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Darkman Director’s New R-Rated, Island Thriller Is In Tune With His Best

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Darkman Director's New R-Rated, Island Thriller Is In Tune With His Best

By Chris Sawin
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Send Help is director Sam Raimi’s first feature-length horror film since 2009’s Drag Me To Hell and is the first of Raimi’s films to be R-rated since 2000’s The Gift. Written by Damian Shannon and Mark Swift (Baywatch, Friday the 13th 2009, Freddy vs. Jason), Send Help follows a socially awkward workhorse named Linda Liddle (Rachel McAdams). The company Linda has worked so hard for over the last seven years sees Bradley Preston (Dylan O’Brien), the new CEO, taking over from his late father.

Linda was promised the VP role by Bradley’s father, but Bradley decides to give it to Donovan (Xavier Samuel), his frat brother and golfing partner. Bradley continues to humiliate Linda in the office for her looks, diet, and demeanor. Linda tags along for a big merger mostly because she’s told it’s a last chance to impress Bradley for the VP role, but Donovan and Bradley use it to humiliate her further.

After their plane crashes, Linda and Bradley are the sole survivors. Linda, prepared for such scenarios, adapts quickly, while Bradley, injured and used to being a selfish boss, must change. To survive on the deserted island, they must utilize Linda’s skills and learn to cooperate or tolerate each other.

Send Help Feels Like Drag Me To Hell’s Spiritual Successor

The story of Send Help goes in an expected direction. There’s one side of the island that Linda points out to Bradley later on in the film, which is too treacherous and dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. What lies on that side of the island, as well as what happens during the finale, you can probably guess. But what makes Send Help so entertaining isn’t its writing; it’s the performances of Rachael McAdams and Dylan O’Brien.

Send Help feels like a return to form for Sam Raimi. While the horror elements of Doctor Strange in The Multiverse of Madness were the best parts of the film, Send Help feels like a spiritual successor to Drag Me To Hell and is more in tune with Raimi’s The Evil Dead franchise and even Darkman.

The best parts of Send Help unfold as the film shifts from suspenseful horror to sharp, irreverent comedy, particularly when Linda and Bradley struggle to survive on the island. There’s the setup of how they get there and the last half hour or so where they partake in a brutal war against one another, but the moments in between feature the film at its funniest, nastiest, and most amusing, often juxtaposing its comedic and horror elements.

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Sam Raimi Returns To Form

There’s an old Looney Tunes gag where castaways lost at sea or stuck on an island go crazy from hunger and start imagining each other as a hot dog, a hamburger, or a turkey leg. The Chuck Jones-directed short from 1943, “Wackiki Rabbit,” is a great example. Send Help taps into a similar kind of chaotic behavior, especially given the performances’ unhinged nature.

Linda in the office.

Sam Raimi’s horror films have always blended horror and comedy, and Send Help continues that trend. It’s interesting to witness how Linda looks in the office compared to how she looks after she’s spent more than two weeks on the island. Linda begins the film as very plain-looking, pigeon-toed, and socially inept to a cringeworthy degree. Her hair is stringy, and she never wears makeup. Saying she’s homely at first isn’t fair because it’s more than that. She prioritizes her career during the opening moments of the film, and her physical appearance is the last thing she’s worried about.

Linda on the island.

On the island, she suddenly has volume in her hair, and she’s forced to wear more revealing clothing so you can see the shape of her body. Her skin now has a slight tan to it, and being on the beach makes it seem like she just stepped off of filming some sort of glamorous commercial. She has replaced working hard in the office with building shelter, finding food, and doing whatever it takes to keep both her and Bradley alive. So it’s not like she’s spending more time on vanity; it’s more like her body responds positively to the changes.

Dylan O’Brien as Bradley.

Meanwhile, Bradley’s physical appearance is the reverse of Linda’s. Before the crash, he probably had this Patrick Bateman from American Psycho kind of skin routine. After waking up on the island and still treating Linda like she’s beneath him, his skin begins to dry out and look like a peeling sunburn, particularly on his face.

Dylan O’Brien Is Masterfully Smarmy And Rachel McAdams Is Complex

Dylan O’Brien is masterfully smarmy here. He never shakes the fact that he’s an overinflated mega dick, but he softens slightly over the course of the film. O’Brien’s performance is a comedic powerhouse that only becomes more impressive as his character grows more desperate. The character is obnoxious, but O’Brien’s contorted facial expressions, frustrated behavior, and maniacal laughter make him so much more memorable than the typical asshole boss.

Dylan O’Brien on the island in Send Help.

Rachel McAdams has an even more complex performance as Linda. The audience sympathizes with Linda right from the start. Linda is a little weird who probably smells like a constant mix of bird feces (she has a pet bird that she talks to constantly and watches Survivor with) and crusty tuna, but she means well, has the best work ethic of anyone in the film, is treated poorly for no reason, and is secretly a badass. McAdams is a shining light of positivity and purpose the majority of the film, but there’s a dark twist to Linda that shatters initial conceptions of her. Even as Linda, as a character, slips up and makes mistakes, McAdams never misses a step with her powerfully mesmerizing performance.

