Entertainment
10 Most Mediocre Movies of All Time That Are Truly 5/10
It’s easy to talk about good-to-great movies, and it’s also pretty easy (hell, maybe even easier) to talk about bad-to-terrible movies, but what about the no man’s land in between? Are 5/10 movies indeed better than 1/10 ones? If you believe 5/10 should be around average, then maybe a 5/10 movie will be about as boring as a movie gets. Such a rating might suggest there’s nothing particularly good or bad to be found within.
These go against the whole Goldilocks idea of something being balanced and “just right.” They’re just not very fun to watch, these sorts of movies. It’s also a subjective topic, picking out the most mediocre or disappointing movies of all time, so be warned. Most of these are thunderously average, but a couple have equal parts good and bad elements that cancel each other out, resulting in a 5/10 (and those are probably more interesting to watch and/or talk about).
10
‘The Fall Guy’ (2024)
The cinematic equivalent of eating slightly toasted bread with absolutely nothing spread on it (not even butter, get that dairy product the f**k outta here), The Fall Guy feels like it wanted to offend absolutely no one, and in the process, also appealed to absolutely no one. It’s a misguided attempt to make a blockbuster anyone can enjoy without too many brain cells being put to work, but they forgot to add anything funny, fun, or exciting.
It just unfolds with the mildest sense of competency. It is technically fine. Ryan Gosling and Emily Blunt are okay, given what they’re given to work with. The script is quite boring, maybe only being close to passable because it’s doing a blockbuster-level thing without resorting to superhero, fantasy, or sci-fi tropes. It’s kind of original (just forget it’s a loose reworking of an old TV series). There is action and there are indeed stunts. Still, it’s all incredibly dull, but not outright terrible, and quite astoundingly far from offensive, for whatever that might be worth.
9
‘Ocean’s Eight’ (2018)
As a heist movie, you can’t really go wrong with 2001’s Ocean’s Eleven, since it’s all very efficiently written and made. The sequels weren’t executed quite as well, but they’re sort of okay-ish. If Ocean’s Eight counts as a sequel, though, it’s definitely not very good. At the same time, it’s not terrible. That’s why it’s here and stuff. But it was a missed opportunity.
It assembles a good cast and is presented in a slick enough way, but there really isn’t any danger or tension throughout. You don’t exactly watch Ocean’s Eleven thinking things will end badly, but there’s just enough that goes wrong and feels tricky for the main characters, so there is some tension. Ocean’s Eight feels afraid to suggest its characters might do something wrong, so they just kind of go through it all a bit easily, and watching a heist movie play it this safe ends up being rather dull.
8
‘The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1’ (2014)
Before The Hunger Games split one book into two, for an adaptation, the Harry Potter and Twilight series had both done the same thing. Harry Potter did it pretty well, and then Twilight… well, Twilight is bad in a funny way, or it’s melodramatic in a charming and nostalgic way. But either way, it feels a bit weird to call any films in that series “average.”
Returning to The Hunger Games, though, the final book in the original trilogy didn’t have to be an email, when adapted, but it could’ve been just the one movie. There is a decent amount that happens in that book, just not enough for The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 1 to really justify its existence, and getting through it is tedious when pretty much everything important to concluding this whole dystopian series is ultimately found in The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2, released the following year.
7
‘Judy’ (2019)
There’s a hesitance that comes with being negative about Judy, but it’s in this ranking, so there are inevitably things to appreciate here, alongside the more disappointing elements. It’s a look at a less well-known part of Judy Garland’s life, after she’d starred in some of the most iconic musicals of all time, all the while grappling with becoming older in the entertainment industry, where youth is celebrated more often.
Also, Garland’s shown to battle various personal demons, and Renée Zellweger gives a sort of good performance as Judy Garland, but it might feel a bit more like an impersonation than really capturing the core of Garland, as she was – or might’ve – been. Judy the film, though, plays things so safe and formulaic, which makes it a bit of a slog to get through, in the end, even if its heart might well be more or less in the right place.
6
‘Falling in Love’ (1984)
It’s surprising how mediocre Falling in Love ends up being, considering the talent involved. The title may end up suggesting how “eh” it’s all going to be, since it is just called Falling in Love, but it’s directed by Mike Nichols, and has two acting legends – Meryl Streep and Robert De Niro – in the main roles. Having Harvey Keitel in a supporting role might also sound enticing, especially if you’re a fan of Mean Streets and Taxi Driver (both De Niro and Keitel were in those).
Maybe the performances are a little engaging at first, but this is just a less interesting – and not nearly as moving – Brief Encounter sort of drama/romance film.
The movie, though, is thunderously boring. Maybe the performances are a little engaging at first, but this is just a less interesting – and not nearly as moving – Brief Encounter sort of drama/romance film, trying to be emotional yet not really succeeding. If you feel like you have to complete the filmographies of any of the people involved, you could well be tempted to watch Falling in Love, though it’s ultimately not worth it.
5
‘Meet Joe Black’ (1998)
There’s always an exhaustion that comes about when a story is too long. Take Meet Joe Black, for example, which is one of the most bafflingly long films ever, as it clocks in just two minutes shy of three hours. It is a fantastical romance film that doesn’t really have an epic scope or a huge number of important characters, so why it’s all so stretched out is anyone’s guess.
Like, Meet Joe Black looks good enough, and it does have a strong cast (oh hi, Brad Pitt and Anthony Hopkins), with various members of said cast getting lots of opportunities to shine, since the movie is so many minutes long. It’s too exhausting though, in the end, and it’s hard to stop thinking about why they made it this long, and not a more manageable two hours… or even around 100-ish minutes might well have been more than enough.
