Hilary Duff knows a thing or two about maintaining glowing skin under bright lights, and one of the products she swears by is the iS CLINICAL Active Peel System. The two-step exfoliating treatment has become a go-to for achieving smoother, brighter-looking skin, helping to sweep away dull buildup while boosting radiance.

During a recent radio interview, the Y2K queen shared that exfoliation with the iS CLINICAL Active Peel System plays a key role in maintaining her glowy complexion, especially while on tour and wearing heavy makeup. She isn’t the only celebrity fan who trusts iS Clinical for reliable results — A-list supporters like Shay Mitchell, Emma Chamberlain and Alix Earle have also praised the brand for helping keep their skin looking smooth, clear and radiant.

Get the iS CLINICAL Active Peel System for $99 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Related: Hilary Duff Uses These SPF-Infused Glow Drops That Are 57% Off

Did you know that stage lights have the same effect on skin as intense sun exposure? Hilary Duff’s makeup artist, Kelsey Deenihan Fisher, was aware of this, which is why she slyly incorporates SPF into the singer’s tour looks. For Duff’s “Small Rooms, Big Nerves” show in Los Angeles, Fisher boosted her glow with the […]

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The iS Clinical Active Peel System is designed as a two-step treatment that works to resurface and nourish the skin in just a few minutes. Step one uses a blend of exfoliating acids — including glycolic, lactic and salicylic acids — to gently dissolve dead skin cells, clear pores and improve overall texture. This exfoliating step helps reveal fresher-looking skin underneath, making the complexion appear brighter and more even over time.

Step two follows with a soothing, hydrating treatment that helps replenish the skin barrier and calm and refresh the complexion. Packed with ingredients like botanical extracts and antioxidants, it helps balance the skin after exfoliation and leaves behind a smooth finish. The duo is designed to work together to refine pores, boost luminosity and support a healthier-looking glow without feeling overly harsh.

One Amazon reviewer said it works “better than a facial at a spa,” while another customer raved, “nothing has ever given me the instant results that these pads do.”

If you’re looking to refresh dull skin and boost your glow, the iS Clinical Active Peel System may be worth discovering. Shop the exfoliating treatment now to see how the celebrity-loved two-step routine can help reveal glowier skin.

Get the iS CLINICAL Active Peel System for $99 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more at-home peels here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Christina Haack had a dreamy date night with her boyfriend, Christopher LaRocca, at HGTV’s Bachelor Mansion Makeover event.

“Chris is always very supportive,” Haack, 42, exclusively told Us Weekly on the Thursday, March 12, red carpet. “He’s just a nice, easy man to be around, and I love having him here.”

Us confirmed in January 2025 that Haack started dating LaRocca, 53, after her split from ex-husband Joshua Hall. Haack and Hall, 44, separated in July 2024 and settled their divorce in May 2025.

As her romance with LaRocca heated up, Haack contemplated whether she would tie the knot again. (Haack was married to Tarek El Moussa from 2006 to 2016 and Ant Anstead from 2018 to 2020. She shares two children with El Moussa, 44, and son Hudson with Anstead, 46.)

Related: Tarek El Moussa Shares Double Date Photo With Christina Haack’s New Man

Photo by Paul Archuleta/FilmMagic One week after going Instagram official with Christopher LaRocca, Christina Haack is introducing her new beau to an old beau. According to People, Haack, 41, and the CEO, 52, were photographed at Nobu in Newport Beach, California, with her ex-husband Tarek El Moussa and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, on […]

“I’ll always love love,” the HGTV star previously told Us in a January 2025 cover story. “I probably will [get married again] eventually. But, not anytime soon.”

According to Haack, she would need to “be engaged for a minimum of, like, five years” before ever getting married again. Haack still isn’t thinking about putting a ring on it any time soon.

“Marriage is just not on my radar right now,” she stressed to Us on Thursday.

As Haack and LaRocca enjoy their relationship as is, the design maven has been busier than ever. In addition to filming season 2 of HGTV’s The Flip Off with Tarek and his wife, Heather Rae El Moussa, she also lent her expertise to Bachelor Mansion Takeover.

On Bachelor Mansion Takeover, a group of franchise fan-favorites reunited at the Bachelor Mansion to renovate it and compete for a cash prize. Haack served as a judge on the Monday, March 9, episode.

Related: How Christina Haack Transformed Her Life in 1 Year as Cameras Rolled

When it comes to renovating houses, Christina Haack, one of Us Weekly’s Reality Stars of the Year honorees, knows things can get very unpredictable. The same can be said for the ambitious HGTV star’s personal life as she experienced a year of change in the public eye. When The Flip Off premiered in January, viewers […]

“I didn’t know what to expect,” she told Us on Thursday of her guest-judging experience. “Pulling up, I noticed the house needed a little bit of TLC on the outside, and then going to the inside, I found I was getting to do the Rose Room, which is definitely the most iconic room, so I was super excited.”

Haack and the fellow judges, Tayshia Adams and Tyler Cameron, were enlisted to share feedback on the finished product with the participants.

“The contestants had very limited time, limited budget, so I definitely feel for them, having been on the other side,” she said. “I’s a lot of pressure, but I think overall, they all did a great job. I think I [tried] to be a very fair judge, having been on the other side and having an understanding of, like, what they’re working with and how low the budgets are, I was trying not to be too critical.”

Bachelor Mansion Takeover airs on HGTV Mondays at 8 p.m. ET and is available to stream the next day on HBO Max.

