Entertainment
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3’s Masterpiece Episode Is Everything ‘Game of Thrones’ Ending Should’ve Been
Editor’s note: The below recap contains spoilers for House of the Dragon Season 3 Episode 3.There are a lot of things to hate about the way Game of Thrones ended, but none are more apparent than the flagrant character assassination of Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke). Even seven years later, it’s truly baffling that the team behind one of the biggest fantasy shows ever made thought it would be a good idea for a benevolent ruler to become a genocidal maniac with zero development to back up such a change. It’s a conclusion that’s so bad it really should have killed the entire franchise for good, but then, along came House of the Dragon.
While reactions to Season 2 of the Game of Thrones prequel may have been more mixed, Season 1 brought the franchise back to the series’ forte of political intrigue and well-written characters. One of those characters and arguably the protagonist of the entire series is Rhaenyra Targaryen, played by Supergirl star Milly Alcock in the future queen’s younger years before passing the torch to Truth Seekers alum Emma D’Arcy. D’Arcy brought down the house in Season 3’s previous episode as a mother in the throes of grief, but the focus on their character in the show’s newest chapter brings forth one of the best episodes in the entire Game of Thrones universe.
‘House of the Dragon’ Season 3’s Third Episode Puts the Spotlight on Rhaenyra
This week’s House of the Dragon appears to be the “experimental episode” that creator Ryan Condal was referring to ahead of the season’s release, but it starts as any other typical episode would. Daemon Targaryen (Matt Smith), flanked by Ulf (Tom Bennett) and Hugh (Kieran Bew), goes to confront Lord Ormund Hightower (James Norton) and his army to inform them that the war between the Blacks and the Greens is over and that Rhaenyra has taken control as the rightful Queen of Westeros. Ormund, very reluctantly, bends the knee, even handing over the former queen Alicent’s (Olivia Cooke) youngest son, Daeron, as a gesture of goodwill.
After that, though, the perspective switches to Rhaenyra and stays with her for the entirety of the episode, making for a singularly character-motivated hour that hasn’t been seen since Jon Snow (Kit Harington) in the flagship series. It’s effectively a showcase of Rhaenyra’s first proper day as Westeros’ queen, where she inherits all sorts of issues. All of this occurs while Ramin Djawadi‘s score really gets to shine, with the string-heavy orchestra coming to a terrifying screech every time Rhaenyra’s resolve is shaken, even though she has vowed to be a peaceful ruler like her father, Viserys (Paddy Considine).
HBO Just Dropped the Perfect Callback to ‘Game of Thrones’ Very First Episode
“The man who passes the sentence should swing the sword.”
Last week’s episode ended on a seemingly triumphant note, with Rhaenyra taking control of King’s Landing, but this week’s hour really hones in on the tumult that follows. First of the many problems in the realm: the royal treasury has been drained of its funds, and not even the imprisoned Alicent or Helaena (Phia Saban) knows what’s become of it. Secondly, the remains of the Triarchy, now scattered after the death of Admiral Lohar (Abigail Thorn) following the Battle of the Gullet, are ransacking villages across the kingdom. Last, but certainly not least, both Aemond (Ewan Mitchell) and Aegon (Tom Glynn-Carney) are nowhere to be found, despite being the two largest threats to Rhaenyra’s reign. With Aegon’s whereabouts specifically unknown, Rhaenyra orders that the usurper be declared dead.
Rhaenyra’s Descent Officially Begins in ‘House of the Dragon’s New Episode
A depleted treasury, brigands terrorizing the realm, and two vengeful opponents to the throne missing in action are more than enough to drive anyone mad, but Rhaenyra’s problems are only just beginning. Shortly after ordering that her third son, Joffrey, be brought back to King’s Landing so that he can begin preparations to become her heir, Rhaenyra begins having visions of the recently deceased Jacaerys (Harry Collett). Later, she attempts to speak with the High Septon of King’s Landing (Simon Chandler) about officially anointing her as queen despite foregoing a formal coronation, but this leads to a surprisingly tense conversation where the supreme leader of the Faith of the Seven practically calls Rhaenyra a liar to her face, questioning her false narrative of Aegon’s death.
