Science fiction thrives on premise. A simple story of two space nations fighting has been done to death, space geopolitics having been delved into deeply as an opportunity for aspiring world-builders. What made Star Trek so great was how its episodic format allowed for each episode to explore a mind-blowing new “problem of the week” built on the creativity and imagination of writers whose love for sci-fi showed in the uniqueness of every episode. The cosmos is a strange and uncharted place filled with danger, but also with incredible wonders. Star Trek was limited only by the imagination of its writers. Tragically, the franchise suffered falling ratings that were detrimental to the series in the 2000s. Movies became the face of Trek, but even there, they focused more on the action and spectacle than the original shows did. Fortunately, that torch was taken up not only by Doctor Who, which was experiencing a revival in the New Millennium, but by a sadly oft-forgotten property that paved a new road to science fiction — Stargate.

A Forgotten Franchise Picked Up Where Star Trek Slowed Down

In 1996, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer released Stargate by iconic disaster movie director Roland Emmerich. The film opened to mixed reviews, with many critics lambasting how the film’s superb mystery and build-up to unlocking a mystical gate to another planet ultimately led to a desert. However, the idea itself retained incredible potential that was evidently not lost on the studio, and two-and-a-half years later, a new Canadian-American TV show had spawned, serving as the direct successor to the film: Stargate: SG-1.

An episodic military science fiction series, the show follows a team of predominantly four characters, one of several highly specialized United States Air Force “SG teams” who venture on missions through the “Stargate” in a secret complex under Cheyenne Mountain to explore new worlds and acquire alien allies and/or technology to use in Earth’s defense.

A Team Dynamic That Made Every Mission Worth Watching

Image via SyFy Channel

The series’ main cast typically consists of four characters, who are often where a chunk of the fun can be found. While they do get replaced at times, some permanently towards the end of the series’ life, the original four mains are still the face of the show. Colonel Jack O’Neill, played by Richard Dean Anderson of MacGyver fame, leads the team with an oddly blasé attitude. Despite his leadership role, he is naturally funny and possessed of a sharp tongue. He was once described in the show’s later seasons as a man who “laughs in the face of the enemy even when it’s inappropriate.” However, beneath his confident exterior, there is a depth to his character that the series displays with beautiful subtlety throughout his tenure.

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Doctor Daniel Jackson (Michael Shanks), initially indistinguishable from James Spader‘s genius archeologist, is a natural diplomat and master of ancient cultures. His attitude and moral backbone lead him to butt heads with O’Neill on a regular basis, despite the friendship that develops between the two hard-headed individuals. Over the years, his growth as a character brings Daniel into his own as a distinct and stronger hero than his namesake in the movie. He represents the moral center of the team, and for a time, makes for the ideal audience surrogate as he struggles to adapt himself to a military lifestyle.

Samantha “Sam” Carter (Amanda Tapping) is the show’s resident tech wizard. Holding the rank of Major by the start of the show, her brilliant mind often finds the scientific solution to those problems too complicated for the other characters to handle. Despite her technological prowess, she is also an exceedingly competent fighter in her own right, well-trained among the Air Force’s best and brightest. Teal’c (Christopher Judge) is among the first of the alien characters the team encounters in the series. Originally the obedient lieutenant of the show’s first major villain, he defies his gods and joins the people of Earth to pursue freedom for his enslaved people, the Jaffa. His growth throughout the series is perhaps the most profound, gradually immersing himself in Earth culture with each passing season, to the point that his interactions with the blissfully ignorant outside world are among the most endearing moments in the series.

Villains That Balanced Mythology, Horror, and Classic Sci-Fi Threats

Image via Showtime

Of course, the show’s villains cannot go without mention. The main antagonists of the series are the Goa’uld, snake-like parasitic aliens who take human hosts with which to masquerade as gods (each one based on deities from ancient pantheons) and oppress the innocent beings of the galaxy. Though they are technically advanced and armed with an army of genetically engineered soldiers called Jaffa, they are culturally archaic, making them and their minions reasonably susceptible to the weapons of Earth’s heroes. The series’ other best villains include the Replicators, a swarm of self-replicating spider-like machines whose only goal is to increase their numbers in perpetuity, but their total lack of prejudice or soul as they spread like cancer arguably makes them as intimidating as Star Trek’s cybernetic villains, the Borg.

Somehow, for the majority of its history, the series perfectly balanced seriousness with comedy. The humor was a part of the characters, and the characters had enough dimensions to them that their wit never once undercut the drama of the story, yet there are those comedy-focused episodes that reveled in their hilarity. The Season 4 episode “Window of Opportunity” sees O’Neill and Teal’c trapped in an endless time loop reminiscent of Groundhog Day. Shenanigans ensue, yet the episode has a deeply poignant resolution despite being one of the show’s funniest episodes in the series.

The Season 5 episode “Wormhole X-Treme” sees the SGC learning of a mid-production TV show made in the suspicious likeness of the real Stargate program, yet the similarities are distinctly satirical and make for a very self-aware parody of the show. The Season 6 episode “The Other Guys” follows a trio of timid SGC scientists trying to rescue SG-1 from capture, and further shenanigans ensue.

The Standout Episodes That Prove the Format Still Works

But the series is not great simply because of excellent writing and superb characters. When Star Trek was panting with exhaustion by the 2000s, straining to carry the legacy of episodic science fiction, it was Stargate: SG-1 that kept on running. Each new episode was built around some fascinating idea, a new and creative problem to overcome with each episode. If the idea was new, it blew audiences away. If the idea was old, it was refined and perfected. These stories would simply not be possible outside the science fiction genre. The greatest sci-fi works have always functioned the same way, embracing mind-bending possibilities to explore anything from the most compelling adventures to the most thoughtful exploration of humanity. Star Trek did this well, andStargate: SG-1did so too.This format is preferable for this kind of series, not only because it allows for more self-contained explorations of the genre, but because the serial format is typically more akin to stretching a film out over a longer period to focus on a single giant story. WithSG-1, nothing is stopping viewers from picking up any of their favorite episodes to revisit one of the team’s best adventures, as opposed to watching an entire season from scratch to revisit a single giant story.

It is not hard to find episodes that thrive in this format. In the Season 2 episode “A Matter of Time,” the SGC dials a world in the process of being consumed by a black hole, and the gravitational feedback through the wormhole threatens to pull the entire Earth through the Stargate. In the Season 4 episode “Scorched Earth,” SG-1 is faced with the moral dilemma of deciding between the automated terra-former seeking to repopulate the embryos of an extinct civilization seeking a second chance, or the primitive tribe it threatens to annihilate in the process. In the Season 8 episode “Avatar”, Teal’c tests a new virtual reality simulator built using alien technology, only for the simulation to give him the most difficult challenge it can concoct, forcing him to repeat the seemingly impossible “game” over and over as the simulated invaders overcome his best attempts at victory, with no escape. The list goes on.

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This is not to say the series is perfect. The later seasons, especially 9 and 10, experienced a drop in quality, and the more realistic military theme fell by the wayside as the heroes started to get replaced with snarkier, funnier characters who felt more like superheroes than soldiers. Then there are the environments, where most alien planets tend to be the same forest in Vancouver, which is especially frustrating. That and most of the show’s transplanted human extra-terrestrials seem to speak English. There is also prominent Americentrism, one episode making it very clear that the Stargate program should belong entirely under American jurisdiction, and that other countries should contribute their efforts towards the defense of the Earth while expecting no shared decision-making in how the Stargate is operated.

