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10 Greatest Fantasy Books of the Last 25 Years, Ranked
Fantasy can be one of the most satisfying genres when handled well, but it’s very tricky to get right. Most modern writers simply retread old ground or serve up the same tired tropes — magic systems, faraway realms, politics, and maybe a dragon here and there. However, a few go further, finding something new and bold to say about this beloved genre.
These acclaimed and daring books are the focus of this list. The titles below span a range of styles and tones, from lyrical coming-of-age stories to sprawling epics, but they are all bursting at the seams with imagination. The best fantasy books of the last quarter-century are layered, entertaining, and psychologically rich, proving that fantasy is still thriving today.
10
‘The Fifth Season’ (2015)
“Let’s start with the end of the world, why don’t we?” Set in a world plagued by catastrophic geological events, The Fifth Season follows multiple characters whose lives intersect in unexpected ways, particularly those with the ability to control seismic activity. Three seemingly separate narratives slowly converge, forcing the reader into an active role, piecing together timelines, identities, and connections.
The world-building is rich and creative throughout. Rather than being comforting or escapist, the setting here is harsh and geologically violent, constantly on the brink of collapse. A small number of individuals are able to shape the land’s roiling energy, but the rest of the society fears them and seeks to keep them under control. This “orogeny” doubles as both a magic system and a social metaphor, one that N.K. Jemisin explores in-depth.
9
‘The Crippled God’ (2011)
“We humans do not understand compassion.” The Malazan Book of the Fallen series is the definition of epic fantasy, consisting of ten volumes totaling more than 11, 000 pages and a story that spans not centuries, but millennia. The Crippled God is the final book in the main series, bringing together countless storylines, characters, and themes.
After a decade-plus of tales about gods, soldiers, ascendants, and empires, this book lands with a surprising clarity, focusing more on ideas than on action and grand battles (although there certainly are battle scenes). Moments that might once have been cryptic are allowed to breathe, giving emotional beats more room to land. The main characters aren’t heroic archetypes but worn-down individuals choosing, again and again, to stand together. All in all, it’s a confident, graceful end to an impressive saga.
8
‘Children of Blood and Bone’ (2018)
“All instruments of vengeance and virtue.” This one is currently being adapted for the screen, with the movie set for release in January 2027. Children of Blood and Bone takes place in the kingdom of Orïsha, where magic has been violently stripped away, leaving its former practitioners oppressed and hunted. The young Zélie is determined to restore magic, joined by a reluctant prince and princess whose own loyalties begin to fracture.
Refreshingly, the land of Orïsha isn’t just a generic fantasy setting with new names pasted onto familiar tropes, but a place with its own spiritual logic and social tensions. It draws heavily from West African mythology, particularly Yoruba-inspired cosmology. Similarly, the persecution of magic users in the book mirrors real-world histories of discrimination, and Tomi Adeyemi writes these dynamics with clarity and conviction.
7
‘The Lies of Locke Lamora’ (2006)
“Someday, Locke Lamora… someday, you’re going to f—k up so magnificently, so ambitiously, so overwhelmingly…” This colorful story fuses fantasy tropes with elements of mafia fiction, set in a world inspired by medieval Venice. The main character is an orphaned thief who pulls off daring heists from under the noses of the city’s corrupt elite. However, his activities eventually attract the attention of darker, more powerful forces.
The novel is energetic and entertaining, jam-packed with story, surprising plot developments, brutal bursts of violence, and endlessly funny dialogue. The main characters are layered, too, with real wounds and flaws alongside their quirks and talents. This is what elevates The Lies of Locke Lamora above a mere caper. When things go wrong (and they do, badly), the consequences hit harder because the relationships feel real.
6
‘A Dance with Dragons’ (2011)
“A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies.” A Dance with Dragons is the most recent published installment in the main Song of Ice and Fire series (though also perhaps the final one, given that it’s been 15 years and The Winds of Winter still isn’t out). This book is a little messier than its predecessors, but also bold, intricate, and sweeping, bringing in new characters and taking us to fascinating new locales like Essos.
Thematically, a big focus here is on leadership under pressure. Daenerys, Jon Snow, and even Tyrion are placed in situations where there are no clean choices, only trade-offs. Daenerys’ rule in Meereen, for instance, becomes a slow, grinding lesson in the limits of idealism. Similarly, Jon’s command at the Wall is defined by difficult, often unpopular decisions that isolate him from those he leads.
5
‘Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows’ (2007)
“I open at the close.” Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was the capstone to the greatest literary sensation (so far) of the 21st century. As Voldemort’s power reaches its peak, Harry, Ron, and Hermione leave Hogwarts behind to hunt for Horcruxes, and the tone of the story shifts into a darker, more introspective mode. It gets very philosophical, delving deep into themes of mortality and sacrifice.
Nevertheless, the action, adventure, and creativity remain as rich as ever. Throughout the book, we encounter dragons, unbeatable wands, fresh mysteries, unexpected allies, and surprising new layers to characters we thought we already understood. Severus Snape, in particular, is revealed to be a far more complex and tragic figure than he seemed. The losses matter, the victories feel earned. Sure, the pacing can be uneven, and certain plot devices arrive conveniently, but they don’t undermine the book’s core achievements.