It wouldn’t be a Sam Raimi film without a bunch of gross-out humor. Send Help showers the screen with blood and snot during Linda’s battle with the warthog that somehow isn’t entirely spoiled in the trailers. Later on in the film, whatever wasn’t already covered in blood and snot is doused with projectile vomit, and there are at least two eyeball gags that will leave you wincing and clamoring for more.

Gushing with frenetic humor, two magnificently cutthroat performances, and some well-placed grimy moments of gore, Send Help blows snot, spurts blood, and gauges eyes the only way Sam Raimi knows how.

Send Help releases theatrically nationwide on January 30, 2026.

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Netflix’s Wild Takeover Given Thumbs Down By Iconic Director

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'Titanic' Director James Cameron Speaks On The Titan Submersible Tragedy: 'Impossible For Me To Process'

A key figure in Hollywood is against Netflix‘s billion-dollar acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. (WBD).

James Cameron, one of the highest-grossing film directors of all time, penned his grievances about the deal in a recently unveiled letter to Utah Senator Mike Lee.

The creator of the “Avatar” franchise argued that allowing Netflix to take over Warner Bros. Discovery’s film studio and streaming assets would negatively impact Hollywood and the era of theatrical releases.

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James Cameron Stands Against Netflix’s Acquisition Of Warner Bros. Discovery

'Titanic' Director James Cameron Speaks On The Titan Submersible Tragedy: 'Impossible For Me To Process'
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In a newly released letter dated February 10, 2026, Cameron urged Sen. Lee to join him in opposing Netflix’s acquisition of WBD. The renowned director penned a lengthy letter filled with his arguments against the purchase of the film studio and its streaming assets.

Cameron began by noting his “44-year directing career has been focused on making movies for theatrical exhibition.” On that note, he argued “that the proposed sale of Warner Bros. Discovery to Netflix will be disastrous for the theatrical motion picture business that I have dedicated my life’s work to.”

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Cameron, per the letter obtained by CNBC, noted that seeing movies in theaters is a key part of American culture and “being one of our biggest exports, in purely economic terms.” He strongly believed that letting Netflix have its way would not only destroy a decade-long tradition but also lead to significant losses.

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The ‘Titanic’ Director Says The Merger Will Change The Movie Industry For The Worse

James Cameron Recounts Scary Near-Death Experience While Filming His 1989 Movie 'The Abyss'
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Cameron stressed that Netflix’s business model was “at odds with the theatrical film production and exhibition business, which employs hundreds of thousands of Americans.” He believed many would lose their jobs if the streaming platform acquired WBD.

The director explained that WBD was one of the few remaining major movie studios, releasing about 15 theatrical films each year. If the merger went through, it would “restrict the choices of film-makers looking for studios to invest in their projects, which will in turn reduce jobs.”

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Additionally, Cameron argued that the merger would “remove consumer choice by reducing the number of feature motion pictures that are made.” He noted that the US is still the world leader in movies, but if Netflix took over Hollywood through the acquisition of WBD, that status would “change for the worse.”

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The Oscar Winner Questioned The Platform’s Promises

Avatar director James Cameron is seen arriving to the Late Show with Stephen Colbert tonight in New York City
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Cameron reiterated that Netflix should not be allowed to acquire WBD because it would lead to losses in theatrical releases. He called out the platform’s written testimony, in which showrunners vowed to keep Warner Bros. films in theaters for a 45-day window.

Cameron questioned whether those promises would hold after the acquisition, pointing out that Netflix’s “pledge to support theatrical releases (a business fundamentally at odds with their core business model) is likely to evaporate in a few years.”

On that note, Cameron claimed “the theatrical experience of movies could become a sinking ship” if Netflix took over WBD. He stressed that the acquisition shouldn’t be treated as a future problem because “once they own a major movie studio, that is irrevocable.”

Netflix Announced Its Acquisition Of WBD In December 2025

Ted Sarandos at the 78th Annual Directors Guild Of America (DGA) Awards
Xavier Collin/Image Press Agency/MEGA

News of Netflix’s move to take over Hollywood first arrived in December 2025, with the streaming giant dropping the bombshell update on X. The Blast covered the story, reporting that the organization had framed the takeover as an opportunity to expand its creative universe.

According to the streaming platform, its merger with WBD would allow it to offer more value for viewers “by uniting Netflix’s member experience and global reach with Warner Bros.’ renowned franchises and extensive library.” Netflix co-CEO Ted Sarandos echoed similar sentiments in a statement.

