Tiger Woods is reportedly balancing multiple personal challenges as he supports his partner, Vanessa Trump, through her breast cancer treatment while facing his legal issues.

Sources claim the golf legend has remained by Vanessa’s side since her diagnosis became public, with both staying optimistic as she progresses through treatment.

At the same time, Tiger Woods is said to be nearing the end of a rehabilitation program aimed at addressing long-term health and physical issues, as questions remain about his career.

According to People Magazine, Woods is focusing much of his attention on supporting his partner, Vanessa Trump, as she continues her breast cancer treatment, even as he manages his own personal recovery and legal matters.

Sources say the 50-year-old golfer has been consistently present since Vanessa made her diagnosis public on May 20.

Those close to the situation describe him as deeply supportive, noting that he has been prioritizing her well-being. At the same time, she navigates treatment following surgery and prepares for the next stage of care.

“Vanessa’s needs and issues have taken Tiger’s thoughts outside of his own legal, medical, and personal struggles, which has been good for him,” an insider told the publication. “He has given her a lot of love — even while away working on himself. It shows he has character.”

The Couple Is Optimistic About Vanessa Trump’s Recovery

Vanessa, 48, recently shared that she is recovering post-surgery and has already moved into the next phase of treatment, describing the process as challenging but something she is approaching with strength and optimism.

As reported by People, insiders close to the situation say the pair are staying optimistic about Vanessa’s recovery, relying heavily on medical care and the support of family as her treatment progresses.

Those familiar with her condition describe her as understandably “anxious but strong,” yet still determined to get through the process with resilience.

“Like anyone diagnosed with this disease, she is anxious but also strong and eager to move beyond,” an insider noted. “She is loved and receiving a great deal of support … With all of the advanced treatments and excellent healthcare facilities around her, Vanessa will continue to receive top-notch care.”

Tiger Woods And Vanessa Trump Focus On Healing And Stability Amid Ongoing Challenges

Woods has been dealing with his own health and legal situation, including a rehabilitation program abroad in Switzerland following a car accident and a DUI-related case, to which he has pleaded not guilty.

Reports indicate he completed several weeks of treatment before returning to the United States, where he has been spending time supporting Vanessa.

Woods and Vanessa reportedly made their relationship public in March 2025. Vanessa has five children from her previous marriage to Donald Trump Jr., while Woods has two children from his former marriage to Elin Nordegren.

With their relationship being hit with different challenges at once, the couple is said to be focused on recovery while being there for each other.

Tiger Woods Nears End Of Rehab Program As Golf Comeback Plans Take Shape

On Woods’ side, sources also continue to reference his recent time in a rehabilitation program, which they say was part of addressing personal health and physical challenges as he looks to extend his golf career.

One insider explained to People that he “needed to get a handle on the pain and injuries and other issues a 50-year-old has playing the game.” They added: “There are plenty of opportunities for him once he is ready to tackle it again.”

According to those familiar with the plan, the program was expected to last around three months, and he is said to be nearing completion.

Despite recent setbacks, sources describe the pro golfer as “resilient and doing pretty well,” with one golf insider adding that he still has opportunities ahead in the sport, though his return may look different from earlier stages of his career.

The Golf Legend Shares Heartfelt Memorial Day Message Honoring His Father’s Military Service

Meanwhile, Woods returned to social media with his first public message in almost two months, marking Memorial Day with a tribute to fallen service members and a personal note about his late father.

Posting on X, Woods used the occasion to honor those who died in military service, while also highlighting his father’s background in the U.S. Army.

He referenced Earl Woods, who served in the U.S. Army Special Forces and completed two tours during the Vietnam War, noting his decades of service and the sacrifices made by soldiers like him.

“My father was a Special Forces operator with two tours in Vietnam and 20 years of service,” he wrote. “To all those like my father, we all say thank you for your sacrifices. Without them we wouldn’t have the greatest country on Earth.”

Earl Woods, who passed away in 2006 at the age of 74, was frequently acknowledged by Tiger for his influence both in his life and career.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 7 seconds ago

Lately, Marvel fans are feeling something they haven’t felt in a good, long time: hope. It’s been a rough half-decade or so as MCU films went from being boring (Eternals) to bizarre (Quantumania) to, shockingly, unprofitable (The Marvels). Meanwhile, Marvel TV gave us shows that went from ambitiously weird (Moon Knight) to weirdly controversial (She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) to downright bad (Secret Invasion). As time went on, even the franchise’s biggest fans began to wonder if we’d get anything that could possibly match the glory days of Marvel.