4
‘Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell’ (2004)
“Can a magician kill a man by magic?” Set in an alternate version of 19th-century England, Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell follows two magicians — one cautious and conservative, the other bold and unpredictable — as they attempt to restore magic to the country. In the process, they contend with war, faeries, dark sorcerers from the past, and, of course, politics. Their relationship, a kind of philosophical duel disguised as a partnership, drives the story.
Here, magic is not just a tool, but a cultural force, intertwined with history, and both men have strikingly different ideas on how it should be used. The novel’s structure is expansive, filled with footnotes, digressions, and side stories that give the world a sense of depth rarely matched in the genre. Similarly, Susanna Clarke’s prose is precise, almost formal, a brilliant pastiche of Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
3
‘The Shepherd’s Crown’ (2015)
“She was the witch of the chalk, and she would not leave it.” The Shepherd’s Crown was the last book Terry Pratchett wrote, and it’s a quietly powerful finale, not just to the Tiffany Aching arc, but to the entire Discworld project. It follows the young protagonist as she steps fully into her role as a witch, inheriting responsibilities that extend far beyond her years. The plot itself is relatively straightforward, but the tone is wise and reflective.
Characters age, roles shift, and the world continues to change in ways that feel both inevitable and bittersweet. Pratchett’s signature humor remains, but it is tempered by a sense of finality. Most of all, the novel reflects on legacy, on what is passed down and what must be carried forward. Goodness, The Shepherd’s Crown tells us, is usually found in small, unglamorous acts.
2
‘La Belle Sauvage’ (2017)
“Every step we take is a choice.” La Belle Sauvage returns to Philip Pullman’s universe, serving up yet another striking, satisfying, and intellectually provocative adventure. Set twelve years before the events of His Dark Materials, the book centers on Malcolm Polstead, a young boy who becomes responsible for protecting the infant Lyra during a catastrophic flood. As waters rise and reshape the landscape, the story takes on an almost mythic quality, echoing folklore and Bible stories.
From here, the plot unfolds as a journey shaped as much by moral tension as by physical danger. Malcolm is forced to navigate a world where religious and political institutions are increasingly authoritarian, and where small acts of kindness carry significant risk, but also profound impact. Characters are constantly navigating systems that demand obedience, raising questions about conscience and the cost of defiance.
1
‘The Name of the Wind’ (2007)
“It was the patient, cut-flower sound of a man who is waiting to die.” The best fantasy book of the last quarter-century is The Name of the Wind. In it, Kvothe, a legendary figure now living in obscurity, recounts his life to a chronicler: his rise from poverty, his time at a magical university, and the events that shaped his reputation. This structure creates tension not from what will happen, but from how events are remembered, and perhaps misremembered.
Kvothe and the other major characters are all compelling and well-realized, and the world they inhabit is immersive. The magic systems are especially cool, including the structured processes of “sympathy” and the more mysterious powers of “naming.” On top of all that, the prose is amazingly deliberate and lyrical, paying clear homage to Ursula K. Le Guin. Simply put, The Name of the Wind is a masterpiece.
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As influencers continue to dominate worldwide, Robert Downey Jr. is making it clear he does not believe they are the “stars of the future.”
The “Iron Man” star, who rose to fame in the mid-1980s and later became one of Hollywood’s most celebrated actors, recently slammed the influencer culture, likening influencers to “evangelical hucksters.”
His remarks have since sparked backlash online, with many social media users accusing the actor of hypocrisy.
In an appearance on the “Conversations for our Daughters” podcast, Downey Jr. cleared some things off his chest about social media fame and influencer culture. He noted how the entertainment industry has evolved, as becoming famous back in his younger years was way different from today.
“In the late ’70s, early ’80s, dangerous though it was, there was this sense that the competition wasn’t so stiff that you shouldn’t even bother trying,” Downey Jr. explained to host Bran Ferren. “Whereas, nowadays, people can create a celebrity without ever doing much besides rolling a phone on themselves.”
Although the “Oppenheimer” actor admitted his comments might sound harsh, he said he does not completely see the change as a bad thing. However, he dismissed the idea that influencers would become the biggest stars in entertainment.
“When I hear people talk about, ‘Oh, the stars of the future are going to be influencers,’ I go, ‘I don’t know what world you’re living in, but I think that that is absolute horseshit,’” the Oscar winner declared.
The 61-year-old went on to recall his 13-year-old son getting drawn into a gaming stream where viewers donate money to creators and taking to touring that path. He then compared influencers to “the evangelical hucksters of the Information Age.”
Downey Jr.’s remarks quickly went mainstream, with many social media users criticizing him for attacking influencer culture while earning huge amounts from Hollywood movies himself.
One X user wrote, “You are as overpaid and overhyped as these influencers. The world evolves. Remember, before movie and TV performers, theater actors were the biggest entertainers.”
Another critic commented, “Rich coming from a guy getting paid $100 million for two films with limited screen time.”