But despite these flaws, the series is exhilarating. The middle seasons are easily the best, embracing the status quo of its premise yet still allowing its characters to grow as the series explores the creative boundaries of science fiction. Doctor Who was the show’s competitor into the 2000s, including against the equally great spinoff show Stargate: Atlantis, and while the iconic and campy British series performed better for the most part, its Canadian-American competition on the SyFy channel took itself more seriously despite its humorous ingredients, making it a worthy successor to the Star Trek legacy while still charting its own path in the space exploration concept.

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Stargate SG-1

Release Date

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1997 – 2007-00-00

Showrunner

Brad Wright

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Directors

Martin Wood, Andy Mikita, William Waring, Bill Gereghty, David Warry-Smith, Brad Turner, Mario Philip Azzopardi, William Gereghty, Peter F. Woeste, Dennis Berry, Ken Girotti, Charles Correll, Jonathan Glassner, Robert C. Cooper, Allan Eastman, Bill Corcoran, Jeff Woolnough, Jim Kaufman, Allan Lee, amanda tapping

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  Samantha Carter

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The King Arthur story has been adapted many times over and in every way imaginable. However, some are better than others. An often-ignored example is BBC’s Merlin, which came out in 2008. Though it adapts the legendary story, Merlin takes a unique approach, focusing on the wizard instead of the king. Certainly, Merlin takes liberties with the story, but it follows the same beats as Arthur rises to power and creates a legacy as the once and future king, with Merlin by his side. The show’s twist on the legend is a breath of fresh air, but what stands out most is Merlin‘s dynamic characters and creativity, making it deserving of more attention than it receives.

The series focuses on a young Merlin (Colin Morgan), who, in this retelling, is the same age as Arthur (Bradley James). Developing a hilarious friendship between the two central characters, Merlin thrives on this relationship, unlike other versions of the story, where Merlin is a mentor figure. But this distinction is not the only thing to recommend Merlin. The show includes fascinating character arcs, like Arthur’s progression from spoiled bully to noble king or the slow corruption of the once kindhearted Morgana (Katie McGrath), creating something new from familiar legends. Is it campy? Yes, but that is part of the charm. Merlin is not the bloody epic fantasy audiences have grown accustomed to, but a humorous and fun version of a familiar story that offers plenty of surprises. With the popularity of fantasy TV that came shortly after Merlin, the series is often overlooked, but it shouldn’t be.

What’s So Different About ‘Merlin’?

The King Arthur mythos is familiar to most, whether from the many literary versions or the many adaptations that range from Disney’s Sword in the Stone to Monty Python and the Holy Grail. But Merlin is unlike any of them, reworking the legend into something entirely different. The most substantial change is Merlin’s age. Rather than introducing an aged wizard determined to guide the future king, Merlin centers on a young sorcerer who must hide his magic at the threat of death. Learning of the prince’s destiny, Merlin is forced to protect Arthur, becoming a servant and friend rather than fulfilling his traditional role as a guide. The unlikely friendship between Arthur and Merlin becomes the heart of the show as Merlin serves as Arthur’s manservant, hiding his secret and slowly earning the trust of the future king.

The relationship is unbalanced in many ways. Arthur is a skilled knight with position and power, while Merlin is a commoner who accidentally gets a job as Arthur’s servant that he doesn’t want. Conversely, Merlin is a powerful warlock, aware of Arthur’s destiny and equipped to handle magical threats, though he cannot reveal that. Yet all the things that complicate their friendship fall away as the two grow close. They may tease and insult each other at times, but they each risk their lives for their friend time and time again. In Merlin, Arthur’s respect for the title character helps him grow into the unbiased king he becomes known as, making this friendship more than just a crowd-pleasing and amusing change, but crucial to the story’s progression.

‘Merlin’s Characters Are Its Greatest Strength

Merlin makes it a point to begin the story before the characters become who they are in the legends, allowing the characters to undergo formative journeys as the story goes on. Though most have an idea of who they will be, it provides the chance for surprises. When Gwen (Angel Coulby) is introduced as a servant and daughter of a blacksmith, everyone knows she will become queen, but how remains a mystery. Combining the mythic figures of Arthurian legend with new characters like Gaius (Richard Wilson) and the Great Dragon (John Hurt), the show is not a straightforward retelling but something more akin to an origin story.

Merlin‘s characters grow in unexpected ways, creating complex arcs that surprise even those most familiar with the legends. Arthur is a good example of this, as he is introduced as an arrogant brute and, over time, becomes a caring and kind man, willing to change his father’s rigid laws to promote fairness and equality. Letting commoners become his most trusted knights, marrying a serving girl, and placing his trust in Merlin, Arthur earns his reputation as a just king, but his behavior at first leads the audience and Merlin to doubt. But Arthur is not the only one whose unfamiliar characterization changes over time. Throughout the series, Morgana goes from a caring, if rebellious, woman to a villain out to destroy everything Arthur and Merlin built. Her slow corruption, due to the lies she’s told and her unfortunate circumstances, turns her from an ally to an enemy in one of the show’s most compelling plots. These characters may have the most pronounced growth, demonstrating how the show uses the myths to create an interesting story.

‘Merlin’ Refuses to Take Itself Too Seriously

Image via BBC

Merlin came out just before fantasy TV really hit its stride. With the massive popularity of Game of Thrones and shows like it, the genre is booming. But Merlin doesn’t exactly fit in with the gritty, violent shows that rule fantasy TV now. Instead, Merlin uses cheesy effects that betray its limited funding, but they force the show not to take itself too seriously, which is for the best. The show thrives on humor and outlandish plots that support the more important character development. Merlin is not an epic fantasy in the way audiences have grown accustomed to, but it never promised to be.

Merlin presents an immersive story with dynamic characters and enjoyable relationships, which is all that can be asked of such a show, yet it seems to fade into the background of the crowded genre. Although Merlin wasn’t a widespread hit, it has a loyal fanbase who are still talking about the series more than a decade after its conclusion and dreaming of a continuation, though it is unlikely to happen. Merlin‘s twist on the classic story and well-crafted characters mean it deserves the love and attention it rarely receives.

Merlin is streaming on Prime Video in the U.S.

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Merlin

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Release Date

2008 – 2012

Network

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BBC One

Showrunner

Julian Jones

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Directors

Jeremy Webb, Alice Troughton, David Moore, Justin Molotnikov, Ashley Way, Alex Pillai, James Hawes, Metin Hüseyin, Ed Fraiman, Stuart Orme

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Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for Tracker Season 3, Episode 14.We’re back this week with another Tracker episode that pushes the limit of what action hero Colter Shaw (Justin Hartley) can handle, especially since he’s going up against several stuntmen who know their craft well. “Breakaway” is exciting for fans for a few reasons. For starters, it gives us an on-screen reunion between Justin Hartley and Erica Durance over a decade after Smallville went off the air. Secondly, there’s more action in this episode than there has been in a while, so strap in.

‘Tracker’ Season 3, Episode 14 Begins With a Missing Stuntman

This week’s episode begins on the film set of an indie production titled, well, Breakaway. After a killer opening action sequence, it pivots to stuntman Hale “Rip” Ripley (David Ramsey), who angrily walks off set after being hit too hard one too many times. Perhaps unsurprisingly, Colter is called in soon after. Although, when we first catch up with the rewardist in his Airstream, he’s reminiscing over an old photo of him and his dad, Ashton Shaw (Lee Tergesen), which he’d hidden in a copy of The Old Man and the Sea. Tracker continues to remind us that the mystery behind his father’s murder has not been fully solved, but it also proves a careful touch that speaks subtly to the father-son themes woven throughout the episode.