4
‘The King’s Speech’ (2010)
If you’re fond of British movies that feel like they existed mainly to win Academy Awards, then you might want to bail on this whole ranking, because there are a few of those coming up. To get the biggest hot take out of the way first, here’s The King’s Speech. It’s about a king who can’t talk so good, and he wants to talk more gooder, so he gets good talker man to help him talk more good, and then he do talk more good, and he give good speech. King give speech. King’s Speech get Oscar.
It did really well at the Oscars, even though it’s boooooring. The Social Network came out that year, and should’ve won the Oscars that The King’s Speech did, or whichever ones they were both competing for, whatever. Definitely Best Picture. This really wasn’t the best picture of 2010, by any means, and if their performances are good/worthy of praise, then Tom Hooper’s awkward direction undoes the good stuff. This is almost as poorly directed as (the admittedly much messier) Cats, but most people aren’t ready to have that conversation just yet. Soon. Maybe one day.
3
‘Darkest Hour’ (2017)
This one doesn’t faceplant when it comes to the direction and cinematography the same way The King’s Speech did, but Darkest Hour is similarly dull. You might hope you get a good performance here, at least, with Gary Oldman playing the most famous British politician of the 20th century, Winston Churchill, but he doesn’t really play the wartime Prime Minister, because it’s mostly just the make-up that does the acting for him.
That sounds like shade thrown at Oldman, but it’s not, because he is a legendary actor. It’s just he’s given so many performances that are more interesting than this one, and in better movies. Him being Churchill is all that this movie has going for it. Everything else is beyond underwhelming and flat, almost like no one else in front of or behind the camera wanted to step on Oldman’s toes. It’s some of the most blatant and shameless Oscar bait (mostly just focusing on that acting Oscar) of the last decade or so.
2
‘The Theory of Everything’ (2014)
The Theory of Everything is even blander, as a biopic, than the two previously mentioned movies about prominent English people. It’s about Stephen Hawking, chronicling what he did within the scientific field while dealing with health issues and grappling with personal relationships. If you know even a little about Hawking, it’s the kind of movie you can probably picture in your head without actually watching.
Eddie Redmayne gets the most Oscar bait of roles, with him playing someone with a medical condition, and also a real-life individual, so he gets to do a lot physically while impressing people by presenting all of Hawking’s traits, and mirroring his appearance, and blah, blah, blah. Redmayne won an Oscar, so good for him or whatever, but The Theory of Everything is a pretty nothing kind of film.
1
‘Maestro’ (2023)
There are times that Maestro comes close to being bad in a funny way, or it could be more that there’s a desperation to it that’s occasionally awkward, which inspires a nervous sort of laughter. It’s a movie that’s trying so hard to be great while being about someone whom Bradley Cooper, the film’s director and star, sees as great: Leonard Bernstein. And it’s a biopic of his life, looking at his accomplishments and some of his personal flaws.
Cooper swings big, and he makes something that can be admired for its ambition, some of its technical qualities, and certain performances, yet all that good stuff exists alongside some really clunky stuff. It’s like watching a great conductor do mostly great work, with most players sounding great, but a couple of people in his orchestra don’t have musical instruments, and are instead making fart noises with their armpits. Also, this hypothetical great conductor walks out on stage wearing a pair of clown shoes that honk loudly with every step, but he doesn’t seem to find anything funny about that. That experience would be exactly like watching Maestro.
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Entertainment
14 Years Later, Disney’s Cult Sci-Fi Movie Tom Cruise Wanted to Star in Is Way Better Than Its Baffling Box Office Would Suggest
Tom Cruise has a career packed with plenty of science fiction films. Edge of Tomorrow survived a turbulent production and became a surprise success. Oblivion may not have been as successful, but it led to Cruise working with Joseph Kosinski, and the two eventually reunited for Top Gun: Maverick. One could even argue that the technology used by Cruise’s Ethan Hunt in the Mission: Impossible franchise borders on the edge of science fiction. But there’s one science fiction movie that Cruise never managed to become a part of, despite his desire to play the lead role, and that’s John Carter.
Based on the John Carter of Mars novels by Edgar Rice Burroughs, the John Carter movie was shaping up to be truly epic. Andrew Stanton, the mastermind behind Pixar hits Finding Nemo and WALL-E, was making his live-action debut with the film. Michael Chabon, an accomplished novelist who helped contribute to the Spider-Man 2 screenplay, co-wrote the script. The cast was talented, including Bryan Cranston, Willem Dafoe, and Mark Strong among them. However, John Carter ran into a number of roadblocks that led to it being one of the biggest box office bombs in history — yet it’s far from a horrible movie.
Taylor Kitsch Beat Tom Cruise for the Lead Role in ‘John Carter’
In an oral history conducted by TheWrap, Stanton admitted that casting John Carter himself was a tough process, especially since the list of potential candidates was apparently a very long one. Taylor Kitsch would land the role, but Tom Cruise was determined to get it first. Stanton had his mind set on casting Kitsch, though:
“I had Taylor already in mind by the time Tom made his interest known. Tom had a long history with the material, so it wasn’t too surprising to discover he still had interest in it. He was a consummate professional in his discussions with me about the role, and beyond respectful to the fact I was already on an audition path with Taylor,” he said.