However, late last year, the studio began releasing teaser trailers for Avengers: Doomsday, which (thanks especially to the trailer with Professor X, Magneto, and Cyclops) reignited Marvel hype for countless fans. This year, Daredevil: Born Again matched the quality of its breakout first season, and the early trailers have made it clear that Spider-Man: Brand New Day will be the hit film of the summer. With Avengers: Doomsday coming out on December 18, fans have plenty of awesome things coming out later this year. But would you believe that in just two weeks, a Marvel TV show with a perfect Rotten Tomatoes score is coming out? 

That show is X-Men ‘97, Season 2, which will be slicing its way onto Disney+ on July 1.

A Perfect Season Of Superhero Television

X-Men ‘97 Season 2 focuses primarily on the fight against Apocalypse, a villain who believes in nothing more than survival of the fittest. In his world, perfection is achieved by culling the weak. While things are a little less cutthroat in the real-world, X-Men ‘97 has still achieved perfection in its own right. On the movie review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Season 2 currently has a critical score of 100 percent. That’s good news for fans wondering if the show’s sophomore season would be nearly as good as the spectacular Season 1.

Based on the critics’ reviews, it sounds like X-Men ‘97 is going to be even better than we’d hoped. According to Empire Magazine’s Amon Warmann, “X-Men ’97’s second season continues to build on the mutants’ rich history in fresh, exciting and unpredictable ways. The years-long wait for its return was worth it.” Polygon’s Jake Kleinman agrees, writing that this season “is just as good, if not better, than anything I’ve seen before.” Additionally, IGN Movies’ Jesse Schedeen said that, “The series continues to be both a love letter to a particular era of the X-Men franchise and a source of deep, enjoyable character drama that can appeal to Marvel fans of all stripes.”

There’s Just One Big “But”

Now, there is a big but here, and I’m not talking about the one on Rogue. X-Men ‘97 Season 2 currently has a perfect Rotten Tomatoes rating, but the critics have only seen the first four episodes. Additionally, the show is universally beloved on Rotten Tomatoes, but there are (as of this writing) only 17 reviews. Is it possible the show will botch the landing, or that other reviewers will dislike the series and lower its score? Sure. But based on the show’s strong start and the extreme praise of these early reviewers, it looks like X-Men ‘97’s second season will be another one for the ages.

Like an Age of the Apocalypse? Nah. They gotta save that for Season 3!

“Summer House” star Jesse Solomon isn’t pleased with his Bravo peer, West Wilson, and how his actions have impacted their show. In a new interview, the “Guess I’ll Start” singer opened up about his relationship with Wilson today, following the program’s three-part reunion, and also broke his silence on casting rumors.

Speaking with Vulture, Solomon, who joined the show in 2024, got candid about his friendship with Wilson following the latter’s newly established relationship with Amanda Batula. For those who may be unfamiliar, Wilson and Batula made headlines in March 2026 when they announced their romance after weeks of speculation.

During the three-part reunion, Solomon broke down in tears over Wilson’s actions, noting how sad he was that he had hurt a majority of his co-stars, including Ciara Miller, Wilson’s ex and Batula’s former best friend. When asked whether he could see himself rebuilding a friendship with Wilson, Solomon admitted that he was unsure.

“I don’t know,” he said. “I’m a really slow decision-maker, one of my Achilles heels. In this case, I think it’s fair to need some time. West needs to learn how to treat people, in particular women, because he treats other people in his life — friends and family — really well.”

Solomon Not ‘Happy’ West Wilson Appeared To Have Fractured ‘Summer House’ Cast

Wilson has been in the hot seat on “Summer House” before. During the season 8 reunion special, he faced criticism from fans and his co-stars over how he broke up with Miller. According to Solomon, Wilson must take steps to better himself or risk losing people he cares about.

“I think a change there is necessary. And then just apologizing for the things that actually hurt people. I know he’s full of regret with how this all went down, so I’m hoping he can learn and grow from it and be a better person and friend,” he said.

Elsewhere in the interview, Solomon said that the drama involving Wilson and Batula has only created more issues.

“It’s bad for the friend group long term. No part of me is happy that this happened. I would even say to West, when I was suspicious, ‘Dude, please, if any bit of this is true, stop and lock it up and figure your shit out.’ He sure didn’t,” Solomon said.