A third user remarked that it was not a good look for someone as successful as Downey Jr. to cast shade on “those still trying.”
Others accused the actor of hypocrisy, with one commenter calling him a “greedy f—” who should not complain after making millions from Disney superhero films. Another user warned him to “stop acting as if celebrities should be idolized.”
Robert Downey Jr. Overtaken As Highest-Grossing Lead Star Ever
As criticism continued online, Downey Jr. has also lost his spot as one of Hollywood’s biggest box office stars after Scarlett Johansson moved ahead thanks to the success of “Jurassic World: Rebirth” last year.
According to The Blast, the movie pushed Johansson’s career earnings in leading roles to $14.61 billion worldwide, slightly ahead of both Samuel L. Jackson and Downey Jr., whose total stands at $14.3 billion.
Johansson’s achievement stands out even more because she reached the milestone with fewer movies. While Downey Jr. built his total across 45 films, Johansson did it in just 36.
Why Marvel Brought Robert Downey Jr. Back
Even though he lost the top spot, Downey Jr. could still make a major comeback with his return to the Marvel Cinematic Universe in “Avengers: Doomsday.”
Marvel boss Kevin Feige has since spoken about recasting Downey Jr., explaining that the studio never ruled out bringing him back after “Avengers: Endgame” ended Tony Stark’s story.
Instead of reviving “Iron Man,” the production chose an unexpected route by casting Downey Jr. as iconic villain Doctor Doom in upcoming films.
Per Entertainment Weekly, Feige explained that the idea came as Downey Jr. was receiving widespread acclaim for Oppenheimer, leading the studio to believe he could reinvent himself.
Benedict Cumberbatch Says Doctor Strange Will Not Return
While fans are excited for the next installment set to premiere in December, they should not expect to see Doctor Strange in the movie.
As The Blast reported, Benedict Cumberbatch revealed b that the character was removed from the film after the production changed its plans following the fallout surrounding Jonathan Majors.
He added that the Time Stone Guardian was originally tied more closely to a larger storyline when Majors’ villain Kang was expected to lead the franchise’s next era.
However, after Majors was fired following his assault conviction, Marvel reportedly shifted direction creatively.
Margaret Josephs is spilling the tea about E!’s The Golden Life after confirming her cameo to Us!
“Maybe I did a little stint in Palm Beach,” Margaret, 59, exclusively told Us Weekly while attending the Vulture Reality Masterminds Celebration at The Lawn Club in New York City on Thursday, May 7.
While Margaret initially played coy about her participation in E!’s upcoming reunion show — which is focused on former Real Housewives of New York stars — she did eventually tease what fans can expect from the series.
The Real Housewives of New Jersey alum told Us that Florida was “warm” and “fun,” before confirming, “I was with iconic women that I always love.”
Margaret gushed about the cast, saying, “They’re my friends. I admire them.”
Although she didn’t reveal how many episodes she’ll be featured on, Margaret was adamant that viewers will love every minute.
“I think that’s going to be a very spectacular show. I think it’s going to be a really spectacular show,” she declared.
E! confirmed in February that the network had greenlit the new show, starring RHONY alums Luann de Lesseps, Ramona Singer, Kelly Bensimon and Sonja Morgan, all of whom now live in Palm Beach, Florida.
“Bound by decades of shared history, fallouts and friendship, this fan-favorite group of New Yorkers are starting fresh together in the Sunshine State,” E! announced in a press release at the time. “In this new ‘golden’ era of life, the longtime friends are thriving in and around Palm Beach with fabulous second homes and a bustling social scene. With their signature humor and nonstop hijinks, the series will follow the group as they navigate dating, family and career milestones. Though skies are bright in Florida, unresolved drama looms as they reconnect after years of highs and lows.”
Earlier this month, the network released the first look at the show, which will be 10 episodes.
After joking about not having the stamina to date younger men, and Ramona’s need for “turtle time” a.k.a. lying down daily, the women declared they are living their “best lives” in Florida and want fans to come along for the ride.
RHONJ’s Jennifer Fessler and Margaret Josephs attend Vulture’s Reality Masterminds Celebration. Michael Loccisano/Getty Images for Vulture
While Margaret will not be a full-time cast member on The Golden Life, she’s been staying busy shooting with the RHONY ladies after exiting RHONJ in March.
“Thank you and good night,” Margaret captioned an Instagram video on March 24, tagging Bravo, producer Andy Cohen and NBCUniversal. “Hi guys, it’s The Marge, I’m dialing in. I have to tell you something that might come as a little surprise to you, but not for me. I’ve been thinking about a lot of different things and I am moving on from The [Real] Housewives of New Jersey.”
Margaret, who made her RHONJ debut during season 8 in 2017, noted she’d been speaking with Bravo since December 2025 about her departure.
“I think the timing is right. A lot of things have changed in my life. I’ve been blessed to work on a different project, I’m on the set right now,” she teased. “I realized I have to spend more time with my family, work on my designing and just take a break and move on.”
