Back in 2019, ABC put together a show that had all the right ingredients. Not only did Stumptown finally give How I Met Your Mother star Cobie Smulders her time to shine as the main character, but the series was based on graphic novels written by Greg Rucka, and had an impressive supportive cast to top it off. But while the 18-episode series had everything to make for TV gold, the series’ fate was cut short, and viewers were forever robbed of more crime-fighting mayhem.

But, while viewers might still have a sour taste in their mouths over the show’s sudden cancellation, Stumptown, which is currently available to stream for free, has established itself as one of the best one-season detective shows. Holding an impressive 93% from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, and a slightly lower 83% from the public, the series, which premiered on September 25, 2019, is definitely a must-watch, even if it didn’t end like viewers had hoped for.

What Is ‘Stumptown’ About?

In the series, Smulders plays Dex Parios, a sharp-witted Marine veteran with intelligence skills, whose disastrous love life, gambling debt and a brother (Cole Sibus) that she takes care of create complications when it comes to her unapologetic style. To make ends meet, she works as a private investigator, a great one at that, but often finds herself in hot water after ticking off all the hardcore criminals in town. Those confrontations and car chases often put her at odds with the police, including Lieutenant Cosgrove (Camryn Manheim) and Detective Miles Hoffman (Michael Ealy), who also becomes her love interest.

Other important characters in the story are Grey McConnell, played by New Girl‘s very own Jake Johnson, who’s Dex’s seemingly only friend and has his own demons to deal with, Tantoo Cardinal as Sue Lynn Blackbird, a powerful CEO of a local Native American tribal casino who has a complicated, tragic past with Dex, and Donal Logue as veteran private investigator Arthur “Artie” Banks, who becomes Dex’s mentor and confidante. The series was adapted for TV by Jason Richman.

‘Stumptown’ Was Canceled Too Soon

From the Rotten Tomatoes scores alone, one might be surprised that Stumptown never made it to Season 2. In reality, however, the series did get a Season 2 renewal from ABC, but ABC canceled the series before production ever started. For context, when the first season of the series ended on March 25, 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic had just begun. A few months later, in May 2020, Stumptown still managed to score a Season 2 announcement, but things quickly took a turn after that. With delays in production, and a potential change in showrunners, Season 2 of the series became too complicated, and would never be ready until April 2021, well after the initial estimate for the fall. As a result, ABC reversed the renewal in September 2020.

As anyone who follows the entertainment industry knows, TV shows are canceled left and right in Hollywood. But while many of those are a result of low viewership or poor critical acclaim, Stumptown had its fate cut short because of sheer bad timing. The COVID-19 pandemic robbed countless networks of incredible productions, and Stumptown was another unfortunate victim. But, with all that said, the series remains as one of the most interesting detective series out there, even if for just one season.

Queer Eye’s Karamo Brown has opened up about a botched plastic surgery experience that left him in chronic pain.

Brown, 45, told People in an article published on Tuesday, June 2, that a 2021 buccal fat removal procedure caused scar tissue to block saliva in his cheeks from draining.

“For years, people have been, like, ‘Karamo’s had plastic surgery. He has so much filler in his face,’” the reality TV star told the outlet. “I was like, ‘You know what? I can’t say anything because you can’t get into fights with the trolls.’ But I was suffering for years in pain and no one knew.”

Brown detailed that once salvia built up within each of his cheeks, scar tissue would harden. “There’d be times you’d see me smile, and it was tight,” he said. “My cheeks would be big because they were full of saliva, full of scar tissue. I was in the worst pain.”

Brown, who joined Netflix’s reboot of Queer Eye in 2018, also told the outlet that he signed up for the procedure after “gaining about 70 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic.”

He recalled of the time, “I was a big boy, and everyone online liked to tell me how much of a big boy I was. So, I was like, ‘OK, maybe if I slim out my face, I’ll be cute.’ It turned into a year-and-a-half of pain.”

The former MTV Real World cast member added that the pain he experienced intensified after the premiere of his daytime talk show, The Karamo Show, in 2022. (It was cancelled in March after four seasons.)

“I would shoot six episodes a day, and there’d be times when I was filming my show that my mouth would get so dry and it would be so swollen,” he told the outlet before confirming that he lost 70 pounds in an attempt to mask the scar tissue’s bulge. “The more weight I lost, the less scar tissue you could see,” he explained. “The scar tissue and the saliva were still there, but because I was skinnier, it looked kind of normal. I stopped eating because it helped the feeling of not having so much scar tissue.”