Solomon Reveals His Thoughts On ‘Summer House’ Casting Rumors

Regarding casting, Solomon told Vulture that while he’s spoken with some of his co-stars about next season’s casting, he doesn’t know for certain who will be part of the show. In fact, he’s trying to steer clear of those conversations.

“Yeah, I mean, we’re f-cking gossiping, but I’m not bringing it up all the time, because the people who are on the fringe of coming back — I don’t really want to ask,” he said. “I want people to tell me.”

He added, “When I arrive in the Hamptons, I will be ready to have some fun with whoever is there, and I hope all my friends are there, but it will work out exactly the way it’s supposed to.”

Wilson Was Fired From ‘Summer House’

Speaking of casting, Wilson won’t be part of season 11, according to a previous report from The Blast. Sources close to the show confirmed that Wilson wasn’t picked up; however, there’s a chance that he could make a cameo in later episodes.

His firing came days after he told his “Show Me Something” podcast listeners that he hoped they would skip a new episode to avoid discussing his scandal any further. His statement garnered a heated response from “Summer House” OG, Lindsay Hubbard, who called the Missouri native “trash,” per The Blast.

Solomon Is Focused On What He Can Control

The next season of “Summer House” will begin filming around the July 4th holiday, and the recent drama has Solomon a bit worried about the series’ future.

“Yeah, I find myself wondering, ‘What’s going to happen this summer? Will the show still be entertaining?’” he said. However, after thinking, Solomon said he was focused only on what he could control.

“It’s like, that’s not my job. My job is to show up and be myself, and hopefully that translates to an entertaining show. I’m not really worried about the ratings and popularity,” he said.

A new episode of “Summer House” airs tonight on Bravo at 8 p.m. ET.

By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 11 seconds ago

Here’s a question that you might get phasered for asking at a Star Trek convention: who do you think the most memorable character of The Original Series is? Many would say Spock, the alien who captivated audiences from the very beginning. Honestly, though, I think he’s more (as the character might say) “fascinating” than memorable. Others would say Captain Kirk, who effectively became the face of the franchise. It may be splitting hairs, but to me, that makes him more iconic than memorable. Personally, I think the most memorable TOS character is Dr. McCoy, who served as the irascible, emotional counterpart to Spock’s logic-loving Vulcan.

McCoy was great because he was always the ultimate audience surrogate. When Kirk and Spock would debate things in intellectual abstracts, the good doctor character would (with his southern drawl) bring everything back down to Earth. McCoy was so memorable, of course, because he was played to perfection by the late, great DeForest Kelley. He is so natural in this role that you might think he was Gene Roddenberry’s first choice for the role. As it turns out, he was! But Roddenberry lost fights with two different directors across two pilot episodes, which is why Kelley was actually the third man to play chief medical officer aboard the starship Enterprise. 

The Doctor Is In

When Gene Roddenberry created Star Trek, DeForest Kelley was his first choice to play the show’s doctor. He wanted to cast him in the show’s first pilot episode, “The Cage.” However, Roddenberry had less power back in those days, and he occasionally let director Robert Butler boss him around. At Butler’s suggestion, Roddenberry cast John Hoyt for the role of the doctor in the pilot episode. In a way, this worked out: NBC rejected the first Star Trek pilot but ordered another one, and the only cast member who returned for the second was Leonard Nimoy. Had DeForest Kelley gotten the role back then, he may very well have been recast later on.

Later, Gene Roddenberry was working on Trek’s second pilot episode, “Where No Man Has Gone Before.” He was still keen to have Kelley play the chief medical officer on the Enterprise, especially after the man starred in Police Story, one of Roddenberry’s failed pilots. Unfortunately, the past repeated itself: the director for the second pilot, James Goldstone, strong-armed Roddenberry into casting Paul Fix instead. NBC liked “Where No Man Has Gone Before” and greenlit the series; to this day, newcomers to Star Trek are baffled at Dr. McCoy’s absence from this episode.

His Memory Will Live On Forever

Finally getting the green light for his ambitious sci-fi show was obviously good news for Gene Roddenberry. Once NBC picked up his series, Roddenberry had a lot more control of just about everything, including casting. He was finally able to put DeForest Kelley into the show, and Dr. McCoy made his debut in “The Corbomite Maneuver.” Star Trek would come to define the veteran actor’s entire career, and he made the jump with the rest of The Original Series characters into feature films. Later, he appeared in the first episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation, effectively passing the franchise baton to an entirely new crew of intrepid space explorers.

