledges this. You do you.”
“I also thought this was terrible timing for all this to come out right after that conversation aired and West and Amanda acting so understanding and supportive while Ciara explained the hate she gets for allowing West to treat her so badly,” someone else wrote.
Ciara Miller Knew A Statement Was Coming From Wilson And Batula
While Batula and Wilson’s relationship might’ve taken the Bravoverse by surprise, a source told TMZ that Miller was given a heads-up about their new relationship.
As speculation about them intensified, Batula and Wilson allegedly told Miller a day or two earlier that there would be a joint statement.
Miller has not yet broken her silence on the matter; however, she’s sure to mention it all during the upcoming “Summer House” reunion, which is scheduled to film in the coming weeks.
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Some of the best television shows of all time revolve around spies and their complex relationships with those around them while balancing the emotional toll and excitement of covert operations. While shows like The Americans and Slow Horses are based on fictional characters, the gripping MGM+ miniseries A Spy Among Friends feels just as thrilling as any scripted show but is based on an incredible true story that’s practically made for TV. Based on British author Ben Macintyre‘s non-fiction book of the same name, A Spy Among Friends centers on Kim Philby, one of the most notorious spies in British history.
What Is ‘A Spy Among Friends’ About?
Set against the backdrop of the Cold War, A Spy Among Friends explores the close friendship between MI6 agents Kim Philby (Guy Pearce) and Nicholas Elliott (Damian Lewis), who worked together for years. However, after 30 years of friendship, Elliot is devastated to learn that Philby is a secret Soviet double agent. The story picks up after Philby’s betrayal is revealed, with Elliott being sent to Beirut to get a confession from his friend. After 34 hours of taped conversations in 4 days, Philby defects to the USSR, and Elliott is later interrogated by MI5 agent Lily Thomas (Anna Maxwell Martin), a rare fictional character in the show who plays a crucial role.
Interwoven with the present-day fallout from Philby’s deception are flashbacks that give deeper context to their long friendship. Lewis and Pearce bring depth and intensity to their roles, perfectly capturing the subtle dynamics of their characters’ relationship as it shifts from camaraderie to suspicion, and ultimately to heartbreaking disappointment. The scene in Beirut, where the men spent hours together, is also interwoven throughout the series, with recordings of their conversations replayed for Elliott during his conversations with Lily.
There are many great moments in the scene, but when Elliot says, “The irony is, even though you’ve managed to hide your real self for all these years, I know you all the better for it now” and describes Philby as a “man on the brink,” it perfectly encapsulates the heart of the show.
‘A Spy Among Friends’ Is a Compelling and Gripping Spy Drama
What sets A Spy Among Friends apart from other espionage thrillers is that it focuses much more on the emotional and psychological aspects of espionage rather than the more action-packed covert operations. The true story is so wild and gripping that it pulls viewers in, not needing to rely on the more exciting covert scenes that would be typical in other spy shows. Instead, the focus is on the internal emotional battles and how these two wonderful actors bring that story to life. The show hinges on their relationship, with Elliott and Philby’s evolving bond at the heart of the story, and Pearce and Lewis play off each other masterfully.
Their scenes together are completely captivating, whether it’s their moments of camaraderie, like laughing over dirty limericks, or their intense scenes of interrogation and betrayal. The various timelines provide much more context for why Philby’s betrayal had such a profound impact on Elliott, and are laid out to really show the audience the depth of their friendship. One powerful moment comes during a conversation between Elliott and MI5 agent Lily, where she bluntly asks him when he’s going to accept that his best friend had used him for years. That raw realization really lands a punch and, as an audience member, it’s hard not to sympathize with Elliott in that moment.
A Spy Among Friends is the perfect combination of a slow-burning spy thriller and a period drama with a cinematic depiction of gloomy 1960s London that really sets the tone. The deep character study is what truly makes the series so compelling, using real characters and historical events to bring nuance to such a well-known and infamous figure as Kim Philby. While history buffs will appreciate this show, you don’t need to know the real story to feel the emotional weight, thanks to great performances, smart writing, and stunning set pieces, making A Spy Among Friends a must-watch.
All episodes of A Spy Among Friends are available to stream on MGM+.
- Release Date
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2022 – 2022-00-00
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Anna Maxwell Martin
Lily Thomas
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Stephen Kunken
James Jesus Angelton
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Mirman voices Gene Belcher on the hit animated series.
Kendra Wilkinson is continuing to open up about her weight loss journey.
“Starting my GLP-1 journey and being really intentional about how I do it 🤍 for me, it wasn’t just about weight… it was about feeling better, having more energy, and actually trusting the process instead of rushing it,” the realtor, 40, wrote in the caption of her Instagram post on Wednesday, April 1, adding that she is “so excited” for her transformation in the coming weeks. “Unlike most people I’m being honest.”
The former Playboy model captioned the post, “I wanted something that felt transparent, supportive, and realistic for my lifestyle.”
Wilkinson was all smiles while rocking a brown maxi dress paired with a black blazer as she announced her collaboration with Effecty, a platform that connects individuals with licensed medical providers who can determine whether treatment is appropriate.
Former Playboy model and reality star Kendra Wilkinson is no stranger to the public eye. The 39-year-old first turned heads in 2004, when she attended late Playboy publisher Hugh Hefner’s 78th birthday party. Shortly after the event, she was asked to move into the iconic Playboy mansion and started dating Hefner. “Hef asked me to […]
Last month, Wilkinson exclusively told Us Weekly that she was starting GLP-1 shots with a goal in mind. “There’s nothing worse than being in a gym every single day, working out and not seeing any progress,” she told Us on March 21. “I hit 40. I’m happy. I’m at peace, but I noticed that my jeans are a little tighter lately, so I don’t want to go out and shop anymore. Mama is on a budget, so I have to fit back in my jeans.”