Another potentially bigger problem arises when Corlys (Steve Toussaint) tells Rhaenyra that he would like his two bastard sons, Alyn (Abubakar Salim) and Addam of Hull (Clinton Liberty), officially acknowledged as Velaryons by the crown. While Rhaenyra does eventually knight Addam along with his fellow dragonseeds, she refuses to give him the Velaryon title, citing the “rumors” her own children faced many years ago. Corlys is not pleased, later confronting Rhaenyra and even referring to her three eldest sons as bastards in front of several bystanders.
One place where Rhaenyra does start to make some progress, though, is with the people. While hearing testimonies from her subjects, it becomes apparent that King’s Landing’s least fortunate are starving, both from Rhaenyra’s blockade during the war and from the rich and powerful of the city hoarding food. The queen confronts this head-on by luring the city’s wealthiest families to the castle while the Goldcloaks seize control of their reserves. Despite a testy exchange with one Torrhen Manderly (played by Fantastic Beasts trilogy star Dan Fogler), the move pays off.
‘House of the Dragon’s Greater Conflict Isn’t Over After Episode 3
This small victory in hand, Rhaenyra tries to make some sort of amends with Alicent in the aftermath of Otto Hightower’s (Rhys Ifans) execution. As a gesture of goodwill, Rhaenyra brings Alicent to see Daeron, but there’s just one problem: the boy Ormund gave Daemon is not Daeron, but a lowborn imposter handed over as a ruse. Rhaenyra vows that this transgression will not go unpunished as she orders the Greens’ tapestries that formerly decorated the halls of the Red Keep to be burned.
The reason why Daenerys’ turn to the dark side didn’t work in Game of Thrones is that it was a huge swing with little development. In just a single episode, let alone her brilliant scenes with Alicent, Rhaenyra is already far more dynamic, more understandable, and more eerily terrifying as she begins to devolve after becoming queen of the realm. It’s a masterful character study that definitively cements Emma D’Arcy as one of the franchise’s best performers and Rhaenyra Targaryen as one of the franchise’s best characters.
House of the Dragon Season 3 is streaming now on HBO Max.
- Release Date
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August 21, 2022
- Network
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HBO
- Showrunner
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George R.R. Martin
- Directors
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Clare Kilner, Geeta Patel
- Writers
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Gabe Fonseca
-
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Fabien Frankel
Ser Criston Cole
- Another powerhouse performance from Emma D’Arcy.
- Rhaenyra’s management of King’s Landing feels realistic and narratively compelling.
- Rhaenyra’s new rivalry with Corlys will shake things up.
- Ramin Djwadi’s score is particularly powerful.
Entertainment
Every Yellowstone Ranch — Including Taylor Sheridan’s Property
Shows in the Yellowstone franchise aren’t just set on ranches but filmed on them too — and some are owned by creator Taylor Sheridan.
After getting his start as an actor, Sheridan started writing scripts for movies and then moved on to the small screen with Yellowstone, which aired from 2018 to 2024. Sheridan expanded his TV universe with prequels 1883 and 1923 as well as the upcoming spinoffs The Dutton Ranch, The Madison and Y: Marshals.
Sheridan has also worked on original shows Landman, Mayor of Kingstown, Lioness and Tulsa King. This has allowed production to take place in various locations throughout the American West, including ranches. Cast members from Sheridan’s shows previously spoke exclusively to Us Weekly how joining the Yellowstone universe required participating in the show’s “cowboy camp.”
“It’s really helpful for learning to really become proficient on horses and use guns and the period piece weapons,” Brian Geraghty shared in 2022 before 1923’s premiere. “Then also it’s great for bonding for us as characters.”
Geraghty noted that training helped the actors become “more comfortable around each other,” adding, “[We] build each other up and become good. It’s beneficial for the actual skill set, but it’s also beneficial for the characters as how they relate to one another on the actual show.”
Michelle Randolph, for her part, said that she and her costars had “a lot of fun” at cowboy camp. “[There were] a lot of ice baths,” she quipped. “Group ice baths, and after, we were all very sore for a while.”
Darren Mann called the concept a “well-oiled machine.”
“Taylor puts together an amazing cast and crew,” he added. “Camaraderie on set was always so great.”
Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the various real-life ranches featured in the Yellowstone universe:
Chief Joseph Ranch