Sarah Tena, a 32-year-old former adult performer, says it felt “disrespectful” when Timothée Chalamet started dating Kylie Jenner.

Tena claims she and the actor had been in a non-exclusive relationship for several years before his high-profile romance with the reality TV star became public.

According to Sarah Tena, their connection began after she discovered Timothée Chalamet in “The King” on Netflix and messaged him on Instagram.

Sarah Tena Claims Timothée Chalamet’s Kylie Jenner Relationship Felt ‘Disrespectful’

When reports first surfaced that Chalamet was romantically involved with reality TV mogul Kylie Jenner, the internet reacted with disbelief.

Many fans struggled to reconcile the idea of the indie film star dating a member of the famous Kardashian-Jenner empire. Some online even speculated that Kris Jenner had orchestrated the relationship.

But one woman says the news “blindsided” her, and she believes the situation was handled in a “disrespectful” way.

Sarah Tena, an ex-adult star, claims she had been quietly involved with Chalamet for several years before his relationship with Jenner became public.

“I see these things about him dating Kylie Jenner, and I was very confused about that,” Tena told the Daily Mail in an interview. “At first, I thought it was fake news, and then I was like, maybe it’s a PR thing. But now it looks like maybe they are together. I don’t know… It doesn’t add up.”

According to Tena, their connection began in January 2020 after she watched the actor in “The King” on Netflix. Curious about the actor she had never seen before, she searched for him on Instagram and eventually sent him a message from her professional account, “Azul Hermosa.”

Her first attempts at getting his attention went unanswered. Months later, she tried again, responding to another story with a drooling emoji, and this time he allegedly acknowledged it by liking the message.

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Sarah Tena Claims The Actor Serenaded Her with Bob Dylan Songs On Their First Night Together

Not long after catching the actor’s attention, Tena says Chalamet reached out directly on May 16. The two began messaging, eventually exchanged phone numbers, and arranged to meet when he learned she was visiting Los Angeles.

She claims their first meeting took place during the early months of the pandemic at a beachfront property in Santa Monica, where the actor had been staying after leaving New York. Despite feeling nervous at first, Tena said the pair quickly connected.

She recalled that the evening was spent drinking wine, talking about films, and listening to Chalamet play songs by Bob Dylan on guitar while preparing for his role in the upcoming biopic “A Complete Unknown.”

“I went over there, and he had all these scripts up for the Bob Dylan role, and I was like ‘what is this,’ and he’s like ‘it’s for Bob Dylan, I’m going to play him,’ and I was like ‘that’s so cool,’” Tena recalled. “He played me a few songs, and he was so great. He had been practising maybe for a month, he told me.”

Tena described their chemistry as immediate, saying the actor made the first move and that she stayed the night. They met again about a month later when she returned to Los Angeles for work with the production company Vixen.

Over time, she said their relationship developed into a mix of romance and friendship.

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“With Timothée we just clicked,” Tena said. “We were both attracted to each other. It also turned into a friendship.”

“He is a gentleman,” she continued. “From the Timothée I know, he’s genuine. He’s funny… The friendship kept us going so long… Our personalities are similar.”

Sarah Tena Says She ‘Fell In Love’ With Timothée Chalamet Before Their Sudden Silence

According to Tena, she and Chalamet fell into a pattern of seeing each other every couple of months.

She said he showed interest in her personal life, frequently asking about her daughter and even mentioning the possibility of visiting her hometown of Portland, Oregon.

The Instagram model says she eventually fell “in love” with the actor. While she never directly told him she loved him, she claims they both acknowledged having deep emotional feelings for each other.

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Their final in-person meeting, after several years of occasional meetups between 2020 and 2023, took place in New York City. During that visit, she gave him a bracelet similar to one she wore herself.

However, Tena says she didn’t realize it would be the last time they would see each other face-to-face. Their final contact came on January 5, 2023, when Tena sent Chalamet a belated birthday message on Instagram. He responded by liking the message, and according to her, they never spoke again after that.

Sarah Tena Admits She Felt ‘Sad’ After The Actor Stopped Speaking To Her And Began Dating Kylie Jenner

Just weeks later, reports began linking Chalamet romantically with Jenner. The pair were later spotted together during Paris Fashion Week at a show for Jean Paul Gaultier, and by April, rumors intensified after TMZ published photos showing Jenner’s Range Rover outside the actor’s Beverly Hills home.

Reflecting on the situation, Tena admitted the end of their connection left her feeling emotional.

“I did get down and a little sad about the whole thing,” she said. “It was like, ‘wow, I might not ever see him again,’ and when I had always felt so sure about him and I and it turned  opposite of that.”

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She added that what surprised her most was how abruptly their communication ended. “I never thought of him, and I would stop talking because we had that friendship also,” she said. “He’s changed.”

Timothée Chalamet And Kylie Jenner’s Romance Is Getting Stronger

Chalamet and Jenner turned heads in late 2025 when they appeared in matching orange leather looks at the premiere of the actor’s movie, “Marty Supreme.”

Things then intensified at the Critics Choice Awards, when Chalamet acknowledged their relationship while accepting his award for Best Actor at the event.

“Lastly, I would like to thank my partner of three years,” the actor said, adding, “Thank you for our foundation.”

Reports also claim that Chalamet has won over Jenner’s loved ones, especially her kids, whom the reality TV star shares with her ex-partner, Travis Scott.

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Television has been shaped by the horror genre. Much like its involvement in cinema over the years, horror has broadened the landscape for television, influencing and building it into the modern powerhouse that many of us see today. Since the inception of broadcasting, horror has been a staple — exciting, terrifying, and captivating viewers with fascinating tales of terror. From The Twilight Zone to Stranger Things, there’s no telling what modern television would be like without this epic genre.