It’s then that Randy (Chris Lee) calls with a clever Lee Majors-style Fall Guy reference (to the old TV show, not the Ryan Gosling movie) before sending him to Detroit to track down the missing Ripley, who never went back home after the debacle on the film set. Arriving in town, Colter meets with Ripley’s girlfriend, Laura (Durance, who proves that she’s still got it), who offers $12K if Colter can track him down. Little does she know, this show is called Tracker, and that’s exactly what he’ll do. Laura gives “Colt” the rundown on Ripley, who has been struggling with pain pills for years. “Something happened to Ripley after he walked off set, these people are hiding something, I can feel it,” Laura tells him.

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Naturally, Colter’s first step is to try to get onto the set itself, but a security guard stops him. It’s a closed set, after all, but something like that would never in a million years stop Colter Shaw. As usual, he dodges and weaves his way onto the premises anyway without any trouble. By the time he gets to the stunt trailer, Colter runs into a derelict stuntman doing a line of cocaine beside a definitely-too-young girl in his trailer. Colter stops things from going any further, and stunt coordinator Jake Harris (Jacob Turner) shows up and sees that the girl is looked after — and that the stuntman in question is fired. When asked about Ripley’s behavior as of late, Jake tells Colter that he had been distracted long before he walked on set. He isn’t surprised that he never made it home, though, and notes that the producers of the production, namely one Bennett Cranston (Carlo Rota), are not the types of people you’d want to tick off.

With this information locked and loaded, Colter calls his handy personal investigator/technical genius, and it isn’t long before Randy discovers that Cranston is involved with racketeering and other criminal enterprises. As if by magic, he gives Colter the location of the rental suite that the production has put Cranston up in, and the rewardist heads in that direction. After hanging up on our resident tracker, Randy shares a quick moment with Reenie Greene (Fiona Rene) and Mel Day (Cassady McClincy Zhang), as the two prepare for an upcoming dinner meeting with Maxine (Kathleen Robertson).

“Breakaway” Dives Into Strange Territory as Colter Uncovers a Stuntman Conspiracy

Image via CBS

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Colter makes his way to Cranston’s high-rise and, obviously, breaks in. Despite the fact that he’s clearly caught on camera, it makes no difference to him whatsoever. Inside, Colter finds signs of a struggle, and the security footage likewise reveals that Ripley had been there, only to be forcibly removed and kidnapped by Cranston and his goons. Calling Randy, Colter tries to get a phone trace on Cranston’s phone, but that’s a dead end. Instead, the hacking wizard pulls a positive ID off one of the goons in the video and uses that to trace his cellphone. It seems like this shouldn’t be this easy, but considering the Jeffrey Deaver-penned Colter Shaw novels have more time to tell these sorts of stories than Tracker‘s 40-something minutes, I guess we’ll let it slide. Randy tracks the phone to an industrial zone — and it isn’t long before Colter makes his way there.

Arriving at the scene, Colter finds a phone outside and the producer tied up with his men indoors. Ripley is nowhere to be found, having gained the upper hand against Cranston’s men when he tried to scare the stuntman. Apparently, Ripley was looking for his customized Dodge Charger, which Cranston bought off him two years ago when the stunt performer’s funds had gotten tight. Randy tracks his location via the car, sending Colter on a continued goose chase.

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Meanwhile, in Denver, Maxine arrives late for dinner with Reenie and orders drinks. However, the late attorney doesn’t want to talk about work. Apparently, she got a call that her cheating husband (and his Pilates instructor) had used her credit card, thus confirming the affair. “Sometimes it’s easier to ignore it than admit that there’s a problem,” Maxine says at first, before the pair schemes ways to get back at him. Yeah, it’s a weird interlude, and we’re still not sure why we should give Maxine the time of day, but it’s leading to something as Maxine turns the tables on Reenie to ask about how she’s doing. They speak about how the former broke up with Elliott Rusch (Michael Rady) — remember Elliott? — after her abduction at the end of Season 2. Although Reenie claims she’s doing fine with the trauma, Maxine clearly sees through the false bravado.

Back in Detroit, Colter speaks with Laura over the phone and learns that Ripley is the type of “old-fashioned” guy who likes to pretend that he can fix everything. It may be that he’s in trouble that he believes only he can resolve, which might explain why he went off the grid. It becomes even clearer when Colter arrives at the scene of a drag race where the Charger is front-and-center. Without a care in the world, our hero drives his truck right through the middle of the festivities, hoping to derail the whole thing — and somehow he manages to hold his own against these other racers. After stopping the Charger, he finds that Ripley isn’t the one driving. It turns out that Ripley had sold the car to another racer after earning some cash from them. He also learns that Ripley’s son, Dalton (Lovell Adams-Gray), is really the one with the money issues, issues that he and Randy believe the stuntman has been trying to pay off. It turns out, Dalton is working closely with a crew of stuntmen who have active criminal records.

‘Tracker’s Latest Episode Ends With a Shootout in Detroit

Image via CBS

“Breakway” pivots back to Ripley, who confronts one of these stunt goons named Virgil Dean (Chris Jericho), the apparent ringleader of an outlaw band of stunt performers. When he tries to pay off Virgil to keep Dalton out of their world, the angry-looking goon tells Ripley that it’s not enough. The only way to get Dalton clear of his debts is for Ripley to take his place as a driver in ae heist. Meanwhile, Colter visits Laura to follow up on the types that Ripley might be involved in. After narrowing their location down to an abandoned warehouse (thank you, social media), Colter is joined by Laura as they break in to search for Ripley. Instead, they knock out one of the guys held up there and discover that the rogue stuntmen plan to rob an armored car. But upon hearing a struggle, they find that Dalton has been kidnapped. The boy begs Colter to let him help find his dad, and the rewardist agrees, so long as they do it his way.

Elsewhere, Ripley and the rest of the stunt crew-turned-gunslingers ready themselves for the armored car robbery. He tries to convince them to back out of the job, but they won’t listen. Thankfully, Colter and his new allies aren’t far behind. Colter and Dalton watch carefully as the robbery begins, and the rewardist leaves the younger man to intervene from a different direction. But Dalton doesn’t listen to Colter’s warnings and soon finds himself under heavy fire from the criminal element. In an action spectacular that likely utilized a lot of stunt performers, Laura arrives and helps take out some guys, but is injured in the process. With the rest of his men taken out, Virgil uses the opportunity to hold Ripley at gunpoint to try and get away, but Colter sneaks up behind him and fires, rescuing the stuntman and his family. A job well done.

Meanwhile, Reenie boxes out her frustrations and anxieties, and it’s clear that she’s not okay. Despite her claims that she’s completely fine, the bravado retreats to the shadows when she’s alone, and nothing seems to help. It’s clear that Reenie needs someone in her life who she can talk to about this, and after last week’s episode, we’re still hoping that Colter can fit the bill. But right now, the rewardist is on the other side of the country, bidding farewell to Ripley and Laura. Although Ripley apologizes for getting Colter involved, our hero is just happy that everything turned out well in the end. “Stay safe,” he tells the two of them — and that’s not the first time he utters those exact words in this episode.

Tracker airs Sundays on CBS and is available on streaming the next day on Paramount+.

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Release Date

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February 11, 2024

Showrunner

Elwood Reid

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Writers

Ben H. Winters, Hilary Weisman Graham

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  Justin Hartley

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Pros & Cons

• Seeing Justin Hartley and Erica Durance back together on-screen makes us wish for a true-blue Smallville reunion.
• The action in this episode was great ? more of this, please!