Yellowstone, which premiered in 2018, introduced viewers to the fictional Dutton family, who own the largest ranch in Montana. As the fictional universe grew, so did the amount of shows filmed at the ranch, which in real life is known as Chief Joseph Ranch.
The working cattle ranch in Montana has opened to guests after finding fame on Yellowstone.
Yellowstone Film Ranch

Certain scenes for Yellowstone‘s spinoff 1883 took place at Montana’s Yellowstone Film Ranch, which features a Western town with 26 structures.
Bosque Ranch

Sheridan owns several pieces of land, including Texas’ Bosque Ranch, which is a personal ranch that now hosts film and TV shoots, concerts and special events.
Papa’s Creek Ranch

Sheridan purchased Papa’s Creek Ranch in 2024, but it has not been used on screen. The Wyoming location was a personal acquisition for the prolific producer.
Four Sixes Ranch

In 2021, Sheridan purchased the legendary Four Sixes Ranch in Texas, which is more than 100 years old. It is set to serve as the backdrop for the now-delayed 6666 spinoff which will follow Jimmy Hurdstrom (Jefferson White) during his time working at the ranch.
“Founded when Comanches still ruled West Texas, no ranch in America is more steeped in the history of the West than the 6666,” the official series description stated. “Still operating as it did two centuries before, and encompassing an entire county, the 6666 is where the rule of law and the laws of nature merge in a place where the most dangerous thing one does is the next thing. … The 6666 is synonymous with the merciless endeavor to raise the finest horses and livestock in the world, and ultimately where world class cowboys are born and made.”
Entertainment
Amy Schumer Poses In Stunning One-Piece Amid Weight Loss
Amy Schumer is celebrating the 4th of July in style after opening up about her weight loss journey.
“Epic fourth,” Schumer, 45, wrote via her Instagram Story on Sunday, July 5, while sharing a photo of her crew enjoying the patriotic holiday. “Just a group of 25 friends who have known each other for 35 years with their families. Love you all.”
In a separate snap, Schumer posed in a blue one-piece with matching blue shorts as she placed her arms around her pals outside.
“Thanks @chloeiscrazy and @mother for my suit!” she captioned the Instagram Story, referring to Saturday Night Live’s Chloe Fineman.

Schumer has been candid about her health journey through the years, sharing in December 2025 that she lost 50 pounds as a way to “survive” her battle with Cushing syndrome. (The condition occurs when the body has too much cortisol for a long period of time and can cause puffiness in the face.)
“So I got these was getting these steroid injections and so it gave me this thing called Cushing syndrome — which I wouldn’t have known if the internet hadn’t come for me so hard,” Schumer explained during a January episode of the “Call Her Daddy” podcast. “I learned I had this condition, and that I had something called moon face, and I’m starring in a movie — and there’s a camera right in my face.”
The comedian, who is the mom of son Gene, has also been open about her experience trying Mounjaro. The GLP-1 drug is similar to Ozempic, which is used to treat weight-loss related issues. (Schumer welcomed Gene in 2019 with estranged husband Chris Fischer. She filed for divorce from Fischer in January, one month after sharing their separation.)
“Three years ago, I tried Wegovy,” she said in a 2025 Instagram video. “I was puking, I couldn’t handle it. I don’t know if they’ve changed the formula, whatever. But anyway, I went on this Telehealth meeting with Midi Health, and it was cheap. I wanted to try it myself ‘cause I wanted to recommend it to my friends who are nurses and teachers.”
“They put me on estrogen and progesterone because I realized I was in perimenopause and my symptoms from being perimenopause have disappeared,” she continued. “My hair is fuller, my skin is better, I have more energy, I want to get down more, if you know what I mean. I’m talking about sex. So that’s been great and Mounjaro’s been great.”
Schumer went on to note that the drug is “not covered by insurance unless you have diabetes or like severe obesity, which most of the internet thinks I have.”
She concluded, “But I’m having a really good experience with it and I wanted to keep it real with you about that. Midi Health. I liked it so much and I had such a good experience [that] I invested in the company.”
Entertainment
The MCU’s Biggest Star Wants To Save Marvel By Replacing Himself
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Sony still owns the movie rights to Spider-Man, which is why they tried (and failed) to build a whole cinematic universe around his villains. The studio hasn’t released any live-action films with Spidey in them, preferring to loan the character over to Marvel Studios so he can headline movies like Spider-Man: Brand New Day. Outside of live-action, though, Sony created Into the Spider-Verse, which is still the best Spider-Man film ever made. That movie kicked off a franchise focused on an entirely different Spider-Man: Miles Morales, whose comic book incarnation has proven to be insanely popular.
Given how much fans love him in the comics and in the Spider-Verse films, it’s only a matter of time before Miles Morales pops up in the MCU. Now, it’s looking like he might end up there even sooner thanks to one of Marvel’s biggest stars. In a recent interview, Spider-Man: Brand New Day star Tom Holland has expressed a strong interest in bringing Miles into the Marvel Cinematic Universe. He also wants to mentor whatever young actor gets hired to play the role, guiding him into this popular franchise the same way that Robert Downey Jr. once guided him.
Spider-Man No More