This wasn’t the first time Cruise had been attached to a John Carter film. Back in 1990, Disney was flirting with the idea of adapting the material with Cruise as Carter and Julia Roberts as the Princess of Mars, Deja Thoris. The team behind the scenes was just as impressive: John McTiernan was approached to direct following the success of Predator and Die Hard, with Back to the Future screenwriter Bob Gale tapped to flesh out the script. Things stalled out when McTiernan decided to direct Last Action Hero (which ironically turned out to be another box office bomb), but it’s not surprising that Cruise wanted to join Stanton’s version.
‘John Carter’ Is a Good Movie That Was Let Down by Its Marketing
Looking back at John Carter, it’s a film that was ahead of its time. Most of the political intrigue and worldbuilding rivals anything displayed in Dune or Game of Thrones, and Stanton’s work with Pixar makes many of the computer-generated characters — including Dafoe’s Tars Tarkas, leader of the Green Martians — feel like actual flesh and blood. Stanton and Chabon also manage to distill the essence of A Princess of Mars into an action-packed adventure that also has a fair amount of humor and heart. So what exactly led to its box office misfortunes?
The answer lies in the marketing campaign which saw Stanton making a number of baffling choices. He chose not to advertise his work with Pixar in the trailers, when that could have drawn newcomers to the theater. Instead of going with A Princess of Mars as the title, the choice was made to simply call the film John Carter, without considering that some audience members might not know about the books. The cherry on top was the fact that Disney’s marketing team at the time was led by someone who had no experience in movies, and therefore didn’t really know how to sell the film. “This is one of the worst marketing campaigns in the history of movies,” a Disney exec told Vulture. “It’s almost as if they went out of their way to not make us care.”
The Failure of ‘John Carter’ Marked a Turning Point for Disney
John Carter might have been yet another example of Disney fumbling a potential sci-fi franchise, but it would also mark a turning point for Disney. A few months after John Carter‘s failure, The Avengers would take the box office by storm and Disney would also acquire Lucasfilm. With the Marvel Cinematic Universe proving to be a moneymaker and the Star Wars franchise under its belt, Disney would slowly rely on those two properties for sci-fi stories.
John Carter is a simple case of execution failing to meet intent. While Andrew Stanton intended to deliver a cosmic epic that matched Edgar Rice Burroughs’ books, he didn’t take marketing into account. But the film’s reappraisal in later years proves that it had the glimmers of something special — and it didn’t need Tom Cruise to pull it off.
No Doubt guitarist Tom Dumont shared a personal update on social media, revealing his Parkinson’s disease diagnosis ahead of the band’s upcoming Las Vegas residency. He talked candidly about his health, offering insight into his journey while reassuring fans as No Doubt prepares to take the stage in one of entertainment’s biggest hubs.
Tom Dumont Has Early-Onset Parkinson’s Disease
On April 11, Tom Dumont took to Instagram to share an update on his health. According to the 58-year-old guitarist, he had been experiencing symptoms in the past years, which prompted him to visit a neurologist and undergo a series of tests to find out the underlying cause of his issues.
“I was diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s disease. It’s been a struggle. It’s a struggle every day. And I’ll make another video with details about what Parkinson’s entails,” Dumont said.
Parkinson’s disease, per the Mayo Clinic, is a degenerative neurological disorder with symptoms that may include tremors, rigid muscles, poor balance, and speech changes. While the disease has no cure, patients are given medication or may undergo rehabilitation to reduce symptoms and improve the quality of life. According to statistics, more than 1.1 million Americans are affected by Parkinson’s, with about 90,000 people diagnosed every year.
The Guitarist Shared His Story To Raise Awareness
Dumont is revealing his diagnosis, as he was inspired by others who have come forward with their own health journey with Parkinson’s. “I think it helps erase some of the stigma, and it raises awareness, obviously. And awareness is really important for prevention and for research,” said Dumont.
Some notable figures who have been diagnosed with the disease include Michael J. Fox, Muhammad Ali, Neil Diamond, and Ozzy Osbourne.
Dumont’s fans and peers reacted to his announcement, commending him for his bravery and sharing words of encouragement. His No Doubt bandmate, Tony Kanal, wrote, “Love you beyond words my friend. Can’t wait to get on stage with you again.”
Tom Dumont Shared Some Good News
Despite his diagnosis, Dumont said he’s been “doing really well.” “The good news is, I can still play music. I can still play guitar,” he shared. Elsewhere in the video, he revealed that he has been getting ready for No Doubt’s Las Vegas residency and had fun looking back at old footage and photos from years past.
“It’s kind of made me think about how grateful I am for the life I’ve gotten to lead as a musician all these years, you know,” the guitarist said, adding his gratitude for the people who have supported him and No Doubt through the years. “It’s thanks to our families and our friends and listeners and you, and everyone who’s come to our shows over the years. Thank you,” said Dumont gratefully.
Tom Dumont And No Doubt
Dumont joined No Doubt as a guitarist in 1988. The ska-punk band released two albums before gaining mainstream success with the release of their third album in 1995, “Tragic Kingdom.” From then, the band had several hit songs, including “Just a Girl,” “Don’t Speak,” “Bathwater,” “It’s My Life,” and “Hella Good.”
In 2004, No Doubt took a hiatus, with the members focusing on personal projects and their families. They reunited a few times before taking another break in 2015. In 2024, the band reunited to perform at Coachella, and in January 2025, No Doubt performed for the FireAid LA benefit concert.
No Doubt has received nine Grammy nominations and won twice for Best Pop Performance, first for “Hey Baby” in 2003, followed by “Underneath It All” in 2004.
