Summer House star Ciara Miller is ready to turn the page amid her drama with ex West Wilson and ex-BFF Amanda Batula.

“Make it to the waiting and make it to the end of all of this. I’m excited to put it all behind me,” Miller, 30, said while speaking with People on the amFAR red carpet on Saturday, May 23. “The reunion was quite the day, but we are on to bigger and better and, you know, we can say goodbye to certain things.”

She continued, “I think it will definitely get some clarity. I think it was very cathartic. It’s one of those situations that’s unfortunate but you know, I’m so excited to move on from this. You can’t take everyone with you. It’s nice to be able to go into this next chapter of my life and have clarity on who is supposed to be there and who is not.”

When the reporter asked if she and Batula, 34, are “dunzo,” Miller replied, “Yeah, for sure. Yeah. I wouldn’t do this to my worst enemy.”

After speculation swirled online, Batula and Wilson, 31, confirmed their romance in March. Batula, for her part, had announced her separation from husband Kyle Cooke in January, while Wilson previously dated Miller.

The group is set to address the drama at the season 10 reunion, with the first of three parts airing on Tuesday, May 26. In the official trailer of the reunion, Miller can be seen speaking directly to Batula about their friendship.

“Over the past six years, I have been your f***ing champion. I couldn’t fathom that I’d be sitting here pissed that you’re f***ing my ex!” Miller said. “[West] wants to embarrass me. He wants to get his last little word in and I hope it works. He’s with you to spite me!”

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Related: Where Ciara Miller Stands With Amanda Batula After West Wilson Scandal

Ciara Miller is still sorting through her feelings after longtime friend Amanda Batula started seeing her ex-boyfriend, and their Summer House costar, West Wilson, earlier this spring. “Ciara has told friends that if they really are in love, she will accept it,” a source exclusively tells Us Weekly, noting that if West, 31, and Amanda, […]

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The timeline of Batula and West’s romance will also presumably be addressed at the reunion. In an episode of his and Sophie Cunningham’s “Show Me Something” podcast in April, Wilson admitted that he and Amanda “realized things were maybe a little bit serious” in February. Wilson went on to deny there being any “overlap” with Batula and Cooke’s marriage or his romance with Miller.

“There was no overlap,” he explained. “I know there’s a thousand different theories on the internet right now, but that is one thing that for sure did not happen. Everyone was single.”

The Summer House season 10 three-part reunion kicks off on Bravo Tuesday, May 26, at 8 p.m. ET.

What makes us human? According to Stanley Kubrick‘s 2001: A Space Odyssey, it’s our ability to use tools that separate us from our simian ancestors. In his sci-fi epic, Kubrick boils down the entire story of humankind from its inception as apes, discovering how to utilize tools to overpower their natural enemies, all the way to humanity’s inevitable rebirth, deep into the space age. However, scientists have long since decided that this theory about the cornerstone of human civilization is false. In fact, many animals use tools, not just humans. Then what makes us humans unique? Perhaps surprisingly, the sci-fi film series that succeeds in getting the answer right is Planet of the Apes.

Since the original 1968 film, and the novel that inspired it, Planet of the Apes has been a powerful allegory for the human race’s treatment of “the other,” and our tendency to blow up the paradise we inhabit as a result. Therefore, what makes us human, when compared to our ancestral apes, is not our use of tools and weapons of mass destruction, but rather, our ability to develop such plans in the first place. In short, language is the cornerstone of our species. It’s notable that in the original film, Taylor (Charlton Heston) finds himself in a world where apes are well-spoken, but more importantly, humans are portrayed as mute and therefore primitive. Language is often how we take pride in our national and regional identities, but it’s also resulted in incessant conflict, as the recent reboot trilogy explores.

‘Rise of the Planet of the Apes’ Gives Apes the Gift of Language

Image via 20th Century Studios

2011’s Rise of the Planet of the Apes serves as both a prequel and a reboot to the original series of films. It changes certain details within the canon, but ultimately tells the story of how Earth became the ape-governed world discovered in the 1968 movie. The film focuses on Caesar (Andy Serkis), a chimpanzee born with an experimental cure for Alzheimer’s passed down from his test-subject mother. Caesar embarks on a startling evolution, becoming fluent in sign language thanks to his human guardian, Will (James Franco). The science-fiction premise that this film poses is essentially just Caesar’s linguistic journey.

Gifted with exceptional intelligence, Caesar is depicted as being just as conscious as humans. It’s not long before the cruelty of man, particularly against apes, leads Caesar to inspire a revolution, and it’s through language that Caesar not only forms his small army of apes, but it’s also how he declares to the humans that they refuse to be oppressed any longer. Caesar’s “No” in the face of cruelty from Dodge Landon (Tom Felton) remains one of the most bone-chilling moments of the franchise, and that is precisely why.

Image via 20th Century Studios

Set ten years after the events of the previous film, 2014’s Dawn of the Planet of the Apes establishes a world in turmoil. Caesar’s tribe of liberated apes continues to inhabit the Muir Woods near San Francisco, while the experimental Alzheimer’s cure has resulted in a virus that has eliminated countless humans. A small group of surviving humans led by Dreyfus (Gary Oldman) live in the city, and the film establishes an uneasy peace between them and the apes. It’s clear that both species have resorted to hunting and gathering to survive, and with fluent communication within both camps, apes and humans are on equal footing at last. The trouble begins when the humans wish to work on a dam within the apes’ territory, and it’s clear that neither side wishes for this to result in conflict.

Dawn of the Planet of the Apes is where the series gets to explore the true implications of language, and the burden of intelligence that comes with it. Among both camps are those willing to trust the other (Caesar and Jason Clarke‘s Malcolm) and those whose pride and pessimism risk peace in favor of victory (Dreyfus and Toby Kebbell‘s ape Koba). This film displays that, with complex language comes philosophy, and individual ideologies inevitably branch off. Caesar soon comes to the sobering realization that anyone equipped with the tools of language has the potential to make the same mistakes as humans. Going into the trilogy’s final installment, Caesar becomes a bitter ape, uncertain whether his species is any more worthy of that power than its predecessors.

‘War for the Planet of the Apes’ Takes Language Away from the Humans

More years have passed by the time we are reintroduced to this world in 2017’s War for the Planet of the Apes. When Caesar’s family is murdered by a rogue human army, we’re introduced to a version of Caesar far more cynical than we’ve ever known before. As per 1968’s Planet of the Apes, It’s revealed that the simian virus has evolved to deprive infected humans of their ability to speak, leaving them a primitive shell of their former selves. Disgusted by the idea of humans as the next generation’s speechless animals, an army Colonel (Woody Harrelson) urges his men to euthanize their infected loved ones and wage war on the apes.

Like Caesar, the Colonel’s greatest power is his ability to influence people through speech. The Colonel’s manipulation tactics even result in getting specific apes to work for him. Caesar’s mission this time is much darker than in previous stories, with hate in his heart for the Colonel. Caesar eventually realizes that killing the Colonel would only succeed in fulfilling the destiny that he fears so much. When the Colonel is infected by the virus, he recognizes just how much power he has lost by losing his speech. The Colonel decides to kill himself, rather than become a voiceless primate. This marks the official hand-off between humans and apes, with the planet of humans finally becoming the planet of the apes; not by apes killing humans, but rather, by the apes gaining language and humans losing their greatest tool as a species.

The Planet of the Apes Franchise Represents the Cyclical Nature of Life

Image via 20th Century Studios

With Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes attempting to further fill in the gaps between the original films and the prequel trilogy, the overall symbolism of the franchise begins to become clearer. Language represents power and intelligence; the ability to communicate effectively, whether through spoken language — or even gestures — is closely linked to characters’ social status throughout the entirety of the franchise. The films explore themes of oppression, hierarchy, and prejudice through the lens of language, highlighting how these linguistic differences can shape power dynamics.