Related: How the ‘Queer Eye’ Cast Went From Fab to Fractured: ‘A Lot of Big Egos’

After 10 seasons, Queer Eye has come to an end — and no one seems more relieved than Karamo Brown. Brown, 45, exposed the cast’s infighting just hours before the January 21 finale of their beloved Netflix series, saying he would not be joining Antoni Porowski, Tan France, Jonathan Van Ness and Jeremiah Brent for […]

In recent months, Brown “underwent a procedure to fix his saliva glands” which removed scar tissue in his cheeks.

Brown has had a rocky 2025 in other ways, too. In February, his ex Carlos Medel confirmed his split from Brown via an Instagram post. “Although this year I’m single, I still want to make sure love is around! All my love to my friends and family, thank you for being part of my life one more year!” Medel wrote after embarking on a romance with Brown in 2021.

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Brown’s interview with People also explored his experience filming Queer Eye with his Fab Five costars, all of whom were divided according to Brown after a sexual harassment complaint was filed against him. (The show’s final season 10 premiered on January 21, and Brown was the only cast member who did not promote the season ahead of its premiere.)

Related: Queer Eye’s Antoni Addresses ‘Backstage Drama’ Amid Karamo Bullying Claims

Queer Eye’s Antoni Porowski is addressing viewers who are concerned that perceived “backstage drama” is harming the show’s wholesome “vibe.” Porowski, 41, shared a series of images from the Netflix show’s 10th and final season, which premiered on Wednesday, January 21, via Instagram, encouraging fans to tune in. “It’s not about how or even that […]

Brown described the set of Queer Eye as a work environment filled with alleged poor behavior. “Everyone would just say, ‘Well, that’s just that person,’ instead of saying, ‘This behavior does not fly in a professional environment,’” he claimed. “It impacted me negatively, consistently.”

He also says that he was cleared of any wrongdoing behind the scenes of Queer Eye.

New claims surrounding Jason Sudeikis are painting a far more complicated picture of life behind one of television’s most beloved comedies. 

While “Ted Lasso” built its reputation on optimism, kindness, and teamwork, insiders now say the behind-the-scenes atmosphere was not always so uplifting. 

The renewed scrutiny comes after co-star Hannah Waddingham openly admitted she has a “love-hate relationship” with Sudeikis over his constant rewrites, a comment that has now sparked a wave of new allegations about the actor’s perfectionist working style.

As “Ted Lasso” prepares to officially return for a fourth season this August, fresh attention has landed on comments made by Hannah Waddingham during a recent interview. 

As The Blast reported, the actress, who plays AFC Richmond owner Rebecca Welton, admitted she has an “ongoing love-hate relationship” with Jason Sudeikis because of his tendency to rewrite scenes at the “last minute.”

While Waddingham framed the dynamic lightly, multiple insiders told the Daily Mail that her frustrations were far from unique. 

According to sources, Sudeikis has developed a reputation in Hollywood for being difficult to work with due to his intensely hands-on and perfectionist approach.

“Jason is known in the industry as someone difficult to work with,” one insider claimed, adding, “What Hannah said is not surprising. This seems typical of Jason. A lot of people in the industry also have a ‘love-hate relationship’ with him.”

The allegations are particularly striking because “Ted Lasso” became synonymous with warmth and positivity during the pandemic, turning Sudeikis into one of television’s most admired stars.

Sudeikis Reportedly Made Ted Lasso ‘Not A Happy Place’

Production on season three of “Ted Lasso” reportedly became especially difficult behind the scenes. Back in 2022, significant delays hit the AppleTV+ series after Jason Sudeikis reportedly undertook a massive rewrite of the 12-episode season. 

Although filming had originally been scheduled to begin in September 2021, production reportedly did not start until March 2022, with scripts continuing to change into April.

The delays allegedly pushed the production budget 20 to 30 percent over estimates. Even Sudeikis himself had publicly suggested at the time that the third season would likely be the last.

A second insider painted an even harsher picture of the set environment. “Ted Lasso was not a walk in the park to work on,” the source said. “There was no pleasing Jason ever. It was never good enough, no matter how good it actually was and there were a lot of unhappy people working there because of that.”

The insider continued, “I’m not sure if it was a personality trait of Jason’s that makes it that way, or if it was something else. But on that set, he was beyond a perfectionist. The set was not a happy place to be a part of.”

