Entertainment
12 Greatest HBO Shows of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb
HBO, the premium cable network, has been producing original content since the early 1980s. Over four decades, HBO has built a reputation for itself by creating some of the best dramas and comedies in recent history. Before they had the streaming service Max, they created masterpieces like Six Feet Under and The Sopranos.
The moments from these series have gone down in history as some of the most iconic moments in television. Looking at IMDb’s Top 250 TV Shows of all time, many of the titles on the list are HBO projects. These projects have left their mark on television history and have inspired many more series created today.
12
‘Oz’ (1997–2003)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
You might think, with the name Oz, that this is a prequel series based on The Wizard of Oz. But no, we can leave that to Jon M. Chu and his Wicked movies. Instead, this series is set in a fictional prison. Oz was actually HBO’s first one-hour drama series. It ran for six seasons from 1997 to 2003.
The Wizard of Oz inspires the name, with the prison’s name being Oswald State Correctional Facility. Much of the story takes place in “Emerald City,” and the original poster for the series had the phrase “It’s no place like home” written on it. HBO’s Oz also launched the careers of J. K. Simmons and featured Nurse Jackie’s Edie Falco. Interestingly, while other prison series feature a mix of innocent and guilty inmates, Oz has all guilty characters.
11
‘Rome’ (2005–2007)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Rome is a historical drama series co-produced by HBO and the BBC. It was one of HBO’s most expensive series, with each episode costing about $10 million. Rome ran for two series from 2005 to 2007 with 22 episodes. The series covers the birth of the Roman Empire in the 1st century BC and features a large ensemble cast.
Rome features iconic historical figures like Cleopatra and Julius Caesar, but mostly follows the stories of two Roman soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo. The historical drama featured Grey’s Anatomy‘s Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, and others. Rome won four Emmys but was cancelled only after two seasons. The series was planned for five seasons, but declining viewership and high production costs led to its early cancellation. The plans for a follow-up film also never materialized.
10
‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2005)
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Six Feet Under is widely recognized as having one of the best TV show finales of all time. The HBO series follows a family reeling from the loss of their patriarch and managing a funeral home. While a funeral home might sound like a perfect setting for a drama, Six Feet Under is actually a dramedy. The series masterfully interweaves humor with grief. Like other procedural series, every episode follows the Fisher family helping a new person with their loved one’s funeral.
The series was critically acclaimed and went on to win nine Emmys, as well as a Peabody Award, for “its unsettling yet powerfully humane explorations of life and death.” The ensemble cast features Peter Krause, who went on to star in Parenthood and 9-1-1, Michael C. Hall, who went on to star in the HBO hit Dexter, and Justin Machado, who is best known for her role in Netflix’s One Day at a Time. If you want to watch a series that makes you rethink your view of life and death, all while laughing at its exceptionally dark humor, Six Feet Under is a great choice.
9
‘Curb Your Enthusiasm’ (1999–2024)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
HBO hasn’t only created incredible one-hour dramas, but they’ve also created iconic sitcoms like Curb Your Enthusiasm. The series, created by and starring Larry David, ran from 2000 to 2024, with 12 seasons and 120 episodes. The series follows the life of the semi-fictionalized version of David. David also created Seinfeld, and both of these shows were about everyday life. Curb Your Enthusiasm is interestingly done with David writing a loose storyline for each episode, but most of the dialogue is improvised by the actors.
Many of the episodes featured celebrity guest stars who played fictionalized versions of themselves. The cast also included Cheryl Hines, Jeff Garlin, Susie Essman, and J. B. Smoove. Curb Your Enthusiasm was praised for its improvisational comedy and received 55 Emmy nominations, although it won only twice.
8
‘Succession’ (2018–2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Succession follows the dysfunctional Roy family who prove that money really isn’t everything. The show depicts media titan Logan Roy (Brian Cox) and his children as they battle for control of Waystar Royco, a global entertainment empire. As Logan’s health declines and questions about succession grow more urgent, siblings Kendall (Jeremy Strong), Shiv (Sarah Snook), Roman (Kieran Culkin), and Connor (Alan Ruck) battle for control.
The HBO series became a hit for its portrayal of what is essentially a Shakespearean tragedy mixed with biting satire. It exposes the absurdity of wealth through the Roy siblings’ dilemmas, while also injecting a good dose of dark humor and intense emotionality throughout. Bolstered by phenomenal performances and some of the sharpest writing television has ever seen, Succession cemented itself as one of HBO’s defining modern dramas.