Planet of the Apes fully succeeds in its symbolism because of its ability to tell this story naturally throughout several decades in-universe. Whereas a franchise like Star Wars has a tendency to box itself in — telling stories where audiences already know the beginning and ending points and often the fates of the characters themselves — Apes has a more ambiguous middle period to play with, and audiences get to watch the story unfold organically.

One of the most harrowing, but also familiar aspects of the franchise is the cyclical nature of its story. History tends to repeat itself, a lesson humans begrudgingly continue to learn. Through Planet of the Apes, audiences can watch humanity’s failures in real-time, equating them to the evolutionary cycle that has known Homo sapiens as the top of the food chain since their existence. From the 1968 original to the recent release of Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, this franchise relies entirely on exploring language and how this difference between the apes and humans is integral to the new world they both find themselves in.

One wardrobe essential we’ll never get sick of? A loose T-shirt that looks good with absolutely everything, whether you’re dressing it down with jeans or up with a silky skirt. This summer, we’re prioritizing organic cotton tees over everything else. They’re comfortable, breathable and lightweight enough for even the hottest days, and our favorites have a soft and relaxed fit.

While organic items have a reputation for being more expensive, our top picks are an exception. The organic cotton T-shirts below cost as little as $12 and don’t skimp on quality. However, even if they do cost a little more, honestly, we think they’re worth it — this is one go-to clothing item you’ll wear again and again. Shop our favorite picks below.

13 Loose, Organic Cotton T-Shirts to Wear With Jeans

1. Our Favorite: A relaxed, boxy fit and drop shoulder look make this the perfect loose T-shirt to wear with your favorite pair of denim. Bonus: it’s under $15, making it a budget-friendly option, too.

2. Runner-Up: Jockey’s organic cotton tee is slightly fitted, so it’s ideal for the days you want something less loose. A little bit of spandex adds the perfect amount of comfy stretch, too.

3. Sale Alert: Snag Eileen Fisher’s bright cotton T-shirt while you can — it’s currently on sale and sizes won’t last long. This pick features a V-neck with a loose, drapey fit that makes it a casual favorite.

4. Rich Mom Look: This organic cotton crewneck has a semi-fitted feel and a boxier shape that makes it appear more polished and elevated. The best part? It costs less than $20.

Related: Every Closet Needs a Crisp White T-Shirt — 16 of the Best

No matter the season, a white T-shirt is always a must-have in your capsule wardrobe. Whether you wear it on its own or use it as a styling base, a crisp tee can do so much for a look. Your definition of the perfect white T-shirt might differ from someone else’s, though, so we considered […]

5. Sporty Chic: If you love the look of casual athleisure, grab this color block T-shirt while you can. It has a loose but durable feel, and features varsity stripes on the arms as well as a V-neck.

6. Under $15: An organic cotton t-shirt for less than $15? That’s a deal you definitely don’t want to miss. This one comes in several colors and has a simple, classic fit.

7. Casual Chic: Made of 100% organic pima cotton, this V-neck tee is an essential for a more casual wardrobe. It’s super soft and lightweight, with an easy breezy feel that’s just right for warm weather.

8. Daily Go-To: You can wear Pact’s organic crewneck in so many different ways. It’s casual enough to be paired with jeans or shorts, but it can also be dressed up with the right accessories.

9. Elevated Tee: This button-up tee gives a more sophisticated and polished vibe to any pair of jeans you own. We love the ribbed texture and effortlessly cool feel.

10. Worth the Splurge: If you’re going to spend more, do it on an organic T-shirt you’ll have for years — like this one, made of Peruvian pima cotton. It has the perfect relaxed fit, feels buttery soft and is pre-washed to hold its shape even after washing.

11. So Comfy: With a more heavyweight feel and ribbed neckline, Vuori’s organic cotton crewneck can be worn for workouts, long walks and shopping trips. It’s super soft and comfy, with a relaxed fit you’ll love.

12. Tried and True: This organic crewneck has a vintage-inspired fit that feels just loose enough without looking too baggy. It’s a classic you’ll wear over and over again.

13. Oversized Vibe: Opt for a more boho-inspired look with an oversized cotton T-shirt. It has a much looser, boxier fit, with a super lightweight feel that is surprisingly cooling.

Related: Nordstrom‘s Half-Yearly Sale Is Live — The Best Designer Deals (So Far)

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Miniseries have really gained traction over the last few years, but the truth is, they have existed for a long time as one of the most exciting spaces in television. There’s no denying that long-running shows often drag their stories out for multiple seasons, but miniseries thrive on precision. They tell complete, emotionally satisfying stories in just a few episodes, which practically forces storytellers to take creative risks. That’s exactly why miniseries generally feel sharper, more experimental, and more impactful than traditional television.

Not to mention that there’s something incredibly satisfying about starting a show and knowing that the story has a clear ending. The format gives audiences instant immersion while still delivering the emotional payoff of a fully developed narrative. With that said, here are such near-perfect miniseries that are worth every second.

7

‘The Night Of’ (2016)

Image via HBO

HBO has practically perfected the art of the modern miniseries, and The Night Of is one of the strongest examples of that. The series follows Pakistani-American college student Nasir “Naz” Khan (Riz Ahmed), whose entire life changes after he spends the night with a young woman and wakes up to find her brutally murdered beside him. This leads to a chaotic series of events where Naz makes several terrible decisions before eventually being arrested and thrown into a justice system that transforms him into a completely different person. The murder mystery is obviously gripping, but the real focus of the show is the broken justice system that Naz has to navigate.

The story explores how fear, prejudice, and bureaucracy can completely reshape a person’s identity, and how damaging that can be. Ahmed delivers a career-defining performance as he portrays Naz’s confusion, vulnerability, and eventual emotional numbness. John Turturro is equally phenomenal as John Stone, the eccentric defense attorney who initially seems awkward and detached but is the only person genuinely trying to help Naz. The show doesn’t feature any flashy twists or exaggerated courtroom theatrics. Instead, The Night Of builds tension through silence, uncertainty, and the uncomfortable feeling that the system often cares more about closing a case than the truth.

6

‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Behind Her Eyes begins like a fairly straightforward psychological thriller, but it slowly takes a stranger and more ambitious turn. The story, based on Sarah Pinborough’s novel, follows single mother Louise (Simona Brown), who begins an affair with her boss, psychiatrist David Ferguson (Tom Bateman). However, things get messy when she unexpectedly forms a friendship with his mysterious wife, Adele (Eve Hewson). At first, the series feels like a slow-burning relationship drama filled with a typical love triangle, but that’s far from the truth. Behind Her Eyes stands out from other thrillers in how it gradually introduces supernatural and sci-fi elements into the narrative without cheapening the overall emotional stakes.

As Louise grows closer to Adele, she begins learning about lucid dreaming and astral projection, and that’s when the tone of the show changes completely. The miniseries constantly plays with perspective, which makes it difficult for the audience to trust any character. The deeper Louise gets pulled into David and Adele’s toxic relationship, the more disturbing the truth becomes. Behind Her Eyes maintains this sense of unpredictability till the very end, so when the twist finally comes, it lands with an impact that is almost impossible to shake off.

5

‘I May Destroy You’ (2020)

Image via HBO

HBO’s I May Destroy You is easily the most emotionally rich and fearless miniseries of the last decade. The show, created by and starring Michaela Coel, follows Arabella Essiedu, a successful young writer whose life completely changes after she is assaulted during a night out in London. A premise like this could have easily resulted in an overwhelmingly bleak narrative, but that isn’t the case. I May Destroy You never ignores the damage caused by Arabella’s trauma, but it also refuses to define her entirely by that. Now, the assault itself happens early in the story, which means that the series actually explores everything that comes after it. Instead of building toward one big mystery or dramatic courtroom climax, I May Destroy You focuses on the messy, raw, and personal process of healing.