Us exclusively confirmed that same month that Margaret is one of the stars of Savannah Chrisley’s new Amazon series, which will also feature Real Housewives alums Kim Zolciak-Biermann and Kenya Moore and former Bachelorettes Kaitlyn Bristowe and Jenn Tran, among other reality stars.
“It’s like Eat, Pray, Love,” a source told Us in March of the untitled show, which has been described as “basically a spin on Bravo’s Girls Trip franchise.” (Bravo’s Ultimate Girls Trip follows several Real Housewives stars as they travel to a vacation destination.)
Margaret, for her part, told Us on Thursday, “I filmed another show already for Amazon Prime, which I’m very happy with. It was an amazing show.”
It’s unusual for a streamer other than Netflix or Prime Video to have more than one title on the Nielsen streaming charts, but when they do, it’s usually a doozy. According to the tracker’s latest data, updated in the first week of May, Netflix had three titles in the top 10, while Prime Video, Paramount+, Disney+, and Hulu had one each. Somewhat surprisingly, HBO Max claimed two spots on the top 10 list, with the evergreen sitcom The Big Bang Theory coming in at number seven. More impressively, HBO Max also took the number one spot on the Nielsen ratings with arguably its biggest breakout hit in quite some time. Not only has the show in question received near-unanimous praise from critics and audiences, but it has also proven that old-fashioned television isn’t entirely obsolete in the streaming era.
The show premiered in 2025 to critical acclaim and instant viewership success, which seems to have carried over into its sophomore season. Following a strict production cycle that sets it apart from series such as Stranger Things and The Boys, which took several years between seasons, the HBO Max series returned with a new batch of episodes like clockwork, exactly a year later. The series recently concluded its second season and has been renewed for a third. In line with its old-fashioned format, the series offers audiences higher episode counts than other streaming titles. Each season comprises 15 episodes.
The HBO Max Show That Has Been Embraced by Both Critics and Audiences
By now, you’ve probably guessed that we’re talking about The Pitt. The beloved medical drama, headlined by Noah Wyle and starring an eclectic ensemble cast, holds a 96% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. The second season seems to have settled at a near-perfect 98% on the aggregator, where the consensus reads, “Clocking in for a second season of a near-perfect medical procedural, The Pitt goes all in on narrative excellence, brilliant humanity, and heart-wrenching drama to winning effect.” The positive reviews and fan enthusiasm resulted in incredible numbers this season. According to Nielsen’s latest report, The Pitt was the only show in the top 10 to surpass the 1 billion-minute mark. The number two title, The Boys, reported 899 million minutes watched.
You can watch The Pitt on HBO Max, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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January 9, 2025
- Network
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Max
- Showrunner
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R. Scott Gemmill
- Directors
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Amanda Marsalis
- Writers
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Joe Sachs, Cynthia Adarkwa
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Noah Wyle
Dr. Michael ‘Robby’ Robinavitch
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Tracy Ifeachor
Dr. Heather Collins
Entertainment
Disney's ABC files petition to end FCC equal time probe into “The View”, says it threatens to 'chill' free speech
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“The danger is that the government will simply decide which perspectives to regulate and which to leave undisturbed,” ABC’s lawyers wrote in a new filing.
Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey are expecting another bundle of joy.
“Best birthday gift ❤️,” Culpo, 34, wrote via Instagram on Friday, May 8, confirming that she is pregnant. “Baby #2 coming soon 🥹.”
Culpo’s post included a photo of her and McCaffrey, 29, sitting on a picnic blanket out in nature. The couple shared a sweet kiss while the model held their daughter, Colette, 10 months. They were also joined by their dog, Oliver Sprinkles, who sat next to a sonogram.
In additional snaps, Culpo could be seen wearing a long white dress standing in the hilly landscape while cradling her growing baby bump.
Culpo and McCaffrey’s exciting news comes less than one year after they welcomed daughter Colette in July 2025.
“Colette is so lucky to have the best daddy in the world,” Culpo wrote via her Instagram alongside a photo of McCaffrey watching their infant in her hospital isolette. “A love like no other.”
Culpo previously shared that she underwent a C-section to give birth to her first child. She called the procedure “the scariest and most rewarding of all experiences,” adding that she felt “most at peace” with McCaffrey by her side.
Earlier this year, Culpo gushed about how McCaffrey has excelled while navigating fatherhood.
“He will be such a good example and protector to her. I know that she’ll always be able to feel like she has someone who loves her more than anything,” the model exclusively told Us Weekly in January. “I feel like everybody deserves to feel that.”
The following month, McCaffrey gave his wife her flowers as she fully embraced motherhood with grace.
Olivia Culpo and Christian McCaffrey’s baby girl is already a dedicated San Francisco 49ers fan. Culpo, 33, took to her Instagram Stories on Sunday, October 12, to share a glimpse of the pair’s 3-month-old daughter, Colette, dressed in a new 49ers onesie featuring her NFL star father’s jersey number, 23, traced in gold. The words […]
“Watching Olivia become a mom has been so cool,” he exclusively told Us. “We had [Colette] in July, which was right before training camp so I was kind of in go-mode and went through the whole season. There’s challenges that come with that. So, to now take a breath and be able to be a dad has been really, really fun.”