7
‘True Detective’ (2014–Present)
IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
True Detective is HBO’s anthology crime series. Every season has a new cast and a new mystery to solve. The first season aired in 2014, and the series is still running, with season five currently in development. Each season’s cast includes impressive actors, including Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Mahershala Ali, and Jodie Foster.
The series has an overall score of 78% on Rotten Tomatoes, but not all seasons were equally well-received. The second season was criticized and received a Rotten score of 47%. Although the other three performed better, the fourth season had the highest score of 93%. A big reason the series remains so compelling is its willingness to reinvent itself, with each season exploring different themes, settings, and investigative styles while maintaining the dark atmosphere.
6
‘The Pitt’ (2025–Present)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Taking place entirely within a single emergency department, The Pitt‘s intense episodes and incredible format revitalized the medical drama genre. It follows Dr. Michael “Robby” Robinavitch (Noah Wyle) and his colleagues through a grueling shift at a Pittsburgh trauma center. Told in near real-time, each episode chronicles a single hour of the day as doctors, nurses, and residents navigate real challenges in the ER.
Overcrowding, understaffing, life-or-death decisions, and the emotional toll that comes with working on the front lines of modern healthcare are depicted with impressive realism that feels refreshing to see on a medical series. It’s this commitment to portraying what goes on behind the scenes in an emergency room that has had viewers hooked. Plus, an excellent ensemble cast and fantastic writing have elevated The Pitt to modern classic status.
5
‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Game of Thrones is an international phenomenon and is likely the most well-known series created by HBO. This fantasy series is an adaptation of George R. R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire. It ran from 2011 to 2019 over eight seasons and 73 episodes. The series follows a fictional world where a huge cast fights over the Iron Throne of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. Filled with dragons and entire creative worlds, it’s not too surprising that the series was extremely expensive. By the final season, each episode was estimated to cost about $15 million.
Game of Thrones has had a massive cultural impact, from Halloween costumes to a rise in new fantasy series. While other HBO series have been praised for their endings, Game of Thrones’ last season was criticized by many fans and called a disappointment. Despite this, the series went on to spawn successful spin-off series: House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
4
‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
It’s impossible to explain The Sopranos’ influence on television. The series is frequently credited with starting a golden era of television. Before The Sopranos, television wasn’t often seen as a medium that could portray complex characters. With the help of this series, we were able to get other dark and complex series like Six Feet Under and Breaking Bad. It also fully established HBO as a channel for the most premium content.
The series ran from 1999 to 2007 with six seasons and 86 episodes. The Sopranos received 112 nominations and 21 wins. The series follows Tony Soprano as he navigates life in the mafia and his personal family life. Tony Soprano was played incredibly by James Gandolfini. While Edie Falco was first on Oz, her role as mob wife Carmela Soprano fully launched her career. She won three Emmys for her portrayal. In 2021, The Many Saints of Newark was a prequel to The Sopranos, and James Gandolfini’s son, Michael Gandolfini, played a younger version of Tony Soprano.
3
‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
The Wire is most praised for its ability to grow and expand its scope as its seasons went on. Based in Baltimore, this HBO show successfully depicted the city’s education system, its dock workers, its politics, and more. The series was praised mainly for accurately representing Baltimore in all of its colors. While each season highlighted a different aspect of the city, the series somehow managed to seamlessly tie it all in without leaving any of the previous characters behind. It never felt forced and creates a natural progression of the story.
Besides the incredible story, the series also launched the careers of stars like Idris Elba and Michael B. Jordan. Despite receiving universal acclaim, The Wire received only two Emmy nominations throughout its five-season run. Despite the lack of awards, the series is widely recognized as one of the best of all time.
Continue Reading
Euphoria‘s Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje is addressing the confusion over Alamo and Maddy’s shocking hookup.
“With regard to the wonderful Alexa Demie — and what a great performance of Maddy — there was a lot of conjecture as to whether she slept with him,” Akinnuoye-Agbaje, 58, exclusively told Us Weekly.
Akinnuoye-Agbaje didn’t have as many questions.
“He laid out the bikini, he put on Etta James, he got the champagne, he’s in the hot tub in a snake skin speedo,” he noted. “I don’t think he’s there to play with the tootsies. So I just thought that was pretty obvious.”
Euphoria has caused a lot of confusion for viewers throughout the seasons — and now they are asking what exactly took place between Maddy and Alamo. Ahead of the season 3 finale, Maddy (Alexa Demie) had to ask Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) for money after Cassie (Sydney Sweeney) found out that Nate (Jacob Elordi) only had […]
The actor has enjoyed the offscreen reaction to his character’s development, adding, “What has been amusing is I’ve seen a few memes of what they call M and M — Mo and Mads — with four cocoa colored babies. That’s kind of fun. But I’ve done my part. I leave the rest for you guys to make your own movies.”