The quality and intensity of Kelley’s performance in Star Trek left an indelible mark on pop culture. Many years later, Karl Urban did his best Kelley impression when playing Dr. McCoy in the Kelvinverse films. Now, Punisher actor Thomas Jane is about to play the feisty doctor on the final season of Strange New Worlds. Together, these actors have done more than carry on the legacy of sci-fi’s greatest franchise. They have also carried on the legacy of DeForest Kelley, a wonderfully talented performer and the most memorable actor in Star Trek history.

There’s a reason boutique tops always seem to look more flattering than basic tees. The best ones rely on thoughtful details — think 3/4 sleeves, soft draping, pretty embroidery and relaxed cuts that create shape without feeling restrictive. The result is an easy summer look that feels elevated from the moment you put it on.

If you’re looking for tops that happen to be especially forgiving through the upper-arm area, you’re in luck. These 17 boutique-looking finds float away from the body, skim past underarm bulge and look far pricier than their Amazon price tags suggest. Plus, most would never guess these styles start at just $11!

17 Boutique-Looking Summer Tops That Camouflage Underarm Bulge

1. Our Favorite: The 3/4 sleeves on this bestselling eyelet blouse hit at the most flattering spot on the arm. The lace detailing gives it that boutique-like look without the markup.

2. Viral Pick: The petal sleeves on this flowy V-neck top drape over the shoulder and arm instead of cutting in. At $9, it’s flying off Amazon shelves for a reason.

3. Boho Beauty: If fitted sleeves dig in at the worst spot, this loose boho top solves that. The 3/4 length covers the upper arm without trapping heat.

4. Free People-Style: Short sleeves that extend past the elbow are rare and worth seeking out. This khaki V-neck top delivers that exact length while giving off Free People vibes for $16.

5. Coastal Classic: Wear this striped tunic top with white capris on a harbor walk, and you’ll look like you’re summering in Nantucket. The longer cut covers everything.

Related: I Scroll Amazon All Day — These Under-$50 Matching Sets Are So Chic

By the time summer rolls around, I want my wardrobe to do as little work as possible. The last thing I want to do on a hot morning is piece together an outfit when it’s already 85 degrees outside. That’s exactly why matching sets become my unofficial summer uniform every year. I’ve spent more hours […]

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6. Sleeve Savior: The button-down design on this easy V-neck top means you control the neckline and how much you want to show. It also skims past the upper arm without any clinging.

7. Rich-Looking: A puff-sleeved button-down with floral embroidery? This luxe-looking blouse could pass for a boutique splurge, but it’s reasonably priced at $36.

8. Ravishing Ruffles: Ruffled hems at the sleeve and bottom add movement to this 3/4 crew neck. The flowy cut floats over the torso without grabbing.

9. Office-Ready: Put on this floral chiffon blouse with black trousers for a Monday meeting, and your outfit’s done. The bell sleeves look great at every angle, adding a dose of fun to your fit.

10. Everyday Staple: Some days, you just need a comfortable shirt that covers what needs covering. This striped V-neck top camouflages the upper arm and hits at the right length.

11. Effortlessly Chic: This chiffon V-neck blouse tucks into a midi skirt for a bridal shower or pairs with jeans for dinner out. The cut flatters every direction.

12. Easy Coverage: When fitted sleeves don’t work, a ruffled 3/4 sleeve top is the ultimate alternative. Not only is it fashionable, but it also creates soft volume away from the arm.

13. Flowy Find: The half sleeves and a V-neck on Zeagoo’s flowy boho blouse provide just enough arm coverage without overheating. The cut drapes instead of hugging too tightly.

14. Arm-Skimming: The 3/4 sleeves on this printed crew neck blouse hit at the most forgiving spot. Comfy fabric and a relaxed cut keep things easy.

15. Draped Dream: This floral babydoll blouse features a peplum silhouette, a tie front and 3/4 sleeves, covering the torso and arms. The cut is genuinely flattering and totally on trend for 2026.

16. Airy Coverage: The lightweight fabric on this floral V-neck tunic means actual arm coverage without the sweat. It’s essentially your favorite T-shirt, just with 3/4 sleeves and a stylish print you’ll be excited to wear.

17. Retro-Chic: A loose boho cut and 3/4 sleeves give this floral V-neck blouse vintage energy. We love the cool color scheme and the fact that the flowy fabric never clings.