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Sarandos claimed the acquisition would help Netflix accelerate its longtime mission of entertaining the world and connecting people through great stories. His partner, Greg Peters, agreed, noting that the acquisition would help improve their offer to consumers and accelerate their business’s growth.

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Universal boss says 'we'll find a way' to bring Meryl Streep back for “Mamma Mia 3”

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Though Streep’s character died between the first and second films, the actress has said she’s “up for anything” where “Mamma Mia 3” is concerned.

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“Botched” patient Jordan James Parke dies at 34 after possible cosmetic procedure, arrests made

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Parke called himself the “Lip King.”

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Taylor Frankie Paul Shares She’s ‘Struggling’ With Mental Health

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Taylor Frankie Paul

The new “Bachelorette” star recently shared some personal news on social media that she has been “struggling” with her mental health.

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Taylor Frankie Paul Shares Recent Mental Health Struggles On Social Media

Taking to Instagram, Taylor Frankie Paul posted a series of photos documenting her recent struggles with mental health, including a cluttered home, screenshots of texts of her checking in on friends, and a main image of her smiling through tears.

She coupled the photo dump with a lengthy caption detailing her struggles with mental health, despite how things may appear on the surface.

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“I guess an upside of struggling mentally is you start to sense and see the signs of others feeling the same,” Paul’s caption began. “We’re out here just checking in on each other when we can, and when we don’t respond, it’s not taken personally because we get it.”

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“Just be mindful that sometimes that person checking in is the one needing help… and that one took me time to learn,” the reality star continued. “I sometimes ask myself what’s the point of all this sharing this sh—t and I tell myself it may be as simple as making someone feel less alone and if it helps just a few people than it’s worth it.”

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Paul’s Announcement As The New Star Of ‘The Bachelorette’ Was Met With Mixed Reactions

Taylor Frankie Paul
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On March 22, Taylor Frankie Paul will make her debut on the 22nd season of the long-running ABC reality dating series and will make history as the first non-‘Bachelor’ alumna to lead the franchise.

“She has three kids and two baby daddies,” Behar said shortly after Paul’s casting announcement. “Will these bachelors line up to be baby daddy number three?”

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The Reality TV Star Previously Shared Her Thoughts On The Reaction To Her Casting

'Soft Swinger' Taylor Frankie Paul Arrested In Front On Her Children
Instagram |Taylor Frankie Paul

In a November 2025 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Paul noted the mixed reaction from the show’s fans, but shared that she was still up for the challenge.

“I have our audience and fan base that are so supportive [from] ‘Secret Lives.’ I didn’t know the extent of Bachelor Nation, I’ll say. And their audience, they’re [a] diehard fan base,” she said. “I didn’t really know, because I’m not really into reality TV. Obviously, some people were like, ‘Ah, why did she get it?’ Or [they were] super excited. So definitely a mixture of what I saw.”

Paul told the outlet that she hopes that diehard fans of “The Bachelorette” will at least give her a chance before they count her out.

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“I feel like it’s very fair to see some things and be like, ‘Oh, not a fan,’ if you’re looking at just very few things. What I will say is maybe tune in to make sure you’re really getting a read on who and how I am,” she said. Because if [you’ve] not really seen anything [I’m in], then you maybe only know my news headlines, which maybe aren’t the prettiest ones.”

“I feel like if you were to ever watch me, hear my story, I think I come off a little bit differently than people would just assume,” Paul continued. “I think maybe just give me a shot and see, and then at the end, if you’re still like, ‘Nah,’ then that’s up to them. But until then, I would just maybe give me a shot at just seeing who I am, really. That would be my only ask.”

‘The Secret Lives Of Mormon Wives’ Is Gearing Up For Season 4

The ladies of #MomTok are officially returning for a fourth season, as the new season was announced on February 18, a little over a month before Taylor Frankie Paul makes her “Bachelorette” debut.

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Per Variety, the entire cast will return for the new season, but cast member Demi Engemann has been removed from the season’s cast photo and key art images, given her fallout with the majority of the cast.

“The stakes for #MomTok are at an all-time high as their sisterhood faces the forces of their expanding fame,” the season’s description reads, per the outlet.

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Jennifer Lopez Enjoys 18th Birthday Celebration Outing With Her Twins

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Jennifer Lopez attends the 2025 American Music Awards

Jennifer Lopez marked a major milestone, celebrating her twins Emme and Max’s 18th birthday with an intimate lunch at San Vicente Bungalows.

The singer and actress honored the occasion with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, reflecting on their birth and the unbreakable bond they share.

As the twins step into adulthood, Jennifer Lopez has opened up about motherhood, presence, and preparing for the next chapter as her “wonder twins” begin their journey forward.

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Jennifer Lopez Marks Twins’ 18th Birthday With An Intimate Celebration At San Vicente Bungalows

Jennifer Lopez attends the 2025 American Music Awards
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Jennifer Lopez marked a major milestone this weekend, celebrating her twins’ 18th birthday with a special lunch at San Vicente Bungalows, the ultra-private members club in West Hollywood.