Despite the criticism, many involved with the show reportedly adapted to the actor’s unconventional process because of the series’ overwhelming success.

Jason Sudeikis Built A Reputation For Doing Things His Own Way

Sources also described Sudeikis as someone who operates strictly on his own terms. One insider explained that the movie star avoids obligations outside his contracts and prefers carefully chosen partnerships and projects.

“He very much plays by his own rules and doesn’t like doing things that he’s not contractually obligated to do,” the source claimed, adding, “He won’t just make a surprise appearance at a fan or media event if it wasn’t something he was contractually paid to do.”

The insider added that Sudeikis is highly selective, both creatively and financially. “Of course, the pay has to be good too or he won’t waste his time. He won’t just partner with anyone,” they stated. 

A 2021 report from The Hollywood Reporter estimated Sudeikis earned $1 million per episode for season three, while reports ahead of season four suggest that figure has climbed to around $3 million per episode.

Away from work, however, insiders say Sudeikis tries to maintain a relatively normal lifestyle despite his growing fame. 

According to one source, he dislikes press obligations and avoids the celebrity side of Hollywood as much as possible. 

“He hates press and the ‘fame’ side of things like doing red carpets,” the insider said, adding that Sudeikis prioritizes his personal life and prefers to stay on his own schedule.

Sudeikis And Waddingham Continue Working Together Despite Rumors

Despite the mounting claims, insiders insist the tensions surrounding Jason Sudeikis are not destroying the show. 

Another source explained that while Waddingham can become frustrated by Sudeikis’ micromanaging tendencies, she still deeply values their working relationship.

“Jason is known for being extremely hands-on and a micro-manager,” the insider said, further noting, “While he is talented, funny and genuinely kind away from set, his attention to every detail can sometimes make the working environment stressful.”

The source added that Waddingham prefers preparation and consistency when approaching scenes, making last-minute changes difficult. 

Still, the cast and crew have reportedly adjusted to Sudeikis’ methods because of how important “Ted Lasso” has been to their careers.

“Many others on set understand her perspective, and there can occasionally be some tension as people navigate Jason’s highly involved approach. However, it’s not anything close to a major conflict,” the insider explained. “No one is looking to leave the show, and there are certainly no concerns about anyone being fired.”

Jason Sudeikis’ Fame Exploded As His Personal Life Fell Apart

Before “Ted Lasso” premiered in 2020, Jason Sudeikis was already a familiar face thanks to his decade-long run on “Saturday Night Live” and his high-profile relationship with actress Olivia Wilde. 

As audiences embraced Ted Lasso’s wholesome optimism, Sudeikis earned two consecutive Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series, along with two more Emmys as executive producer. 

At the same time, Sudeikis’ personal life became tabloid fodder after his split from Wilde following nine years together. 

Wilde later began dating Harry Styles, prompting speculation and cheating allegations that she has denied. 

Their custody battle over son Otis and daughter Daisy also unfolded publicly before the pair settled joint custody in September 2023, with Sudeikis agreeing to pay $27,500 monthly in child support.

Euphoria‘s series finale introduced a potential romantic between Maddy and Bishop — but did they actually get together?

Darrell Britt-Gibson was asked about his character Bishop offering to give Maddy (Alexa Demie) a ride home during the Sunday, May 31, episode, to which he told Decider, “You know, I interpret it in a lot of different ways. I have my ideas.”

The actor opted not to share his interpretation.

“I actually know what [it is] — I love that it now belongs to fans,” he shared. “You know, they have invested so much time, so much energy, so much love into this show, and I love that they get to have it and it gets to be theirs, and whatever they want it to be.”

Britt-Gibson continued: “Even though I know, I love that it gets to be theirs, and I love them to be able to have that.”

After playing Alamo’s (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) fixer throughout the season, Bishop had his hero moment during the finale. The show ended with Ali (Colman Domingo) coming into the Silver Slipper to avenge Rue’s (Zendaya) death. He held Alamo at gunpoint before they agreed to a Western-style showdown.

Alamo’s plan failed because when he drew his gun, it misfired. He realized Bishop secretly unloaded the gun so there wouldn’t be any bullets.

“Bishop didn’t agree with a lot of what Alamo did, but it was a job for him,” Britt-Gibson told Variety. “I think what Alamo did to Rue was the final straw for Bishop.”

Britt-Gibson explained how Rue’s death affected Bishop, adding, “He’s also having that conversation with Maddy in the car. Rue was a bridge too far, and he’s like, ‘I promise I’m not going to let you get to Maddy.’”