Arabella spends much of the show trying to piece together what happened to her that night while also trying to keep up with her friendships, work obligations, and maintain some sense of normalcy. The show’s greatest strength is how naturally it blends some of its most devastating moments with humor and even warmth. Arabella herself isn’t presented as the perfect victim, which is exactly why her journey feels so authentic. Michaela Coel’s writing constantly refuses easy answers, and often jumps between timelines to present multiple versions of what closure can look like. I May Destroy You is difficult, uncomfortable, funny, and heartbreaking at the same time. Most importantly, it’s the kind of show that trusts its audience to let the ambiguity of the situation sink in instead of trying to make it feel palatable.

4

‘Godless’ (2017)

Image via Netflix

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Godless is the perfect Western for a modern audience. The miniseries, created by Scott Frank, is set in 1884 and follows outlaw Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell), who is on the run after betraying his former mentor and terrifying gang leader Frank Griffin (Jeff Daniels). Things take an interesting turn when Roy finds refuge in La Belle, New Mexico, a town populated almost entirely by women, after a devastating mining accident killed most of the men. Godless stands out from other Westerns because it doesn’t center on shootouts and revenge alone. The premise, of course, is the most unique part of the show, as Roy witnesses the women in La Belle rebuilding their entire community.

That alone gives the show a perspective that most Westerns rarely explore. Michelle Dockery’s Alice Fletcher is one of the most compelling characters in the show, who lives isolated on a ranch outside town while raising her son and dealing with prejudice from the people around her. Godless is easily one of the most character-driven Western series of all time, and that’s what makes its world feel truly alive. Even Roy and Frank’s conflict feels much more complex than a simple betrayal after the show slowly reveals their father-son dynamic through flashbacks. Godless also deserves major credit for its stunning cinematography and meticulous action sequences. That, combined with its slow-burning narrative, proves that the Western genre still has room for intimate and emotionally intense stories.

3

‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

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Baby Reindeer is intense, uncomfortable, and a black comedy that constantly shifts between psychological thriller and personal drama. The series, created by and starring Richard Gadd, is based on his own experiences and follows struggling comedian Donny Dunn, whose life spirals after he shows a small act of kindness to a lonely woman named Martha (Jessica Gunning). What begins as an awkward encounter takes a dangerous turn when Martha develops an obsessive attachment to Donny and begins stalking him both online and in real life. What makes Baby Reindeer so different from most thrillers is that it refuses to present Donny or Martha as one-dimensional characters.

In fact, Martha comes across as oddly sympathetic despite her strange behavior, and Donny seems to be enjoying the validation he gets from her. However, as the stalking escalates, the show reveals Donny’s past experiences with manipulation that completely reframe everything the audience thought they knew. Baby Reindeer is emotionally messy, but brutally honest at the same time. The show never makes light of trauma, but balances its uncomfortable moments with dark humor, which somehow makes everything all the more unsettling. This isn’t an easy watch by any means, but an unforgettable one thanks to its hard-hitting premise.

2

‘Station Eleven’ (2021)

Image via HBO Max

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Station Eleven is a post-apocalyptic series that begins with a devastating flu pandemic wiping out most of humanity. However, this isn’t just a simple survival story built around violence and the collapse of society. Instead, Station Eleven follows multiple characters across different timelines to explore what people really hold on to after the world they know is gone. Kirsten Raymonde (Mackenzie Davis and Matilda Lawler), a former child actress who grew up traveling with a group of performers known as the Traveling Symphony, is the heart of the story.

Twenty years after civilization collapses, the Symphony moves from settlement to settlement performing Shakespeare plays for survivors to ignite hope within them. Station Eleven also jumps between timelines to slowly reveal how all of its characters are connected through actor Arthur Leander (Gael García Bernal) and the pandemic itself. Despite its setting, the series never feels cynical. Sure, it is heartbreaking at times, but above everything else, the show constantly emphasizes how important storytelling, music, theater, and shared memories are for the preservation of humanity. That emotional complexity sets it apart from every other dystopian show out there.

1

‘Firefly’ (2002)

Image via Fox

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Firefly is the ultimate cult-classic sci-fi show, despite only lasting a single season before being prematurely canceled. The series, created by Joss Whedon, is set in the year 2517, where humanity has inhabited an entirely new star system controlled by a powerful central government known as the Alliance. Instead of focusing on grand wars or massive intergalactic politics, though, Firefly follows the crew of Serenity, a small transport spaceship led by former soldier Malcolm “Mal” Reynolds (Nathan Fillion). After losing a brutal civil war against the Alliance, Mal survives by taking whatever jobs he and his crew can find across the outer planets, like smuggling, theft, transport work, and even dangerous mercenary missions.

The crew itself is what makes the show so memorable. Serenity is essentially a dysfunctional family made up of people constantly navigating the emotional baggage from their pasts. Firefly also stands out from other shows in the genre thanks to its experimental genre-bending. The series combines space opera with classic Western storytelling, which was pretty unique for its time. The world feels dirty, lived-in, and grounded, which gives Firefly a very different tone compared to the sleek sci-fi shows that viewers were used to in the early 2000s. Very few canceled shows have left behind a legacy this strong, and Firefly remains one of the clearest examples of a series ending long before it could reach its full potential.

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Firefly

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Release Date

2002 – 2002-00-00

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Network

FOX

Showrunner

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Joss Whedon

Directors

Allan Kroeker, David Solomon, James A. Contner, Marita Grabiak, Michael Grossman, Tim Minear, Vern Gillum

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Caleb Shomo has been the lead singer of Beartooth for more than a decade.

In May 2026, Shomo made headlines when he came out as gay after relentless online speculation about his sexuality.

“There has been a lot of speculation surrounding my personal life as of late and I feel compelled to set the record straight before it affects those I love any further. I am a proudly gay man,” he wrote via Instagram at the time. “This is something I’ve been unpacking and reckoning with in my life for quite some time now. It’s been difficult to navigate the feelings surrounding the subject and figure out what to do with this fact.”

He continued, “When it comes to my art/Beartsooth, I have always strived to chase who I am in the deepest part of my soul from album to album. As you could gather if you’ve followed the band at all in the earlier years, there are 4 very self deprecating albums about exploring my religious upbringing, depression, self hatred, and hopelessness. I am grateful for all these albums, yet feel embarrassed at times that I wouldn’t allow myself to really dig up the roots for so long.”

Scroll down to learn more about Shomo:

Caleb Shomo Was a Member of Attack Attack!

Shomo was a part of the metalcore band Attack Attack!, which he left in 2012. He shared at the time that he was leaving the band on “good terms” and that he would continue making music.

Caleb Shomo Has Been Candid About Mental Health Struggles

While leaving Attack Attack! In 2012, Shomo opened up about facing mental health struggles.

“I have horrible clinical depression and have for years. as you may have heard from my speeches i gave during about the last 6 months or so of my touring career with AA i have been suicidal since middle school,” he said at the time, in part. “I’ve struggled on and off with eating disorders, self image problems since i was announced as the frontman a few years ago, and various substance abuse and addictions for about the past year. Having thousands of people tell you your a ‘fat piece of s***’ isn’t exactly the easiest thing to deal with at 17, and i could imagine ever. I am very scatter brained and just kinda am ranting so deal with me for this being so all over the place.”

He continued, “I love all of the guys that have ever been involved in AA. Great dudes, very supportive as well. Starting about a year ago i started to really go into a downward spiral mentally. Having panic attacks, mental breakdowns, cutting myself off from the world for weeks at a time, writing insanely depressing songs, not too fun. I had a lot of stress in my life/demons haunting me and in no way wanted to face it head on and deal with it. As you may have guessed this doesn’t help problems in the least.”