• Weird that the thread with the young girl wasn’t revisited later on. Seemed to foreshadow something regarding the criminal acts of the stuntmen but then wasn’t fully paid off.

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The following article contains spoilers.Over the course of the past decade, modern times’ greatest sci-fi shows have gifted us some of the best series finales that the genre has ever seen. When a sci-fi show comes to an end, no matter how long it ran for, it’s a big event, and fans expect it to come to a fittingly satisfying close. Whether that close is exciting, mind-bending, emotionally devastating, or all of those things—and more—at once, it has to be something that’ll make fans happy with how their favorite series ended.

Thankfully, the best sci-fi series finales of the last 10 years are precisely that: Entirely satisfying while still packing enough surprises to bring a smile to any fan’s face. From cult classics like 12 Monkeys to beloved sci-fi anime gems like My Hero Academia, these shows’ conclusions provided more than just closure: They gave fans a reason not just to look back on their favorite shows fondly, but also a reason to go back and re-watch them over and over again.

10

“Babylon’s Ashes” (Season 6, Episode 6)

‘The Expanse’ (2015–2022)

Image via Prime Video

Widely regarded by most who have seen it as one of the most scientifically accurate sci-fi shows of all time, The Expanse is based on the series of novels by James S. A. Corey. After being canceled following three seasons on Syfy, it was picked back up by Amazon, which produced another three exceptional seasons. With that, this easily became one of the greatest sci-fi shows of the last few years.

It’s also one of the most rewatchable sci-fi shows out there, and that’s in no small measure thanks to how great its finale is. Since the series still had plenty of gas left in the tank, not every plot point comes to an entirely satisfying conclusion, but what is present is phenomenal. Exciting and full of emotional character moments, “Babylon’s Ashes” was an amazing way of bringing one of Prime Video’s best shows to a close.

9

“The Beginning Part 2” (Season 4, Episode 11)

’12 Monkeys’ (2015–2018)

Image via Syfy

Back in 1995, Terry Gilliam of Monty Python fame made one of the best sci-fi movies of the decade, Twelve Monkeys. A Syfy adaptation of a beloved, incredibly mind-bending sci-fi cult classic? The show 12 Monkeys may not have seemed impressive at first, but it ended up turning out to be one of those underrated sci-fi shows that are much better than they look.

The series came to a close with a two-parter that ended with “The Beginning Part 2,” an episode so vast and complex that it’s a surprise that it turned out as well as it did. Many shows leave mysteries unsolved and questions unanswered by the time they come to an end, but not 12 Monkeys. “The Beginning Part 2” ties up all loose ends and leaves no possible stone left unturned, resulting in a finale that feels tailor-made for satisfying fans.

8

“A New Napkin” (Season 3, Episode 13)

‘Daredevil’ (2015–2018)

Image via Netflix

Before Disney+ started adding mainline chapters to the MCU in the form of TV shows, there was Netflix’s street-level side of the franchise. That all began with Daredevil, which is still not only the best Marvel TV show produced thus far, but perhaps even the best piece of MCU content ever. It’s one of those superhero shows where every episode is a masterpiece, and that’s particularly true about its finale.

“A New Napkin” is what the entirety of Daredevil had been building up to. Matt Murdock and Wilson Fisk’s climactic final showdown is emotionally stirring and thematically riveting, and every other plot point around that whole sequence is absolute perfection. Fans of the series couldn’t have asked for a better finale.

7

“Jedha, Kyber, Erso” (Season 2, Episode 12)

‘Andor’ (2022–2025)

Image via Disney+

A spin-off/prequel series based on a random character from a Star Wars spin-off movie? Not exactly an idea that screams “masterpiece potential.” Leave it to Tony Gilroy, however, to make what would end up being widely regarded as the best piece of Star Wars content since the Original Trilogy. Andor is far more than just a spin-off: It’s a thesis of everything that this franchise has come to mean and represent throughout its history.

It’s one of the 2020s’ best TV show masterpieces, and “Jedha, Kyber, Erso” was the perfect way to bring that masterpiece to an end. Bringing every character and story arc that the show had set up to a satisfying close while also tying into Rogue One: A Star Wars Story in a believable way was always going to be a huge task, but Gilroy and company did a magnificent job. Exciting, poignant, and thematically sharp, “Jedha, Kyber, Erso” is one of the best-ever episodes of Star Wars television.

6

“My Hero Academia” (Season 8, Episode 11)

‘My Hero Academia’ (2016–2025)

Image via Crunchyroll

My Hero Academia is far and away one of the most acclaimed and beloved anime shows of the 2010s and 2020s, based on the equally well-liked manga series by Kōhei Horikoshi. Praised for its eye-popping animation, memorable music, and exceptional voice acting (in both the original Japanese and the English dub), it also happens to be one of the best sci-fi shows of the last decade.

Now that the series has come to an end, there are plenty of other good animated superhero shows out there for fans to check out, but nothing could ever match My Hero Academia and its eponymous series finale. It’s a beautifully emotional episode perfectly designed to keep fans satisfied, and though it’s hard to say goodbye to these characters, there couldn’t have been a more fitting way to do so.

5

“Das Paradies” (Season 3, Episode 8)

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

Image via Netflix

Dark was Netflix’s first-ever German-language show, and it’s also easily one of the streaming giant’s best genre series. Though it’s the kind of show that necessitates keeping a notebook by one’s side in order to keep track of everything going on, the mental effort is oh so worth it. This may be one of the heaviest sci-fi shows ever, but it’s also one of the best.

Quite fittingly, the show’s series finale is a mind-bender. “Das Paradies” does not let up with all the plot twists, expectation subversions, and complex mental gymnastics that it demands from its audience. However, it’s also sure to reward that effort with a conclusion that’s immensely satisfying both emotionally and intellectually, which is nothing less than what fans deserved.

4

“Come Along With Me” (Season 10, Episode 13)

‘Adventure Time’ (2010–2018)

Image via Cartoon Network

Sure, Adventure Time is a fantasy animated show first and foremost, but its clever sci-fi elements are not to be ignored. It’s one of those action shows that are fast-paced from start to finish, and that dynamism carries over to its quirky sense of humor and colorful, vibrant animation. Of course, it also carries over to the series finale, “Come Along With Me.”

It’s an episode as imaginative, as original, and as emotionally investing as any fan that had been following the series for a whopping 10 seasons would have come to expect. Everything is wrapped up neatly, giving every type of fan—both those who grew up watching the show and those who discovered and binge-watched it right before it ended—everything they could have wanted from a finale.

3

“A Regular Epic Final Battle” (Season 8, Episode 27)

‘Regular Show’ (2010–2017)

Image via Cartoon Network

Yet another legendary animated sci-fi show, Regular Show is one of the funniest and most original animated sitcoms of all time. Witty, colorful, and often off-the-wall amusing, it’s a delightful show that’s up there among the highest-rated shows of all time on IMDb. Not coincidentally, its finale is also one of the highest-rated TV episodes ever on the platform.

“A Regular Epic Final Battle” is the three-part series finale that sees the characters’ final battle against Pops’ evil twin, and it’s an episode every bit as exciting, high-energy, and hilarious as the rest of the show. It can also be surprisingly sad, but isn’t saying goodbye to a show you’ve been following for over seven years always sad? The creative decision to end with a reset of the show’s timeline was as brilliant as it was emotionally satisfying.

2

“Return 0” (Season 5, Episode 13)

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016)

Image via CBS

Person of Interest remained one of the best genre shows on broadcast television throughout the entirety of its run, but its final season in particular (one of the highest-rated seasons of television on IMDb) was absolutely stellar. That incredible season came to a close with “Return 0,” widely regarded as one of the greatest series finales of all time.