Ahead of Brand New Day’s July 31 release, Tom Holland recently offered an interview to Hobby Consolas. While discussing his upcoming film, the actor described his desire to bring another spider into Marvel’s growing web of movies. “I think at this point in time, we’re being really open-minded about what the future looks like,” Holland said. “I know that I have aspirations to bring Miles Morales into the universe, however that works out. We’ve got a lot of work to do to bring that to life. But yeah, I feel really strongly about it.”
Holland didn’t elaborate on why he feels so strongly about the matter. He may just sincerely be a major fan of Miles Morales and want to see the character thrive. Of course, there’s a chance that Holland is just looking for his own replacement. Back in 2021, he told GQ that, “If I’m playing Spider-Man after I’m 30, I’ve done something wrong.” Now, the actor is 30, and he may want a younger star to effectively take his place. That could happen sooner than you might think; next year’s Avengers: Secret Wars will reboot the MCU, which would be the perfect time to introduce Miles Morales along with newer heroes like the X-Men.

Holland may or may not still be in the MCU when Morales shows up; after all, his Spider-Man could be recast or even written out of these movies altogether. If he is still around, though, it sounds like Holland wants to have the same relationship with the new actor that Robert Downey Jr. had with him, both onscreen and off. “I feel incredibly grateful for the way I was introduced into this world and that I was shepherded by [Robert Downey Jr],” he said. “I would love to kind of return that favor to the next generation of people that get the luxury of making these movies.
Does that mean we’re likely to see Holland’s Peter Parker mentor Miles Morales onscreen? That all depends on what’s happening behind the scenes. Given Holland’s previous comments about playing an aging Spider-Man, he might be happy to tap out after the events of Avengers: Secret Wars. But Spider-Man: Brand New Day is on track to earn well over a billion dollars at the box office. If so, Marvel may offer Holland the kind of contract he just can’t refuse. Should that happen, we can look forward to a future team-up with Hugh Jackman; after all, why not make a film with two superhero actors who will play the same part until they are 90?
Entertainment
The Star Trek Episode That Took Its Cue From Seinfeld
By Chris Snellgrove
| Published

Star Trek: Voyager and Seinfeld couldn’t be more different. One is about a Starfleet vessel stranded halfway across the galaxy, trying to find its way home. The other is about a comedian and his neurotic friends navigating the trials and tribulations of New York City. Normally, the only thing these shows have in common is a few shared cast members. For example, Sarah Silverman once served as a love interest for both Kramer and Tom Paris. George Costanza actor Jason Alexander had his own memorable Voyager cameo. Oh, and George’s boss, Mr. Wilhelm, was played by Richard Herd, who went on to have an ongoing Trek role as Paris’ father.
However, one Star Trek: Voyager episode took its storytelling cues from Seinfeld rather than its actors. That episode is “Persistence of Vision,” in which Captain Janeway and her erstwhile crew have to deal with weird hallucinations being caused by a malicious alien with telepathic powers. It’s an episode that Paramount hated because it was so weird, but it ended up being surprisingly effective and popular. This is ironic because showrunner Michael Piller once pointed out that “Persistence of Vision” is a bit like any given Seinfeld episode; that is, it was a show about nothing!
Is Chakotay Spongeworthy?