Caleb Shomo Is Lead Singer of Beartooth

Shomo has been the lead singer of the band Beartooth since 2012, notoriously writing songs for the band while he was still a member of Attack Attack!. Beartooth has released five studio albums during their tenure, with the most recent — “The Surface” — dropping in 2023.

Caleb Shomo Deleted Instagram After Facing Homophobic Remark

In March 2026, Shomo deleted his Instagram account after the band released their new single “Free.” At the time, Shomo debuted a new appearance that led Atilla frontman Chris Fronzak to make a homophobic remark. Fronzak, for his part, apologized.

Caleb Shomo Was Married to Fleur Shomo

Caleb tied the knot with his wife, Fleur Shomo, in 2012. Fleur shared her support for Caleb after he publicly came out as gay in 2026.

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“Our nearly 14yrs of marriage was wonderful and full of so much fun, adventure & love. Nobody will know anything about our marriage like we do. And no one can ever truly know what depths of love exist between two people unless they are those people,” she wrote, in part, via Instagram at the time. “I already miss it & my husband more than anything. Our story was a good one. And now it’s done.”

She added, “I hope anyone in the world going through this finds hope & courage & I hope the fans can continue to support Caleb. For now I’m going to keep focusing on what I can control & continue living my life trying to achieve what I want to achieve. And if I keep saying hi to as many dogs as possible along the way, then I’m sure things will slowly get better, day by day, piece by small piece, bird by bird.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Barbra Streisand is speaking out after canceling her appearance at the 2026 Cannes Film Festival, where she was set to receive the honorary Palme.

“I was mesmerized by those images on the screen,” the iconic singer, 84, said via virtual message, per Variety. “They were so powerful that they’re still in my head. I wanted to be an actress and live in those other more interesting worlds.”

Streisand explained that she later realized she was always “looking at the movie as a whole” and asking a lot of questions.

“I didn’t realize at the time, but I was thinking like a director. Trying to figure out how to tell the story. And I had stories I wanted to tell,” she said, recalling her directorial debut with 1981’s Yentl.

Related: Barbra Streisand Receives Standing Ovation With SAG Life Achievement Award

Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images Barbra Streisand was honored with a Life Achievement Award at the 2024 Screen Actors Guild Awards. Jennifer Aniston and Bradley Cooper presented Streisand, 81, with the accolade during the Saturday, February 24, ceremony, which was held at the Shrine Auditorium and Expo Hall in Los Angeles. James Brolin looked on at his […]

She continued, “I was a woman, which was an obstacle to people. Even worse, was an actress who wanted to direct. So every studio turned me down. And for 15 years the project was on the verge of collapsing. But I had to make this movie.”

For Streisand, her desire to make Yentl is something she has in common with the filmmakers at Cannes.

“In this crazy volatile world that seems more fractured every day, it’s reassuring to see the compelling movies at this festival, by artists from many countries,” she concluded. “Film has that magical ability to unite us, opening our hearts and mind. I’m so proud to be part of this community, so merci beaucoup and vive la cinema!”

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Days prior, Streisand explained her absence in a Sunday, May 17, statement.

Related: Barbra Streisand Through the Years: Broadway and Beyond

Barbra Streisand has captivated the stage, screen and world with her acclaimed career and one-of-a-kind vocals. Streisand landed her big break at age 19 in 1962, scoring the role of Miss Marmelstein in I Can Get It for You Wholesale on Broadway. Two years later, she originated the role of Fanny Brice in the stage production of Funny […]

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“On the advice of my doctors, as I continue recovering from a knee injury, I am sadly unable to attend the Festival de Cannes this year,” she said in a statement on Sunday. “But I am deeply honored to receive the honorary Palme d’Or and had so been looking forward to celebrating the remarkable films of the 79th edition,” Streisand wrote.

She continued, “I was also very much looking forward to spending time with colleagues whom I so admire — and, of course, returning to France, a place I have always loved. While I regret that I can’t be there in person, I want to extend my warmest congratulations to all of the filmmakers from around the world whose extraordinary talent and creative vision are being celebrated this year. My heartfelt thanks to the Festival, and to everyone who continues to support and champion the art of cinema.”

Wearing a solid red dress is a bold move, but we’re more inclined to don the style after seeing Mandy Moore rock one just this week. The actress looked effortlessly chic, refined and sexy, which is a tough combo to nail unless you have a red hot dress like this one in your closet. And while we don’t know where she got her exact find, we’re not too worried; this similar Amazon style channels her look at the most affordable price. Psst, it’s just $19 for now.

Lately, Moore has been reaching for bright red hues like it’s nobody’s business. Whether it’s a polished blazer style or a two-piece set, she just can’t get enough of the eye-catching look — and neither can we. So when we noticed she pulled the ‘red card’ again for the That Was Us podcast, we just knew it wasn’t a one-off. This is an actual trend that we need to be a part of, and now we can with this scoop-neck maxi dress.

Get the Anrabess Scoop-Neck Maxi dress for $19 (was $24) at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

The Anrabess Scoop-Neck Maxi dress is everything you could want in an easy-going, everyday find. It has a loose fit, flattering silhouette and a confident-forward aesthetic, which is why it feels so on-the-nose to Moore’s choice. The only difference? This option has a more casual appearance due to the buttery soft finish and wide shoulder straps. Read: You can actually wear a comfortable bra with it. Oh, and it has pockets!

Because this dress is made with a blend of soft and stretchy materials, you can look and feel good, too. The fabric flows nicely over your curves, has a lightweight feel that’s ideal for summer and is so comfortable that some shoppers say they sleep in it. You’ll also love that people claim the material resists wrinkles, so you can bring it along on summer travels (and leave the steamer at home).

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

Related: Bethenny Frankel‘s Sporty-Chic Outfit Includes These Platform Sneakers

We love a celebrity who shares the wealth, a.k.a. all their favorite product recs — and Bethenny Frankel is one A-lister who never gatekeeps. The Skinnygirl founder gave Us all the details of her latest sporty-chic outfit, and while most of her fashion pieces are high-end, her exact sneakers are actually on Amazon (and selling […]

Editor’s note: The following contains spoilers for the Marshals Season 1 finale.

In the season finale of the CBS series Marshals, entitled “Wolves at the Door,” an assassination attempt against Broken Rock Chairman Thomas Rainwater (Gil Birmingham) leads Kayce Dutton (Luke Grimes) to step in, literally bringing the danger to his own doorstep. With the stakes higher than ever, the team works to uncover the truth of who’s behind the attack and what their goal is. As Cal (Logan Marshall-Green) works on figuring out the next steps in his cancer diagnosis, which he’s only revealed to fellow teammate Belle (Arielle Kebbel), the two are blindsided in a moment that we’ll have to wait until Season 2 for answers.

Collider recently got the opportunity to chat one-on-one with Marshall-Green about that shocking cliffhanger. During the interview, he discussed how much the series has evolved since the start of the season, getting to dig into Cal and Kayce’s past, how Double G (Riley Green) may be gone but he won’t be forgotten, wanting to keep Dre (Ash Santos) from leaving the team, the dynamic between Cal and his daughter (Morgan Lindholm), the deeper connection with Belle, his love of a good cliffhanger, and that Season 2 will return with a big premiere episode. Marshall-Green also talked about his experience working on The Odyssey for director Christopher Nolan and what it’s been like to see the reaction to the trailer.

Collider: I spoke to you at the start of this season, and it feels like these characters have taken quite a journey since then.

LOGAN MARSHALL-GREEN: Yeah, it’s a different show at this point.

Cal Has Been on a Journey of Redemption in Season 1 of the CBS Series ‘Marshals’

“The show really did start in a certain direction, but if you kept watching the show, you quickly realized we’re moving at a much different tempo and direction now.”