Euphoria viewers were initially confused after a May episode of the hit HBO show had Alamo forcing Maddy to put on a bathing suit and get in a hot tub with him. He ultimately agreed to help Maddy get the $1 million needed to save Nate (Jacob Elordi), but the scene cut off before the rest of their interaction was shown.
In the season 3 finale, which aired earlier this month, Maddy visited Alamo at his strip club, where he made a move on her while proposing they have four kids together. Alamo started to touch Maddy — who got on his lap — before the scene cut out again amid an implied but unseen kiss.
“I think he saw things in Maddie that reminded him of himself,” Akinnuoye-Agbaje shared. “She’s a business woman, she’s bold and she’s well put together. She’s a no-nonsense person.”
Akinnuoye-Agbaje thought Alamo was “turned on by that,” saying, “He was inspired by that. The point that she came into his life, he had achieved everything, he defeated the DEA, he defeated Laurie, he got rid of Rue the rat and he’d gotten all of the drugs and the money. He was on top of the world.”
Alamo was ready for something serious with Maddy.
“He realized he has everything but nothing. He had this wonderful moment of self-reflection — this epiphany that he had been exploiting women all this time — and now he wanted to surrender to them,” he continued. “He mistakenly — or rightly — thought that, ‘OK, Maddy, you’re The One.’ But obviously when push comes to shove — excuse the pun — he threw her out the window and used her as a bulletproof shield.”
Akinnuoye-Agbaje only saw one ending for Alamo. “He was always going to be about himself first,” he told Us. “That is the man. So would they have had a future? I think he would have tried. They would have had their cocoa colored babies, perhaps. But I think anytime he was under threat — his empire or his life — he would have sacrificed her in a minute as we saw in the showdown.”
After playing such a divisive character, Akinnuoye-Agbaje is curious what role will come his way next, adding, “I personally always like to go with things that challenge me to do something different. It could be humor or could be a comedy. The one thing I would say is that I’ve played a character that’s been so rich, complex, and layered that anything I do has to be at least on that level.”
He concluded, “How that manifests, I don’t mind. But I think I always like to keep my audience guessing. I enjoy disappearing from myself and transforming. So it would be probably something different for what I’ve played. It could be something that’s the antithesis to what I’ve just played.”
Euphoria is currently streaming on HBO Max.
Entertainment
What happened to the cast of “Grease”? See the T-Birds and Pink Ladies nearly 50 years later
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/grease-olivia-newton-john-john-travolta-051426-a393ad08870544d0b76f997ddcc694a3.jpg)
Born to hand jive, forced to grow up. “Grease” turns 48 on June 16.
Entertainment
Madonna morphs into biopic star Julia Garner in wild “Confessions II” film teasing icon's next chapter with 15 celeb cameos
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():format(jpeg)/Madonna-Times-Square-2026-2-060526-9175daf0a5b744299388fe668e81094c.jpg)
Benedict Cumberbatch, Sabrina Carpenter, Gwendoline Christie, more stars pop up in Madonna’s eye-popping “Confessions II” short film teasing upcoming biopic.
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Billowy dresses, tailored trousers, delicate florals — who wouldn’t want to look like a Parisian rich mom? Luckily, you don’t need a plane ticket to channel effortless Left Bank energy. These chic summer dresses, blouses, two-piece outfit sets and more look straight out of a seventh arrondissement boutique, and they start at only $7!
The trick is leaning into quality fabrics, relaxed silhouettes and prints with a little soul. Whether you’re running errands, lounging at the beach or meeting the girls for lunch, these 11 Parisian-style pieces capture that je ne sais quoi without the jet lag. They’ll quietly upgrade your wardrobe all summer long.
11 Summer-in-Paris Pieces — From $7
1. Everyday Outfit: Wrinkle-free fabric means this flowy blue maxi survives a suitcase, a train ride and a café lunch without a single iron. Roomy pockets seal the deal.
2. Marseilles Weekend: A high-waist, palazzo shape and lace detailing give these wide-leg lounge pants more presence than typical bottoms.
3. Dreamy Pick: Clingy tops are a no-go during the hot months. I reach for this floaty floral blouse that drapes away from the body.
4. Zimmermann Vibes: Designer lookalikes usually disappoint, but this colorful printed maxi nails the breezy silhouette without the four-figure price tag.
5. Polka-Dot Trend: This polka-dot top is already charming, but add in the delicate tie-neck detail and it’s retro without feeling dated. It tucks cleanly into trousers and skirts.