While McCaffrey can’t always be present due to his busy NFL schedule, the San Francisco 49ers running back and Culpo are on the same page for their little one.
“We have the same values in life, there’s never really any conflict when it comes to that stuff,” he said to Us. “Obviously, I can’t be there for most of the day, and she really does love it. As a girl dad, you definitely get softer. I don’t care what anyone says.”
Zack Wickham accidentally stirred the pot during the early days of Summer House stars West Wilson and Amanda Batula’s romance scandal — and he still has thoughts on what’s transpired.
“Let me say that I did not mean to [get involved],” Zack, 39, exclusively told Us Weekly on Thursday, May 7, claiming it was “by accident” that he spilled some tea on the pair’s alleged timeline during a March interview.
Zack — who is currently promoting season 3 of The Valley — explained, “I thought everything was coming out. Well, and it was. I didn’t think that me saying what I said was gonna throw a wrench in a timeline.”
He noted that looking back, all he did was talk about “rumors,” which was nothing earth-shattering.
Zack Wickham, Amanda Batula, West Wilson. Getty Images; Bravo (2)
On the same day that Amanda, 34, and West, 31, confirmed their platonic relationship turned romantic, Zack hinted that there would be more eyebrow-raising details about their romance coming out soon.
“Well, I will say that one of our friends’ cousins was on a vacation and met [Summer House star] Jesse Solomon and he just told her everything and then she told me,” Zack claimed during the March 31 episode of SiriusXM’s Smith Sisters Live.
Zack teased at the time, “So, I’m like, if what he told her is real, then brace yourselves, America. Sorry Jesse, I didn’t mean to throw you under the bus. I’m not saying anything publicly, but oh, my God.”
“Luckily, I didn’t throw a wrench in anything,” Zack told Us on Thursday. “I was like, ‘Dear God,’ like, I just that taught me to keep my mouth shut sometimes, like, I don’t need to say everything I know.”
He admitted, “The last thing I want to do is insert myself into another show’s business,” before apologizing to Jesse, 32, for name-dropping him in his past interview.
“I apologize, Jesse, I’m so sorry,” Zack said, revealing that Jesse “still follows me. I guess we’re still good.”
Since Zack’s March statement, more details have emerged and the Summer House cast has distanced themselves from Amanda and West. (Amanda announced her split from husband Kyle Cooke in January, months before she confirmed she is dating West. West, meanwhile, dated Amanda’s longtime friend and costar Ciara Miller in 2023 and they were visibly flirtatious filming season 10 of the series in summer 2025.)
A source told Us in early April that West and Ciara, 30, had been hooking up as recently as “about three to four weeks ago” and that Ciara didn’t know anything about Amanda’s relationship with him.
Ciara broke her silence on the drama in an interview Glamour published on April 17, claiming that she and West had previously outlined “boundaries” to fix their friendship, but those were blown up with the Amanda romance.
West Wilson, Amanda Batula, Ciara Miller. Courtesy of West Wilson/Instagram
“One of those [boundaries] was no more sleeping with people on Bravo. Obviously, now that’s out the window,” she said.
West, for his part, denied last month that there was any “overlap” between his relationship with Ciara and Amanda’s romance with estranged husband Kyle, 43, before they became an item.
Still, the Summer House cast appears to be siding with Ciara and Kyle amid the drama, which fans will see come to a head during the season 10 reunion, which airs on May 26.
Summer House’s Jesse Solomon is spilling the tea on all things Amanda Batula and West Wilson. During a Tuesday, April 21, appearance on Watch What Happens Live With Andy Cohen, Jesse shed light on the controversial romance between Amanda, 34, and West, 31, including how Amanda’s estranged husband, Kyle Cooke, feels about the relationship. (Amanda […]
“From what I’ve seen on socials, Amanda and West are really not handling the gravity of what they really have — the damage that they’ve done in their group,” Zack told Us, noting that the reunion will be telling for and if the cast can move forward.
He noted that since Summer House season 10 is currently airing, it’s been very telling for fans how close West and Amanda were as far back as last summer.
“Watching these episodes with the knowledge, it’s almost like we’re getting to watch it in [real time] with hindsight. And it’s the craziest feeling,” Zack confessed. “But it’s also, like, icky, because some of the stuff they say, I don’t know how you move forward.”
Summer House airs on Bravo Tuesdays at 8 p.m. ET, while The Valley airs Wednesdays at the same time.
No one in the history of ever will suggest that Jean-Claude Van Damme and his films have wrongfully been denied recognition as Academy Award contenders, with 2008’s JCVD really the only film that one could make an argument for. Guilty pleasure, yes — Sudden Death is a personal favorite — but up there with Citizen Kane? Not so much. But Van Damme does what he does well, and one of his best sci-fi films, Timecop, married his martial arts skills with a time travel concept that works better than it arguably should. It’s also his most successful film, which is why, in 1996, ABC ordered a series based on the film. That’s right: Timecop became a TV show in 1997, and you probably didn’t even realize it.