Related: Why Did Bishop Betray Alamo in Euphoria’s Finale Before Brutal Death?

Viewers were left confused by why Bishop betrayed Alamo in Euphoria‘s series finale. During the Sunday, May 31, episode of the HBO show, Ali (Colman Domingo) came into the Silver Slipper to avenge Rue’s (Zendaya) death. He held Alamo (Adewale Akinnuoye-Agbaje) at gunpoint before they agreed to a Western-style showdown. But when Alamo drew his […]

Elsewhere in the interview, Britt-Gibson spoke out about how he saw Bishop as on the autism spectrum.

“I don’t think Black people get to play that enough,” Britt-Gibson, 39, told Variety on Monday, June 1. “I don’t like the way that people who are on the spectrum are spoken about.”

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Britt-Gibson wanted to offer accurate representation, adding, “There are a lot of people in my life and my family who are on the spectrum, and they are the most beautiful, deep, soulful people.”

He continued: “I thought, ‘If I get to do this and play him like that, I want to be able to do it justice and make it thoughtful and layered.’ That was something I inherently thought about. I wanted to give it that care.”

Euphoria is currently streaming on HBO Max.

Meghan Markle has come under renewed online mockery after her lifestyle brand As Ever added luxury matchboxes to its growing lineup of premium products.

The reaction comes as old comments criticizing expensive candles have resurfaced, prompting accusations of hypocrisy from critics.

Meanwhile, reports claim tensions have flared behind the scenes between Meghan and Prince Harry over a possible summer trip to the UK, where a reunion with King Charles has reportedly been discussed.

Meghan has sparked a fresh wave of social media frenzy after her As Ever lifestyle brand launched luxury matchboxes as part of its high-end offerings.

The new product line, which comes in blue packaging featuring the As Ever logo, is presented as part of curated bundles that also include her $64 signature candles and premium herbal teas priced at $110.

Asked during a live interview whether the matches are available separately, royal commentator and host of the “Kinsley Schofield Unfiltered” podcast, Kinsley Schofield, said shoppers would need to spend more than $200 to purchase either the “Morning Ritual” or “Evening Ritual” set.

When host Rita Panahi suggested a new nickname for the former “Suits” actress, Schofield dubbed her “Matchstick Meghan,” prompting Panahi to joke, “She does have those skinny legs.”

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The online mood was no different, as social media users piled on with jokes and criticism about the new luxury item.

“The odds that I would pay $256 for some candles I’ve never smelled from a website are less than zero,” one X user wrote. “No one is buying this garbage.”

Another user mocked the pricing, writing, “256 dollars?!? Once the business collapses, that customer list will be its most valuable asset — these are the kind of people you could probably sell the Eiffel Tower to.”

Others focused on timing, with one person arguing, “Launching matches in Montecito in summer is in such bad taste. We’ve had several deadly fires and a deadly mudslide, and pushing matches just seems really tone deaf.”

Several critics also joked that the matches were fitting for someone they accused of “burning bridges,” referencing Meghan’s strained relationships with both the royal family and her father, Thomas Markle.

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Meghan Markle’s Past Candle Comments Come Back To Haunt Her

The criticism of Meghan intensified after a resurfaced 2016 clip appeared to contradict her current business approach.

Years before launching her own premium candles, the Duchess dismissed high-priced candle brands while promoting her now-defunct lifestyle blog, The Tig.

“There are no $100 candles on my site,” Meghan said at the time, according to Page Six. “That’s so obnoxious.”

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“I just want things on there that you can have,” she continued. “And I want people who understand that ethos.”

Meghan also described The Tig as being aspirational while remaining accessible.

“I’ve always crafted [The Tig] as ‘aspirational girl next door,’” she explained. “Like, you can aspire for it but totally attain it too.”

Report Claims Harry And Meghan Had Heated Row

Meanwhile, any suggestions of a possible royal reunion appear to have been overshadowed by claims that Meghan and Harry recently clashed over a potential trip to the UK.

According to reports, Meghan has made it clear she has no intention of accompanying Harry to Balmoral Castle this summer, where discussions about seeing King Charles have reportedly taken place.

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“Things boiled over just hours before Meghan flew out to Geneva, and she and Harry didn’t speak for a while afterwards,” a source claimed.

The insider added that Meghan has no desire to expose either herself or the couple’s children to renewed royal tensions.