Related: I Hate Tight Clothes — These 17 Loose Sundresses Slim Much Better

I love summer dresses in theory, but the second something starts clinging to my waist, hips or stomach, I’m out. When temperatures climb, I want pieces that feel airy, comfortable and easy to move around in. The good news is that some of the most flattering sundresses happen to be the loosest ones, too. Relaxed […]

Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo were eager to expand their family through IVF before calling it quits.

“It is one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to go through,” the “Dumb Blonde” podcast host, 46, said about her experience with in vitro fertilization (IVF) in a January interview with People, just four months before the country crooner, 41, filed for divorce after nearly 10 years of marriage.

“It’s been rough,” she added at the time. “I know that God has a plan and he’s going to make it work. I really do. I have no doubt in my mind.”

The couple met in 2015 and tied the knot in August 2016, splitting briefly in 2018 before renewing their vows in 2023.

Bunnie reflected on her past during the interview, further noting, “I genuinely think that having those abortions when I was younger, the journey that I’m going on now with IVF, God’s putting me through this again so that I can be a voice for those women who are going through this process.”

Bunnie wrote about having an abortion at 16 years old in addition to the two life-saving abortions she had to treat two ectopic pregnancies in her memoir, Stripped Down: Unfiltered and Unapologetic, which was released in February.

The TikTok star elaborated about her hopes to become a mother one day, revealing that she and Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason DeFord, were praying to welcome twins.

“Now that we’re finally stable financially and somewhat emotionally after all the healing we’ve done over this decade together, we’re talking about the future — including growing our family,” she penned in one chapter. “J and I have a surrogate, the sweetest woman ever, and soon I’ll be starting my IVF stims.”

IVF stims, also known as controlled ovarian stimulation, involves daily hormone injections with hopes of getting multiple mature eggs in one cycle instead of a single egg produced monthly.

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Bunnie and Jelly Roll appeared to be in a good place at the time as she shared, “I’ve waited this long to have kids with someone I knew would be a great father —­ and to be able to make sure they have the best life.” (The “Wild Ones” hitmaker is dad to Bailee Ann, 17, and Noah Buddy, 9, from previous relationships.)

It seems their relationship has since unraveled as Jelly Roll filed for divorce on May 18, per court docs obtained by Us Weekly, which listed the former couple’s date of separation as May 9.

They split due to “irreconcileable differences” as the “parties are unable to live together successfully as Husband and Wife.” In his filing, Jelly Roll proposed that the pair have “an equitable division of the parties’ assets” post-split.

Fantasy has always been a perfect avenue for imagination. Whether it’s an alternate twist on our real world or a realm defined by magic and heroic quests, nothing is impossible.

Thanks to that immersive draw, the genre also remains a lucrative one on the big screen and the small. Fantasy television, in particular, is currently enjoying a resurgence — but it’s always been a gold mine rife with impeccably satisfying tales.

11

‘A Discovery of Witches’ (2018–2022)

Image by Annamaria Ward

In a world where witches, vampires, and daemons secretly live among humans, Diana Bishop (Teresa Palmer) is a tenured professor at Oxford University and a witch who pursues science and history instead of spells. When her repressed magic subconsciously summons a long-lost manuscript from Oxford’s Bodleian Library, Diana finds herself caught in the crosshairs of deadly opportunists who covet the ancient document. Further complications arise when neither Diana nor Matthew Clairmont (Matthew Goode), a millennia-old vampire, can deny the bond growing between them.

Bad Wolf and Sky Studios adapt historian-turned-fiction author Deborah Harkness‘ All Souls trilogy (now an ongoing quintet) with aplomb. A Discovery of Witches strikes every escapist note with pitch-perfect poise, and it’s often more mature than it gets credit for. Harkness applies a biological lens to her supernatural worldbuilding, and her scholarly heroine evolves from rejecting her potential to commanding her power. Add on magnificent historical costumes, hand-constructed sets, and a forbidden romance (complete with Matthew’s ravenous gazing), and we have a romantasy winner.

10

‘Pushing Daisies’ (2007–2009)

Image via ABC

Ned (Lee Pace) has a unique talent beyond his superb baking skills: he can resurrect dead creatures with a single touch. Ned only uses his ability to assist local detective Emerson Cod’s (Chi McBride) investigations, but he can’t help but apply them to Chuck (Anna Friel), his murdered childhood sweetheart. The only problem? Ned’s gift comes at a price. Any subsequent skin-to-skin contact returns the revived corpses to their deceased states. As Ned and Chuck tentatively navigate a romance without physical touch, Chuck also adjusts to her second chance at life.