Truly, we’ve been spoiled by how many compelling horror shows are out there. A great many have blasted us away and have become widely acclaimed and remembered throughout the decades. But, it’s sad to say, not every perfect horror show is remembered. There’s a vast ocean of horror shows, and plenty have been swept under the rug. From neat horror gems to underrated classics, let’s shed light on nine forgotten horror shows that are a straight 10/10.

‘Channel Zero’ (2016–2018)

Image via Shudder

Premiering on the SyFy network from 2016 to 2018, Channel Zero is an underrated American horror anthology series featuring three spine-chilling self-contained seasons of pure, utter terror. With stories blending different subgenres, including supernatural mystery, dark fantasy, body horror, and even slasher, this series is a horror lover’s delight that just excites and thrills viewers with its creativity.

Channel Zero is an unsettling, nightmare-inducing horror series that rightfully needs to be experienced. Though positively received by critics, the show never quite reached the heights of mainstream recognition during its three-year run, nor did its lack of significant viewership help it either. It truly needed more time to grow and garner more recognition. Yet, despite never truly kicking off, it’s become a cult favorite among horror and anthology horror fans, and its popularity is steadily on the rise.

‘The Hitchhiker’ (1983–1991)

Image via HBO

Running on HBO and the USA network from 1983 to 1991, The Hitchhiker is a mystery horror anthology series about a lone drifter (Page Fletcher) telling his disturbing cautionary tales as he crosses the country. It ran for six seasons, delivering pulse-pounding and shocking short stories each with a central message and a completely different cast of characters for each new episode.

Though not widely accepted as one of the greatest shows of the ’80s, The Hitchhiker is a cult favorite among TV and horror fans. Though not every storyline worked, its strongest episodes highlighted a creative, visionary writing team who were adamant on creating new and original ideas each week. It’s a near-perfect anthology show that honestly deserves more love.

‘Circle of Fear’ (1972–1973)

Image via NBC

Ghost Story, later changed to Circle of Fear mid-season, was an American horror anthology series that aired on NBC from 1972 to 1973. Produced by pioneering B-movie director William Castle, this delightfully spooky series may be the most obscure entry on this list, but it’s one that’s highly recommendable as it’s so one-of-a-kind, creative, and undoubtedly creepy at times.

It only ran for one season, but during that time, it produced 23 fascinating episodes that each had their own stand-out moments. Sure, the effects are cheesy, and some of the writing and acting get over the top at times, but for all of its absurdity, Circle of Fear is quite an interesting horror gem that offers a fun, eerie viewing experience and really puts viewers in the right kind of horror mood as long as they look past its faults.

‘Lost Tapes’ (2008–2010)

Image via Animal Planet

One of the darkest shows to ever air on the Animal Planet Network, Lost Tapes is a fictional documentary horror series detailing the history of some of the most iconic cryptids from folklore and legends. Shot mostly as found footage style segments, each episode explores different characters having nightmarish, sometimes deadly encounters with monsters, from vampires and werewolves, to extra-terrestrials and even Bigfoot.

Lost Tapes‘ episodes range in quality; some are horrifyingly intense and perfectly suspenseful, but others are noticeably cheesy and bogged down by hammy acting and cheap effects. While it’s not always perfect, the good moments far outweigh the bad, and it excels at delivering some tense, disturbing videos that are not for the faint of heart. It’s definitely for found footage lovers, as the handheld camera work can easily make viewers feel like they are watching The Blair Witch Project or REC.

‘Night Visions’ (2001–2002)

Image via FOX

Night Visions is another criminally underappreciated horror anthology series, which aired on the Fox network with only one season from 2001 to 2002. For those seeking creeping dread and psychological supernatural paranoia, this show is right for you, as it’s a perfectly eerie collection of short but effective horror stories that easily get under the skin.

Poor management from the Fox channel and low performance scores doomed Night Visions to only having one season to show the world. And it’s a shame, as it’s another horror series that truly needed more time to kick off and become more relevant. Though not as well-known today as other projects, Night Visions is just as well-written and eerily fascinating as some of the other high-profile shows.

‘Friday the 13th: The Series’ (1987–1991)

Image via Paramount Television

Running three seasons from 1987 to 1991, Friday the 13th: The Series is a unique, hidden horror gem TV show that can fascinate anyone who gives it a chance. Despite its famous title and the fact that it was co-created by Frank Mancuso Jr. (the producer of the Friday the 13th movie franchise), this show surprisingly has no connection to the film series of the same name, nor its famous slasher villain character Jason Vorhees. Instead, it’s an original premise about two friends who go around retrieving dangerous, cursed items that they must return to their newly inherited antique store.

This series was full of darkly creative fun, featuring new and fresh storylines each episode, and kept that momentum riding strong until it was cut too soon due to cost issues and poor ratings. Today, it’s of course become seen as a cult classic, one that both delights and creeps audiences out with its many compelling and eerie episodes.

‘Masters of Horror’ (2005–2007)

Image via Showtime

Created by Mike Garris and airing on Showtime from 2005 to 2007, Masters of Horror is another brilliant yet strangely forgotten horror anthology series that, as its title suggests, highlights the incredible works of some of the best horror filmmakers in the industry. It’s a frightening collection of intense, bizarre, and freakishly unusual horror stories directed by legendary horror directors like John Carpenter, Joe Dante, the late Tobe Hooper, and Takashi Miike, to name a few.