No Doubt’s Upcoming Las Vegas Residency
The No Doubt reunion at the 2025 benefit concert reignited fan excitement, ultimately leading the band to secure a Las Vegas residency at the Sphere. In December 2025, Gwen Stefani talked about the reunion, sharing that she and her bandmates have been discussing their comeback for a while. “I think the Sphere is the future, you know what I’m saying? It’s kind of a cross between a concert and a movie,” she said on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.”
Stefani teased that their performances are going to be “really nostalgic” for the fans and make them feel like they are “back in time.” “They’re a big part of our lives and we want to see them in Vegas,” she exclaimed.
The No Doubt “Live at Sphere” 18-show residency kicks off on May 6.
Pete Davidson’s entire world shifted after he became a girl dad — though some aspects of his life as a father were admittedly more surprising than others.
“I haven’t done stand-up in 5 months because I just had a baby; it’s a lot of fun,” Davidson, 32, said during his Saturday, April 11, comedy show at Las Vegas’ The Fontainebleau, per footage obtained by Us Weekly. “[I] got a little girl. It’s weird having a little girl. It’s hard to watch porn … in front of her.”
Nevertheless, Davidson said that he persisted.
“I still did. I power through,” the comedian quipped, reiterating that fatherhood “is great.”
Davidson’s girlfriend, Elise Hewitt, gave birth to the couple’s first baby, daughter Scottie Rose, in December 2025. Davidson and Hewitt, 29, named their baby after the Saturday Night Live alum’s late father. (Pete’s dad, Scott Davidson, was a firefighter who died in the line of duty while responding to the deadly September 2001 terrorist attacks.)
“The best thing I’ve been telling people is [that Scottie is] the biggest gift,” Davidson exclusively told Us Weekly in January of life as a father. “Nothing else matters as much or intensely, like career, activities, hanging out with people [or] what do people think of me, that sort of s***. I still want to do cool stuff, but it’s like, ‘Well, how long do I have to be away?’ Or ‘Is this worth being away?’”
Pete further gushed that it had been “f***ing awesome” watching Hewitt effortlessly step into her role as a mom.
“The whole time I was very sure and knew that she would be great at being a mom. She’s very caring and, almost to a fault, puts everybody else’s needs first,” Pete told Us of Hewitt, whom he started dating in early 2025. “So, it’s really just sweet to see how on top of things she is, and … if [Scottie is] crying, [Elsie] knows exactly what to do. She has, like, little tricks that get her to relax or calm down, and all that stuff is really f***ing cool to watch and see.”
Pete added at the time, “She definitely will wake up every three, four hours just to check the Nanit [baby monitor] like, no matter what, the Nanit app is open on Elsie’s phone. She’s always making sure that the baby’s all set. … She genuinely enjoys it, which is great, and we both do.”
Pete and Hewitt also have aspirations of expanding their family further.
“We want her to have a friend, for sure. We love the idea of her being a big sister,” Pete told Us weeks later in January. “I didn’t think I would already think about having another one. The idea of that sounds absolutely insane right now. … The process of giving birth is so insane, but so empowering once it happens. Just having this little thing, I really can’t explain how incredible the whole thing is.”
Chappell Roan is back in the spotlight. The “Super Graphic Ultra Modern Girl” singer was spotted at Coachella this weekend, marking her first public appearance since a controversy involving a security guard in Brazil made headlines last month. Chappell Roan stepped out at the star-studded Indio, California, festival despite not being part of the official lineup, drawing attention as she returned to the public eye following weeks of intense scrutiny.
Chappell Roan Looks Unrecognizable At Coachella
Known for her bold glam and larger-than-life stage presence, Roan appeared noticeably more toned down during her Coachella outing.
The 28-year-old was nearly unrecognizable, opting for a flatter hairstyle and more subdued makeup compared to her usual aesthetic. Still, she leaned into festival fashion, wearing a pirate-inspired outfit complete with gold fringe epaulets.
She was later spotted with Manon during Sabrina Carpenter‘s show.
Security Guard Breaks Silence On Roan Controversy
The drama stems from an incident in São Paulo involving Pascal Duvier, a security professional who was accused of “aggressively” confronting Jude Law’s 11-year-old daughter, Ava, and her mother while they were dining at the same hotel as Roan.
Duvier later addressed the situation publicly, denying any connection to Roan’s team. “I take full responsibility for the interactions on March 21st,” he said. “I was at the hotel on behalf of another individual, and I was not part of the personal security team of Chappell Roan.”
“The actions I took were not on behalf of Chappell Roan, her personal security team, her management, or any other individuals,” Duvier clarified. “I made a judgment call based on information we obtained from the hotel, events I had witnessed in the days prior and the heightened overall security risk of our location.”
He concluded, “My sole interaction with the mother was calm and with good intentions, and the outcome of the encounter is regretful.”
Chappell Roan Denies Involvement In Security Incident
Roan has also distanced herself from the situation, maintaining she had no knowledge of the interaction. “’She did not direct her personal security or anyone on her team to interact with them,” Roan’s spokesperson has said.
Despite those claims, the incident sparked backlash, especially after reports that Ava was left visibly shaken following the confrontation.
Mom Blasts Security After Daughter Was Left ‘Shaken’
Ava’s mother, Catherine Harding, addressed the situation publicly, questioning how the incident unfolded.
“Look, I would like to hope not, but at the same time, I think that you have a responsibility when you are a celebrity to make sure, I guess, that the people who work for you and that act on your behalf are acting on your behalf,” she said. “Would he do that if he didn’t have her authority to do so? I don’t know. If he does, then, obviously, that’s a big problem because then he’s representing her in a way that she doesn’t want to be represented.”