For two seasons, Pushing Daisies explores relationships outside of society’s conventional norms and ponders the fragility of life with gentle melancholy. The fact that its musings take the form of a whimsical, sentimental rom-com featuring episodic sleuthing, acrobatic banter, and vividly stylized production design that’s apropos for a Bryan Fuller show is icing on the proverbial cake. The ABC series’ storybook sweetness is as rich and memorable as the first bite of that legendary homemade pie your grandma made from memory and secret ingredients.

9

‘Beauty and the Beast’ (1987–1990)

Image via CBS

Before Disney’s seminal 1991 musical, CBS transferred the 18th-century French fairy tale into modern-day New York City. Criminals violently abduct and assault District Attorney Catherine Chandler (Linda Hamilton) after they mistake her for another woman. Vincent (Ron Perlman), a tender-hearted man whose countenance and build resemble a two-legged lion, rescues her from the brink of death and nurtures her back to health. Even though the two occupy incompatible worlds, their star-crossed yearning becomes irresistible.

Beauty and the Beast showrunner Ron Koslow nestles a time-honored romantic dynamic inside a procedural template. He retains the original novel’s crystal-clear metaphors about looking beyond superficial assumptions, although to Catherine’s credit, she needs little convincing. Her poetically soulful leading man mentors an underground community of outcasts who live in the shadows to both survive and subvert human bigotry. Season 3 takes a steep downturn, but the first two seasons are swoonworthy to a fault; Vincent and Catherine’s self-sacrificial compassion and mutual empathy secure their soulmate status to the point they develop a psychic connection.

8

‘The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power’ (2022–Present)

Image via Prime Video

The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power could’ve easily been a hollow attempt to mine nostalgia for one of filmmaking’s singular achievements. With the blessing of J. R. R. Tolkien‘s estate and showrunners J. D. Payne and Patrick McKay‘s palpable reverence for the material, The Rings of Power‘s greatest heights rival Peter Jackson‘s The Lord of the Rings movies. Lore diversions aside, Payne and McKay fundamentally understand Tolkien’s message about human failings and bittersweet hope, and they strive to do justice to his 89-year legacy.

Like their character-driven story choices, the duo wields Prime Video’s enormous budget with exacting intention. Cinematic visuals and exquisitely detailed costumes furnish Middle-earth with the immersive, ethereal ambience it deserves. A tapestry of remarkable actors erases any lingering doubts, whether it’s the ferocious rage of Morfydd Clark‘s Galadriel, Charles Edwards‘ effortless gravitas as the tormented Celebrimbor, or Charlie Vickers‘ slithery, malicious Sauron. Every indication points toward The Rings of Power refining its minor imperfections and flourishing into a modern masterpiece.

7

‘Outlander’ (2014–2026)

Image via Starz

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After 12 years and eight captivating seasons, the curtain has closed on the television version of author Diana Gabaldon‘s time-traveling World War II nurse Claire Fraser (Caitríona Balfe) and her 18th-century Scottish husband, Jamie Fraser (Sam Heughan). Saying goodbye is bittersweet whether audiences watched from Outlander‘s auspicious beginning or dived in because of the saga’s perpetual fanfare. And from their prickly first meeting to their closing breaths as they lay upon that stone, Claire and Jamie persisted as they always have: two survivors brought together by fate who defy history’s every attempt to separate them.

Despite being surrounded by rampant violence and misery, the Frasers’ cosmic connection elevates Outlander into its own brand of comfort show. Starz’s sheer production value, paired with the early seasons’ assured vision as a romance for the ages, seduces those already inclined to enjoy the show’s prestige soap opera style. Meanwhile, Outlander‘s period drama, grit, and political intrigue win over more dubious viewers. A love story first, foremost, and always, Season 8’s satisfying ending means fans can rewatch again and again with contentment.

6

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

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Adolescent Wirt (Elijah Wood) and his precocious younger brother Greg (Collin Dean) wander through the Unknown, an off-kilter world filled with warm-toned woodland foliage, eccentric inhabitants, and magic both splendor and sinister. Unsure how or why they arrived, they’re searching for the path home. Beatrice the talking bluebird (Melanie Lynskey) and the enigmatic Woodsman (Christopher Lloyd) take pity on the brothers by helping them evade the Beast (Samuel Ramey), a demonic entity that feeds upon despair.