It’s the kind of ending that leaves you speechless, an exquisitely satisfying end to the story with the balance between action and deep emotion that any fan would have come to expect by this point. Character arcs come to explosive climaxes, storylines are brought to surprising yet satisfying conclusions, and fans are craving an immediate rewatch.

1

“Victory and Death” (Season 7, Episode 12)

‘Star Wars: The Clone Wars’ (2008–2020)

Image via Disney+

Star Wars: The Clone Wars isn’t just top-tier Star Wars, it’s also one of the greatest anthology series ever created. It was, of course, never without its fair share of flaws. In fact, not even its final season is beyond reproach. But its final story arc? Beyond a shadow of a doubt, “The Siege of Mandalore” is one of the greatest stories ever told from the galaxy far, far away.

Said arc comes to a close in what’s probably the best—and saddest—episode of animated Star Wars ever: “Victory and Death.” It brings the arcs of Ahsoka, Rex (two of the best Star Wars TV show characters ever), and Maul to a perfectly satisfying close; and it also ties into the events of Episode III — Revenge of the Sith in a way that’s as depressing as it is exciting. It is, no doubt, the best sci-fi series finale of the last decade.

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Star Wars: The Clone Wars

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Release Date

2008 – 2020-00-00

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Cartoon Network, Netflix, Disney+

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Brian Kalin O’Connell, Steward Lee, Giancarlo Volpe, Bosco Ng, Danny Keller, Rob Coleman, Justin Ridge, Nathaniel Villanueva, Saul Ruiz, Jesse Yeh, Duwayne Dunham, Atsushi Takeuchi, Robert Dalva, Walter Murch

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  Tom Kane

  Narrator / Yoda / Medical Droid / Yularen / Kraken (voice)

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  Matt Lanter

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  Anakin Skywalker (voice)

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Famed actor Kurt Russell is sharing why he and longtime partner Goldie Hawn prefer living in Colorado over Los Angeles.

“What I enjoy most is that [Hawn] really likes it in Colorado,” Russell, 75, told Fox News Digital in an interview published on Sunday, March 22. “Wyatt [Russell] and [his wife] Meredith [Hagner] and their two boys, they live in Colorado now. So we like to spend as much time there as we can.”

The Big Trouble in Little China star continued of the Centennial State, “I’d like to be there more. And there’s a different kind of life there. “That’s primarily it. I’d like to be able to spend as much time there as possible.”

Russell and Hawn, 80 — who have been together since 1983 when they reconnected on the set of Swing Shift — own multiple properties across the United States. Currently, the pair split their time between their homes in Los Angeles, Palm Desert, California, Old Snowmass, Colorado and New York.

Related: Kurt Russell Makes ‘No Apologies’ for His Love of Hunting Animals

Kurt Russell has no qualms about his love of hunting animals. Russell, 74, opened up about his views during a Wednesday, March 11, episode of the “Table Manners” podcast. When asked about his opinion on hunting animals, especially elk, he responded, “Well, I thank them for their service.” “By the way, there’s no pleasure in […]

(Hawn shares daughter Kate Hudson and son Oliver Hudson with ex-husband Bill Hudson, while Russel shares son Boston Russell with his ex-wife Season Hubley. Hawn and Russell later completed their blended family when they welcomed Wyatt in 1986.)

“We love real estate,” Russell told The Wall Street Journal in an interview published on Tuesday, March 17. “Our Old Snowmass home is my favorite. It’s a large, beautiful log-cabin lodge on a ranch that we moved into a little over 40 years ago.

He continued at the time, “Goldie and I share a passion for log homes. I never got that out of my system, starting with the one in Maine.”

Now that Russell primarily travels between his properties in Los Angeles and Colorado — much like his character in his new TV show The Madison — he told Men’s Health in a recent interview that he finds a certain level of peacefulness in the Colorado mountains.

“I moved to Colorado when I was 26 years old,” the actor told the publication on March 14. “At a certain point, you find yourself asking whether you’re going to live the life you want to live, or if you’re just going to talk about it. And I decided to make the move and live the life I wanted to live.”

Season 1 of Taylor Sheridan’s hit series The Madison concluded on Saturday, March 21. The show follows the Clyburn family after they leave New York City and “relocate to the Madison River valley of southwest Montana for emotional recovery following a tragedy that shattered the family.”

Russell stars alongside fellow cast members Michelle Pfeiffer, Patrick J. Adams, Elle Chapman, Matthew Fox, Beau Gerret, Alaina Pollack, Amiah Miller, Ben Schnetzer, Kevin Zegers, Rebecca Spence and Danielle Vasinova.

While we often rely on celebrities for outfit inspiration, those of Us of shorter stature have to keep one thing in mind whenever we love a look: most of our favorite fashion icons are actually kind of tall. Nicole Kidman is 5’11”, Katie Holmes is 5’9″ and even Meghan Markle is a perfectly average 5’6″.

So, naturally, when we spot someone like Kate Mara rocking something stylish, we’re thrilled. At 5’2″, the actress wears clothes that really do flatter petites — and that includes the white mini dress she stepped out in while in New York City.

Mara has been busy promoting her Apple TV+ thriller, Imperfect Women, and all those promo appearances called for an outfit that was sleek, stylish and seasonal. Switching things up from the multicolored floral dress she wore to the show’s premiere, she recently opted for a white A-line number, pairing it with a contrasting black blazer, beige heels and a large leaf necklace. The look was clean and simple, and the structured dress would no doubt work for a number of spring occasions. With no knowledge of the exact brand, we set off to find a similar design — and our search led us to an Amazon option that’s just $46.

Get the LuFeng’s Mock Neck Mini Dress for $46 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

LuFeng’s Mock Neck Mini Dress is the perfect, budget-friendly alternative to what Mara wore. The sleeveless style is slightly stretchy, thanks to the inclusion of spandex, and, along with a high neck, has a slight fit-and-flare silhouette that hugs the body without constricting. Just like Mara’s version, this pick is modest in the front, but the Amazon find secretly shines from the back. The scoop design shows just enough skin to qualify as sexy without feeling risqué.

Of course, photos of the dress are one thing — we needed to check reviews to see what other shorties were saying about this mini. As it turns out, petites really do love it, calling the piece “cute and flattering.”

“Fits well!” one customer wrote. “Flattering. I’m short (4’11), and it falls right above my knees. I love the scoop back. I ordered a size small.”

Another short shopper agreed, noting that the “dress fit perfectly.”

“I’m a bit short, so most dresses look too long on me. But this one fit like a glove,” they promised.

Now that it’s finally spring, we’re about to enter white dress season, and this Mara-approved style works for a variety of events on your calendar. Whether you pair it with heels for the office, ballet flats for a family function, dress it down with sneakers for a warm-weather date night or add sandals for a holiday gathering, it’s likely to become the staple you reach for again and again. Throw in the fact that it’s made to complement your body type, and it should be a done deal. Grab one now!

Get the LuFeng’s Mock Neck Mini Dress for $46 on Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more white mini dresses here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds!