Nearly each episode is perfectly well-structured and paced, and also shows the strengths of each talented filmmaker, as well as featuring their own unique directing style. While so many episodes truly shine, it’s arguably Takashi Miike’s directed episode, “Imprint,” that’s the biggest standout for its graphic content and surreal visuals, a noteworthy, masterful episode that was actually too extreme for US broadcast. Overall, it’s a shame Master of Horror doesn’t get brought up as much as other, more recognizable shows. However, its shocking moments and the many creative talents behind its creation really make it more of a must-watch for horror enthusiasts.

‘Millennium’ (1996–1999)

Image via FOX

Sadly, one of the most forgotten shows of the 1990s was also one of its most captivating and original. Airing on Fox from 1996 to 1999, Millennium is a science fiction thriller series created by Chris Carter. It stars Aliens and Near Dark star Lance Hendriksen in a remarkable leading performance as a former FBI profiler turned consultant, Frank Black, who taps into the minds of serial killers.

Chris Carter, best known for creating the more well-known and praised sci-fi horror series The X-Files, delivered another powerfully creative blend of the two genres with this highly underrated series. It aired for three seasons, being canceled just before really making a huge impact like Carter’s other series. It’s a shame, but thankfully, Millennium has slowly but steadily garnered more of a following in recent years. And hopefully, over time, it will garner the well-deserved respect it needs.

‘The Outer Limits’ (1963–1965)

There’s no other horror series more recognized as an underappreciated masterpiece than the ’60s classic TV show The Outer Limits. Widely overshadowed at the time by its equally groundbreaking and visionary competition, The Twilight Zone, The Outer Limits is just as essential to TV history for its massive influence and compelling storytelling.

Also, like The Twilight Zone, this one focused on complex stories that were heavily thematic and focused on sci-fi elements and human psychology. The two shows are almost common, yet The Outer Limits seems almost like a footnote in history these days, while the other is praised as one of the greatest sci-fi shows of all time. Both deserve equal recognition, not just for what they did to the horror, anthology, and science-fiction genres, but for television in general.

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The Outer Limits

Release Date

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1963 – 1965-00-00

Directors

Gerd Oswald, Byron Haskin, Charles F. Haas, James Goldstone, László Benedek, Leonard Horn, Paul Stanley, Alan Crosland, Jr., John Brahm, Abner Biberman, Felix E. Feist, John Erman, Leon Benson

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Writers

Joseph Stefano, Seeleg Lester, Robert C. Dennis, Sam Neuman, Milton Krims, Meyer Dolinsky, Allan Balter, Anthony Lawrence, Jerry Sohl, Robert Mintz, Harlan Ellison, Stephen Lord, Robert Towne, William Bast, William R. Cox, John Mantley, Otto Binder, Robert Specht, Samuel Roeca, Oliver Crawford, Richard H. Landau, Orin Borsten, Ib Melchior, Francis M. Cockrell

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• 
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  Alex Nicol

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  Gen. Lee Stocker

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Who says you need to hide your bra? Jenna Dewan doesn’t dress according to the rules. Case in point: She made her bra a key part of her outfit, and I’m about to copy her look, down to the exact undergarment.

The actress was seen out and about in New York wearing a sheer lacy blouse over the Intimissimi Simona Super Push-Up Bra, a source told Us. Regardless of whether you want to show as much skin as Dewan, this bra is one to add to your wardrobe because it’s incredibly comfortable and currently 30% off on Amazon.

Get the Intimissimi Simona Super Push-Up Bra for $46 (originally $65) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Push-up bras are notoriously uncomfortable — every woman I know has been scarred by jabbing underwire or cushioning so constrictive they can barely move. This Intimissimi bra reinvents the push-up bra for a silhouette that doesn’t dig or feel like a chore to wear.

Related: Nicole Kidman‘s Ballerina Sneakers Are Set to Dominate Spring 2026

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Airport style has become its own fashion category — the perfect balance of comfort and polish, comprised of pieces that look effortless yet feel intentional. Nicole Kidman recently mastered the formula while wearing ballet-inspired sneakers that instantly felt like a preview of spring’s next big shoe trend. Instead of bulky athleisure trainers, Kidman’s sleek pair […]

It all comes down to the silhouette. The plunging neckline sits lower than your standard bra, for a more natural fit you won’t have to readjust. Its underband is also lined with silky soft microfiber that won’t irritate your skin. In fact, the entire bra is made from this microfiber. The fabric feels so silky and soothing, you might even forget you’re wearing a bra.

The cups and padding also make a major impact. They naturally increase the look of your bust by one size, and the lower cut ensures that your chest doesn’t reach your neck. Instead of a surgical effect, the enhancement looks realistic.

I, for one, feel confident when my bras are pretty, too. Even in the basic black hue, I’d want to show this off just like Dewan. The versatile style can be kept under wraps or can become a key part of your outfit. The styling options are endless!

If it’s been a while since you bought a new undergarment, take this as your sign to add to cart. Now’s the perfect time to buy the Intimissimi Simona Super Push-Up Bra while it’s 30% off. Experience the Intimissimi difference today.