Remember when dad sneakers and clunky clogs were everywhere? That moment is over. Everyone’s replacing polarizing kicks with these sleek, expensive-looking styles that make any outfit appear polished. Refined footwear is officially back! We’re talking about chic flats, summery sandals, clean sneakers and mules you can slip on without a second thought. These 13 summer […]
6. Midi Maven: Midi length can hit awkwardly, but this flattering wonder hits just the right spot. Better yet, the shape skips your waistline entirely.
7. Office Envy: These polished dress pants have a secretly elasticized waistband for comfort, while the pleats keep them sharp. Talk about a staple!
8. Wardrobe MVP: Skip the basic tee. This textured top is much more sophisticated, and at only $25, you can grab two.
9. Silky Satin: With a dainty floral print and silky satin material, this expensive-looking midi skirt is perfect for everything, from daytime appointments to evening cocktails.
10. Capsule Piece: This essential satin tank top reads high-end from across the room. Trust me, it’s the missing piece for half your summer outfits.
11. Could Be Linen: Instead of mixing and matching, Parisian gals opt for this linen-looking two-piece set. You can wear them together or split them up with denim and a tee.
By Jonathan Klotz
| Published
Sam Raimi isn’t only one of the best horror and superhero directors of the last 40 years, he’s also an incredibly successful producer who kickstarted the 90s syndication boom. Hercules, Xena, Young Hercules, Jack of All Trades, all of them were executive produced by Raimi and filmed in New Zealand. There’s another show in his stable, one that doesn’t get talked about as much as the others, and unlike all of them, it’s sci-fi. Cleopatra 2525 is so campy, it makes She-Spies seem grounded, and it was another Raimi hit that aired for two seasons. Today, you can’t find it streaming anywhere, which has denied generations the chance to see a stripper save the future.
Cleopatra 2525 Is A Sci-Fi Fever Dream
Cleopatra 2525 is as goofy as the title. Cleo (Jennifer Sky), an exotic dancer, was cryogenically frozen after a simple cosmetic procedure went wrong, and wound up waking up 500 years later in a future where humanity lives underground. AI has taken over the surface using drones called Baileys to keep humanity in check. Cleo joins the resistance fighters Hel (pre-Firefly Gina Torres) and Sarge (Victoria Pratt) as they are given missions by The Voice (Elizabeth Hawthorne). Three women, missions given by only a voice? It’s sci-fi Charlie’s Angels.
Most of the plots center around Betrayers, which, as the name implies, are humans working for the Baileys. In practice, this turns episodes into games of Among Us where the team has to deduce who the Betrayer is, or go out of their way to capture a Betrayer, and you get the idea. As with Xena and Hercules, the majority of the episodes are self-contained adventures, though as with Raimi’s other shows, there’s a stable of supporting characters that pop in and out of the series.
What you can expect every episode is Cleo impressing the residents of the 25th century with her deep, philosophical musings, such as “The truth is out there” or “Live long and prosper. The Force is with you.” It’s a take on Idiocracy, years before Mike Judge released his documentary. Pop culture of today is to the future what Shakespeare is to us.
The Golden Age Of Campy Sci-Fi
The most surprising fact about Cleopatra 2525 isn’t that this fever dream of a sci-fi show was made in the first place, it’s that it lasted two seasons. As a reminder, Firefly, Almost Human, Flashforward, Terra Nova, 1899, none of those made it to two seasons. Amazingly, Jack of All Trades, which aired back-to-back with Cleopatra 2525 also made it to two seasons, proving that Sam Raimi knows exactly what to do to make a low-budget go as far as possible.
Cleopatra 2525 is available as an out of print DVD box set but other than that, it’s not streaming anywhere. For the longest time, it was on Tubi, which means it’ll likely pop back up at some point and when it does, it’s well worth checking out. The early 2000s were a Golden Age of campy, low-budget sci-fi that holds up remarkably well. It’s insane, the special effects looked dated back then, and yet, Cleopatra 2525 has more heart and joy than the majority of today’s sci-fi.
Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!
Hamptons rich moms are almost too easy to spot. They wear Zimmermann designs nonstop, and although these boho-luxe pieces cost thousands, we found 17 romantic summer dresses that channel the same energy for *so* much less. We’re talking loose, billowy picks from just $11!
Flowing skirts, head-turning florals and sleeves with just enough drama are just some of the enviable details you find ahead. Honestly, there’s a reason even rich moms are swapping the real deal for these chic lookalikes! From casual errand runs to fancy Mediterranean dinners, these frocks work for everything on your calendar. Check out our summer favorites that scream ‘expensive’ to everyone but your wallet.