According to Harding, the encounter had a significant emotional impact. “For me, I feel like if she [Roan] really didn’t send him, [the security guard] overstepped a boundary because he is quite an intimidating [man],” she added. “If it wasn’t her, I hope she learns to maybe not allow the people who work for her to treat people like this.”
She also claimed the incident “ruined” her daughter’s birthday celebration.
The controversy has continued to follow Roan, with reports that she has since been banned from performing at a major festival in Rio de Janeiro following the incident.
Chappell Roan Slams ‘Invasive’ Fan Behavior
Since rising to fame in 2024, Roan hasn’t shied away from speaking out about the darker side of celebrity, rejecting the notion that she should accept unwanted attention. Her relationship with fans has at times been strained, with the singer previously labeling certain behavior as “creepy” and “invasive.”
“I don’t care that abuse and harassment, stalking, whatever, is a normal thing to do to people who are famous or a little famous, whatever. I don’t care that it’s normal,” she said in a video shared to social media last summer, adding that “this crazy type of behavior” from fans “does not make it OK” to do.”
“That doesn’t make it normal. That doesn’t mean I want it, doesn’t mean that I like it. I don’t want whatever the f-ck you think you’re supposed to be entitled to whenever you see a celebrity,” she said. “I don’t give a f-ck if you think it’s selfish of me to say no for a photo or for your time or for a hug, that’s not normal, that’s weird!”
Love on the Spectrum’s Georgie Harris is revealing her new boyfriend after splitting from fan-favorite Connor Tomlinson.
“Luke and I have been waiting for a little time after the series came out to tell you guys about him,” Georgie wrote via Instagram on Sunday, April 12. “We have been dating for a while. The series takes about a year to film then they have to decide what are the best scenes to have in LOTS.”
She continued, “Luke has Williams Syndrome was my friend for 3 years prior and matches my energy I would like you to say Hello to Luke. These pictures are mostly from Valentines Day this year and Prom Possible.”
Alongside the announcement, Georgie shared a compilation of photos featuring the pair dressed in their best. In one black-and-white photo, Georgie placed her arm around Luke’s shoulder as the couple smiled for the camera. Connor and his mom, Lise Menard Smith, both “liked” Georgie’s public announcement.
Connor and Georgie’s romance had been chronicled on Netflix’s hit reality dating show Love on the Spectrum, which chronicles people on the autism spectrum as they attempt to find love. Connor, a notable favorite of the series, starred in during seasons 2-4, at which point he memorably met Georgie. The pair, however, called it quits during the fourth season.
“It was my decision to end things,” Connor exclusively told Us Weekly ahead of the show’s premiere earlier this month. “Georgie and I … this season was the longest time we spent with each other. 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.”
Since going their separate ways, Connor and Georgie have remained on good terms. “She wanted to wish me a happy early birthday. I told her, ‘Thank you,’” Connor told Us.
While Connor continues to look for The One, he announced his exit from Love on the Spectrum ahead of season 5.
“It is with humility and a heavy heart that I share I will not be partaking in season 5,” Connor told Variety earlier this month, after the outlet confirmed the series had been renewed for another season. “I feel like three seasons is enough to tell my story and find love on my own time.”
He continued, “I’ve chosen to pass the torch to the next person who can make it as big as me. Don’t worry about me: I’m still going to be in the acting business, especially voice work. I’ve always been a huge fan of animation and would love to be involved with a TV show.”
Entertainment
“Euphoria” season 3 premiere reveals what happened to Fezco after actor Angus Cloud's death
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“This season became my way to honor Angus and all the kids who weren’t offered a second chance,” creator Sam Levinson previously said of Cloud’s 2023 death at age 25.
The husband of one of Eric Swalwell’s accusers has threatened legal action if the congressman “disparages” his wife, Ally Sammarco, amid multiple sexual assault and harassment allegations against the politician.
“I wish the best for his family, and I hope he gets the help he needs,” former DNC field director Adam Parkhomenko wrote via X early on Sunday, April 12. “If Eric Swalwell or his attorney makes a single statement that disparages my wife, I will be filing a lawsuit against him.”
Sammarco is among the four women who have accused Swalwell, 45, of sexual misconduct and sexual harassment — including a former staffer who claims the gubernatorial hopeful raped her.
Sammarco claimed in a Friday, April 10, CNN investigation that the politician previously offered to “share her resume” with other congressional offices before sending “very inappropriate” messages via Snapchat. (Sammarco claimed that Swalwell’s messages insinuated that the pair should “get together and hook up.”)
Congressman Eric Swalwell is facing sexual assault allegations from multiple women, a Manhattan District Attorney’s investigation and calls from top Democrats to end his campaign for California governor. Four women — including a former staffer who claims the politician raped her — accused Swalwell in April 2026 of sexual misconduct and harassment. Swalwell has categorically […]
“I’ve already made clear that if he believes anything I’ve said is untrue, he should sue me immediately,” Parkhomenko added on Sunday. “As he considers his next steps in the coming days, he should be very careful about what he chooses to say. He should also resign immediately.”
Us Weekly has reached out to Swalwell’s communications director for comment.
Swalwell, who was elected to represent California’s 14th district in the House of Representatives in 2023, is currently the frontrunner in the state’s race for governor. He has vehemently denied the accusations.
“These allegations of sexual assault are flat false. They are absolutely false. They did not happen,” Swalwell said in a Friday social media video, addressing the accusations. “They have never happened. And I will fight them with everything I have.”