The singer and actress, 56, looked radiant as she arrived with Emme and Max in a classic Ford Bronco. Lopez chose a pink satin lace dress, layered under a textured white coat, and finished the look with embellished heels and sleek, straight hair.

The birthday duo kept things relaxed, Emme in loose-fitting jeans and a camouflage hat, and Max in a striped shirt, sweatpants, and a cap.

Lopez, who shares her twins with ex-husband Marc Anthony, also honored the occasion with an emotional Instagram tribute describing them as “kind-hearted, generous, and loving.”

See images from their birthday outing here.

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The Actress Shared A Video Montage Of Her Children

Lopez posted a heartfelt video montage filled with moments from their lives, from newborn days and childhood memories to recent family outings.

In her caption, Lopez recalled the snowy New York night they were born, describing it as magical and life-changing.

She wrote about feeling as though she was holding “two angels sent straight from heaven above,” saying motherhood transformed her forever.

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Reflecting on their 18th birthday, she expressed disbelief at how quickly time had passed and praised her children for their kindness and loving nature.

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Jennifer Lopez Calls Her Twins ‘Coconuts,’ Promises Their Bond Will Stay Strong As College Plans Begin

Jennifer Lopez
Instagram | Jennifer Lopez

Affectionately calling them her “coconuts,” Lopez spoke about the tight bond they’ve shared over the years.

She promised that no matter how grown they become, their connection will remain strong, writing: “We have been on this journey together. We have always had each other to hold on to and be that steady presence in the middle of any snowstorm. And I promise you…no matter how big you get, that’s how it will always be.”

She ended the tribute with personal messages to each twin, celebrating them as her “wonder twins.”

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The milestone comes as Lopez has previously acknowledged their transition into adulthood. During an appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark” last October, she revealed they had begun touring colleges, admitting the prospect of an empty nest felt surreal.

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Still, she emphasized that creating a warm, welcoming home has always been her priority.

“Always making a home that they want to come back to… that was the goal for me since they were born,” she explained. “When I go home, it feels good. It smells like home, it tastes like home.”

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The Actress Reflects On An Emotional Moment Her Twins Asked Her To Be More Present During COVID

Jennifer Lopez at 81st Annual Golden Globe Awards
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Emme and Max occasionally step into the spotlight alongside their mother, Lopez. Most recently, they joined her onstage on New Year’s Eve during her Las Vegas residency.

In October, the twins also appeared with Lopez at the New York City premiere of her film “Kiss of the Spider Woman,” posing together on the red carpet.

Lopez smiled proudly as she stood between them. Emme wore a red velvet blazer paired with a black satin shirt and trousers, while Max chose a multicolored jacket layered over a burgundy sweater with khaki slacks.

Later that month, Lopez shared a more personal reflection during an appearance on “The Howard Stern Show.” She revealed that during the COVID-19 pandemic, when she was home more consistently, her children opened up about wanting her to be more present.

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“They spoke to me, [and] they’re like, ‘You’re not a regular mom. You’re not here every day. You don’t drop us off and pick us up like the other [moms],’” Lopez recalled, explaining that they were around 10 years old at the time.

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10 Greatest Sci-Fi Shows That Are Only 5 Seasons

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Scott Bakula in Quantum Leap sitting and looking at the camera.

For sci-fi fans looking for a quick binge-watch session, there are plenty of excellent shows with less than five seasons. And for those looking for a longer commitment to enjoy over the course of several months, there are also many with more than five. But when it comes to science fiction, for some inexplicable reason, five seasons—the exact number of seasons that several of the genre’s best TV series have—seem to be the sweet spot.

From campy classics, like Quantum Leap, to shows which aired their final season far more recently, like Stranger Things, the number of legendary sci-fi shows with exactly five seasons is too large to be considered a pure coincidence. Not so short that they can be watched in a single sitting, but also not so long that watching the pilot feels like a huge commitment, they’re right in the delightful middle ground.

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1

‘Quantum Leap’ (1989–1993)

Scott Bakula in Quantum Leap sitting and looking at the camera.
Scott Bakula quantum leap social
Image via NBC

There are plenty of cheesy ’80s sci-fi shows that somehow still hold up, and Quantum Leap is easily one of the most iconic. Starring the always-incredible Scott Bakula and Dean Stockwell, this cult classic combined sci-fi with humor, romance, and social commentary masterfully throughout its entire run, delivering a timeless experience that’s aged like fine wine.

It’s the kind of brilliant sci-fi series that kept coming up with inventive ways of refreshing itself, which made its five-season run consistently exciting—and ensured that it went out with a bang instead of fizzling out like many shows of its kind often do. Well-acted, nostalgic, and often surprisingly dramatic for a series that so often has pretty silly premises, it may not be perfect, but it sure provides a good time.