17 Zimmermann-Style Dresses — From $11
1. Everyday Outfit: This functional, floral, short-sleeved dress is polished enough for brunch, yet holds your phone, keys and lip balm without a clutch. Those trusty pockets are a real game-changer.
2. Oh-So Dreamy: A smocked bodice does the hard work here, cinching your waist while the long skirt floats. This blue floral maxi radiates socialite vibes without even trying.
3. Effortlessly Elevated: Walk into a vineyard wedding wearing this elevated mini dress and garner endless compliments. The watercolor print photographs beautifully.
4. Puff-Sleeve Princess: If midis feel too long and minis feel too short, a knee-length dress hits the sweet spot in between. We’re really feeling the blue and red color combo!
5. Boho Babe: Give your Zimmermann aesthetic a touch of Zara with this boho midi dress. The breezy fabric keeps it cool and forgiving.
6. Wedding Guest of Honor: A June wedding, an Aperol spritz and this dreamy floral gown swirling on the dance floor. It’s perfect for any venue.
7. Cool Mom: The tribal-inspired print makes this one-of-a-kind mini feel more laid back than the average sundress, while the front buttons add a luxe, polished vibe.
8. Pool Day: You’ll look like you dropped hundreds on this tropical tie-strap dress. It serves pure designer resort energy.
9. Farmer’s Market: Tie waists masterfully conceal bloating, and this paisley shirtdress is a prime example. It creates shape while concealing your tummy.
10. Fun Floral: Small florals sometimes feel dated, but Zesica’s bold floral mini reads as modern and rich.
11. Vintage Find: People will think you found this preppy V-neck dress at a Hamptons boutique or a really good estate sale. East Coast rich moms are obsessed with the contrasting details.
12. Flattering Find: Zesica’s white maxi dress uses every flattering trick: a defined waist, flutter sleeves and a tiered skirt that lengthens your entire figure.
13. Oversized Elegance: Imagine this long-sleeve maxi dress on a Greek island terrace at dinner, sandals kicked off, a glass of white in hand. It’s that kind of vacation dress.
14. Plus-Friendly: Throw on this puff-sleeve sundress with white sneakers for a backyard birthday party. Although optional, the blue colorway is a work of art!
15. Model Status: A halter neckline plus maxi length equals legs-for-days proportions. This lengthening maxi draws the eye up and down.
16. Center of Attention: Belt this printed shirtdress for cocktail hour, or leave it loose for travel days. Either way, people will ask where it’s from.
17. $20 Stunner: Hot afternoons call for this ultra-flowy mini dress that hangs loosely everywhere without looking frumpy. At only $20, you can grab two colors guilt-free!
You don’t need a plane ticket to imagine the aesthetic. New York rich moms, the ones that live on Park Avenue and carry totes worth quadruple digits, are polished beyond compare, and they somehow seem comfortable. That’s the magic of their comfy, luxe-looking sundresses. These 21 summer dresses deliver uptown-meets-downtown ease, the kind you can […]
British singer-songwriter Talay Riley, who wrote songs for artists including Dua Lipa, Britney Spears and Zendaya, was stabbed to death in London on Friday, June 5, the Metropolitan Police said. He was 35.
Police were called early Friday to an address in Silvertown, east London, to attend to a suspected stabbing.
Riley, whose real name was Mark Orabiyi, was pronounced dead at the scene.
A second man was taken to the hospital with multiple stab wounds, the Met Police said.
Hollywood mourned the deaths of some of its most legendary stars in 2026. The year started off with Broadway performer and influencer Bret Hanna-Shuford’s death at age 46. At the end of the month, comedy acting icon Catherine O’Hara died at age 71. In February, Designing Women’s Camilla Carr died at age 83, Dawson’s Creek […]
Three suspects — two men aged 27 and 24 and a 25-year-old woman — were arrested on suspicion of murder, the department said. The 27-year-old man was released on bail pending further investigation. The other two people detained were released with no further action.
“Mark was a beloved son, brother, uncle and friend. He brought love, light and joy to our family and to all who knew him,” Riley’s family said in a statement.
“We will always cherish his kindness, beautiful spirit and remarkable talent. His presence touched many lives, and his memory will remain in our hearts forever,” the family added. “May his soul rest in perfect peace.”
Riley’s songwriting credits include Zendaya’s “Close Up,” Dua Lipa’s “Last Dance” and Spears’ “Clumsy.” He has also written for the likes of U.K. rapper Stormzy, Craig David, Chris Brown, Khalid and more.