Related: Ali Larter‘s Strapless Mini Dress Is a Warm-Weather Must-Have

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Ali Larter is 50, fabulous and fashionable as ever. The actress recently celebrated her milestone birthday in the Bahamas with loved ones and shared snaps of the tropical getaway on Instagram. Naturally, a series of bikini pics had us gawking at Larter’s impressive abs (courtesy of Brooke Wyndham’s exercise program, perhaps?), but it was the […]

No show has taken the world by storm quite like Heated Rivalry. Premiering at the tail end of 2025, the Crave original series (airing on HBO in the U.S.), adapted from the bestselling Game Changers series by romance author Rachel Reid, rapidly became an obsession for television audiences. There’s no onscreen couple that viewers have become invested in quite like Shane Hollander (Hudson Williams) and Ilya Rozanov (Connor Storrie). Despite a relatively short first season, each episode of Heated Rivalry is perfect from start to finish.

Series creator Jacob Tierney lets each episode of Heated Rivalry stand on its own, allowing the story to evolve naturally while serving the overall narrative. The pacing is right, the character development is smart, and the show itself is a strong example of proper queer storytelling and visibility. Ultimately, Heated Rivalry‘s first six episodes serve as a blueprint for the show to extend its success into an already confirmed second season.

What Is ‘Heated Rivalry’ About?

For those needing a refresher, Heated Rivalry tells the story of two young hockey stars — Canada’s Shane Hollander (Williams) and Russia’s Ilya Rozanov (Storrie) — whose competition on the ice evolves alongside their secret romance behind closed doors. The two evolve from casual hook-ups into a much more emotional relationship, depicted through a storyline taking place over several years. With the difficult task of depicting Shane and Ilya’s relationship over such a broad span of time, the series dedicates itself to slow-burn storytelling, which allows for deeper, more nuanced character development.

In order to craft a strong story, Heated Rivalry also takes bold risks that initially seem confusing. It’s rare for any show to pivot an entire episode away from the central duo to introduce a separate relationship between other characters, and yet that’s exactly what the series does. Later, it becomes clear that the complicated romance between Scott Hunter (François Arnaud) and Kip Grady (Robbie G.K.) is essential for Shane and Ilya to take the next step in their own relationship. There aren’t necessarily any massive cliffhangers that lead fans to question whether Shane and Ilya will end up together; instead, the slow build to a happily ever after is what successfully keeps people tuning in week after week.

‘Heated Rivalry’s Best Moments Are About Building Both Romance and Drama

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In adapting Heated Rivalry, Tierney took Reid’s original novel and successfully translated it into a TV series by treating the source material with care. When the show happened to stray from the book, each moment still existed in service to the story. Some of that success was only possible thanks to some excellent performances, chief among them Storrie and Williams, whose depiction of Ilya and Shane’s lust-to-love evolution allowed viewers to fall in love with the journey unfolding onscreen.

Outside of thoughtfulness in the adaptation process, Heated Rivalry‘s initial airing led to a lot of viral moments that you’ve likely seen while scrolling on your phone. These scenes weren’t just intended to get viewers talking; they have a much deeper meaning for the show’s central romance. In Episode 4, Ilya making Shane a tuna sandwich is a sign that he is listening to his on-again, off-again fling. In Episode 5, Shane’s suggestion that Ilya vent over the phone to him in Russian gives him the freedom to share his true feelings. When the two rendezvous at Shane’s cottage in the finale, which you can now rent on Airbnb, a surprise interruption leads to an even more important scene with Shane’s parents, Yuna and David (Christina Chang and Dylan Walsh).

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‘Heated Rivalry’ Just Took a Major Narrative Risk in the Finale — and It Paid Off

Take us back to the cottage!

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‘Heated Rivalry’ Has a Strong Road Map for More Seasons, Thanks to Rachel Reid’s Books

Heated Rivalry‘s overall charm lies in how it successfully resonates with every viewer. For the queer community, the show is positive onscreen representation, celebrating the queer experience without reinforcing tired stereotypes. For others who may not strictly identify with every character onscreen, the promise of a happy ending for Shane and Ilya is more than enough reason to binge. Tierney’s remarkable ability to pack integral character development for Shane and Ilya into only six episodes helps to create fully rounded characters with depth.

Heated Rivalry also has a strong foundation for replicating its initial success. With Season 2 set to go into production this summer ahead of a 2027 release, Tierney also has a guide for where the television adaptation could go. Earlier this year, Reid revealed that she is writing a Game Changers sequel featuring Shane and Ilya, providing even more material for future seasons to adapt. With Reid’s book series offering even more couples to introduce as well as a sense of where Shane and Ilya are going, Heated Rivalry has a bright future ahead, but for now, as Tierney told CBS Mornings, we’ll have to “enjoy the yearn” by binging the show’s six perfect episodes over and over again.

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Release Date

November 28, 2025

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Network

Crave

Directors

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Jacob Tierney

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Cast

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  Connor Storrie

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  Ilya Rozanov

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  Hudson Williams

  Shane Hollander

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Jen Affleck is sending a message to fans after the premiere of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives season 4 amid the show’s recent pause after star Taylor Frankie Paul was again accused of domestic abuse.

“When I joined The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, I didn’t know what would come from it but I knew I wanted to share my story,” Jen, 26, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, March 22. “I hoped it could inspire someone or feel relatable. I wanted to be honest about what it’s like being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Days Saints, the beauty and the struggles.”

Jen noted that she wanted to “highlight marriage, being married at a very young age, the real pressures many couples face with culture and expectations,” referring to her 2019 wedding to husband Zac Affleck.

“I wanted to share what it felt like stepping into a world so different from the one I came from, and navigating the contrast between the two,” she wrote. “When I went on DWTS postpartum, my purpose was to represent moms to show our strength, our resilience, and what we’re capable of. To remind us that our dreams still matter, while honoring the incredible role it is to be a mother.”

Related: Mormon Wives’ Jen Affleck Cries Over ‘Hardest Year’ Amid Split Rumors

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Jen Affleck admitted to struggling throughout 2024 amid speculation about her marriage to Zac Affleck. Jen, 25, took to TikTok on Tuesday, December 31, to share a video of her crying, which she captioned, “The hardest year of my life. But one that will forever change me and […]

Alongside the message, Jen shared a series of clips and photos through the years with Zac and their three children — daughters Nora, 4, and Penelope, 8 months, and son Luca, 2 — as well as her time on Dancing With the Stars season 34.

“I understand drama is what people expect from reality TV, but I wish more of the other real moments were shown too,” Jen continued. “The empowerment, the birth stories, the beauty of motherhood. Since I was dancing on my countertops as a young mom all I’ve ever wanted is to be a light and to help moms and others feel seen, hopeful, and inspired 🤍.”

She concluded, “My current TikTok search is literally ‘who is Jen Affleck’… and honestly, same. I’m still figuring out who I am, what I believe, what I want, and where I fit. Thank you to everyone who’s supported me along the way. I’m far from perfect, still learning, but I hope my vulnerability can be a source of good.”

In the comments section, Zac shared his support, writing, “I love you ❤️.” Costar Mikayla Matthews also added, “😍😍.”

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Related: ‘Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Stars Talk Where They Stand With Zac Affleck 

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives stars have Jen Affleck’s back after her near-divorce from husband Zac Affleck. During a group appearance on the Wednesday, September 11, episode of “The Viall Files” podcast, Mikayla Matthews, Mayci Neeley, Demi Engemenn, Jessi Ngatikaura and Layla Taylor revealed that they haven’t totally forgiven Zac, 27, for how he […]

Since the season dropped on Hulu, news broke that there is an open “domestic assault investigation” into an alleged dispute between Taylor and ex Dakota Mortensen, who is also featured on the show.

According to an NBC News report on Thursday, March 19, the cast met virtually with Hulu and Disney executives on March 7 to discuss how to proceed with production amid the ongoing investigation. The group ultimately agreed to pause filming.