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2

‘Orphan Black’ (2013–2017)

Tatiana Maslany as clone Cosima standing alone in the episode Ruthless in Purpose and Insidious in Method from Orphan Black
Tatiana Maslany as clone Cosima standing alone in the episode Ruthless in Purpose and Insidious in Method from Orphan Black
Image via BBC America

Bolstered by Tatiana Maslany‘s masterful star-making performance as several characters, Orphan Black is one of the greatest Canadian TV shows ever made, let alone Canadian sci-fi shows. It’s not just the quality of its lead performance: This is one of those rare sci-fi shows that are perfect from start to finish, the kind that only kept getting better with each passing season.

For people who love clone and doppelgänger science fiction, Orphan Black is a must-see. It’s a wild ride full of pulsating suspense, layered character work, and thought-provoking themes and commentary on the moral and ethical implications of human cloning. It’s a deeply complex show that never lets its innovative premise run out of steam, and by the time it came to an end, it had already solidified itself as one of the highest-quality sci-fi shows of the 2010s.

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3

‘Spider-Man: The Animated Series’ (1994–1998)

Spider-Man in 'Spider-Man: The Animated Series'
Spider-Man in ‘Spider-Man: The Animated Series’
Image via Fox Kids Network

The very first Spider-Man animated TV series started airing in 1967, and since then, the Wall-Crawler has become one of the most familiar faces in the realm of animated superhero fare on the small screen. It wasn’t until 1994, however, that audiences were exposed to just how great Spidey shows could truly be, all thanks to Spider-Man: The Animated Series.

It’s the second highest-rated Spidey show on IMDb, and it isn’t hard to see why. The animation is vibrant and has aged well, the rogues gallery that Spider-Man faces throughout the show’s run was top-tier, and the several story arcs that each season contained were always an entertaining delight. It truly feels like a comic book run pasted on the small screen in all the right ways.

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4

‘X-Men: The Animated Series’ (1992–1997)

Poster for X-Men: The Animated Series
Poster for X-Men: The Animated Series
Image via Fox Kids Network

It was X-Men: The Animated Series which proved in 1992 just how great Marvel cartoons could really be. To this day, it’s still widely regarded as one of the most perfect superhero shows ever made, and it’s the whole reason many people fell in love with the X-Men from childhood. It’s not just nostalgia: This is children’s television at its very best.

The show is perfectly episodic while still feeling like a larger adventure overall, supported by some excellent visuals and voice acting. Sure, it may look and feel a bit dated here and there, but that only adds to its charm the vast majority of the time. All in all, it’s still the best possible introduction to superheroes for kids, and just as engrossing of a show for grown-ups who love Marvel.

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5

‘Fringe’ (2008–2013)

Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, and Broyles standing behind a pointing Walter Bishop in Fringe.
Olivia Dunham, Peter Bishop, and Broyles standing behind a pointing Walter Bishop in Fringe.
Image via FOX

Before Lost had come to a close, J. J. Abrams jumped to co-create another sci-fi series: Fringe. Whereas many people think that Lost was a series that started out amazing and then got weaker as it went on, the opposite seems to be the case with Fringe. Following a more episodic, less coherent first season, the show only kept getting better and better as it went on.

It’s one of the most criminally forgotten sci-fi shows of the 2000s and 2010s, an X-Files-inspired gem that never overstayed its welcome. With its dense mythology, mind-bending plots and twists, strong character arcs, and resounding final season, it’s one of the most entertaining network science fiction series of the 21st century.

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6

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–2025)

What started out as just a cozy, nostalgic, mysterious sci-fi series that paid homage to the movies and pop culture of the ’80s soon became one of the biggest media juggernauts at Netflix’s disposal: Stranger Things. There’s no denying that the final season left most fans pretty disappointed, but there would also be no point in denying that this was one of the most pop-culture-defining sci-fi shows of the 2010s and 2020s.

That’s why this is one of those sci-fi series that shouldn’t be remade, underwhelming fifth season notwithstanding. The technical aspects are nigh-faultless, the performances are mostly phenomenal, and the overarching story is as engaging as it is mysterious. Wearing its influences out on its sleeve, Stranger Things proved that the streaming giant could do some fantastic stuff with the sci-fi genre.

7

‘Person of Interest’ (2011–2016)

Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel standing next to each other outside in Person of Interest.
Michael Emerson and Jim Caviezel standing next to each other in Person of Interest.
Image via CBS
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Yet another piece of evidence that network sci-fi television can be absolutely exceptional when placed in the hands of the right team, Person of Interest is far and away one of the best genre shows of the 2010s. Touching on themes of technology and surveillance that feel even more timely today than they did back then, it’s essential viewing for sci-fi fans even now, a decade after its conclusion.