Get the Intimissimi Simona Super Push-Up Bra for $46 (originally $65) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more from Intimissimi here and more push-up bras here! Don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

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Related: These 15 Comfortable Back-Smoothing Bras Are Hiding at Amazon Right Now

Take it from Us, the right bra can really elevate the way you look and feel in an instant. With the right coverage and support, you’ll feel confident knowing there’s no spillage from your cups or bulge hanging over the sides and back. If you’re a fashionista with a large bust, it’s even more important to […]

Joss Whedon is widely known for his teenage horror series Buffy the Vampire Slayer and its subsequent spin-offs, before he pivoted to superhero content, including joining the prolific cinematic universe at Marvel Studios. In between these two distinct eras of his popular filmography is a show that not only marks the transition but is vastly overlooked. Dollhouse was the last pure sci-fi TV show he created, following the likes of Firefly and Serenity, before he committed to spandex and capes. However, the two-season series is severely overshadowed by the rest of his oeuvre and deserves some recognition for its ambitious ideas.

Dollhouse follows the titular immoral and illegal organization that erases and imprints new personalities on people who can be hired out for a variety of purposes. As expected, some high-paying clients simply pay for kinky sex, but others have more niche uses for this versatile “product,” like negotiating kidnappings or robbing a bank. They call these ready-made people “Actives,” and we follow Echo (Eliza Dushku), a woman who has a blank-slate personality when she is not out on an “engagement.” However, as the series unfolds, something in Echo’s mind gradually shifts, and soon she is on a journey of rediscovering her past and her true identity.

‘Dollhouse’ Makes You Question Your Morals in This Ambitious Sci-Fi

Image via FOX

While the organization essentially functions as a futuristic human trafficking ring, Dollhouse is ambitious in how it approaches its premise, covering every single perspective of the issue. At the forefront is Echo’s journey in the thick of the company, a victim-turned-heroine who is easy to root for. Similarly, there is another storyline involving a detective (Tahmoh Penikett) who is trying to take down this elusive organization everyone seems to think is make-believe. But we also experience the story from the perspectives of Echo’s handler (Henry Lennix), the scientist who erases and imprints memories (Fran Kranz), a mysterious doctor (Amy Acker), and the uncanny head of the organization (Olivia Williams). Through these points of views, our own morals are continuously challenged, as there are times we are at the cusp of validating their ideologies.

Every week, Dollhouse pushes the limits on how this technology can be used. Each episode delivers a new, inventive idea that is admittedly exciting to watch, even as you recognize the implications of a lack of bodily and psychological autonomy. Its immediate engaging nature almost makes the viewer feel culpable for the crimes being committed. Eventually, the show delves into the more sinister connotations of the industry, throwing us on uneven footing as our morals are reflected back at us. But the series moves beyond physical slavery and also raises intriguing concerns about the attack on identity, both of the Actives and the memories they inhabit. It’s a twisty and ambitious show that was ahead of its time.

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The Truth Is In Here — The Collider TV Quiz!

This week, X marks the spot. Eight conspiratorial questions to see if you’re a real X-Files fan… or if you’re an alien posing as an agent.

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Eliza Dushku Shows Off Her Range in ‘Dollhouse’

The ensemble cast makes Dollhouse fascinating, but it is Dushku who bears the brunt of the emotional narrative. While the characters played by Williams and Kranz rise to the challenge of humanizing their villainous roles, Dushku performs in a wide range while maintaining a central thread for us to invest in. As she flits from one personality to another, we learn to appreciate the actor’s versatility, but it is during her expressionless, robotic version of Echo where the overarching story resides. The show relies on almost imperceptible undercurrents of emotion beneath Echo’s guileless face to convey her development. When Dushku achieves this, it makes for quietly intense scenes in contrast to the superficial sci-fi grandiosity of the show. She anchors us amid the sci-fi torrent and propels us through the moral and psychological ramifications of the corporation’s work.

Though it would be one of the last times Whedon created a sci-fi show, Dollhouse is certainly one to remember, even if it didn’t gain as much traction as it deserves. It pushes the boundaries of how TV can represent and dissect one’s identity while delivering an entertaining procedural-like format that almost tricks us into siding with a criminal organization. With versatile ideas and performances, if you don’t enjoy an episode of Dollhouse, fear not, the next one will transform into something new and hopefully cater to your sci-fi preferences.

Some of the best television shows are the ones that take their time to truly simmer. In today’s streaming era, however, not every series gets the chance to move beyond the dreaded one-season curse. In reality, many shows need time to build momentum, refine their characters, and grow a loyal fanbase before reaching their full potential.

A first season isn’t always perfect, but later seasons often give a show the chance to find the tone that truly works. When that happens, a good series can transform into something audiences remember for years rather than a fleeting one-hit wonder. Without further ado, here are some must-watch TV shows that get better after Season 1.

10

‘Industry’ (2020–Present)

Image via HBO

Industry first began as a more civil, yet equally high-pressure, version of The Wolf of Wall Street. Introducing the graduate interns at investment banking firm Pierpoint & Co., the show follows the group as they adjust to the grueling life on the trading desk. With public humiliations, questionable mentorship, and a fake university degree, Season 1 is already brimming with tension.

From Season 2 onward, the chaos only escalates. There’s no such thing as a moral compass when millions are on the line, let alone when trying to impress ruthless bosses. Pierpoint employees begin backstabbing one another, stealing clients, and even helping orchestrate a company buyout just to climb the ladder. Each move eventually strips them of their humanity.

9

‘Seinfeld’ (1989–1998)

Image via NBC

For a show about nothing, Seinfeld relies on absurdity and chemistry to keep the plot (or lack thereof) going. Unfortunately, Season 1 has neither of the two. The ensemble has yet to truly mesh with each other, and their banter comes off as stifled. They’re not the expressive characters that audiences would recognize in later seasons.