“Persistence of Vision” begins with a fairly typical early Voyager plot. Captain Janeway must negotiate with some weird aliens for safe passage through their territory in the Delta Quadrant. However, things go sideways almost immediately when she and other crew members end up experiencing bizarre hallucinations. It’s a huge mystery that leads to a rather disappointing reveal: all of this mischief has been caused by a telepathic alien who did it for no reason and who isn’t even really there. Arguably, this resolution is frustrating because it emphasized how this loose episode was really just an excuse for some entertaining character acting.
Because of this, showrunner Michael Piller was pleasantly surprised by how the episode turned out, including how well fans received it. In an interview with Cinefantastique, he summed his feelings up by saying, “The show turned out particularly well, yet it’s not a show that is about anything.” As a lover of all things ‘90s, his phrasing here really tickled me. Piller seemed genuinely shocked that a show that’s not really about anything could resonate with audiences. However, that was Seinfeld’s claim to fame from the very beginning: that it was “a show about nothing.”
You Had To Replicate The Big Salad!

Seinfeld gained its “show about nothing” reputation early on for throwing out traditional sitcom storytelling in favor of weird (and sometimes, weirdly realistic) plots. A prime example of this is “The Chinese Restaurant,” an episode that takes place in real-time. Normally, sitting down for dinner would be the start of a story, or at least, just one element of it. However, this episode took place entirely at the restaurant and captured the hilarious frustration of simply waiting to be seated. According to Jason Alexander, the network thought this episode was “sacrilege,” but he sees it as “the defining beginning of the anarchy of Seinfeld.”
In its own way, “Persistence of Vision” was very similar. The network hated the script because it was so weird, and they wanted to add more aliens and more fight scenes. However, writer Jeri Taylor stuck to her guns and created an episode that arguably helped define the series’ creative legacy. In that same Cinefantastique interview, Michael Piller noted how desperately the show needed to start exploring new, buzzworthy ideas. He claimed this episode “marked the beginning of the turn” and that “We started building on that momentum, and I think if you look from that show on, we consistently started doing interesting things.”
They’re Real, And They’re Honorable