Being a Dutton haunts Kayce, but Cal is possibly even more haunted by his own past. Do you feel like, regardless of whatever happens in that last moment, whether Cal and Belle got shot or whatever happened there, that Cal is in a better place by the end of the season, as far as sorting through some things that had been bothering him?

MARSHALL-GREEN: I do. I think that there are a few moments of redemption for him that he has to carry throughout the season – one with his daughter, one with Kayce, and one with Double G. That’s the lovely part of the writing. The show really did start in a certain direction, but if you kept watching the show, you quickly realized we’re moving at a much different tempo and direction now. Just when you see Cal smile and find some peace with someone else, in this case Belle, he gets a shotgun in his face.

The latter portion of the season dug deeper into Kayce’s past, but also into the past of everyone on the team, including Cal. How did learning more about what happened previously with the Four Musketeers give you a better understanding of who Cal is now? What did that add to the dynamic with Cal and Kayce? How was it to have Garrett come in as a character, but to also work with Riley Green?

MARSHALL-GREEN: Really, in the end, Kayce was the odd man out. You start hearing about the Four Musketeers, and Roner (Jay Reeves) starts haunting the show. And then, upon finally landing in this non-linear episode where you get to go back and revisit Afghanistan, you realize very quickly that Kayce was led astray by Cal holding onto this secret for Double G’s benefit. As he said, he’d already lost Roner. He’s already lost one brother, and there’s no need to lose another. Knowing that he had to be strong so that Double G could survive and really take it on the chin from Kayce throughout the season about Roner really shows Cal’s hutzpah and his ability to lead a team through whatever gantlet it is. I was really happy to finally get there, and to finally get him some redemption. Riley Green was terrific casting, by the team and by Luke [Grimes]. I was really happy to see Riley so effortlessly inhabit this incredibly hard character, who’s going through real trauma. I thought he did a great job.

Cal is able to resolve some of these things between him and Kayce, but they don’t get that moment with Garrett before he dies. Do you think that will ultimately affect Cal more deeply because he never had that conversation, or do you think it helps that Kayce now knows that truth about what happened?

MARSHALL-GREEN: In the end, we’ll never know because Double G isn’t around anymore. I think you will definitely feel Double G’s presence and spirit on this show in Season 2, from the little I know. As much as we don’t get to have that camaraderie again, now that it’s understood, with Double G’s passing, he’s relieved of a lot of his own demons and finally finds some peace, albeit in the worst way, which is death. There is a moment that I actually had to fight for on the day. And it was written. It’s not something I came up with. It’s something Spencer [Hudnut] and the writers came up with. And I haven’t seen the show, so maybe this moment isn’t even in the show, but there was a moment, which was the last moment between Cal and Double G.

s it was written, it was just a little fist bump, with his hands all bandaged. We were running and gunning. It’s not anything against the director or writers on the day, but we were moving really quickly past that moment, where it wasn’t even needed. It almost felt like it might be comical with this hand all bandaged. I don’t know if the moment is even in the show because I haven’t seen it, but I felt that it was incredibly important, given what I knew was about to happen with his death, that two brothers and soldiers finally connect and allow each other in one last time. I thought Riley did a great job with that moment, given the state he was in. I hope it played. Maybe it didn’t. But it was an important moment for me to have that last connection, physically and intimately, as a brother. It seemed silly on the page. They give a fist bump. But it echoes now, much more deeply.

Cal has a moment in the car with Cruz when he tells her that she might be running the team sooner than she thinks. Does Cal see her as a leader? Does he think she’d be the best one to step in and lead the team if need be?

MARSHALL-GREEN: Absolutely, 100%. Dre is a born leader. Dre has bailed Cal out on many turns. While he is saying the truth, because of this secret he’s holding on to, which is cancer, he is also trying to get her to stay. He’s disappointed and pissed that she would leave this team at this stage. He understands and he gets it. Nothing is forever. But I think there’s also a little bit of manipulation there.

Why doesn’t he just tell her that he wants her to stay on the team and not leave? Does he feel like it’s better to leave her to make that choice?

MARSHALL-GREEN: I think he knows Dre. Dre is driven. When Dre wants something, she goes and gets it. That’s why she’s our interrogator. He also knew that if he went after her, she would just push away more. He knew who he was dealing with. She’s got so much pride as he does.

According to Logan Marshall-Green, Cal’s Biggest Objective in ‘Marshals’ Is To Get Close to His Daughter

“I’ve loved those scenes with Morgan [Lindholm], who plays Maddie, my daughter.”

Image via CBS

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What does it mean to Cal to have his daughter sit down next to him and be willing to talk to him, and even call him dad? As much as he wants to talk to her, is he more worried that he’ll screw that up?

MARSHALL-GREEN: I don’t think he was ready for it. When actors talk about objectives and super objectives, that’s Cal’s super objective. It’s to be a marshal. It’s not to solve crimes. Cal’s super objective on the show was to move to Montana and use this opportunity as a marshal to get close and reconnect with his estranged daughter. When you get to finally have a super objective filled, it’s incredibly rewarding. I’ve loved those scenes with Morgan [Lindholm], who plays Maddie, my daughter. Those are very heavy scenes, due to the situation that they’re both in.

What is the conversation that you think he would like to have with his daughter that he doesn’t feel like he can have yet?

MARSHALL-GREEN: I think he wants to listen to her. As much as a conversation is two-sided, I think he just wants to listen and be the dad that he couldn’t because he was too busy being a soldier. I think he just wants to listen to her and hear everything that she’s done and hear everything that she’s still angry about with him. I think he just wants an opportunity for her to finally tell her story to him.

Why do you think he’s really only opened up to Belle about his health and about what he’s going through? What is it about her that allows him to have conversations with her that he doesn’t really have with other people?

MARSHALL-GREEN: First, booze.

That’ll do it.

MARSHALL-GREEN: Yeah. The exhaustion of carrying it all for so long, carrying the secret of Roner, the secret of his daughter, and all of these crimes that they’re fighting, these children that they’re fighting for. She helps him navigate his own child, with Maddie. The character that Arielle [Kebbel] has created in Belle, she has her own stuff, and stuff that she hasn’t even told him. It’s not actually so reciprocal. It’s a lot of Cal unloading on her. She, in a way, puts herself in that position to potentially maybe allow Cal in. But as far as his ability to tell anyone, he has real admiration for her and her strength and, more than anything, her as a mom and how she’s prioritized her child in a way he couldn’t.

Without so many words, they clearly understand that anything happening between them would be messy. How does Cal feel about messy? Is he okay with messy? Would he rather avoid messy?

MARSHALL-GREEN: He does not want to be messy. I can tell you that, for sure. He does not want the mess that follows, but I don’t know if he can keep his hand out of the cookie jar. There are pros and cons. I don’t know what’s messier when it comes to messing up work, an interpersonal relationship or cancer. I think he is choosing stability through cancer. In the end, it’s going to get messy no matter what for him, and I think he sees that on the horizon. He’s going to need someone to help him.

He seems like the king of avoidance at the moment.

MARSHALL-GREEN: Well, a lot of these men are – these men and women that come back. We build these soldiers up and we spend a lot of money in advanced ways to create warriors, but we have very little in the way of infrastructure to create humans once they’re done. It’s not just Cal. It’s a lot of these men and women.

‘Marshals’ Star Logan Marshall-Green Loves a Good Finale Cliffhanger

“There’s a team happening, and they’re going to move forward together, and then they get shotguns in their face.”

Image via CBS

We’re left with quite a cliffhanger with Cal and Belle. What was your reaction to that moment? How do you feel about cliffhangers? Have you been told anything about what will happen after that moment, in Season 2?