There’s something uniquely special about the bond between teen pop sensations and their fan bases, which is tragically highlighted when an artist dies young. After One Direction alum Liam Payne died at age 31 in October 2024 after falling from the third floor of a hotel in Buenos Aires, fans flocked to the scene to […]
Riley’s brother, music producer Scribz Riley (real name Michael Orabiyi), paid tribute to the singer-songwriter in a Saturday, June 6, Instagram post.
“My heart is shattered! This doesn’t feel real. It feels like a bad dream. Just before he went to sleep we spoke about the future, staying positive and about everything we still had left to do,” he wrote. “I never imagined that would be our last conversation. Yinka wasn’t just my brother. He was my mother’s son, a friend to many, a mentor, an inspiration, and a light in so many people’s lives. He had one of the purest hearts I’ve ever known. He loved deeply, gave freely, and touched countless people through his talent, kindness, and spirit.”
Scribz added, “The outpouring of love already shows how many lives he impacted. You inspired so many people and your legacy will continue to live on through your music, your family, your friends, and everyone blessed enough to have known you. Thank you to everyone who has reached out to me and my family, we appreciate you all.”
Stormzy and Khalid were among the people to comment on Scribz’s post.
“I’m sorry bro ❤️❤️❤️,” wrote Stormzy. Khalid added, “Im so sorrry bro… im sending you so much love 🕊️.”
Singer Kehlani wrote, “Big hugs scribz i’m so sorry.”
Entertainment
The Greatest Horror Director’s Best Film Is Scarier Than Ever, Now Streaming On Netflix
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published
One question that I get asked very often is why I like movies so much. Obviously, there are plenty of reasons: for example, movies are the best way to bring amazing stories to life in a way that audiences will never forget. What I don’t always admit to people is that I love films because they help me psychoanalyze myself. Like, why do I adore horror movies so much? Like, I live a pretty mild-mannered life and get wigged out by the grisly details of true crime podcasts. Nonetheless, nothing delights me quite as much as films where psychotic killers turn hapless victims into mincemeat.
By getting closer to answering that question, I get that much closer to learning what makes my weird brain tick. That’s part of why I loved Nope (2022) so much: it’s a blockbuster from iconic horror director Jordan Peele that doesn’t settle for simply scaring us. Instead, the movie explores the weird intersection of film history, yearning nostalgia, and destructive spectacle, all of which force the audience to learn more about what they find scary and why. Care to learn more about yourself with one of the decade’s freshest, most frightening films? Good news, pilgrim: Nope is currently streaming on Netflix!
Cowboy And Alien
The plot of Nope is that a pair of siblings who provide horses for Hollywood productions discover something astonishing: namely, that a UFO has been snacking on their horses. They then decide to do what most of us would in their position: record the UFO and then sell the footage for cash. Unfortunately, capturing this thing on camera is easier said than done. For one thing, it has a bad habit of shutting down nearby electronics. For another thing, anyone who so much as looks at this thing is in danger of becoming its next meal.
Still, the stubborn siblings persist in their plan. They get help from an increasingly eclectic series of allies, including a grizzled cameraman and a former child actor who narrowly survived getting killed by a chimpanzee costar. Eventually, everything culminates in a madcap attempt by this ersatz crew to capture live footage of this alien object. But as its body count grows and they learn more about its terrible secrets, one thing becomes clear: everyone involved will be lucky if they manage to somehow get out of this alive!
The Dangers Of Nostalgia
One of the weirder things I loved about Nope is how it unflinchingly presents nostalgia as a kind of double-edged sword. Sometimes, looking back to the past can be wholesome, like when the sibling protagonists take pride in their family’s connection to the earliest days of Hollywood. Plus, the veteran cameraman uses a handcranked camera to circumvent the UFO’s anti-tech abilities, a moment that is presented as the ingenuity of the past triumphing over the problems of the present. But nostalgia can also be dangerous and debilitating, as evidenced by Steven Yeun’s Jupe character.
Jupe narrowly survived a tragedy in the ‘90s when a chimpanzee co-star named Gordy got startled and murdered everyone else before being shot. As an adult, Jupe weaponizes public nostalgia for his show and for old cowboy movies by creating a tacky, Western-style theme park. Jupe never stops dwelling on the past, and he would do anything (including putting hundreds of people in danger) to regain the fame he had as a child actor. He ultimately dies because he misunderstands how he survived the chimp’s attack in the first place (namely, by never looking directly at its eyes), showcasing how fatally fickle our nostalgic memories can be.