The former reality star, who rose to fame as one of the late Hugh Hefner’s girlfriends on Girls Next Door, spoke about her health journey weeks after firing back at age-shamers criticizing her appearance.
“I used to use a light filter on myself but now I’m just embracing myself as it is,” she captioned an Instagram selfie on March 8. “I’ve seen many people comment saying I’ve aged ‘poorly’ and that is OK. I’m OK with aging ‘poorly.’”
She continued, “For some reason I’m happier than I’ve ever been lately even with a little weight gain and wrinkles and I’m not going to tie my happiness again into the negative energy. I am a balanced, single, positive, fun woman who loves life and I hope that I can manage this feeling forever now after working hard to get here to this place.”
Wilkinson is a proud mom of two kids Hank Jr., 16, and Alijah, 11, shared with ex-husband Hank Baskett. (The exes were married from June 2009 to October 2018.) “Watching them grow has been my [ultimate] happiness over everything else,” she said of her children in the post.
Prior to shutting down nay-sayers, the Kendra on Top star admitted last spring that she thinks twice before sharing photos on social media because she is subject to “hate” online.
“Playboy days are long gone and it feels more and more liberating for some reason,” she wrote in March 2025, revealing there’s been another silver lining in how she approaches life. “Fear can kiss my ass now!! It feels good to finally LIVE with less depression. If people don’t like me or this or think I’m bigger or i can’t turn men on anymore GOOD then there’s the door.”
Cracks in Prince Harry‘s defense have surfaced amid his ongoing legal battle.
The Duke of Sussex had been embroiled in a months-long battle against the Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Mail titles, over unlawful invasion of privacy claims.
Prince Harry argued that the media outlets obtained information about his life through illegal means like phone hacking. However, a major flaw in that argument recently surfaced in court.
Prince Harry’s Past Ties To A Journalist Revealed In Privacy Case
According to new reports, Harry’s connection to the former Mail on Sunday deputy diary editor, Charlotte Griffiths, emerged in the evidence provided at the High Court case in London. The duo’s recovered Facebook messages supported the Associated Newspapers’ argument.
The media outlet argued that the information published about Harry came from sources within his friend group, such as Griffiths. In her witness statement, Griffiths recalled meeting Harry through mutual friends, claiming they all knew she was a journalist working for Katie Nicholl at the Mail on Sunday.
Griffiths told the court Harry contacted her first through Facebook in 2011, where he provided his phone number. He reached out to her after a night out in London, with their messages shared by Newsweek, detailing a flirty exchange between the pair.
The Pair’s Exchanges Radiated Chemistry
Griffiths dubbed Harry “Mr. Mischief” and “H Bomb” in her messages, with the Duke responding with similar affection. In a January 2012 exchange, Griffiths noted their friend group missed Harry at a party, to which he partly replied, “I WISH I was there, sugar.”
Harry explained that he couldn’t meet Griffiths anytime soon because he was stuck at the army. He lamented missing the opportunity to spend time with Griffiths, writing, “Hope you’re really well Griff…Miss our movie snuggles!!”
Additionally, the former working royal did not want Griffiths to have any misunderstandings, explaining that he would be unreachable due to his Army engagements. Although these messages showed a strong connection between the pair, Harry argued that it only happened because he didn’t know about Griffiths’ job.
Prince Harry Allegedly Ended Things Once The Cat Was Out Of The Bag
The “Spare” author tried to downplay the significance of the Facebook messages, stressing that he broke off contact with Griffiths once he realized she was a journalist. He alleged that none of his friends knew, a claim she refuted in her statement.
In their messages, Harry asked Griffiths about work in general without ever mentioning journalism. The privacy trial has officially ended, but Judge Matthew Nicklin has reportedly deferred judgment until further notice.
The legal empire’s decision is expected to take months, not weeks. The trial has been an emotional experience for Harry, with The Blast reporting in January that he fought back tears while recounting the negative impacts of the Mail’s invasion of his privacy and that of his family.
Meghan Markle’s Life Was Miserable Due To Incessant Reports
According to Harry, his wife, Meghan, had to endure the pain of having the Mail report their every move. “They continue to come after me. They have made my wife’s life an absolute misery,” the Duke of Sussex recounted on the stand, noting that the incessant reports started early in their relationship.
Harry explained that he had initially considered filing a lawsuit against the media outlets when he and Meghan began dating in 2016. The desire to take action only grew with time as he could not stand the “vicious, persistent attacks, harassment of, and intrusive, sometimes racist articles concerning Meghan.”
Harry wasn’t the only public figure fighting against the intrusive media outlets, with the lawsuit including notable names such as Sir Elton John, his husband David Furnish, Elizabeth Hurley, Sadie Frost, and politician Sir Simon Hughes. They collectively argued that the information reported about them was obtained through unlawful means.
Prince Harry’s Pal Defends His Right To Taxpayer-Backed Security
Besides the privacy case, Harry has been trying to regain his rights to taxpayer-funded protection. The Blast reported in March that his friend, Alex Rayner, who served alongside him in Afghanistan, argued that he deserved the royal treatment.
Rayner noted that Harry’s achievements in the army should be considered as well as his ongoing Invictus Games efforts. He believed his pal shouldn’t be expected to cover his own security costs, while other royals continue to receive taxpayer-backed protection.
Harry and his family lost their rights to taxpayer-funded protection when he and Meghan stepped down from their position as senior royals. They also relocated to the United States, where they have lived to date in Montecito, California.
Will Prince Harry win his invasion of privacy lawsuit?
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