MARSHALL-GREEN: I love a cliffhanger because it means, more than likely, we’re going to be back. I liked it because you get this moment of levity between the two of them and some hope. There’s a team happening, and they’re going to move forward together, and then they get shotguns in their face, as is the case with these kinds of shows. As much as there’s a cliffhanger for me, the biggest cliffhanger is going on with the other stories – whether Dre is going to stay and, more than anything, Kayce and his son.

It feels like everybody has a cliffhanger at the end of this season.

MARSHALL-GREEN: There’s a lot going on.

I’m curious to see what happens with Season 2 and where it will all go next.

MARSHALL-GREEN: Yeah, me too. We’re just about to start shooting the first episode, and we’re already shot out of a cannon again. It’s a massive first episode.

And who knows, you might just be a ghost in Season 2.

MARSHALL-GREEN: You’ll have to tune in.

Logan Marshall-Green Was Surrounded by Artists at the Top of Their Game on Christopher Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

“I’m somebody who comes to set, I clock in, and there’s no phone in my hand, whether I’m on a Nolan set or not.”

Image via Universal Pictures

If you want to have a filmmaking experience, you can certainly accomplish that by working with Christopher Nolan. Because you’re an actor and director, what did you take from that experience? What did you absorb on set with him for The Odyssey?

MARSHALL-GREEN: More than anything, I absorbed that it’s hard to ever hear someone say, “It can’t be done.” When it comes to being on a Nolan set, everywhere you look, Christopher surrounds himself with the highest of high artists. Everywhere you look, you see departments at the highest degree of telling stories and creation and art, even down to the way he wants the lightning to strike and when it strikes. He’s in control of that. Looking around, many of the actors had already worked with him, and some hadn’t. It was great to just watch and take cues. I’m somebody who comes to set, I clock in, and there’s no phone in my hand, whether I’m on a Nolan set or not. It was an incredible opportunity that was given to me, to help him tell this incredible story. The fun part is watching everybody get their panties in a bundle over the trailer. Nobody knows anything. It just goes to show that nobody knows anything. In Nolan, I trust, for sure.

Christopher Nolan strikes me as a filmmaker who spends time on the details.

MARSHALL-GREEN: I can’t speak for Christopher Nolan, nor am I going to try, but I can tell you that when it comes to a lot of these auteurs that I’ve worked with, especially with film but also with TV, it’s the frame. It’s who’s in the frame. It’s about what’s in the frame. It’s the light. It’s the paint. Is it interesting? Is it beautiful? Is it balanced? Is it deep? But by the way, once they get a really cool shot, they’re just like kids. They just want to make great stories. They’re not looking to be political. They’re looking to make a beautiful frame that is going to elevate storytelling.

Marshals airs on CBS and is available to stream on Paramount+.

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Release Date

2026 – 2026

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Showrunner

Spencer Hudnut

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Writers

Spencer Hudnut, Tom Mularz, Dana Greenblatt

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Ray J‘s weekend adventure did not end in his favor!

The rapper faced off with popular YouTuber Supa Hot Fire in a celebrity boxing match in Las Vegas on Saturday, where he suffered a crushing defeat followed by a heated outburst.

Ray J has been in the news lately since revealing that he has a few months to live due to severe health issues that have plagued him over the years, which he did not detect early enough.

The rapper was seemingly knocked out in the second round of the fight by the YouTuber during the celebrity boxing match at Adin Ross’s UFC Apex event.

While things began with a few mixed punches, smiles, and playful comments in the ring, Supa Hot Fire’s clean shot to Ray J’s face around the 2:35 mark changed everything.

The rapper lost his balance from the impact of the punch and stumbled into the ropes before crashing into the canvas. The referee was on site to instantly break up the fight and rule the victory in Supa Hot Fire’s favor as a knockout. 

However, after the duel ended, Ray came forward with a few things to get off his chest, suggesting that the match was tampered with, telling Supa Hot Fire during an interview that he took an “L” in that match.

The in-ring interviewer quickly pushed back, mocking Ray J’s complaints and pointing out that he had gone down after just one punch.

US Weekly stated that as tensions rose, Ray J walked away from the interview before returning to speak briefly with Supa Hot Fire, where he was overheard asking, “You know how much money we lost?”

Meanwhile, the commentator continued roasting the singer over the growing welt on his forehead following the knockout defeat.

The Singer Got Advice From Boxing Icon Mike Tyson Ahead Of The Fight

On May 22, Ray gave a sneak peek into the preparation process ahead of the match, including a clip of him preparing with MMA legends Chuck Liddell and Rampage Jackson.

TMZ‘s footage shows Ray training with both of the UFC veterans before the celebrity fight. The singer was seen sweating through the drills, queries, and techniques taught by fighters who made careers from dominating inside the cage.

According to reports, Liddell walked Ray through what to do when the show started, while Rampage Jackson, more hands-on, took some time to walk the entertainer through some grappling moves and positioning to avoid getting embarrassed on fight night.

During the training session, Ray J also posed for photos with Liddell’s partner, Creators Inc. founder Andrew Bachman, and long-time manager David Weintraub. The singer did not just get trained by the MMA icons; he also revealed he was getting tips from “Iron Mike” himself, Mike Tyson.

Should Ray J Be Fighting In Boxing Based On His Health Revelation?

As noted by The Blast, Ray revealed a serious health issue as a result of his years of drinking and partying, saying it has wrecked his heart.

The singer admitted in a video that he was so unwell that he thought that he would die, as the doctor told him that his heart was currently at 25% capacity.

Ray continued that after years of alcoholism and non-stop partying, he believed it was to blame for his poor health. The “Sexy Can I” artist confessed he would drink several bottles of alcohol at one night, he said the lifestyle turned his heart “black” after a while. 

He further informed fans of his plans to travel to Haiti to try to solve his health problems, even though there are still worries in the nation over gang violence, kidnappings, and sexual violence.

The singer noted that he had received a prescription for multiple drugs: Lipitor and Entresto, which are both frequently prescribed to individuals who are at risk of heart failure and other cardiovascular issues.

He also revealed that his condition may lead to the need for medical devices like a pacemaker or defibrillator in the future. Furthermore, doctors reportedly advised the entertainer to refrain from all alcoholic beverages and avoid taking up smoking from now on.

Despite Ray’s emotional and thought-provoking confession, internet users were split over their perspective on the issue.

While some commenters felt genuine concern for the rapper amidst the urge that he find a solution to his health, others feel the opposite.

Some social media commentators theorized that Ray was not exactly coherent when he made the video due to the influence of some unwanted substance. However, another set of online fans saw his revelations as a cry for help.

However, some nationals of Haiti felt uncomfortable with the rapper’s decision to name-drop their country as his sanctuary of healing, advising him to ditch the clout chasing. The user opined that Ray find holistic treatment, consider cleansing himself, and reconnect with God.

Meanwhile, some eagle-eyed fans went deeper with their conspiracy theories, describing the move as a sympathy ploy, especially after he was arrested on Thanksgiving for threatening his baby mama with a firearm.

Ray J Bragged About An Usual Aspect Of His Sexual Life

The media personality tends to attract drama with every utterance and action, and just last month, he pulled another move that raised eyebrows.

The Blast reported that the rapper confessed in a conversation with Cam Newton that he has slept with over 10,000 women.

Ray continued on his three podcasts with Newton that he threw a “booby trap party” when he reached the 10,000 mark, and nearly 500 of the women he had been with were in attendance. 

Speaking of his escapades in the bedroom, the actor referred to his infamous sex tape with Kim Kardashian, noting that there were only three videos, but only one made it out in 2007, which broke the internet.

He accused Kris Jenner of making them do the video, watched it, and subsequently handled how it got out to the public.

Currently, the singer is stuck in a legal debacle with the mother and daughter duo, who sued the singer for defamation, stating that he breached a confidential settlement agreement by talking about the sex tape.

Hope Ray J is doing well after that match!