The source further alleged that Harry is now worried about the consequences of traveling without Meghan, fearing it could leave him spending part of the summer separated from his wife and children while relations with the rest of the royal family remain strained.

Expert Decodes Meghan Markle’s Anniversary Message

The reported disagreement comes shortly after an anniversary post by Meghan sparked speculation about whether she was sending a subtle message to the king.

While celebrating eight years of marriage to Harry, Meghan shared a carousel of personal photos. One image included Charles standing beside her during the couple’s wedding ceremony at St. George’s Chapel.

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Royal expert Ingrid Seward believes the inclusion was intentional.

“Meghan doesn’t do anything without purpose, so she’s sending a message, isn’t she?” Seward told The Mirror.

According to the royal commentator, the image appeared to signal that Harry and Meghan still view themselves as part of the wider royal family despite years of estrangement.

“That’s what Harry and Meghan need because I don’t think they knew when they cut themselves off — with Harry’s book and the Oprah interview — just how alienated they were going to be,” Seward added.

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The music world is mourning the loss of Peabo Bryson after the legendary singer died at the age of 75. 

Known for his unforgettable soul ballads and timeless duets, Bryson left behind a catalog that shaped generations of music lovers. From Disney classics to Grammy-winning collaborations, his voice became synonymous with romance and emotional storytelling. 

Following news of his death, some of the biggest names in the music industry trooped to social media to share emotional tributes honoring both the artist and the man they knew personally.

Peabo Bryson died Tuesday, June 2, at the age of 75 after suffering a stroke just days earlier. The singer’s family confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement shared with PEOPLE.

“We are tremendously moved by the outpouring of love, prayers and support from fans, friends, and colleagues around the world,” Bryson’s family said.

“While our hearts are broken, we find comfort in knowing how deeply Peabo was loved and how many lives were touched by his voice and his generous spirit.”

The family added, “His legacy and music will live on for generations to come.” Bryson was surrounded by family at the time of his passing.

The legendary vocalist became one of the defining voices behind Disney’s most iconic songs, including “Beauty and the Beast” with Celine Dion and “A Whole New World” with Regina Belle.

The latter became the first song from an animated film to reach No. 1 on Billboard’s Hot 100.

Bryson Remembered By Celine Dion After Disney Duet Success

Celine Dion was among the first major stars to publicly mourn Peabo Bryson following news of his death. 

Taking to X, the songstress reflected on their experience recording “Beauty and the Beast” together in 1991.

“I’m heartbroken to hear that we lost Peabo Bryson today. His incredible voice and his kind spirit embodied the beauty of song and performance,” she wrote.

Dion also shared how Bryson supported her while she was still learning to sing in English. According to her, “He was so wonderful and generous to me all those years ago, when we recorded Beauty and the Beast. He made me so comfortable, as I was just learning to sing in English.”

The singer added that Bryson would forever represent music’s impact on her life, noting, “He will remain for me always as a real symbol of the joy that music has brought to my life. His voice and his talent will be missed… My heart is with your family, and may you rest in peace, Peabo.”

Dion included a throwback photo alongside Bryson, showing the pair smiling together during their younger years.

Peabo Bryson’s Fellow Soul Stars Share Emotional Messages

Singer Jody Watley also honored Bryson with a lengthy emotional tribute on social media. “Rest in Peace Peabo Bryson @PeaboBryson2,” Watley tweeted.

She continued, describing the late singer as “one of the greatest male soul vocalists of a generation” and noting that it was an honor to sing with and get to know him over the years.

Watley said Bryson’s support and kindness had a lasting impact on her life and career. “Peabo leaves an indelible everlasting legacy. I’m glad to have been able to tell him every time we toured and sang duets together on The Colors of Christmas-how much he meant to my journey, and thank him for his support, kindness and encouragement,” she revealed. 

The 67-year-old also reflected on introducing Bryson to her mother after a 2017 concert. She described it as a cherished memory, adding that her mom loved the musician too. 

“Beyond the legendary voice, Peabo is the definition of class, intelligence, and authenticity—a genuine gentleman whose artistry and character continue to inspire,” she finished. 

Bryson’s Legacy Celebrated By Fellow Performers

Freddie Jackson wasn’t left out as he also took to Facebook to honor Peabo Bryson’s memory and legacy. “We have lost yet one of the most phenomenal voices of all times — Mr. Peabo Bryson,” Jackson wrote.