The Most Believable Performances In Horror
As with all of director Jordan Peele’s films, the single best part of Nope is the cast. Sure, the special effects are excellent, and they do a great job of helping the UFO at the center of this weird tale be properly frightening. But the frights only work because we witness the scary events through the lens of what might be the most believable performers in horror history. Daniel Kaluuya’s OJ, for example, isn’t some walking horror cliche who makes a constant stream of bad decisions. Instead, he is the ultimate audience surrogate, reacting (often hilariously) in the exact baffled and beleaguered way that the rest of us would to a hungry UFO.
Kaluuya has absolutely amazing chemistry with Keke Palmer, who plays his sister. With one scene-stealing line after another, she helps bring their sibling rivalry to hilarious life, and Palmer always ensures that we can see the warmth and love undergirding every mean comment she makes to her onscreen brother. I also thought that Steven Yeun’s Jupe was remarkably complex: he is both a trauma survivor and a trauma-powered grifter, and Yeun helps to sell the desperate pathos of a man who makes one bad decision after another, all in an attempt to return to Hollywood glory days that everyone has forgotten but him.
A Deconstructed Mystery Box
When rewatching Nope, I finally put my finger on one of the more elusive reasons I always loved this movie: Jordan Peele takes the most annoying trope in film and finally does something interesting with it. After the success of JJ Abrams’ Lost, an increasing number of movies and TV shows embraced “mystery box” storytelling. These are the kinds of stories where key details are released in a slow trickle to force audience engagement. As with Lost, the answers are almost always disappointing, but the driving idea behind mystery box storytelling is that it’s okay if the reveal sucks, so long as the mystery is compelling.
Nope, by contrast, provides a kind of deconstructed mystery box. Key information isn’t trickle-truthed out to the audience; instead, we discover the most important things right alongside the characters, and every single promised payoff seriously delivers. That makes this horror film as immersive as it is rewarding, especially the climax that will leave you on the edge of your seat. What happens in this iconic horror movie, and what will it tell you about what you’re afraid of? The only way to find out is to stream it for yourself on Netflix!
Savannah Guthrie is not giving up hope four months after mom Nancy Guthrie‘s disappearance.
On Sunday, June 7, the Today show cohost shared a picture of a religious painting depicting Christ’s ascension via her Instagram Stories. The image was overlaid with text that reads, “Oh my, my soul, it cries out, soul, it cries out.”
Savannah, 54, added, “Bring her home” alongside a yellow heart emoji.
Police believe that Nancy, 84, was abducted from her home just outside of Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of February 1. She has yet to be found.
Today cohost Savannah Guthrie has frequently appealed to the public for help following the mysterious disappearance of her 84-year-old mother, Nancy Guthrie, in Arizona. Pima County police suspect that Nancy was abducted from her home in the Catalina Foothills north of Tucson, Arizona, in the early hours of February 1, 2026. Per law enforcement, a […]
“These cases are difficult,” Pima County Sheriff Chris Nanos said in an update on the case on June 1.
Nanos added to Tucson news station KOLD News 13, “Not just this case. A number of our cases come to us where it requires a lot of work from other people. It’s not just a detective who goes out there, talks to somebody, and we can make an arrest.”
“What really makes it prolonged is we do rely on labs,” said the sheriff. “You don’t want to jeopardize not just the integrity of this case, but the integrity of DNA as a supplement to law enforcement work.”
As the search for Nancy rolls into its fourth month, Savannah has publicly appealed for her mom’s return.
In an emotional Mother’s Day tribute via Instagram in May, she wrote, “Mother, daughter, sister, Nonie, we miss you with every breath. We will never stop looking for you. We will never be at peace until we find you.”
“We need help. Someone knows something that can make the difference. Call 1800CALLFBI. You can be anonymous and the reward remains available. Please keep praying. Bring her home,” she added.
In a March interview on the Today show, Savannah recalled how she first learned about her mom’s suspected kidnapping.
“[My sister, Annie, called], she said, ‘She’s gone,’” she said. “She was in a panic. I was in a panic. I’m like, ‘Call 911.’ She’s like. ‘I did. We called them. They’re here.’ … It was just chaos and disbelief. From the very early moments, Annie and [her husband] were saying [to authorities], ‘This isn’t a case that you are used to where someone wanders off. She can’t wander off.’”
Savannah briefly took a break from the Today show starting in February, returning to cohosting duties on April 6. She also stepped away from fronting NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy.
Prime Video is in line for one of the biggest years in the streamer’s history in 2026 after releasing new seasons of some of its biggest properties. The first show that comes to mind is The Boys, which just wrapped up with a divisive finale that still has fans watching and debating close to a month later. Prime Video also aired a new season of its critically lauded adult animated show, Invincible, and confirmed on the day of the Season 4 finale that more episodes are coming next year. However, the biggest Prime Video show returning before the end of this year is Reacher, the hit action series starring the gargantuan Alan Ritchson. There is such little doubt that Reacher Season 4 is going to be a massive hit that the show has already been picked up for Season 5 before Season 4 even has a release date.