The later seasons fully embrace the zaniness of Seinfeld. Despite its original premise, the show — now buoyed by stronger ensemble chemistry — finally becomes about a lot of somethings. Whether it’s Kramer (Michael Richards) briefly seeming like a possible serial killer, Jerry’s (Jerry Seinfeld) poor dating track record, or George’s (Jason Alexander) now-famous Festivus celebrations, the series goes full-on eccentric. By the end, nine seasons of side characters and running gags come full circle in the season finale.

8

‘Schitt’s Creek’ (2015–2020)

Image via Netflix

Schitt’s Creek wastes no time kicking the Rose family out of their luxurious mansion and into the middle-of-nowhere Schitt’s Creek. Accustomed to opulence and the finer things in life, it’s not surprising that the Roses detest their new small town surroundings. Their ignorant attitudes in Season 1 make it difficult to empathize with them, especially when they constantly undermine the locals.

The riches-to-rags comedy begins to see the seeds of character nuances in Season 2, turning them into interesting works-in-progress. Businessman Johnny (Eugene Levy) becomes blindly optimistic about turning the motel into a respectable establishment, while David (Dan Levy) is surprisingly self-aware about sexuality. For all her ditziness, Alexis (Annie Murphy) becomes serious about her education, while Moira (Catherine O’Hara) brings all the running gags (or Moira-isms).

7

‘The Mandalorian’ (2019–2023)

Image via Lucasfilm

Set five years after Return of the Jedi, its succeeding series, The Mandalorian, follows lone bounty hunter Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal). Season 1 raises the stakes when Djarin breaks the guild code during an assignment. Instead of following orders, he protects Grogu (David Acrod) instead. Season 1 does have action, but it’s rather slow-paced and less aggressive, which is logical, since Djarin is just learning how to rebel.

With Djarin and Grogu’s emotional connection stronger in Season 2, the momentum grows as well. Djarin now has a solid reason to protect Grogu, and he’s not afraid to go to great lengths to save him, even if it means challenging his own kind. Season 2 also introduces fan-favorite characters like Ahsoka Tano and Bo-Katan, paying respect to the broader Star Wars lore.

6

‘Lucifer’ (2016–2021)

Image via Fox

Nothing attracts the Devil more than the City of Angels. Lucifer follows Lucifer Morningstar (Tom Ellis), who decides to leave Hell out of boredom and find a new purpose in Los Angeles. That said, otherworld figures on Earth tend to be self-absorbed, believing that nothing else is more important than themselves. Lucifer is no exception, which makes his initial character one-dimensional and boring to watch.

The following seasons of Lucifer explore the broader mythological lore of his world, showing the true reasons why Lucifer didn’t leave his realm on an impulsive whim. Nothing leans into the Bible more than the arrival of the world’s first murderer, Cain (Tom Welling), to the “original sinner,” Eve (Inbar Lavi). By this point, Lucifer’s feelings for his detective partner become more obvious, making her a new target for his enemies.

5

‘Brooklyn Nine-Nine’ (2013–2021)

Image via FOX

There’s buddy cop, and then there’s Brooklyn Nine-Nine. But before the squad entertained the masses, the crew seemed like a mismatched group of individuals unlikely to mesh together. There was teamwork in Season 1, but not much camaraderie. Jake Peralta (Andy Samberg) and Amy Santiago (Melissa Fumero) clash constantly, Captain Ray Holt (Andre Braugher) is strict and stoic, and Charles Boyle (Joe Lo Truglio) still harbors a creepy, one-sided crush on Detective Rosa Diaz (Stephanie Beatriz).

The later seasons of Brooklyn Nine-Nine then embrace the quirk of each character. Peralta and Boyle have always been naturally funny, while for ones like Holt and Diaz, the humor comes from pushing their strict personalities into exaggerated, yet comical extremes. Despite the hilarity of it all, the show doesn’t tone down the crime-related setting. Whether it’s petty small crimes or drug busts that get these officers framed, it’s the perfect combination of comedy and cop procedural.

4

‘Sex and the City’ (1998–2004)

Image via HBO

Sex and the City is one of the earliest modern shows about womanhood. But as a product of its time, Season 1 focuses more on the dating scene and the sexual escapades that follow, which are exaggerated to match the New York scene. Because of that, the first season’s heavy emphasis on dating and sex in the big city might not resonate with most women.

The following seasons of Sex and the City begin to reveal the vulnerabilities of the four beloved women. Beneath the designer bags and shoes, they are women with dreams and aspirations, ranging from career ambitions to motherhood. While romance remains a central theme, the series gradually shows that love isn’t everything. In the end, these women learn, often the hard way, that the most important thing is prioritizing themselves.

3

‘The Office’ (2005–2013)

Image via NBC

Documenting the quirky employees of Scranton’s branch of the paper company Dunder Mifflin, The Office is one of the earliest sitcoms to apply the mockumentary format. Regional manager Michael Scott (Steve Carell) is the bumbling, clueless head of authority, but Season 1 had a darker and more comfortable tone that made it hard to like the then-obnoxious Scott.

Fortunately, Scott goes through a slight character recalibration by Season 2. Audiences learn that his incompetence isn’t simply because he’s a bad manager, but because he’s genuinely naive and insecure. Scott is still annoying, but instead of being an offensive character who copies the abrasive humor of the original UK version, he becomes a funnily desperate person whom audiences want to root for.

2

‘Parks and Recreation’ (2009–2015)

Image via NBC

Fans of The Office might notice there are resemblances between Carell’s show and Parks and Recreation. With the two being mockumentary shows, Parks and Recreation almost falls into the same formula. Main character Leslie Knope (Amy Poehler) is initially portrayed as a socially awkward and incompetent bureaucrat, which again makes it hard to feel for the character.