The R&B singer continued his tribute by reflecting on the years he spent performing alongside Bryson. “We shared the stage, the road, and the love for Soul and R&B. I send my prayers to his family, friends, and fans,” he wrote. 

Jackson also praised Bryson’s emotional connection to music. According to him, the 75-year-old sang from his heart. “There ain’t nothing like the real thing… and Peabo was the real thing,” he shared. 

Saxophonist Dave Koz also remembered Bryson with an emotional Instagram post featuring photos from some of their onstage performances together.

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“We lost a true icon today-someone who changed the game; a man whose angelic voice captivated the world for decades…and most importantly, a dear friend for years,” Koz wrote.

He also sent love to Bryson’s wife, Tanya, and their son, Kitt, while honoring the icon’s fans worldwide.

“We’re all in mourning today, but yet so grateful for the love and joy Peabo shared with his music. He will be SO missed, but never forgotten,” Koz added.

Peabo Bryson’s Impact Continues Through His Timeless Music

The Maze Band also joined the growing list of tributes honoring Bryson’s lasting influence on music.

In a statement shared on Instagram, they wrote, “The Maze Family joins the countless fans, friends, and fellow musicians around the world in mourning the passing of the legendary Peabo Bryson.”

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The group praised Bryson’s voice, songs, and artistry for shaping generations of listeners. “Peabo’s extraordinary voice, timeless songs, and unmatched artistry touched generations and helped define the soundtrack of our lives,” they stated. 

According to the tribute, Bryson’s music brought love, hope, and beauty to the world. The statement continued, “His legacy will continue to inspire artists and audiences for years to come.”

Fans across social media also continued sharing memories of Bryson’s music following news of his death. 

Many pointed specifically to “Beauty and the Beast” and “A Whole New World” as songs that became deeply connected to childhood memories and major life moments.

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Family movies sometimes get unfairly dismissed as simple kid’s entertainment, but the very best examples prove that appealing to all ages is one of filmmaking’s hardest tricks of all. A great family film needs adventure, humor, and memorable characters, at least for younger viewers, while still offering enough emotional depth and thematic richness to resonate with the adults sitting beside them.

What’s great is that the last decade has produced an impressive collection of films that have done exactly that. Some have reimagined beloved fairy-tales, with others exploring deeply human themes through fantastical worlds. So, whether they be animated or live-action, these are the films that understand how family audiences deserve heartwarming stories, all made perfect for a unifying leisurely watch.

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‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’ (2022)

Image via Universal Pictures

After burning through eight of his nine lives, the fearless feline outlaw Puss in Boots (Antonio Banderas) discovers that his confidence may not be enough to save him anymore. Now, faced with his own mortality for the first time, Puss sets out on a quest to find the mythical Wishing Star, hoping to restore his lost lives. Unfortunately, along the way, he soon finds himself competing against a colorful set of rivals pursing the same prize.

While Puss in Boots: The Last Wish could’ve easily become a fun (but disposable) Shrek spin-off, it instead became one of the decade’s most emotionally resonant animated films. Beneath its vibrant fairy-tale adventure lies a surprisingly mature story about fear, aging, and learning to appreciate the life one lives. With Death itself placed as a standout animated villain, Puss’ journey transforms into something genuinely affecting—a feat that’s only made better by its stunning animation style that livens every action sequence.

7

‘Klaus’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

Jesper (Jason Schwartzman) is a spoiled and self-centered postal academy graduate who is sent to a remote artic town, divided by generations of feuding families. Desperate to fulfill a mail quota and return home, he discovers a reclusive toymaker named Klaus (J.K. Simmons) living alone in the woods. Soon enough, their unlikely friendship sparks a chain reaction that slowly transforms the town and eventually gives rise to the legend of Santa Claus.

Few modern holiday films have achieved the instant classic status of Klaus. And while it reimagines a familiar myth, the movie’s true strength lies in its sincerity and emotional intelligence. The relationship between Jesper and Klaus evolves beautifully, grounding the story in themes of compassion, forgiveness, and community. Plus, when combined with breathtaking animation and a script that balances humor with genuine heart, Klaus feels like a true Christmas classic that many strive for but rarely achieve.

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‘Coco’ (2017)

Image via Pixar Animation Studios

Aspiring musician Miguel (Anthony Gonzalez) dreams of following in the footsteps of his idol Ernesto de la Cruz (Benjamin Bratt), despite his family’s generations-long ban on music. Cut to Día de los Muertios, and Miguel not only discovers that de la Cruz might just be his great-great-grandfather, but he also accidentally transports himself to the Land of the Dead. Needing to return to the land of the living, Miguel runs to secure his ancestor’s blessing—a quest that ultimately uncovers a dark truth behind his family’s history.