Nancy Pelosi, Hakeem Jeffries and more prominent Democrats are reacting to claims Eric Swalwell, a Democratic congressman representing California’s 14th congressional district, sexually assaulted and harassed multiple women. “This extremely sensitive matter must be appropriately investigated with full transparency and accountability,” Pelosi said in a statement in response to the allegations. “As I discussed with […]
He continued, “They also come on the eve of an election, where I have been the frontrunner candidate for governor of California. I do not suggest to you in any way that I am perfect or that I’m a saint — I have certainly made mistakes in judgment in my past, but those mistakes are between me and my wife. And to her, I apologize deeply for putting her in this position.”
Swalwell has been married to Brittany Watts, with whom he shares three children, since 2016. Watts has not publicly addressed the scandal.
Parkhomenko, meanwhile, slammed Swalwell’s denial video after it was uploaded to social media.
“My wife’s name is Ally Sammarco. Obviously you know that, but she’s not named anonymous,” he tweeted on Friday. “She also went on the record with CNN, so that hopefully this does not happen to other women and maybe it would help other women come forward. … I’ve been very supportive of you over the years but even I learned a lot today. And she has my full support.”
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).
Entertainment
Here's what happens after “Euphoria” season 3 time jump that leaves 2 major characters missing from premiere
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Zendaya, Jacob Elordi, Sydney Sweeney, and more return, but temporary cast absences rocked the surprising premiere episode.
Ever since television entered its golden age in the late 1990s and early 2000s, the medium has been in a state of constant evolution as new sensations have continuously shifted the paradigm of what audiences want to see. This landscape of change, innovation, and influence has been particularly pronounced over the past decade, with the nature of the medium changing substantially with the onset of streaming entertainment and the progressive increase in the funding of small-screen drama allowing for bigger and bolder stories to be told.
From dramas that have reset the status quo with their unique tonal approaches to age-old genre tropes to comedies that have defied the rampant cynicism of the times with warmth and wonder, and even to science-fiction series that have inspired a wave of nostalgia, these 10 titles have made a lasting impact already. Some of these series have even gone beyond influencing the state of television to have an immediate real-world impact on everything from fashion and reality TV to political debates surrounding issues of nuclear energy.
10
‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)
The White Lotus is a fascinating series to analyze from the viewpoint of its impact on satirical storytelling and society. Each of The White Lotus‘ three seasons released thus far has focused on a different branch of the White Lotus luxury resort hotel, with narratives employing biting, acidic, and absurd comedy to lampoon the morality of wealth and elitism as they revolve around the intersecting personal drama of the guests and staff alike.
While the series’ integral idea of making a mockery of power and luxury is far from original, the lengths it is willing to go to do so are certainly unprecedented. Featuring everything from shock comedy and obscene dialogue to abrupt, stupefying nudity, The White Lotus has made boundary-pushing bravado a spectacle in itself. The fact that this wicked humor combines so well with the series’ enrapturing interest in dissecting class disparity and elitism through its litany of incredibly flawed characters, tackling additional themes of gender politics and familial dysfunction, and doing so in such idyllic locations makes The White Lotus one of the most decadently addictive series of the past decade, one that illuminates television’s growing budgetary strength in the streaming age as well as society’s mounting interest in issues of power and class.
9
‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–Present)
The past 10 years have certainly been an interesting time to live in, with everything from the lunacy of international politics and economic crises to disturbing societal trends dominating the headlines and coating the world in a sense of gloom. Many of the biggest TV shows of the last decade, even comedies, have sought to explore these issues and, as such, have embraced an air of pessimism in the process. Ted Lasso has emerged as a refreshing departure from this, flaunting a warmth and hopefulness that has taken television lovers by storm.
Jason Sudeikis stars as the titular Ted Lasso, an American college football coach hired as the manager of an EPL soccer team as an act of sabotage, only for his unwavering compassion, kindness, and belief to be the very thing the club needs to soar to unlikely new heights, both on the field and off it. Its positivity is infectious, feeling like a warm hug in a time of global anxiety. Its success has already seen some series follow suit, pivoting away from the moral ambiguity of anti-heroes in favor of sincere, empathetic characters who offer comfort at a time when it is most needed.
8
‘The Bear’ (2022–Present)
A defining hit series of the 2020s so far, The Bear has garnered a significant following off the back of its ability to blend grounded and moving drama with outbursts of chaotic comedy as it follows the tumultuous life and career of young chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White). After inheriting a sandwich shop in the aftermath of his brother’s suicide, Carmy returns home to Chicago to manage the restaurant, but his hopes of fulfilling his dream of becoming a successful haute cuisine chef are jeopardized by his dysfunctional family dynamic, the crushing responsibilities of operating a small business, and even the unruly staff who work under him.
Executed with an uncompromising appetite for authenticity, The Bear is an immersive look at the high-octane life of hospitality and the pressures of running a fine-dining establishment. Over the course of its four-season run thus far, it has become a true phenomenon of modern television, with cries of “yes, Chef!” reverberating around kitchens the world over. Far more than just a social fad, however, The Bear is certain to impact television with its masterful ability to juggle raw realism with powerful character drama and eruptions of outrageous dark comedy. The Bear‘s fifth and final season will premiere later in 2026.
7
‘Severance’ (2022–Present)
Science fiction has been growing in stature on the small screen in recent years, especially through a lens of grounded dystopian landscapes that aren’t too far detached from reality. Severance is something of a defining title in this regard, with the Apple TV+ original series following Mark Scout (Adam Scott), a Lumon Industries employee who, like his team, has undergone a procedure to create a divide between his work experiences and personal memories in his brain. After a bizarre encounter with a former colleague in the real world, Mark embarks on a quest to figure out the true nature of the company he works for.