The great thing about a miniseries is that they’re meant to be viewed as one singular and complete story. That means no cliffhangers! A miniseries gives you a concise and fully realized story without any added frills or fluff, and over the last five years, we’ve seen extraordinary examples of that. Just look at these 10 titles.

From ripped-from-the-headline stories to comic characters coming to life, we’ve been living in a golden era of miniseries. Many of the shows have earned award-show glory. Some have spawned spin-offs or earned follow-up conversations. Together, they’ve given us a reason to continue watching television. Though there certainly are some great shows that barely missed the list, the 10 shows included have made profound television history.

10

‘The Dropout’ (2022)

Without a doubt, you have heard the shocking tale about Elizabeth Holmes and Theranos. Well, in 2022, the saga was given the miniseries treatment. What resulted was extraordinary. Created by Elizabeth Meriwether, based on the ABC News podcast of the same name, The Dropout tells the true story of Elizabeth Holmes (Amanda Seyfried) during her rise as the world’s youngest self-made female billionaire to her spectacular fall when her revolutionary technology was exposed as a massive fraud. From the big idea to the exposure of deception in between, The Dropout didn’t leave any stone unturned. The miniseries masterfully blended a chilling true-crime suspense story with a breathtakingly perfect character study that is simply chilling.

The Theranos story is sheerly absurd. Rather than making the story a fiasco, The Dropout explores the nuances of what happened and how Holmes got in too deep through a grounded, empathetic approach. Of course, the series wouldn’t have thrived had it not been for Seyfried’s pitch-perfect performance. A brilliant and magnetic portrayal, Seyfried brought a calculated vocal cadence and physical presence that matched her real-life counterpart. In turn, it resulted in a tense psychological unraveling of a formidable individual. The Dropout goes beyond the Silicon Valley scammer story to showcase a tale of ambition and flying too close to the sun. Both awkward and cringeworthy, yet disturbing, The Dropout refused to sensationalize a crime in favor of a nuanced piece.

9

‘Dopesick’ (2021)

Image via Hulu

The impossible becomes possible when the nonfiction book Dopesick: Dealers, Doctors, and the Drug Company that Addicted America by Beth Macy was turned into a flawlessly executed fictional drama. Putting a face to the opioid epidemic, Dopesick brings viewers to the epicenter of where America struggles with opioid addiction as various timelines explore the fight families face in the crisis against the alleged conflicts of interest by Purdue Pharma and various government agencies. Ultimately, the battle led to the legal case against Purdue Pharma and its development, testing, and marketing of the drug OxyContin under the Sackler family. Through smartly crafted vignettes and composite characters, Dopesick examines the personal effects on everyone involved, from the ground up.

Not an easy watch by any stretch of the imagination, Dopesick combines a strong, emotionally resonant, character-driven drama with investigative journalism to peek into the greed behind the crisis. Through multifaceted perspectives, Dopeick offers a multidimensional tour from the boardroom to the doctor’s office. Meanwhile, Dopesick humanizes the characters, demonstrating how anyone might fall victim to opioid addiction. Dopesick paints an empathetic picture of addiction, as patients were truly trying to alleviate severe physical pain — not become addicted. The series is carried by a brilliant ensemble, including Michael Keaton, Will Poulter, Rosario Dawson, Michael Stuhlbargh, and Kaitlyn Devers. Dopesick is a tough pill to swallow, but the high-stakes drama is deliberately told, moving beyond simple statistics.

8

‘Black Bird’ (2022)

Image via Apple TV

The desire for true crime stories continues to soar thanks to the podcast boom and inspired books. With the race to dramatize these stories, many networks and streamers have struck gold. Such is the case for Apple TV’s Black Bird. Based on the 2010 autobiographical novel In with the Devil: a Fallen Hero, a Serial Killer, and a Dangerous Bargain for Redemption, the six-part series follows Jimmy Keene (Taron Egerton), a charming former football star sentenced to 10 years in prison who is offered freedom if he can elicit a confession from suspected serial killer Larry Hall (Paul Walter Hauser), who is suspected of killing up to 40 women. A slow-burning, tense “cat-and-mouse” drama, Black Bird is a chilling psychological thriller that is nothing short of an acting masterclass.

Rich with immense psychological tension, Black Bird forces viewers to get uncomfortably close to the subject. A dangerous game but a juicy watch, Black Bird does an extraordinary job at split storytelling. In one corner, it’s Jimmy’s undercover work inside the prison. In the other, it’s the parallel investigation happening on the outside, led by FBI investigator Lauren McCauley (Sepideh Moafi) and local detective Brian Miller (Greg Kinnear). Black Bird flies high thanks to the sensational acting, especially from Egerton. There’s an intensity in his performance, driven by the high-stakes objective. His scenes against Hauser are dynamic. Psychological manipulation is often frowned upon, but given the way the justice system works, Black Bird shows how it can be used for good. At only six episodes, there’s no time wasted. Each episode adds layers of urgency without dragging out the plot.

7

‘Fellow Travelers’ (2023)

Image via Showtime

Queer love may be easier to have out in the open today, but it was a fight to get here. There have been stories about the struggles of being true to oneself and in love, but never as beautifully romantic and tragically harrowing as that of Fellow Travelers. Based on Thomas Mallon’s novel, the Showtime historical romantic political thriller tells the story of the decades-long romance between two gay men, Hawkins Fuller (Matt Bomer) and Tim Laughlin (Jonathan Bailey), set against the backdrop of major LGBTQ+ historical events, from the McCarthy-era “Lavender Scare” in the 1950s to the AIDS crisis in the 1980s. Exploring their volatile relationship, navigating political dangers, societal prejudice, and personal complexities as they try to find love while hiding their identities in a hostile world, this devastatingly tender tale showcases the great lengths we’ll go for love and what the cost of love means to each of us.

A breathtaking decades-long forbidden romance that also serves as a sweeping LGBTQ+ history lesson, Fellow Travelers is layered with uncompromising emotional depth. Going through the Lavender Scare in the ’50s, the Vietnam War in the ’60s, and all the way through to the AIDs crisis in the ’80s, Tim and Hawkins fought against the harshest backdrops to be themselves and find one another. The writing and performances are authentic and unsanitized, meaning the intimate portrayals of queer individuals are fleshed out and not caricatures. The power dynamics, compatibility, and even complexity of the two men are genuine enough to believe their journey. Bomer captures an emotionally guileless individual, which contrasts with Bailey’s more idealistic dreamer. Together, they found the emotional core of the series. At the end of the day, Fellow Travelers‘ nuanced exploration of love and survival thrives thanks to these individuals.

6

‘The Penguin’ (2024)

Image via HBO

Once upon a time, our definitive image of what the Penguin looked and acted like was Danny DeVito from Batman Returns. Then, Colin Farrell came along as Oz Cobb in The Batman, and a new Penguin emerged victorious. Exploring the man beyond his initial big screen introduction, the hit HBO series follows Oz as he exploits a massive power vacuum in Gotham’s criminal underworld, caused by the seawall’s destruction and the assassination of crime boss Carmine Falcone (Mark Strong). Documenting his rise from a low-level mobster to a reigning kingpin, Oz finds a new ally in Vic Aguilar (Rhenzy Feliz), a homeless teenager, while at odds with a new threat, Sofia Gigante (Cristin Milioti). An unflinching crime thriller under the guise of an iconic DC comic, The Penguin emerged as a top-tier series with rich, complex characters.

The Penguin masterfully builds upon Matt Reeves‘ vision from his film to make Gotham an even darker, more corrupt underworld. Showrunner Lauren LeFranc gives the eight-episode drama its own distinct identity while serving a larger picture. With a world to play in, it was Farrell and Milioti’s performances that made The Penguin must-see TV. Many origin stories tend to feature a desire to make their common villain and anti-hero into a redemption arc. Instead, The Penguin dives into the villain’s unredeemable psyche while still finding ounces of humanity around Vic and his mother, Francis (Deirdre O’Connell). Then there is the Falcone family drama that unfolds better than any mafia movie. As far as superhero stories, The Penguin sits on top of the heap.