A mythic feeling permeates Patrick McHale‘s Emmy-winning miniseries. Over the Garden Wall layers New England iconography, absurdist satire, mythological references, and contemporary jokes over its cozy coming-of-age adventure-meets-macabre eldritch horror environment. The character designs and autumnal color schemes simultaneously evoke older Saturday morning cartoons and the illustrative fine art bound inside elaborate fairy tale collections. Nothing less than a tonal, atmospheric, and narrative masterclass, there’s still no genuine equivalent to Over the Garden Wall when it comes to modern classics, animated or otherwise.

Image via Bones Inc.

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Based on one of the most acclaimed manga phenomenons to date, this vehemently faithful adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa‘s Fullmetal Alchemist is a towering feat on its own merit. In Amestris, alchemy has been integrated into daily life for the citizens capable of channeling the method’s potent effects. Brothers and state-sanctioned alchemists Edward (Romi Park) and Alphonse Elric (Rie Kugimiya) seek out the fabled philosopher’s stone, hoping to reunite Alphonse’s soul with his human body. The siblings must also survive their country’s dangerous trappings and an array of deadly enemies.

Arakawa models her steampunk-adjacent universe after Europe’s Industrial Revolution, from the mechanical industries to the sociopolitical hierarchy. Yet neither the Fullmetal Alchemist manga nor Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood would soar as high if they didn’t root themselves in the heroes, antiheroes, and villains’ complex psychological range. Arakawa deftly and scathingly weighs the disastrous consequences of arrogance or desperation, a tyrannical militarized government, genocide, and revenge vendettas against guilt, atonement, and the clarity provided by communal love. Warmth and idiosyncratic comedy offset Brotherhood‘s devastating weight; together, they guarantee a hall-of-fame fantasy anime.

4

‘The Good Place’ (2016–2020)

Image Via Netflix

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A sublime plot twist is literally just the beginning for The Good Place. Fearless and self-effacing, Michael Schur‘s sitcom always lives up to its premise’s parameters, no matter how many times Michael (Ted Danson), the demon architect with a heart of gold, resets his hellish experiment for his four human test subjects. Schur’s razor-sharp wit and consistent empathy turn philosophical theories into ethical dilemmas anyone can digest, as well as essential debates for every person’s growth.

Ultimately, The Good Place is about choosing compassion and personal accountability precisely because meaningful, lasting improvement requires us to embrace uncertainty and routine failure. Pushing against the systemic cruelties designed to deplete our spirits isn’t enough if we don’t contribute resistance through painstaking, individual hard work. The answer is obvious, not glamorous. Yet the life-affirming sincerity with which The Good Place handles flawed people floundering their way toward existential crisis and self-actualization elevates the series into cathartic resonance.

3

‘Guardian: The Lonely and Great God’ (2016–2017)

Image via tvN

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Kim Shin (Gong Yoo), a military warrior from Korea’s Goryeo Dynasty, returns home after winning another battle in his king’s name, only for his ruler to slaughter his entire household. Before his spirit can reach the afterlife, God sentences Kim to immortality as punishment for his violence. Only his prophesied bride can end his eternal existence. Now a dokkaebi (goblin), Kim spends the next nine centuries in self-reflection, providing for humans, grieving their deaths, and longing for his own. Finally, the Goblin’s Bride arrives in the form of Ji Eun-tak (Kim Go-eun), a modern-day student whose survival defies death’s laws. And with her effusive influence brightening his life, for the first time in 900 years, Shin wants to live.

A record-breaking cultural sensation hailing from writer Kim Eun-sook (Netflix’s The Glory), Guardian: The Lonely and Great God might as well be considered a minor miracle. The entire behind-the-camera team employs the defining K-Drama tropes with enough technical efficiency that viewers are bound to feel spoiled by the engrossing grandeur. Sure, Guardian is melodramatic to the core, but that’s crucial to the K-Drama appeal. The committed performers pour everything into selling the gut-wrenching twists, the bittersweet dual romances, and the kooky odd-couple friendships. Weeping is a small price to pay for an experience this intimate and visceral.

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‘Arcane’ (2021–2024)

Image via Netflix

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Welcome to Piltover, where technological progress, magic, political tension, and familial strife intertwine. This luxurious utopia belongs solely to the aristocratic elite. Their entitled comfort and unchecked experiments occur at the expense of their undercity’s well-being; relentless oppression, socioeconomic inequality, and opportunistic criminals have all but ruined Zaun. When Zaun’s burgeoning uprising gains strength, Vi (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), two orphaned sisters separated by tragedy, stand on opposing sides.