The series has had a massive social impact since the release of its second season, with its compelling story of high-stakes sci-fi and corporate amorality striking viewers with its meditations on the imbalance of modern professional/personal schedules and the cold sterility of the workplace. Severance excels at delivering an original and unique high-concept story in a manner that is bleakly relatable. Its endeavor to marry surreal, genre-heavy narrative with cutting analysis of real-world issues that millions of people face is sure to be a relevant idea for future films and TV shows as well.
6
‘Fleabag’ (2016–2019)
Heralded by many as being among the greatest comedy series of all time, especially in more recent years, Fleabag thrives as both a brilliant sitcom and a masterful re-wiring of the genre’s design. Written, directed by, and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge, the tragi-comedy series follows a woman—referred to only as “Fleabag”—as she navigates the pitfalls of love and life in London with nothing but her acidic wit and no-filter crudeness, all while struggling to overcome the grief and anger she feels about the recent death of her best friend.
Based on Waller-Bridge’s own one-woman stage play, Fleabag juggles debilitating drama and uproarious, completely absurd comedy with expert precision, employing everything from incredibly fluid fourth-wall-breaking monologues to subversive ideals on the “messy woman” archetype with such brilliance that it has become an enduring television triumph. While its style hasn’t been truly replicated, Fleabag has been influential in its ability to normalize and even inspire more female-led series that deal with real-life issues from a feminine perspective with sincerity, depth, and an acceptance of faults and flaws. It empowers with its earnestness, and it opened a door to a television landscape more encouraging of such stories.
5
‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)
Crime drama has always been a centerpiece of television entertainment, but the recent onset of the true crime phenomenon has introduced new possibilities to the medium that no series has realized as sharply and masterfully as Mindhunter. While short-lived, the Netflix original series became an instant sensation with its unique spin on serial killer mystery, mixing fantastically with David Fincher’s penchant for slow-burn suspense and rich cinematic imagery, as well as its intriguing period setting.
Pivoting to focus on the minds of violent criminals, the series follows the early stages of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit—consisting of two agents and a psychologist—as they travel around America interviewing detained serial killers to gain insights into their motivations, patterns, and upbringings with the hope that their findings can be applied to active cases. Imbued with a psychological tension that prioritizes simmering dread and disconcerting intimacy over blood and gore, Mindhunter compels as a new spin on crime television. Its success helped popularize slow and meticulous crime thrillers on the small screen while setting a new standard for realism and cerebral depth in the medium.
4
‘Succession’ (2018–2023)
Another sharp perfection of prestigious tragicomedy, Succession is a cutting and callous skewering of corporate politics and elitism. Its consistently fantastic four-season run marks one of the defining series of its era, with its story—following the internal feuding, rivalries, and shambolic dysfunction of the Roy family as three siblings strive to position themselves to succeed their aging father as the head of the global multimedia conglomerate, Waystar Royco—operating with such cutthroat tenacity that it became infectiously entertaining in the most wicked and wretched way possible.
Its surgical satirical edge definitely made an impression on the medium, but so too did its clever pivot on the anti-hero trope television has embraced for over 20 years now, with the Roy family depicted less as likable though amoral people, and more as spoiled, malignant, and absurd figures viewers learn to understand rather than admire. Furthermore, Succession has had a remarkable impact on how society views issues of elitism and immense wealth, reducing it from its enigmatic and lavish air of depravity and power to make it a profanity-laden punchline of obscenity and human behavior. Also influencing fashion trends—such as the rise of the minimalist “stealth wealth” style—and reconfiguring how people view the modern media landscape, its indelible imprint expands far beyond the small screen, making it one of the most prominent and important TV titles in recent years.
3
‘Chernobyl’ (2019)
A comprehensive and captivating dramatization of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster of 1986 that examines everything from the experiences of the first responders, the intensive efforts to contain the fallout, the systemic corruption of the Soviet Union that tried to cover up the extent of the crisis, and the eventual political aftermath, Chernobyl is an awe-inspiring masterpiece of television drama. Proving itself to be so much more than just an incredible drama, the five-part miniseries has had an enormous impact on both the medium and global discussions concerning the safety of nuclear energy.
Focusing purely on the mark it has made on television productions, Chernobyl has set a new benchmark for historical drama with the astounding quality of its production, writing, and performances, as well as its attention to detail, thematic conviction, and unflinching endeavor to depict the true horror of the catastrophe. On a more societal note, its harrowing tone and immense scope re-ignited debate about the viability of nuclear power, the self-serving interests of political figures, and the importance of reporting the truth when such disasters occur.
2
‘Squid Game’ (2021–2025)
Given the pop-culture phenomenon it has become, there is a peculiar irony that series creator Hwang Dong-hyuk spent in excess of 10 years toiling to bring Squid Game to life. The struggle worked out for the best, however, with the hit South Korean series proving to be perfectly timed with its premiere in 2021, with its ability to marry high-stakes survival thrills, piercing observations on capitalist desperation, and its unique, quirky aesthetic resonating with viewers all over the world.
Therein lies the series’ greatest impact. Squid Game’s soaring success dismantled language barriers in small-screen drama, effectively ushering in an age of international prestige drama—particularly from South Korea—that has been a defining force of 2020s television. Looking beyond television, it has had a tremendous effect on pop culture at large, whether it is its eerie yet impressionable visual style influencing fashion, its thematic ideas inspiring widespread discussion about societal norms and structures, or even—somewhat disturbingly—its competitive premise launching spin-off reality series. Its first season remains Netflix’s most-watched original project, thus further cementing the streaming platform as a juggernaut of modern entertainment.