The series remained amazing throughout its entire run, but it’s its fifth and final season in particular—one of the highest-rated seasons of television on IMDb—that really seals the deal: This is one of the best sci-fi shows of the 21st century thus far. Deep, mysterious, and as emotionally engaging as it is thought-provoking, it’s everything that science fiction should aim to be.

8

‘Samurai Jack’ (2001–2017)

Samurai Jack fighting Aku
Samurai Jack fighting Aku
Image via Cartoon Network
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Genndy Tartakovsky‘s magnum opus, Samurai Jack, may not be overt science fiction as often as many of its peers, but it’s nevertheless one of the greatest time travel series ever made—animated or otherwise. Full of striking visuals, adrenaline-pumping samurai action, and the kind of enthralling world-building that Tartakovsky is such an expert at, it’s one of the best animated series of the century so far.

The show was originally canceled after only four short-lived seasons, having left its story without a conclusion. 13 years later, however, Tartakovsky came out with a darker, more mature fifth and final season that enshrined this as one of the best five-season sci-fi shows ever. It’s the kind of animated show that everyone should watch at least once in their lives.

9

‘Babylon 5’ (1993–1998)

The cast of Babylon 5
The cast of Babylon 5
Image via PTEN
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It wasn’t just science fiction: American network television as a whole had a “before Babylon 5” era and an “after Babylon 5” era. In a way practically unprecedented for American broadcast television at the time of its airing, the series was designed as a “novel for television,” where each pre-planned season would contain episodes envisioned as “chapters.” This kind of serialized science fiction storytelling had practically never been seen before on American network television, and the genre hasn’t been the same since.

Sure, as a ’90s sci-fi series with a relatively low budget, Babylon 5 looks, sounds, and feels a little dated in certain spots; but this is nevertheless one of those low-budget sci-fi shows better than their big-budget counterparts. The writing is top-notch, the visuals have a timeless charm to them, and the story arc of each season is just as enthralling as the last and the next.

10

‘The Twilight Zone’ (1959–1964)

Rod Serling delivers opening narration from the top of the cylinder in The Twilight Zone episode "Five Characters in Search of an Exit."
Rod Serling delivers opening narration from the top of the cylinder in The Twilight Zone episode “Five Characters in Search of an Exit.”
Image via CBS
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Saying that The Twilight Zone is one of the most groundbreaking sci-fi shows ever made, and probably the most influential, is such a truism that it goes without saying. Rod Serling‘s creation is a masterclass in how to make a sci-fi anthology series, a show so phenomenal that it contains several of the greatest sci-fi anthology episodes of any show in history.

Inventive, fresh, and sometimes eerily prophetic, The Twilight Zone is just as fun and thought-provoking today as it was back during the ’50s and ’60s. Not all of its episodes hit, as can be expected of any anthology show; but the ones that do are absolutely unforgettable, with some of the coolest production values and writing of any show the genre has ever seen. Five seasons were all that was needed to make this a generation-defining masterpiece.


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The Twilight Zone

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Release Date

1959 – 1964

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Directors

John Brahm, Buzz Kulik, Douglas Heyes, Lamont Johnson, Richard L. Bare, James Sheldon, Richard Donner, Don Medford, Montgomery Pittman, Abner Biberman, Alan Crosland, Jr., Alvin Ganzer, Elliot Silverstein, Jack Smight, Joseph M. Newman, Ted Post, William Claxton, Jus Addiss, Mitchell Leisen, Perry Lafferty, Robert Florey, Robert Parrish, Ron Winston, Stuart Rosenberg

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Sophie Rain Slams Bonnie Blue Pregnancy Buzz

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Sophie Rain mirror selfie

Sophie Rain is not staying silent as Bonnie Blue’s pregnancy announcement fuels a storm across social media.

The OnlyFans star responded directly to the viral moment, challenging the idea that extreme publicity is necessary for financial success.

As reactions intensify, Rain’s blunt remarks have shifted the spotlight from shock value to strategy.

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Sophie Rain Speaks Out On Bonnie Blue Headlines

The online buzz began after Bonnie Blue revealed she is pregnant, a development that quickly dominated timelines.

In response to a post on X discussing the pregnancy claims, Sophie Rain shared her candid thoughts.

She wrote, “I really want to just have a talk with her and tell her she doesn’t have to do all this to make money. So saddening.”

Her reaction set the tone for a broader conversation. While many followers debated the authenticity and timing of Blue’s announcement, Sophie Rain focused on what she sees as a pattern in influencer culture.

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Instead of applause for boldness, she expressed concern about the lengths some creators go to for attention.

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Sophie Rain Defends Her Business Model

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X | Sophie Rain

In comments to The Blast, Rain elaborated on her philosophy.

She contrasted her own approach with what she perceives as headline chasing.

Rain said, “Look, I’m a virgin, and I pull in about four times the money without pulling a stunt like this. The math is not hard.”

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She emphasized that sustainability outweighs spectacle, noting, “Shock value pays once. Trust pays every month. I’m still out earning people who treat their life like a press release.”