“It’s a dangerous situation, it’s a sad situation, and we don’t know how to navigate it because Taylor is our friend,” one cast member said during the 30-minute call, per NBC News, which said it had obtained audio of the meeting.

The outlet reported that the cast member said they did not feel comfortable filming while Taylor was being investigated. Us Weekly reached out to Hulu for comment.

Related: Where Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Jen, Zac Affleck Stand After Near-Split

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Jennifer Affleck‘s marriage to Zac Affleck caused a lot of concern for her costars on Hulu’s The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives — but are they still together? During an exclusive interview with Us Weekly, Jennifer, 25, expressed her gratitude for the show because it allowed the couple to work on their issues. “I definitely […]

Mikayla, for her part, appeared to confirm that she and her costars cosigned the decision to pause filming.

“It was a decision that all of us girls came up with and agreed on. We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening,” Mikayla wrote via her Instagram Story on Wednesday, March 18.

Taylor’s upcoming season 22 of The Bachelorette has since been cancelled by ABC.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment spokesperson told Us on Thursday.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Quite amazingly, five years have elapsed since Game of Thrones concluded its eight-season run in 2019, and although fans remain divided with the final season, the series’ relevance has never waned. While the prequel series House of the Dragon has been partially responsible, a significant reason for its enduring quality is its sheer brilliance, not only for its mesmerizing fantasy spectacle but for its political intrigue, scintillating suspense, and its arresting and often confronting intensity as well.

As such, fans don’t have to stay within the realm of fantasy to recapture the heart-stopping thrill that Game of Thrones so famously provided. While several fantasy titles are simply must-watch movies for all Game of Thrones fans, everything from modern political satires to grueling war films, classic mobster pictures, and even dystopian sci-fi may prove to be just the tonic for those still missing the hit HBO series. These movies are perfect for every Game of Thrones fan, acting as inspired and, sometimes, perfect companions.

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‘The Green Knight’ (2021)

Image via A24

One of the most overlooked films of the 2020s thus far, The Green Knight presents exactly what one would expect from an epic fantasy adventure handled by the bold creativity of A24. A commanding spin on the Arthurian legend, it follows young Sir Gawain (Dev Patel) as he embarks on a quest to prove his honor and bravery by defeating the Green Knight (Ralph Ineson). On his quest, he encounters ghosts, giants, and thieves while wrestling with his courage and resolve.

The comparisons to Game of Thrones are plain to see, with The Green Knight excelling as a dark and gritty fantasy with its sights firmly set on human nature. Its intriguing reworking of myth and legend to create a unique and spellbinding adventure gives it an alluring and enigmatic quality that is utterly transfixing. Bolstered by breathtaking visuals and Patel’s outstanding lead performance, The Green Knight is a modern masterpiece of fantasy cinema.

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‘The 13th Warrior’ (1999)

Image via Buena Vista Pictures Distribution

Far better than its poor reviews and abysmal box office figures would suggest, The 13th Warrior is a gritty yet wondrous marriage of historical fantasy and swords-and-sandals action that all lovers of the genre should see. For Game of Thrones fans, it is particularly good for those who enjoyed the story of The Wall and its themes of duty, honor, and standing strong against a formidable and unnatural enemy.

It follows an exiled Arab ambassador as he joins forces with a group of Viking warriors to defend a remote village from an evil and mystifying force descending upon them from the nearby woods. Granted, The 13th Warrior isn’t without its flaws, but it does triumph as a compelling tale of dark fantasy eeriness and the valor of a warrior. Complemented by John McTiernan’s nous for action direction and practical production elements that feel especially immersive and intricate when the film is revisited today, The 13th Warrior stands as a forgotten gem of fantasy action that is perfect for Game of Thrones fans.

13

‘Dragonslayer’ (1981)

Image via Paramount Pictures

Despite being released as a box office flop, Dragonslayer has become an enduring fantasy adventure, one that has steadily amassed a cult following over the decades. Another brilliant dose of pure fantasy for Game of Thrones fans, it follows a young apprentice wizard who must kill a terrible dragon that terrorizes the kingdom of Urland, only sparing its people so long as they provide him with human sacrifices to feed on. The situation takes an urgent turn when the deceptive king’s daughter is to be the dragon’s next sacrifice.

Rich with dark fantasy adventure, exciting action, a wonderfully unconventional love story, and a lovable, bumbling hero worth cheering for, Dragonslayer is an underrated highlight of Disney’s forays into action-fantasy storytelling. In a piece written for The Daily Beast, George R. R. Martin himself heralded Dragonslayer as the fifth-best fantasy picture of all time and labeled its villainous dragon, Vermithrax, “the best dragon ever put on film.”

12

‘Dragonheart’ (1996)

Image via Universal Pictures

Another forgotten fantasy gem to appeal to those who loved the dragons of Game of Thrones, Dragonheart substitutes the terrifying might that the magical beasts are sometimes presented with in favor of humanity, heart, and gentle wisdom. The 1996 fantasy adventure follows the unlikely partnership between Draco (Sean Connery), the last dragon, and Bowen (Dennis Quaid), a disillusioned dragon-slaying knight, as they work together in defiance of an evil king’s tyrannical reign.

It’s cheesy, childish, and its CGI effects haven’t aged all that gracefully over the years, and yet Dragonheart holds an enduring charm that is difficult to resist, particularly for those who love medieval fantasy indulgence and the air of majesty that surrounds dragons. Complemented by the efforts of its impressive ensemble cast and Randy Edelman’s genuinely exceptional score, Dragonheart stands as a commendable guilty pleasure that plenty of Game of Thrones fans would embrace for its fantasy allure and its surprisingly poignant tale.

11

‘Come and See’ (1985)

Image via Sovexportfilm

Taking a significant stride away from fantasy entertainment, Come and See is a grueling and deeply disturbing war film that may appeal to Game of Thrones fans who were left contemplating some of the brutal horrors the series depicted, particularly in war. Episodes like “Battle of the Bastards” and Season 5’s “Hardhome” are among the highest-rated Game of Thrones episodes on IMDb for their commitment to exhibiting the terror of war and showing humanity at its destructive and savage worst.

Very few films in history have managed to excel in this regard quite like Come and See, a Soviet-Belarussian WWII drama from 1985 that tracks a young boy as he joins a Resistance movement and experiences the atrocities committed in the war. It is a punishing picture, but an important and necessary one that is perfect for fans who enjoy grappling with the more challenging and confronting aspects of Game of Thrones’ morally ambiguous characters.

10

‘Children of Men’ (2006)

Image via Universal Pictures

Science fiction and fantasy are often lumped together, largely due to both genres taking audiences to vastly different realities and featuring stories with great scope and thematic poignancy. Another aspect that makes them easy to link is their necessity to efficiently and masterfully build a new story world that audiences can understand quickly. While Game of Thrones did this brilliantly, there has perhaps been no greater cinematic achievement in this regard than the criminally underrated 2006 sci-fi drama Children of Men.

Set in a dystopian future where humanity has lost the ability to procreate, it follows a reluctant former activist as he safeguards the first pregnant woman in 18 years through to a mysterious safe harbor at sea. Children of Men is a masterpiece in immersive storytelling, one that thrives as a gripping, action-packed thriller, a contemplative sci-fi spectacle, and a deeply affecting human drama.