1
‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)
Following the release of House of Cards, which started in 2013, Stranger Things was the series that truly cemented Netflix as a major force in producing prestige television drama, thus igniting streaming as a commanding power of the medium. Set in the 1980s, it takes place in the small town of Hawkins as the case of a missing child reveals a sinister scientific experiment and a doorway between our reality and a nightmarish mirror universe full of supernatural forces and monsters.
The hit sci-fi series birthed a new wave of ’80s nostalgia, a phenomenon that has touched everything from mainstream film and television productions to modern fashion, pop-culture interests, and even music trends. The nature of its release schedule was instrumental in pioneering the binge-watch experience as it steered away from week-by-week releases. It could even be argued that the immense success of Stranger Things paved the way for the resurgence of high-quality horror in film and television as well. From its very first season right through to the release of its finale late in 2025, the Netflix original series has been a trailblazing triumph for streaming that has had a distinct impact on society as well.
Stranger Things
- Release Date
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2016 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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Netflix
- Directors
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Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer, Andrew Stanton, Frank Darabont, Nimród Antal, Uta Briesewitz
Hugh Jackman and Deborra-Lee Furness‘s New York property is proving difficult to offload several months after they finalized their divorce, and reports claim it’s causing trouble again.
The movie star has since moved on with girlfriend Sutton Foster, and the pair are already looking to get married.
However, sources revealed that their wedding plans may have hit a snag as Hugh Jackman has become wary of the topic due to his kids, who have remained loyal to their mom.
Tensions Rise As Hugh Jackman And Deborra-Lee Furness Struggle To Sell Their New York Property
Jackman and his ex-wife, Furness, have yet to sell their sprawling New York City mansion several months after their marriage ended.
The former couple was married for 27 years until they announced in 2023 that they had decided to go their separate ways “to pursue our individual growth.”
At the center of their divorce proceeding was the division of their impressive real estate portfolio, which includes high-end luxury properties in New York and Australia.
However, reports suggest their New York apartment is still on the market as they’ve struggled to find a suitable buyer for it.
“Selling this place was supposed to be straightforward, but it’s turned into a nightmare because there’s so much money on the line and they’re having no luck unloading it,” a source told the National Enquirer. “They’ve already slashed the price, which took a huge amount of back and forth because they couldn’t agree on how much to go down.”
Meanwhile, reports suggest the former couple has cut their asking fee by $10 million in hopes of selling it off as soon as possible. Back in 2022, when it first hit the market, the asking price was set at $38.9 million, but according to the New York Post, the exes are now just looking for $29.9 million.
The Former Couple’s Property Troubles May Lead Them To Court: ‘Things Are Starting To Get Heated Again’
Jackman and Furness’s inability to secure a buyer for the property is reportedly causing issues between them and reopening old wounds.
“There’s a lot of finger-pointing over who pushed to buy it in the first place and who is responsible for the mess they’re in now,” the source shared. “When they finalized the divorce, it seemed like they were finally ready to move on from all the anger, but things are starting to get heated again.”
The insider also explained that the issue may soon lead them to have to resolve things through their lawyers.
“This isn’t something they can just ignore. There’s too much at stake financially, and if they can’t find a way to agree on what to do with the property next, it’s very likely going to end up being something they have to fight out through lawyers,” the source said. “It’s a huge mess, and every day that goes by without selling, they’re losing money.”
Hugh Jackman’s Wedding Plans To Sutton Foster Seemingly Suffer A Setback
Since their split, the “Wolverine” actor has moved on with girlfriend Sutton Foster, with reports suggesting that they’re ready to tie the knot soon. The pair have made several public appearances together, going on dates and holding hands while walking.
However, their wedding plans have seemingly suffered a setback as his kids, Oscar and Ava, are understood to only be in support of their mom.
“Even though Hugh is excited to start this next chapter with Sutton, he has to be sensitive to his kids,” a source told the Daily Mail. “They’re incredibly protective of their mother, and he wants to be respectful of that.”
“Hugh really wants his kids at the wedding,” the insider added. “They both want their loved ones with them to celebrate.”
The Couple Has A Preferred Period And Location For Their Nuptials
According to a New Idea, a source revealed that Jackman and Foster are leaning towards a date during spring or summer and would also love for their special day to be held in New York.
The lovebirds are also reportedly keeping the wedding small, with plans for a long honeymoon through Europe afterward.
“[Jackman] told his team to keep a big window open for him and Sutton to tie the knot and have a ‘honeymoon tour’ of Europe, where they can see his mum,” the source noted.
Sutton Foster’ Doesn’t Leave Anything To Chance’ Amid Hugh Jackman’s Cancer Scare
Back in March, reports suggested that Foster is so in love with Jackman and is doing the best she can to protect him.
A source claimed that she’s doing her best to keep things in check after the actor suffered several skin cancer scares.
“Sutton is all about prevention and getting Hugh to the doctor even when nothing is wrong,” the insider told the National Enquirer. “She’s driven by preparation, going back years in musical theater, and doesn’t leave anything to chance, including Hugh’s well-being.”
Several years ago, Jackman revealed that he’s had about six basal cell carcinomas removed, adding that even if there’s no immediate cause for concern, “it’s a cancer and it grows.”
“And if you don’t take it out, it’ll get into your bones, and then you’ve got to take the bone out,” he added at the time.
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