‘Timecop’ TV Series Features a More Established Time Enforcement Commission
Timecop, the movie, features Van Damme as Max Walker, an agent for the Time Enforcement Commission, or TEC, in 2004. TEC is a federal unit designed to stop criminals from going back in time, which is a thing since 1994, and prevent “time ripples,” changes made in the past to alter future events. Timecop, the TV show, takes place in 2007, and replaces Max Walker with TEC agent Jack Logan (Ted King). The TEC that Logan works for has evolved since Walker’s day into a more established unit with more agents and frequent trips to the past. Why, you may ask? Well, surprisingly, time travel technology has leaked beyond the government’s walls, and, shall we say, independent business operators are making time sleds and sending criminals into the past, for a hefty fee.
So it falls on the agents of the TEC, including Logan and his partner (and eventual love interest), Officer Claire Hemmings (Cristi Conaway), to go back in time, and capture and arrest these criminals before they alter history. They’re aided by Dr. Dale Easter (Kurt Fuller), the TEC’s chief historian with the wacky ability to cite major historical events that happened in the year any movie was released, and Captain Eugene Matuzek (Don Stark), the head of the TEC and the only character (but not actor) to carry over from the film.
The series plays out like a conventional, “case-of-the-week” police procedural. In one, Logan goes back to Germany in 1944 to prevent advanced technology from being handed over to the Nazis, allowing them to turn the V-2 into a nuclear missile and effectively changing how World War II plays out. In another, Logan traipses to 1956 to prevent the death of a Hollywood actress who, in the future, gives birth to a U.S. president. And in the pilot episode, Logan heads to 1888 to confront Jack the Ripper, only to find that his nemesis, a mid-21st century time traveler by the name of Ian Pascoe (Tom O’Brien), has killed old Jack and taken his place, determined to “kill five times as many women” as the original.
‘Timecop,’ the TV Series, Is No ‘Timecop,’ the Movie
Say what you will about Timecop the movie, but it was filled with action, looked spectacular, and was dark and gritty, covering up flaws through sheer, enjoyable spectacle. The only thing Timecop, the TV series, shares with the film is flaws, but with nothing to hide them. Van Damme’s Walker was an agent with a vendetta and the determination and skills to see it through; Logan is a cop, like any other cop, except a time-traveling one. The martial arts and exquisite, original fight scenes, such as the famed “kitchen counter splits,” are jettisoned for banal shootouts and solving mysteries. The look of the film is the result of a high budget; the look of the series reflects its $15 million budget. And it’s early 8 p.m. time slot essentially neutered the show, forcing it to abandon the darker elements of the film.
Sylvester Stallone’s 10/10 Crime Movie Is Officially Getting Rebooted at Paramount
The 1997 crime classic also stars ‘Goodfellas’ icons Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta.
Timecop was ravaged by the critics, with the Chicago Tribune saying, “There is only so much time in a day, and Timecop… fails to make a sufficient case for one-twenty-fourth of it,” USA Today suggesting that “Timecop doesn’t boggle the mind. It’s merely a bog,” while both the Detroit Free Press and the Newark Star-Ledger cited it as “dull and predictable.” So, despite winning a bidding war among the networks to land the show based solely on the premise, ABC pulled the plug after only 9 of the 13 filmed episodes made it to air.
So, all that said, you’re forgiven if you didn’t realize that Timecop the movie begat Timecop the TV show. The series was forgettable from the start, and unless you can travel back in time and stop it from ever having happened in the first place, Timecop is best left alone. What’s disappointing is that the premise had a lot of potential, but it wasn’t used effectively. DC’s Legends of Tomorrow has a similar concept, but uses it far more imaginatively. Van Damme it all anyway. But here’s an interesting fact: in 1996, the year that ABC ordered the series, Jean-Claude Van Damme was on television. Not as Max Walker, but as a fictionalized version of himself, filming Outbreak 2, in a cameo on NBC’s hit series Friends, which, funnily enough, he would have liked to have gone back in time and done a better job of.
Latto had fans popping OFF with reactions after she dropped a message on social media telling folks that her upcoming project would be her “retirement album.” Now, some of her celebrity friends are weighing in on the shocking update. Lizzo jumped into the conversation as one of the latest to react, and she made it clear she is NOT here for the idea at all!
RELATED: No More Big Mama? Latto Sparks Mixed Reaction After She Announces Next Step In Her Rap Career (PHOTO)
Lizzo Enters The Chat After Latto Teases Stepping Away From Music
Lizzo wasted no time letting Latto know she doesn’t want her to step away from music. The singer dropped a video on social media showing herself vibing in the car while Latto’s ‘Big Mama’ track blasted in the background. In the clip, Lizzo kept saying “Big Mama” right along with the beat. She also added a caption telling Latto she “BETTA NOT RETIRE,” making it crystal clear that she’s not playing and definitely doesn’t want to see her go. As of right now, Big Mama hasn’t responded to Lizzo, but fans are still flooding social media with reactions to the bombshell update.