9

‘Gladiator’ (2000)

Image via Universal Pictures

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The lack of fantasy allure aside, Gladiator is a perfect movie for Game of Thrones fans on account of its astonishing scope, rich historical setting, and its ability to weave together a story of stirring, vengeful passion with overtones of political corruption and the elusive nature of power. Russell Crowe stars as Maximus Decimus Meridius, a Roman general who is betrayed by the emperor’s son when he kills his father to seize power and orders Maximus and his family to be murdered. Surviving the assassination attempt, Maximus becomes a gladiator with a mission to return to Rome to instill the vision Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) had for the senate while avenging his slain wife and child.

Ridley Scott’s ability to realize such a vast sense of scale while still delivering a rousing revenge story is brilliant, as is the brutal realization of the combat sequences, the gripping intensity of the performances, and the captivating atmosphere of power, corruption, and Roman glory. With even John Mathieson’s cinematography and Hans Zimmer’s gorgeous score worthy of singling out for praise, Gladiator soars across all disciplines of filmmaking as a defining triumph of epic cinema.

8

‘The Death of Stalin’ (2017)

Image via Entertainment One Films

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Beneath all the fantasy glamour and the confronting violence, Game of Thrones is ultimately a political thriller, with each character a ruthless and cunning figure hoping to secure power and prestige. While this basic, oversimplified concept makes for pulsating drama, it can also conjure riotous satire, as is the case in Armando Iannucci’s underrated, darkly comic masterpiece The Death of Stalin.

Featuring an exceptional cast, it focuses on several advisors and followers of Joseph Stalin as they scramble to outwit each other in the wake of the Soviet Union leader’s sudden and unexpected demise. Running with a razor-sharp wit and a deliciously cynical perspective on humanity, The Death of Stalin mercilessly skewers politics to be a hilarious historical film that draws clear parallels to the modern day. Replacing the Red Wedding with the Red Scare and bloodshed with belly-laughs, The Death of Stalin is a great comedy for those who enjoy Game of Thrones’ scheming politics.

7

‘The Lives of Others’ (2006)

Image via Buena Vista International

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Another foray into political cinema, The Lives of Others is an Academy Award-winning German spy movie set in East Germany in 1984. It follows Gerd Wiesler (Ulrich Mühe), an espionage agent for the Stasi who is assigned to observe the conversations between a playwright and his lover. As he grows interested in their lives, Gerd begins to doubt the purpose of his task.

While the film may not closely replicate the political scheming that made Game of Thrones so intoxicating, The Lives of Others does maintain the same sense of moral ambiguity, using its bleak tone and historical setting to present an intriguing story about human connection. Additionally, spycraft played a significant though largely invisible role throughout Game of Thrones, and fans who were interested in that underlying deceit would do well to seek out The Lives of Others as a rewarding and surprisingly sincere movie about invading someone’s privacy while living behind the Iron Curtain.

6

‘The Last Duel’ (2021)

Image via 20th Century Studios

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With its gritty, high-stakes medieval atmosphere, compelling focus on political intrigue and codes of honor, and its penchant for graphic and brutal violence, The Last Duel is able to match the intensity, aesthetic, and general themes of Game of Thrones, even with the stark differences between the stories. The biggest difference resides in The Last Duel’s basis, with the movie depicting true events that transpired in 14th-century France when the friendship of two knights is stained by an accusation of sexual assault and a looming fight to the death.

Like Game of Thrones, The Last Duel excels at conjuring a tone of imposing tension. It delivers a promise of violence and death that isn’t exciting or thrilling so much as it is stomach-churning. Also armed with a realistic understanding of human nature in all its egotistical and selfish complexity and an intriguing true story of a woman’s charge for justice in the Middle Ages, The Last Duel holds a certain gravitas that will resonate with many Game of Thrones fans.

Joe Amabile is predicting that the cancellation of Taylor Frankie Paul’s season 22 of The Bachelorette will not be the end of the franchise.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen to the franchise. I don’t know if this is it. If they come back, are they going to come back with The Bachelorette or are they going to come back with The Bachelor?” Joe, 39, questioned on the Sunday, March 22, episode of the “Not Married to This” podcast with wife Serena Pitt.

He continued, “What do I think is going to happen next? I think, since I went on the show – the first time I went on the show was 2018 — people were saying, ‘This is it. This is going to be the last season.’ People say that all the time. I think this is really bad, but I also think it’s still publicity. If anything, more people are talking about the Bachelor franchise now than maybe ever.”

Joe pointed out that the famed Bachelor mansion has been recently renovated thanks to the HGTV series Bachelor Mansion Takeover, which stars several alums helping to redo the home.

Related: Will ‘Bachelorette’ Still Air After Taylor Frankie Paul’s Domestic Dispute?

Taylor Frankie Paul’s domestic dispute has reportedly caused The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives to press pause on production — but will it affect The Bachelorette season 22 premiere? Taylor, 31, was allegedly involved in a domestic violence dispute with on-again, off-again boyfriend Dakota Mortensen earlier this month. After a 2023 video of Taylor throwing […]

“They have a brand new mansion,” Joe said. “I, personally, if you’re still a fan of the franchise and you want to watch, I would bet a lot of money that they come back. Like, I don’t think it’s over. I think they come back and I think they go to their bread and butter, which is The Bachelor.”

News broke last week that Taylor and ex Dakota Mortensen were involved in an alleged domestic violence incident leading to season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives halting production. A spokesperson for the Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us Weekly at the time that there was an open “domestic assault investigation” concerning the pair, noting that allegations were “made in both directions.”

“There’s more to the context to everything and it’s unfortunate,” Taylor exclusively told Us at a New York City press dinner on Tuesday, March 17. “It’s been hard. And it sucks to be in this position. And the mother that I am, that is something I will always stand my ground on. I believe that I am a good mother and I have always treated my kids very well. So the headlines that are out right now are very hard to see because that’s not the truth of it. I have always treated my children with respect and I’ve never touched them. So it’s been really hard.”

Days later, TMZ released footage of Taylor physically assaulting and throwing multiple chairs at Mortensen in an 2023 altercation while in the presence of her daughter. The incident led to her arrest at the time, where she was charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse with injury and criminal mischief after the incident. Taylor ultimately pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, while the other four charges were dismissed with prejudice. She later reached a plea deal.

Hours after the footage was released, ABC announced the cancellation of The Bachelorette season 22 — which was set to premiere on Sunday, March 22.

“In light of the newly released video just surfaced today, we have made the decision to not move forward with the new season of The Bachelorette at this time, and our focus is on supporting the family,” a Disney Entertainment Television spokesperson told Us in a statement.

A rep for Taylor later told Us in a statement that she “is very grateful for ABC’s support as she prioritizes her family’s safety and security.”

“After years of silently suffering extensive mental and physical abuse as well as threats of retaliation, Taylor is finally gaining the strength to face her accuser and taking steps to ensure that she and her children are protected from any further harm,” the rep said.

The statement continued, “There are too many women who are suffering in silence as they survive aggressive, jealous ex-partners who refuse to let them move on with their lives. Taylor has remained silent out of fear of further abuse, retaliation, and public shaming. She is currently exploring all of her options, seeking support, and preparing to own and share her story.”

Dakota, for his part, broke his silence on the footage in a separate statement.

“As anyone who has seen the video will understand, this is a deeply upsetting situation,” Dakota said at the time. “I am, unfortunately, used to these baseless claims about me and our relationship, which I categorically deny. I am focusing on our son and his safety, and hope that Taylor will do the same.”

Dakota has since been granted a temporary protective order against Taylor and given temporary custody of their 2-year-old son, Ever, per documents obtained by Us. (Taylor is also mom to daughter Indy, 8, and son Ocean, 5, whom she shares with ex-husband Tate Paul.)

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.