5

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

Image via Netflix

Mike Flanagan single-handedly sparked a resurgence of horror series through his collaboration with Netflix. After two back-to-back brilliant series in 2018 and 2020, it was his 2021 follow-up, Midnight Mass, that took his storytelling vision to new depths. The supernatural horror series follows a devout, isolated fishing community as it experiences strange and terrifying events. When a charismatic young priest, Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater), arrives offering miraculous “blessings,” the denizens are drawn into a dangerous descent of religious fanaticism, vampirism, and apocalyptic doom. Coinciding with the return of Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford), Crockett Island hangs in the balance as faith and doubt battle in the unfolding horror. A brilliant dissertation on grief, forgiveness, life, and death, Midnight Mass is a deep philosophical horror that leaves jump scares behind to examine human nature and the extremes of unwavering belief.

Midnight Mass relishes its thought-provoking themes, layered expertly into the story. The truth is, though, Midnight Mass‘ sensational ensemble pushes it toward the top of Flanagan’s pack. Filled with a host of long-running collaborators, Midnight Mass doesn’t just have stock characters; every character is an intensely unique human — flawed, scared, and desperately seeking meaning. Linklater is at a career-best as Father Paul. Rather than a one-dimensional antagonist, he finds a tragedy in the deeply layered figure. One must be alluring to convince an entire town of one’s ways. Midnight Mass may be best remembered for the infamous Bev Keane. Proving she can play the gnarliest characters, Samantha Sloyan makes the town’s pious, manipulative busybody an infuriatingly brilliant antagonist. She provides a chilling study of how righteousness can blind people to true evil. Midnight Mass succeeds thanks to the atmosphere Flanagan crafted and the characters that inhabit it. Perhaps there’s more to Crockett Island to explore one day.

4

‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)

Image via Netflix

Not since Phoebe Waller-Bridge and the adaptation of her solo play, Fleabag, have we been enamored by a stage-to-series masterpiece. In the black comedy Baby Reindeer, an autobiographical thriller by Richard Gadd, a struggling stand-up comedian, Donny Dunn (Gadd), offers a vulnerable woman, Martha Scott (Jessica Gunning), a free cup of tea at his bar. What was beloved to be a single kind gesture evolves into a suffocating, years-long stalking obsession that unravels both of their lives. Built around the twisted, messy dynamic of two lost individuals, Baby Reindeer highlights the cycle of abuse and how individuals engage in toxic relationships due to self-loathing, shame, and a desperate search for connection.

Baby Reindeer was the story you couldn’t imagine was true. But it was. The harrowing narrative served as a fervent vessel of entertainment and a cautionary tale about trauma. The story transcends the typical stalker narrative to deliver a richly emotional and psychologically nuanced study of vulnerable individuals. There are beats at both ends that you feel for both Donny and Martha, but as the ambiguity sets in and the actions reach new depths, the story evolves. Once Baby Reindeer showcases how the Donny and Martha dynamic influenced others around them, that’s when it becomes truly dark. Baby Reindeer served as an important story about the handling of male trauma and sexual abuse. A groundbreaking story, Baby Reindeer puts a new perspective on the shame, confusion, and fear that prevent male survivors from seeking help. Baby Reindeer strikes a balance as it sharply shifts tones so the story can both reflect the tragicomic nature of life and the harrowing ordeal simultaneously.

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‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)

Image via HBO

We might have to put a pin on this one, as rumors always circulate about a second season of Mare of Easttown. But until that day comes, we’ll keep considering the Brad Ingelsby crime drama a miniseries. Set in the fictional Philadelphia suburb of Easttown, Pennsylvania, Mare Sheehan (Kate Winslet) is tasked to investigate the murder of a teenage mother, Erin McMenamin (Cailee Spaeny). As she dives knee-deep into the investigation, she struggles to keep her family from crumbling and falling apart — all thanks to a divorce, a son lost to suicide, and a custody battle over her grandson against her son’s drug addict girlfriend, Carrie Layden (Sosie Bacon). Once a hometown hero, Mare is plagued by her inability to solve the case of a missing girl, casting doubts on her skills in the present. Both a gripping crime series and a harrowing family drama, Mare of Easttown has everything you could want in a sensationally acted and brilliantly written series.

Mare of Easttown has a facade of a procedural investigation, but the core of the show is about grief, the dark side of close-knit communities, and how one heals from the past. The titular character is complex and flawed, making her inhuman. By doing so, it makes her struggle to not fail even more enticing to watch. Winslet gives a hyper-transformative performance, DelCo accent and all. Winslet is unmatched, unafraid to give an unglamorous and deeply flawed portrayal of an exhausted woman. Joining her is a brilliant ensemble of stars, including Jean Smart, Julianne Nicholson, and Evan Peters, each of whom has a complex subplot that contributes to Mare’s multidimensional motivations. Perfectly plotted in seven sensational episodes, no wonder we want more of Mare!

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‘WandaVision’ (2021)

Image via Disney+

The world of superhero series changed forever when Disney+ introduced the world to its very first official MCU show on the streamer: WandaVision. Set after the events of Avengers: Endgame, super-powered beings Wanda Maximoff (Elizabeth Olsen) and Vision (Paul Bettany) live an idyllic suburban life in the town of Westview, New Jersey. The seemingly perfect existence soon unravels as the couple realizes their reality is shifting through different decades of classic American television sitcom tropes. As the illusion breaks down, the story begins to reveal a deeper tale of love, trauma, and the stages of grief. A groundbreaking MCU masterpiece, WandaVision blends a singular story into the broader MCU, proving that these projects are essential to superhero storytelling.

Though ABC and Netflix had strong MCU-set shows, it was the arrival of WandaVision that reshaped the types of stories the MCU could tell on the small screen. Here, the storytelling came through sitcom tropes that dictated Wanda’s psychological state as she sought to build the perfect life. But as the facade shattered, it opened up the larger superhero world to take over, giving fans S.W.O.R.D. and familiar faces, including Monica Rambeau (Teyonah Parris), Jimmy Woo (Randall Park), and Darcy Lewis (Kat Dennings), to connect beyond Westview. Oh, and of course, there was Agatha Harkness, portrayed to perfection by Kathryn Hahn, who gave freedom to further defy the comics for television glory. A prologue to future MCU films, as well as Agatha All Along and the upcoming VisionQuest, WandaVision put the MCU on the map in a brand-new way, and we’re even better for it.

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‘Adolescence’ (2025)

Image via Netflix

At this point in time, it’s going to take something pretty spectacular to dethrone Adolescence as the greatest miniseries in recent memory. In four sensational episodes, the Jack Thorne and Stephen Graham-created and Philip Barantini-directed masterpiece is a gripping psychological crime drama series about a seemingly ordinary and supportive family whose lives are upended when their 13-year-old son, Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), is arrested for the murder of a female classmate. Brought to life through intense realism and brilliant one-shot filming, Adolescence is a devastating examination of internet culture, toxic online misogyny, and the nightmare realities parents face when their child is not the angel they believed them to be.

Every single element that makes up a good show is perfected here. The writing is sublime. There are powerhouse performances. The direction is unique. And the topics are vital to society. Combine them, and you get a sharp collaboration that has earned many of the parties involved award-show gold. The emotional weight the series carries for viewers is unlike that of many average crime dramas. You very likely need to catch your breath between episodes, as there are few opportunities to pause due to the filming style. Adolescence is proof that tight, concise miniseries that lack fluff will forever be the best way to tell a story.

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Adolescence

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Release Date

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March 13, 2025

Network

Netflix

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Directors

Philip Barantini

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