Social Media Continues To Share Mixed Reactions To Big Mama’s Next Chapter
After The Shade Room dropped the clip of Lizzo, the comment section was flooded with mixed reactions. Some fans said they think Latto is just trolling, while others said she’s way too talented to be stepping out of the game right now.
Instagram user @velvetvixen.vip wrote, “Latto too talented to be stepping back now 😩”
Instagram user @iamcalisodope wrote, “Y’all just make sure you buy her last album lol.”
While Instagram user @esme.libra_ wrote, “She said that so that the album can sell …. She is in fact not retiring 🫠”
Then Instagram user @the_real_darren8 wrote, “Latto doing this to bait yall into buying her new album when it drops. Y’all fall for anything.”
Another Instagram user @dayummgina wrote, “Taking a page out of Jay z book 😂”
Then another Instagram user @iam_torigrae wrote, “Let her do her.”
While another Instagram user @r3alest_n1sha wrote, “How is she retiring? How many albums? How long have she been out?”
Finally, Instagram user @marleylovaaaa wrote, “She trolling and y’all falling for it 😭”
Is Latto Really Done With Music?
Latto shook up timelines when she dropped a message on X (formerly Twitter) telling fans, “5/29 My retirement album. Thank you for everything.” The post sparked tons of reactions and had fans wondering if she was seriously leaving the booth and her bars behind. The raptress still hasn’t confirmed whether she was just trolling, but fans are hoping her upcoming project won’t be her last.
RELATED: Oop! Social Media Thinks 21 Savage Responded To GloRilla’s Sister After She Made Claims About Latto’s Pregnancy (PHOTO)
What Do You Think Roomies?
Britney Spears’ son Jayden James Federline has (somewhat) addressed how his mother is doing following her recent rehab stay and DUI plea deal. The 19-year-old was spotted out in West Hollywood on Wednesday night when photographers asked him about Britney Spears’ recent legal troubles and treatment program.
According to TMZ, Jayden responded with a brief “no comment” when asked directly about the situation, but appeared to nod affirmatively when questioned about whether his mother was “doing good.” Jayden’s rare public comments come just days after Britney Spears appeared in court and accepted a plea agreement tied to her March DUI arrest.
The singer pleaded guilty to reckless driving during an arraignment held Monday, May 4, after prosecutors reportedly reduced the original DUI-related charges to what’s commonly known as a “wet reckless” plea.
Prior to the agreement, the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office had filed a misdemeanor count alleging Spears drove under the influence of alcohol and at least one drug. Under the plea deal, Spears will remain on probation for 12 months and continue undergoing both mental health and substance abuse treatment. She was also fined $721 and ordered to meet regularly with both a psychologist and a psychiatrist.
Additionally, the court reportedly ruled that police may search Spears’ vehicle without a warrant if she is pulled over again.
Spears Left Rehab Just Before Court Appearance
Before her court appearance, Spears had voluntarily checked herself into a Southern California treatment facility following the arrest. The pop star reportedly entered rehab in early April after sources claimed she had been attending Alcoholics Anonymous meetings near her Thousand Oaks home and focusing on sobriety.
“Britney has been very open and honest in her AA meetings,” one insider previously claimed. “She has said she loves pouring her heart out as she knows that is the best way to heal and feel better.”
Another source later added that Spears was “doing very well” and remained optimistic about her future. “She will continue to work on herself with counseling to be the best person she can be and really thrive in life,” the insider said.
Britney Spears’ Sons Reportedly Encouraged Her To Seek Treatment
According to reports, Britney Spears’ two sons allegedly played a major role in encouraging her to enter rehab following her DUI arrest. Sources claimed the singer completed a three-week rehabilitation program and was “doing great” afterward, describing her as healthy and sober.
Insiders reportedly noted that some people in Spears’ inner circle had hoped she would remain in treatment longer, but she ultimately decided to leave the facility ahead of her court appearance.
Insiders Previously Raised Concerns About Spears’ Life After Divorce
In the weeks following Britney Spears’ DUI arrest, sources close to the singer reportedly painted a troubling picture of what had been happening behind the scenes.
As previously reported by The Blast, one insider claimed Spears’ friends and family had been hoping she would focus on becoming healthier and more stable again, though they acknowledged they couldn’t ultimately force her to seek help. Another source alleged those closest to Spears had feared something like this could happen and were mainly relieved the situation did not result in anyone being injured.
Several insiders also pointed to Spears’ highly publicized split from Sam Asghari as a major emotional setback for the pop star. According to one source, Spears had been spending increasing amounts of time isolated at home after the divorce, which allegedly contributed to unhealthy decisions and behavior. The insider further claimed Spears felt a newfound sense of freedom and untouchability after the end of her conservatorship, explaining that “for a while, she felt like there were no real consequences.”
Britney Spears Returned To Instagram Following Arraignment
On the same day as her court hearing, Spears returned to Instagram and posted one of her signature dancing videos filmed inside her sprawling $9.8 million Thousand Oaks mansion. The singer appeared upbeat in the clip despite the ongoing public attention surrounding her legal issues and rehab stay.
Spears also shares a son, Sean Preston Federline, with ex-husband Kevin Federline. Sources close to the singer claim she has been spending much of her recent time reconnecting with her sons while focusing on her recovery journey.