While its stunning vibrant visuals and songs are unforgettable, Coco endures mostly because of the emotional power behind them. By exploring memory, family legacy, and the fear of being forgotten, the film builds toward one of Pixar’s most moving and tender endings. Every revelation deepens Miguel’s understanding of where he comes from, transforming what begins as a colorful adventure into a deeply personal story about honoring the people who shaped us. Remember to grab your tissues with this one. That last song is a doozy.

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‘Wonder’ (2017)

Image via Lionsgate

Based on R.J. Palacio‘s bestselling novel, Auggie Pullman (Jacob Tremblay) is a young boy born with facial differences who’s attending mainstream school for the first time in his life. Needing to confront his fears, Auggie navigates his coming-of-age journey of friendships, bullying, and the challenges of fitting into a judgmental world (no matter how hard it may be).

What elevates Wonder beyond a typical inspirational drama is its empathy. Rather than focusing solely on Auggie’s perspective, the film examines how kindness, insecurity, and acceptance affect those around him. Tremblay delivers a deeply endearing performance, while the supporting cast helps create a perfectly nuanced portrait of family life. The result is a movie that never feels manipulative, despite its emotional subject matter, offering a genuinely heartfelt reminder of the power of compassion—one that will leave you desperately reaching for the tissues again.

4

‘Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio’ (2022)

Set in fascist Italy between the World Wars, a grieving woodcarver named Geppetto (David Bradley) who, in his despair over losing his son, magically brings a wooden puppet to life. Now, a young Pinocchio (Gregory Mann) must navigate a complicated world filled with political unrest, exploitation, and difficult questions about mortality—all of which allow him to learn what it truly means to be human.

Rather than retelling the familiar tale beat-for-beat, del Toro transforms Pinocchio into something deeply personal and profound. For one, the stop-motion animation is breathtaking. However, it’s the film’s exploration of grief and impermanence that lingers longest. By positioning death as a natural part of life rather than something to fear, the movie finds emotional depth rarely seen in family animations. In this way, Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio proves how children’s stories can tackle complex ideas without losing their sense of wonder.

3

‘The Wild Robot’ (2024)

Image via Universal Pictures

After being shipwrecked during a storm, a service robot named Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) finds herself stranded on a remote island populated entirely by animals. Initially viewed as an outsider, Roz learns to adapt and survive the wilderness, allowing her to form connections that challenge her original programming. In particular, she unexpectedly becomes the caretaker of an orphaned gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor).

At its core, The Wild Robot is a beautiful story about parenthood, belonging, and the bonds that form between unlikely individuals. The relationship between Roz and Brightbill gives the film its emotional foundation, while its picturesque animation captures both the beauty and harshness of the natural world. Better still, it balances adventure and humor with thoughtful reflections on identity and community. So, like the best family films, it speaks to audiences of all ages without ever talking down to them.

2

‘The Sheep Detectives’ (2026)

Image via Amazon MGM Studios

When a seemingly ordinary shepherd (Hugh Jackman) is found dead under mysterious circumstances, his loyal flock of sheep—led by the clever Lily (Julia Louis Dreyfus)—decide to investigate the case themselves. Determined to uncover the truth before humans can ruin everything, the sheep begin piecing together clues from their unique perspective, leading them through a mystery filled with eccentric small town suspects and unexpected revelations.

Who would’ve thought a bunch of sheep would make grown adults leave the cinemas in tears? Part murder mystery, part charming animal adventure, The Sheep Detectives shines because it fully commits to its delightfully absurd premise. And yet, it has surprised audiences with its emotional depth, poignantly exploring themes of grief, loneliness, and belonging. Sure, the whodunnit might be a little predictable in the end, but this is a movie that perfectly balances warmth, humor, and heartache with remarkable grace. Personally, that’s far more important than a clever mystery (at least when it comes to family films).

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‘Paddington 2’ (2017)

Image via StudioCanal

Having settled happily into life with the Brown family in London, Paddington (Ben Whishaw) sets out to earn enough money to buy a special pop-up book for his Aunt Lucy’s (Imelda Staunton) birthday. But when the book is suddenly stolen, Paddington is wrongly accused of the crime and is sent to prison, forcing both him and the Browns to uncover the real culprit before it’s too late.