Few predicted a revelatory artistic landmark would emerge from a League of Legends prequel series. Arcane stands as a one-in-a-million triumph on almost every level. French studio Fortiche’s transcendent animation is painterly and textured, flowing with musicality and jaw-dropping experimentation. It’s an efficient storytelling machine, as propulsive or meditative as the character-first pathos requires. Crushing abandonment, resentment, ambition, a warped sense of justice, and lost innocence drive said ensemble’s choices, backed by a monumental voice cast well-equipped for tragedy. The sisters fight to draw blood, and Arcane does the same.

Even though the television world has become more diverse over the past couple of decades, the types of stories told tend to come from traditional voices. This is even more true for comedies. With female protagonists, the stories are typically from the perspective of classically beautiful, thin women (a la Friends, Sex and the City, New Girl, etc.). We’ve only just seen more realistic bodies depicted on TV, thanks to series like Survival of the Thickest and Somebody Somewhere. If you’re looking for one more underrated show in this category, Netflix has just added a fantastic three-season comedy that deserves to be rediscovered.

What Is ‘Shrill’ About?

Shrill, which originally premiered on Hulu in 2019, is adapted from Lindy West’s 2016 memoir, Shrill: Notes from a Loud Woman, and transformed into a fictionalized account of West’s life as a plus-size writer. The series follows Annie Easton (Aidy Bryant), who is merely trying to exist in a world designed for thin people.

In the premiere, Annie experiences multiple humiliating events. She angles for a promotion from a calendar editor to a journalist at the newspaper where she works, but is shot down by her harsh boss, Gabe (played by John Cameron Mitchell, who is perfectly cast in this droll role). She sleeps with her friend-with-benefits, Ryan (Luka Jones), and is embarrassingly asked to leave through the back door so that his roommates won’t see her. Then, to top it all off, she finds out that the morning-after pill isn’t effective for her because she weighs over 175 pounds.

One of the only bright lights in Annie’s life is her bestie, Fran (Lolly Adefope), who supports her exactly as she is and goes with her to terminate her pregnancy. In subsequent episodes, Annie starts to learn to love herself from the inside out, and her journey becomes even more about finding her voice in a world that doesn’t always allow her to speak.

‘Shrill’ Is a Brutally Honest, Wryly Funny Comedy

Shrill’s storytelling is so effective because it’s always authentic. Annie’s life is incredibly messy and super realistic. Her relationships are complicated, and she has to fight like hell for every ounce of respect she gets from the people around her. The writing team, which includes Bryant and West, works to create a character who feels far from perfect, but is also someone you can’t help but root for. The best part of the show is the way that Annie learns to look for joy in her life — whether it’s sticking up for herself at work, dealing with a horrible internet troll, or attending a pool party for plus-size women that allows her to feel truly comfortable in her skin for perhaps the first time. It’s not that Annie doesn’t make cringe-worthy mistakes, especially when her insecurity takes over. But as the series progresses, Annie becomes a true heroine who doesn’t conform to the societal standards that hold us all back.

There is no way that Shrill would have worked without such a stellar cast. Bryant, who landed an Emmy nomination in 2021 for her work, is absolutely breathtaking in this role. Annie may be depressed, feisty, joyful, and honest all at once, but she’s never a caricature. Instead, Bryant plays her with a refreshing three-dimensional brilliance that proves that her incredible work on Saturday Night Live was no fluke — and that she deserves another leading role pronto.

The supporting cast is every bit as essential to Shrill as Bryant. Adefope, who has proven her range by also starring in the UK version of Ghosts, is effervescent and dazzling as Fran. Comedy legends Julia Sweeney and Daniel Stern offer perfect timing in every scene they pop up in as Annie’s parents, while her co-workers, played impeccably by Jo Firestone, Patti Harrison, and Ian Owens, create a magically funny setting for some of Annie’s biggest hurdles.

Shrill aired its final season in 2021, which was especially tragic considering there was so much more of Annie’s journey that could have been explored. What’s even more disappointing is that so many people somehow missed seeing the series when it first aired. Luckily, it’s found a new streaming home on Netflix, where, hopefully, even more viewers will check out this gem of a show.

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Shrill

Release Date

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2019 – 2021-00-00

Network

Hulu

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Directors

Andrew DeYoung

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  John Cameron Mitchell

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  Gabe

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