Editor’s Note: This article contains discussion of suicide and mental health that could be triggering.The Office became one of the funniest sitcoms ever made by delivering different varieties of comedy. Like a traditional sitcom, it found laughs in conflict and physical humor, but what set the series apart from most other sitcoms is the ability to find the most cringeworthy moment it could put a character in and then sit in that moment for as long as possible. With its faux-documentary style and the lack of a laugh track, that realism only made the purposely awkward scenes even more uncomfortable. There’s no character on The Office more cringe than Michael Scott (Steve Carell). The guy means well, but his lack of self-awareness lands him in trouble often. However, in one episode of The Office, Michael went so far over the top that a certain scene was cut from all future airings, partially because of the wife of then-NBC Universal CEO Jeff Zucker.
That scene’s absence is especially relevant now, with The Office: The Complete Series – Superfan Extended Episodes arriving on Digital and Blu-ray on July 14. The release includes 194 extended episodes and more than 25 hours of previously unaired footage, though it’s unclear whether this controversial cold open will be included, given the sensitive nature of why it was removed.
The Employees of Dunder Mifflin Created Their Own Haunted House
Michael Scott isn’t the brightest man, and there are a lot of insecurities wrapped up in just how little he knows. For example, look at The Office‘s second-ever episode, “Diversity Day”. When he gets in trouble for repeating a Chris Rock routine — not done out of malice, but simply because he likes comedy — the office is made to undergo diversity training. It all goes wrong due to Michael, again, not out of any malice or racism, but because he’s clueless. He’s a good person who loves everyone, so his actions are funny instead of offensive.
Michael’s lack of awareness also gets him in trouble in The Office‘s sixth season episode “Koi Pond.” Debuting on October 29, 2009, the episode is in part about Michael accompanying Jim on a meeting, only to embarrass himself as usual by falling into a koi pond. It’s not a Halloween-themed episode, but with it coming out two days before the holiday, “Koi Pond” featured a Halloween cold open. Down in the warehouse, a haunted house is created to scare the kids of Dunder Mifflin employees. That’s a fun idea, but Michael takes it too far. At the end of the haunted house, Michael, wearing a wrapped present box on his crotch (a nod to the Lonely Island’s viral “Dick in a Box” video that premiered on SNL that year), falls from the ceiling with a noose wrapped around his neck. He writhes around as if he’s actually dying, while the kids scream in horror. He shakes until he’s “dead,” before breaking character and saying, “Kids, just remember, suicide is never the answer.”
Michael Scott’s Pretend Death Made Light of a Sensitive Subject
It’s a hilariously upsetting scene that’s pure Michael Scott at his “best”. You have Michael dressed as one of the guys from “Dick in a Box” (in front of kids, mind you), contrasted with the seriousness of suicide, with him thinking it’s all okay to do because he has a serious message for the children at the end. If someone did this in real life, we’d be upset, but this is Michael Scott. He simply thinks he has a funny Halloween costume and is just scaring kids in a haunted house, while also being a caring adult.
This Episode of ‘The Office’ Showed Us an Unrecognizable Side of Pam Beesly
Too far, Michael. Too far.
Still, it is offensive to make a joke out of suicide, and it wasn’t the only time The Office did it either. In the Season 3 episode “Safety Training,” Michael wants to deliver a message about the seriousness of depression and self-harm, so he goes to the roof to fake his death in front of everyone. The joke, though, is that no one believes he’s really going to jump, and he chickens out of his plan to leap off and land on a trampoline. It’s then up to the Scranton workers to save him from accidentally hurting himself.
The Scene Was Removed Partially Because of the Wife of NBC Universal’s CEO
You can still watch “Safety Training,” but if you watch “Koi Pond” now on Peacock, DVD, or syndication, you won’t find the haunted house cold open. It only aired one time before being removed forever. It’s a shame that it’s gone now, because it has other funny moments, like Creed (Creed Bratton) dressed up as a vampire who wants to sell the kids’ blood, and Jim (John Krasinski), whose costume is nothing more than writing “BOOK” on his face; he’s trying to be clever with Facebook, but Darryl (Craig Robinson) calls him Bookface.
NBC got complaints from viewers who were upset about The Office using suicide as comedy, so the network decided to take out the scene from any future airings. However, it wasn’t just fans who got the scene pulled. According to AV Club, they were told by an anonymous producer on The Office that the scene was pulled because of Caryn Zucker. She was the then-wife of Jeff Zucker, who was the CEO of NBC Universal. Caryn, who worked in suicide prevention, was offended by the scene and asked her husband to remove it. He then called NBC reps and producers from The Office, where they decided “the episode was re-cut and re-delivered, with the original HD-SR delivery masters collected back from NBC and thrown into deep storage.”
It makes sense why the scene was removed, but it’s still a funny example of just how clueless Michael Scott is. Viewers weren’t clueless, though. It’s good that the moment was taken out, but it’s also disappointing that we lost the debut of the iconic Bookface.
The Office is available to watch on Peacock in the U.S.
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