Season 2 then shows that public servants and the lackluster municipal government are worth laughing about. It all comes from the characters. Apart from Knope turning into a deeply optimistic figure, her fellow employees are given life as well. From Ron Swanson’s (Nick Offerman) deadpan yet insightful philosophy to April’s (Aubrey Plaza) endearing sarcasm, Parks and Recreation makes local politics worth watching.

1

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

Image via Lewis Jacobs / © AMC / Courtesy Everett Collection

There’s a new drug dealer in Albuquerque, and his name is Walter White (Bryan Cranston). Acclaimed crime drama series Breaking Bad starts strong with White’s cancer diagnosis, immediately setting up the motivation for his newfound meth venture. However, there is a lot of world and character building that needs to be done, which is what Season 1 is all about.

The real drama only escalates by Season 2. Finally setting up shop, the second season then pushes White and Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul) into immoral decision-making, all in the name of business. Their choices ultimately impact their partnership, which risks their operations. It doesn’t help that they’ve got competition, specifically from the bloodthirsty drug kingpin Tuco Salamanca (Raymond Cruz).

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Release Date

2008 – 2013-00-00

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Network

AMC

Showrunner

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Vince Gilligan

Directors

Vince Gilligan, Michelle Maclaren

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Writers

Peter Gould, Gennifer Hutchison, Vince Gilligan, George Mastras, Moira Walley-Beckett, Sam Catlin, Thomas Schnauz

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With the Oscars — hosted by Conan O’Brien — taking over this weekend, it’s a fitting time to remember that television has always found surprising ways to challenge the entertainment industry. Since its technological dawn, viewers have enjoyed a variety of game-changing programs and genres. From I Love Lucy’s historical run to Cheyenne’s revolutionary debut, the format has evolved since its inception. Among the history makers is Rod Sterling’s The Twilight Zone. Each week, the show featured a new and inventive storyline brought to life by an impressive ensemble of names. At the time, viewers hadn’t seen anything like it, and it continues to inspire media to this very day.

Over the course of its five-season run, the show produced 156 episodes. Some of TV’s most iconic characters and storylines came from those episodes, as did Emmy Awards, Golden Globes… and, technically, an Oscar! The Season 5 episode “An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge” boasts the prestigious award. However, it wasn’t because the episode was so outstanding it changed the rules of nomination. It had a life before becoming part of Twilight Zone and joined the series’ legacy thanks to the most Hollywood reason possible.

‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ was a Prestigious Short Film Before ‘The Twilight Zone’

Based on the 1890 short story of the same name, An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge was originally a 1961 French short film and a particularly eerie one at that. Set in 1862 America, it follows Peyton Farquhar (Roger Jacquet), a civilian set to be hanged from Owl Creek Bridge by Union soldiers. Instead of dying, his noose breaks, and he escapes by swimming up the river. He faces rapids and a number of other natural trials before returning home to his wife, Abby (Anne Cornaly). It appears to be a happy reunion, but as he and Abby are about to embrace, Peyton returns to the hanging noose. His escape was nothing more than an illusion brought on by the drop, a cruel trick just before his death.

According to Oscars.org, it was nominated for Best Short Subject (Live Action) at the 36th Annual Academy Awards, alongside The Concert, Home-Made Car, Six-Sided Triangle, and That’s Me. But An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge took home the prestigious award. Normally, this would be a triumphant way to end a picture’s run, but the short had a whole new life awaiting it in The Twilight Zone.

CBS Bought ‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ to Reduce the Cost of ‘The Twilight Zone’

According to Yahoo Entertainment, CBS, the network that produced Serling’s seminal series, was looking to reduce the cost of production. The show was in its fifth and final season and needed to fill its episode order. Yahoo quotes the book The Twilight Zone Companion, where series producer William Froug explained he suggested licensing the short. Despite it being a French film, Froug said: “It was almost entirely silent… There were maybe a half-dozen lines in it, and there was one brief ballad — in English, of all things,” which would have made it an easy adjustment.

Still, CBS had its doubts. They were skeptical about airing an award-winning French film on television. But, in true Hollywood fashion, Froug was able to convince executives with monetary incentives. “…we bought all the TV rights for $10,000,” Froug explained. “With that one airing, we immediately took care of the whole year’s overage. It brought us out at the end of the year under budget.” With the budget for the season coming in smaller than anticipated, it’s safe to say CBS was happy. Six weeks after the installment aired, it was awarded its Academy Award, technically making it the first episode of a TV show to do so. But beyond financial and award success, the episode is actually a creative high for The Twilight Zone.

‘An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge’ Fits Right In with ‘The Twilight Zone’ Style

Image via CBS

From the first shot, the film feels like it was actually made for The Twilight Zone, despite initially having no connection to Sterling’s CBS hit. The unsettling nature of the picture is present throughout. The deadly situation Peyton is in is apparent, and his miraculous escape feels like something fantastical before building to the twist, which is a very common structure for the show. The movie also has an unsettling sound design. There is little dialogue besides a few English words and a haunting song that plays in the background. Even during Peyton’s visions, unsettling sound effects help build the tension of his impending doom. Had the film’s history not been so successful, it could have easily slipped into the season without notice, thanks to the brilliant filmmaking built into it.