Quietly, one of the biggest returns of the year for Prime Video has been the second season of Citadel, which is led by Game of Thrones veteran Richard Madden. Stanley Tucci and Priyanka Chapra Jonas also have roles in the spy thriller show, and while Season 1 was released weekly, Season 2 was dropped as a binge back at the start of May. It’s now been over a month since the second season of Citadel began streaming on Prime Video in its entirety, but the show is still one of the top 10 most-watched titles on the platform. Despite costing over $300 million, Season 1 of the spy show was maligned by critics, but Season 2 has been met with a more acceptable reception. The show is perfect for Mission: Impossible fans looking to scratch the spy thriller itch.
What Else Is There To Watch on Prime Video Right Now?
The most popular show on Prime Video at the time of writing is Spider-Noir, the superhero series led by Nicolas Cage. Spider-Noir is just narrowly edging out the debut season of the YA hockey drama, Off Campus, which is sitting comfortably as the #2 most-watched Prime Video series right now. As for movies, Prime Video has Jack Ryan: Ghost War dominating watchlists right now as it’s spent a third consecutive week at #1. It’s just barely holding the #1 spot over Crime 101, the critically acclaimed heist thriller starring Chris Hemsworth.
Check out the first two seasons of Citadel on Prime Video, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates and coverage of the show.
- Release Date
-
April 28, 2023
- Network
-
Prime Video
- Showrunner
-
David Weil
- Directors
-
Newton Thomas Sigel
- Writers
-
John Applebaum, Bryan Oh, David Weil
Business19 seconds ago
General Mills introduces new Pillsbury bread products
Crypto World1 minute ago
South Korea Police Reportedly Raid Bithumb in Lawmaker Hiring Influence Probe
Entertainment2 minutes ago
Euphoria’s Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje on Alamo, Maddy Sex Confusion
-
Fashion3 days agoWeekend Open Thread: Evereve – Corporette.com
-
Business7 days agoJade Biosciences, Inc. (JBIO) Discusses Positive Interim Results From JADE101 Phase I Healthy Volunteer Study and Development Plans Transcript
-
Crypto World3 days agoJensen Huang Approves Samsung, SK Hynix, and Micron for NVIDIA (NVDA) HBM4 Memory Supply
-
Sports6 days agoFrench Open 2026 results: Alexander Zverev beats Rafael Jodar and will play Jakub Mensik in semi-finals
-
Tech6 days agoCryZENx Releases Fresh Playable Content Deep Inside Jabu-Jabu for His Ocarina of Time Remake
-
Business6 days agoTrump Taps Housing Chief Bill Pulte as Acting Intelligence Director After Gabbard Exit
-
Business2 days agoThe Pain Points Taking a Fragile Tech Rally Down a Notch
-
NewsBeat6 days agoRepublicans balk at Trump’s attempt to appoint a MAGA enforcer to lead National Intelligence
-
Crypto World3 days ago
LBank Surpasses 25 Million Users Worldwide as AFA Partnership Continues to Drive Global Growth
-
Tech3 days agoMicrosoft launches MXC, an OS-level sandbox for AI agents, with OpenAI and Nvidia already on board
-
Tech3 days agoRCS Messages Between iPhone and Android Get End-to-End Encryption With iOS 26.5
-
Crypto World1 day agoTrump’s AI Ownership Plan Could Benefit Anthropic at OpenAI’s Expense
-
Crypto World6 days agoSeagate (STX) Stock Surges to Record High on AI Boom and Legal Settlement
-
Tech3 days agoMeta steals a tactic from Tesla and builds data centers in tents
-
Business3 days ago(VIDEO) Justin Bieber Delivers Surprise Happy Birthday Serenade to Diners at Los Angeles Mexican Restaurant
-
Entertainment6 days agoDid The Mandalorian And Grogu Already Ruin The Next Star Wars Movie?
-
Crypto World5 days agoEU AI Data Center Project Faces Delays as Funding Gaps Grow
-
Business6 days agoAehr Test Systems Stock Soars 17% Amid Surging AI Demand and Conference Spotlight
-
Crypto World3 days agoMerlin (MRLN) Stock Soars 32% on Major USSOCOM Autonomy Milestone
-
Tech3 days agoCredit card theft campaign abuses Stripe to host stolen payment info
You must be logged in to post a comment Login