Continuing her argument, she added, “People act like you have to light yourself on fire to go viral. You don’t. I’m doing great numbers by keeping my standards and staying consistent.”

For Sophie Rain, the conversation is about branding as much as it is about morality. She framed her success as evidence that boundaries can be profitable.

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Sophie Rain Says Stability Beats Shock

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Instagram | Sophie Rain

As debate intensified, Rain reinforced her message. She said, “I built a business, not a circus. I’m a virgin, and I’m still making four times the money without turning my body into a headline.”

She pointed to the difference between internet virality and long-term brand partnerships.

“The internet loves extremes. Brands love stability. I show up, I do the work, and I make four times the money without the chaos,” she noted.

Despite her critique, Sophie Rain also acknowledged the harsh tone of online commentary directed at Blue.

She said, “Bonnie’s getting dragged like she’s a character, not a person. Meanwhile, the same people cheering the pile-on pretend they ‘care.’ Pick a lane.”

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She concluded her remarks with a succinct statement of principle, “You can make serious money with boundaries. I’m living proof. Virgin. Four times the money. No stunt.”

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Bonnie Blue Shares Pregnancy Details

Bonnie Blue addressed her pregnancy directly in a YouTube video, describing symptoms that prompted her to take a test.

“I’ve been being sick, a headache, and when I say headache I mean like mega migraine,” she said. “Foods have been making me feel sick, but then also some foods I’m wanting to eat instantly else I will be sick.”

Admitting she was “a little bit nervous,” Blue documented the process. After taking a home pregnancy test, she returned to the camera to reveal the result.

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“That is a pretty… It’s like half pink, half white. Kind of looks like a drumstick, actually. Yeah, definitely pregnant. Like fully pregnant,” she said.

She later confirmed the news with a scan, explaining that an ultrasound technician verified the pregnancy.

During the appointment, she reacted emotionally, asking, “Oh, is that the baby?” before adding, “That’s actually crazy.”

Her transparency fueled both support and skepticism, as viewers dissected every detail, with many noting that it was a publicity stunt and not real.

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Controversy Surrounding Bonnie Blue Intensifies

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Instagram | Bonnie Blue

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Home Improvement’s Zachery Ty Bryan Sentenced to 16 Months in Jail for DUI

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Home Improvement alum Zachery Ty Bryan has been sentenced to jail time following a 2024 DUI arrest.

Bryan, 44, was re-arraigned on Monday, February 23, after previously striking a plea deal with prosecutors, according to TMZ. The former child actor pleaded guilty to driving under the influence and admitted to an enhancement for driving with a BAC of 0.15 percent or higher, nearly double the legal limit.

Per the outlet, Bryan was denied probation and sentenced to 16 months in county jail with credit for 57 days served.

Bryan, who costarred alongside Tim Allen on Home Improvement for eight seasons from 1991 to 1999, has faced a long history of legal issues. In October 2020, he was arrested after an argument with girlfriend Johnnie Faye Cartwright and was later charged for felony strangulation, fourth-degree assault and interfering with making a police report. He ultimately agreed to a plea deal, pleading guilty to menacing and fourth-degree assault. He received seven days in jail and 36 months of probation.

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Bryan later claimed the incident was “blown out of proportion.”

“We got really loud. We were screaming and because we were in a townhome that had [thin walls], everybody could hear,” Bryan told The Hollywood Reporter in June 2023, alleging that he and Cartwright, whom he remained in a relationship with at the time, didn’t “even really get that physical” prior to his arrest. “At the end of the day, [the police] throw a bunch of counts at you because they ultimately want you to plead to something. I could’ve fought it — but that’s more stress and drama.”

Three years after his first felony, The Hollywood Reporter accused Bryan of running a fraudulent agriculture-technology startup scheme, claiming the actor allegedly took individual payments ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 in exchange for fake contracts. Bryan denied the allegations.

In 2023, Bryan was arrested and charged with fourth-degree felony assault, third-degree robbery and misdemeanor harassment following an alleged physical domestic dispute with a woman, for which he served 36 months of supervised probation and seven days in jail. The following year, he was arrested in February and October, both times on DUI charges.

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Us Weekly confirmed in January 2025 that Bryan had been arrested for second-degree domestic violence in South Carolina after police responded to a domestic issue. He was arrested again 10 months later in Oregon after violating his probation from his previous domestic violence conviction. Cartwright was also arrested and charged with a DUI and three counts of reckless endangering and attempted first-degree assault.

According to authorities, Bryan and Cartwright’s three children were with them when the incident took place.

“Deputies learned Zachery Ty Bryan, 44, of Eugene, was in a pickup truck with Johnnie Faye Cartwright, 32, of Eugene, and their three small children. They were driving together in the area,” Lane County Sheriff’s Office confirmed at the time, noting that “Cartwright then attempted to run over Bryan, crashing the truck with the children inside into the ditch. … Bryan was able to move out of the way and avoid injury. No one inside the pickup was injured.”