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Rod Sterling typically broke the fourth wall during his episode introductions, but he recorded a special opening for the episode. The sequence sees Serling drop his typical ominous act to talk about the unique presentation and the film’s artistic accomplishments. But his closing speech really solidified the film’s place in the ever-frightening realm of the show.

The Twilight Zone was certainly ahead of its time. The Rod Serling-created series changed TV forever and created some of the most iconic stories in the medium’s history. But one of its very best episodes had nothing to do with the series initially. An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge was a remarkable short film that not only helped The Twilight Zone finish strong but also technically won the series an Oscar. An exciting tale filled with intrigue and unsettling craftsmanship, this story seems as though it always belonged in the realm of The Twilight Zone.

Queen Camilla had expressed her sentiments on Prince Harry and Meghan Markle‘s marriage, according to a royal biographer.

The royal had reportedly confided in a pal about the dynamics between her stepson and his new wife right after their marriage in 2018, after the former actress allegedly acted unruly to Prince William during a clash.

Prince Harry has been in the news since last year, especially regarding some of the stealth moves he has been making alongside his family in England to introduce some normalcy in their troubled relationship.

Queen Camilla Allegedly Felt Prince Harry Had No Mind Of His Own Around Meghan Markle

The royal, according to a new explosive book authored by Tom Bower, had claimed to her friend that Harry was basically at the mercy of the “As Ever” founder. Camilla’s remark probably came as a result of the tense relationship between the Sussexes and the rest of the royal family.

The author continued that things took an ugly turn after the newlyweds returned from their Mediterranean honeymoon getaway. The return was reportedly marked by a confrontation between Harry and William, which turned out with Markle verbally attacking her brother-in-law during the heated conversation.

Meghan basically told William to get his finger out of her face, leading Camilla to allege that the former actress had brainwashed the Invictus Games founder. As reported by Page Six, Kate Middleton also shared the same sentiment, believing that Harry had lost control around Meghan.

The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Slammed The Author’s Bizarre Claims

Meghan and Harry have reacted to Bower’s latest biography, describing it as a deranged conspiracy and melodrama filled with untrue claims. The couple declared that claims that Meghan was a divisive agent and a threat to the Prince and Princess of Wales crossed the line from criticism into fixation.

The BBC shared that in the statement on Saturday, March 14, Harry and Meghan noted that the author had made a career out of constructing very elaborate theories about people he neither knows nor has met. They referred to his previous admissions that the monarchy depended on “obliterating the Sussexes” from society. Bower wrote that Kate and William were thrown off by Meghan’s belief that Harry may never become king, and she regretted the possibility of never becoming queen after the wedding.

As for Harry and his concerns, Bower claimed that he is concerned that William may remove all their titles and even banish him from Britain. The ‘Netflix’ stars are pictured boldly on the cover of Bower’s new book, titled “Betrayal: Power, Deceit And The Fight For The Future Of The Royal Family.”

Sarah Ferguson’s Book Reportedly Gave Prince Harry And Meghan Markle Anxiety

The couple is also losing sleep over the possibility that Sarah Ferguson could land a significant mouth-watering deal that would prompt her to reveal nasty secrets about them and the rest of the royal family. Sarah has found herself in the pool of former Prince Andrew’s current controversy, and the tell-all memoir could come in handy.

As shared by The Blast, royal commentator Kinsey Schofield predicted that Sarah taking on that project may mean that a different perspective may be provided on the whole drama that went down with the Sussexes. “Since Harry and Meghan moved to the US, they’ve monetised their own version of events through Spotify, Netflix, and Prince Harry’s book deal, and the Royal Family’s refusal to engage with them has allowed those versions to go largely unchallenged,” Schofield declared.

It also does not help that one of Sarah and Andrew’s daughters, Princess Eugenie, kept close ties with Harry during their tension with the royal family, and even stayed at their former home in the UK, Frogmore Cottage, during COVID-19. This means that some exclusive information may have fallen into Sarah’s lap during one or more of her conversations with her daughter.

Sarah Ferguson’s Daughter Has Issues Of Her Own Amid Changes In The Royal Family

Princess Eugenie has found herself questioning her position within some royal circles after her father’s title was removed due to his association with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Her friendship with Meghan and Harry remains, but she has found herself hesitating on other joint ventures with them because she does not want to risk her position with the royal family.

Princess Eugenie is reportedly very concerned with protecting her children while currently weighing her options for the future. While she has enjoyed support from William and Kate, an insider claimed that the backing is limited because the future queen and king also have issues of their own to deal with because of Andrew and the Epstein drama. 

She has reportedly been leaning on Harry a lot as she finally relates to his situation in 2020, when he left the royal life behind. If anything, Eugenie reportedly now believes that there is life outside the institution and that is the assurance she really needs at this moment.

Meghan Markle Reportedly Missing In Prince Harry’s Special Gift To King Charles

Last September, The Blast noted that the Duke of Sussex had a reunion with his father at Clarence House in London for a private tea. The meeting, which marked their first face-to-face meeting since February 2024, reportedly exposed Meghan’s current standing with the royal family as well.

The Netflix star reportedly presented a framed family portrait to his father on the significant occasion, which did not feature Meghan at all. A spokesperson for the royal family stated that while they would have preferred for details of the meeting to remain private, the images did not contain the Duke and Duchess.

The spokesperson added that the reunion was not as distinctly formal as widely rumored, and the speculations are merely a ploy to sabotage any reconciliation between the father and son. As for the “As Ever” founder, her return to the country remains in question because the last time she came around was for Queen Elizabeth’s funeral in 2022.

How will the rest of the public react to Queen Camilla’s allegedly bold claims?