There is a reason Paddington 2 is often considered one of the best films of all time. For one, it completely radiates kindness without ever feeling naive, thanks to Paddington’s unwavering optimism bringing out the best in everyone around him. Making matters more fun, Hugh Grant‘s delightfully theatrical villain adds a layer of comedic brilliance, while the story itself quietly champions empathy, decency, and community spirit. Funny, poignant, and meticulously crafted, it’s practically impossible to dislike (and should frankly still have its 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes).

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Paddington 2

Release Date

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November 10, 2017

Runtime

104 minutes

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Director

Paul King

Writers

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Simon Farnaby, Paul King, Michael Bond, Jon Croker

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Next: The 10 Greatest Live-Action Family Films of the 21st Century, Ranked

The fantasy genre continues to reign supreme on television, and no network has a better track record than HBO. Whether it’s established franchises like Game of Thrones, or underrated gems like Carnivale, HBO delivers shows that keep people talking. That didn’t change once it entered the 2020’s, with one original series that put a fantasy-style spin on the idea of superpowered beings. That series is none other than The Nevers, which perfectly blends the Victorian-era trappings of His Dark Materials with the subversive storytelling of The Magicians. That doesn’t sound like a combo that would work, and yet it makes for the perfect weekend binge.

Created by Joss Whedon, The Nevers takes place in an alternate timeline in which a group of Londoners discovers they have superhuman abilities. Dubbed “The Touched”, these people struggle to survive in a world that hates and fears them (sound familiar?) while also uncovering the true nature behind their abilities. Among the Touched is Amalia True (Laura Donnelly), who runs an orphanage for Touched children and can see the future. Though The Nevers only lasted a single season, it’s packed with enough unique elements that make it worth a watch.

‘The Nevers’ Perfectly Blends Superhuman Stakes With Period Piece Trappings

Image via HBO

It’s not hard to look at The Nevers and think of “Victorian-era X-Men.” Most of the Touched are women or people of color, and their greatest obstacle is the prejudices of the time, which aligns with the allegory that’s fueled Marvel’s mighty mutants for years. On top of that, The Nevers introduces a cast of characters that wouldn’t feel out of place in a comic book series. There’s the criminal mastermind known as the Beggar King (Nick Frost), the mad scientist Hague (Denis O’Hare), and the serial killer Maladie (Amy Manson). Even Whedon’s explanation of The Nevers‘ title feels like it wouldn’t be out of place in a comic book universe.

“It’s a phrase that’s meant to evoke a sort of reaction to their oddity, to what is considered unnatural. The idea that you should never be like this, you should never have existed. Something is not the way it should be, and you don’t have the right to have whatever weird power or ability that you have…But to me, it’s one of those things where you take something negative, and you wear it as a badge of honor, basically. Certain things could never happen – they’re happening. And the people they’re happening to are taking their place in the world.”

As if superpowers weren’t enough, The Nevers throws a massive curveball at its audience in its mid-season finale “True”, which reveals that the Touched came into being via aliens visiting the Earth, who also have the ability to time travel into the past. It was a wild swing, but one that made the series that much more interesting. Amalia’s visions made more sense, and the idea of fighting to save the future made The Nevers less of an X-Men clone and more in line with iconic sci-fi movies such as The Terminator. Yet behind the scenes, The Nevers was facing issues that no superpower could save it from.

Despite A Promising Start, ‘The Nevers’ Was Cut Down in its Prime

HBO clearly saw The Nevers as the next Game of Thrones, engaging in a bidding war with Netflix and others to secure the rights to the series. Yet halfway through the series, Whedon departed as showrunner and executive producer, citing the stress of producing during the COVID-19 pandemic as taking a toll on him. Some couldn’t help but notice that this announcement also coincided with Ray Fisher and other figures accusing Whedon of misconduct on the set of various projects, though HBO chief Casey Bloys denied it. While The Nevers found a new showrunner in Philippa Gossett, it wasn’t enough to save the series from cancellation.

To add insult to injury, The Nevers was one of several series pulled from HBO Max’s library in 2022. It eventually found a new home on Tubi…but on Warner Bros.’s FAST channel, and airing at times that no one would be sitting down to watch the series. Despite being cut down in its prime, The Nevers is still worth a watch as it evolved from a mere superhero show into the beginnings of a unique fantasy saga.

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Release Date

2021 – 2022

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Network

HBO Max

Showrunner

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Philippa Goslett

Directors

Joss Whedon

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Writers

Joss Whedon

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