Zachery Ty Bryans Ex Fiancee Sentenced After Trying to Run Over Home Improvement Star


Related: Zachery Ty Bryan’s Ex-Fiancee Sentenced, Pleads Guilty to DUI

Zachery Ty Bryan’s ex-fiancée, Johnnie Cartwright, has been sentenced after being accused of trying to run over the Home Improvement actor with her truck in November. Cartwright pleaded guilty to DUI and reckless driving, both misdemeanors, in an Oregon courtroom on Wednesday, January 14, according to hearing audio exclusively obtained by Us Weekly. The additional […]

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Cartwright, who pleaded guilty to a DUI and reckless driving, was sentenced to 24 months of probation for each respective plea and ordered to pay a $1,500 fine and a $255 DUI conviction fee. Her license was also suspended for one year and she was ordered to comply with the ignition interlock device requirement once she’s back behind the wheel. She cannot possess or consume alcohol, nor can she visit any place where booze is the main product kept or sold, per documents obtained by Us.

During the hearing, Cartwright’s attorney referred to Bryan as Cartwright’s “ex-partner,” detailing the pair’s “tumultuous” relationship.

“He had been convicted of domestic violence and is pending a revocation of his downward departure for contacting Ms. Cartwright at the time of this incident. She was told by him that his probation had been completed and that he was able to have contact with her,” the lawyer stated in court. “In my discussions with her, I let her know that that was indeed not the case. They have a tumultuous relationship. It’s the best way to summarize it. They do share three small children, and she depends on him financially quite a bit.

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Products to Kick Off Spring Cleaning

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Prime Video’s Chilling 8-Part Series Is the Perfect Weekend Binge for Mystery Fans

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In a post-Tell Me Lies world, every relationship should be analyzed for red flags. The same month that the high-anxiety relationship drama ended on Hulu, Prime Video released its own take on the subject. In February, an adaptation of Catherine Ryan Howard’s book, 56 Days, hit the platform. Though the series veers quite substantially from the source material, the heart of the story is still there.

56 Days follows two people who embark on a romance after a chance meeting in a grocery store. Oliver (Avan Jogia) comes from generational wealth while also working at an architecture firm in Boston. Ciara (Dove Cameron), who is new to town, has a working-class background, but the two hit it off immediately after connecting on the subject of outer space. They rush into a sexual relationship, ignoring all the questions they have about each other. Oliver immediately seems suspicious as he takes intense private phone calls that hint at a dark, ulterior motive. Ciara, however, isn’t as innocent as she seems, and eventually it becomes clear that Oliver isn’t the only one harboring secrets.

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‘56 Days’ Delivers All the Twists in Its Limited Run

56 Days’ addictive romance is only one part of this compelling thriller. The 56 days in question measure the time that Oliver and Ciara are together before a horrific crime rocks the apartment that they share. Flashforwards show that only a couple of months after the lovers get together, a body is discovered in the apartment. Authorities are shocked to find a partially dissolved body in the bathtub, and work to piece together the timeline that brought the characters to this point.

The flashbacks offer further tension as fans form their own conclusions about the identity of the body in the bathtub. As Ciara and Oliver’s relationship heats up, signs point to one of them being the victim. That being said, 56 Days offers many surprises to keep viewers engaged over the course of eight episodes.

The best part of the series is the increasing feeling of dread as Oliver and Ciara’s relationship progresses. It soon becomes clear that their first meeting was not by chance at all, but something else, darker and more nefarious. It almost becomes a cat-and-mouse game of who can be the most unsettling in this fast-paced relationship. Within minutes of meeting each other, Oliver offers to take Ciara out on a date that escalates quickly. He seemingly lies about their plans and then leads her into a dark alley. Though he does nothing to harm her, this is exceedingly worrying behavior, and Ciara somehow doesn’t seem concerned by it.

Somehow, the audience is encouraged to ignore these warning signs as well and fall under the spell of the narrative. Avan Jogia is captivating as Oliver, who is equal parts charming and disturbing. Jogia walks the line between these two traits well, leaving no question as to what attracts Ciara to Oliver in the first place. His dark allure becomes erratic at times, but ultimately, the vulnerability of the character shines through. This allows fans to suspend their disbelief when it comes to some of the more dramatic portions of the story.

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Oliver and Ciara quickly consummate their physical relationship, which leads them to become even more codependent. There is a reason their fast-paced relationship leads to death, but that reason doesn’t become clear until the very end. 56 Days is the type of thriller that is easy to consume and leaves viewers guessing until the last possible moment.


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Release Date
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2026 – 2026-00-00

Network

Prime Video

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Directors

Alethea Jones

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Writers

Lisa Zwerling, Karyn Usher, Catherine Ryan Howard

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