In other words, Star Trek: Voyager fans owe the improved quality of their favorite sci-fi show to an episode where B’elanna Torres wants to get down and dirty with Chakotay, her resident father figure. Paging Dr. Freud to the holodeck! With any luck, nobody on the ship started a bet with the chief about who’s really the master of their domain.
Entertainment
New WWII Movie Falls Behind Brendan Fraser’s ‘Pressure’ in a Major Way
War movies are filmed in several different ways. One technique is using long takes to follow one character through combat, taking viewers along on the journey. Atonement did it first with the Dunkirk beach tracking shot, and Children of Men used extended war-zone movement to make street fighting feel chaotic and inescapable. Better yet, 1917 built almost its whole identity around the illusion of continuous battlefield motion. Even The Outpost used oners to clarify geography, enemy fire, panic, and exposure during a siege. All of that effort translated well into critical acclaim. This film, however, has crashed with a disappointing Rotten Tomatoes score (with both audiences and critics).
The reason, as per critics, seems to be that director Rod Lurie has narrowed the whole history of The Battle of the Bulge down to a one-soldier thriller. ScreenRant was blunt, saying the movie sometimes feels like “WW2 movie cosplay,” which cuts straight to the core problem everybody is pointing at: The film appears to reproduce the shape of a serious war thriller without enough fresh dramatic force underneath.
The movie is Lucky Strike, starring Scott Eastwood as Castle, with Colin Hanks, Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor, Henry Hughes, Taylor John Smith, and Alfie Stewart also in the cast. It was released on June 26, 2026, and currently holds a 56% Tomatometer score from 39 critic reviews and a 65% audience score from 50+ verified ratings on Rotten Tomatoes, after reportedly debuting at 63% with audiences. That is disappointing because audience-driven war thrillers often survive mixed critical response if the combat, emotion, and heroism connect. Here, the numbers say viewers are finding a respectable WWII survival movie but not quite a standout entry in the immersive combat tradition it is clearly chasing.
‘Lucky Strike’ Seems To Struggle With Momentum and Suspense
Another report similarly argued that, despite technical impressiveness, the movie never builds the “narrative momentum and suspense” it wants. And although it’s still a “next great WWII movie” like Collider called it pre-release, the viewers are clearly seeing the machinery but not quite feeling the danger. Another tepid review called it “tidier and maybe safer” than raw combat drama, adding that the film was “not enthralling.”
These reactions explain why the audience score is not stronger. The Battle of the Bulge was Germany’s last major offensive on the Western Front, a winter campaign that is already heavily dramatized in older studio war films, military television, and survival-focused battlefield stories. Lucky Strike narrows itself into a one-person thriller, albeit with all the makings of a lean war thriller. The criticism, therefore, seems to be that its framework never feels urgent enough. The movie currently holds a 56% Tomatometer score from 39 reviews, and a 65% Popcornmeter score from 50+ verified audience ratings on Rotten Tomatoes.
Lucky Strike is distributed by Roadside Attractions. The movie officially released on June 26, 2026, and is available to watch at major theater chains in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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June 26, 2026
- Director
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Rod Lurie
- Writers
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Marc Frydman, Rod Lurie
Cast
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Lorne MacFadyen
Major Barrett
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Atanas Srebrev
General Coddington
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Alfie Stewart
Burt Miller
Entertainment
10 Apple TV Shows That Are 10/10, No Notes
With the uncontrollable growth of the streaming era, there are so many subscriptions that people often lose track of what they’re paying for. But if there’s one streamer worth investing in, it’s definitely Apple TV, which is more of a curated boutique than a fast-paced content factory. They don’t produce the most shows, but their hit rate is truly humbling.
With near-religious consistency, they’ve delivered a library of shows so meticulously crafted they often give off a masterclass vibe rather than just pure television. These are the shows you would wholeheartedly recommend to anyone, without disclaimers or promises that they get better in Season 2—these are the ten Apple TV shows that are 10/10, no notes.
10
‘Margo’s Got Money Troubles’ (2026–Present)
Margo’s Got Money Troubles is the most charming and unconventional dramedy you’ll find on the tech giant’s streaming service. Based on the novel by Rufi Thorpe, the series stars Elle Fanning as Margo, a college freshman who, after an affair with her professor, leaves her pregnant and broke, turns to creating adult content on OnlyFans to make ends meet. The show feels gimmicky to only seem like it doesn’t take itself too seriously, but beneath the absurdity lies a surprisingly tender and honest exploration of sex work, financial stress, addiction, and toxic family dynamics.
The show is anchored by a fantastic cast that, besides the stunning Elle Fanning, includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Nick Offerman, Greg Kinnear, and a revelation in Thaddea Graham. The show has been praised for its sharp writing and Fanning’s fearless performance. Margo’s Got Money Troubles treats its characters with genuine humanity, finding the humor and heart in their struggles without ever flattening their choices into a simple moral lesson. It’s a rare, modern masterpiece that is as smart as it is sweet and a perfect addition to Apple’s growing library of character-driven dramedies that refuse to play by the rules.
9
‘Ted Lasso’ (2020–Present)
Ted Lasso is unquestionably a show that conveys a simple but often underrated message: kindness is not a weakness. While the premise—an American football coach taking over a Premier League soccer team—seems great for a one-time joke (as it was for Jason Sudeikis), Ted Lasso became a global phenomenon by using relentless optimism without ever feeling like a cliché. Throughout its first three seasons, the show was a masterclass in navigating themes of mental health, toxic masculinity, and grief while remaining one of television’s funniest and most feel-good shows.
Ted Lasso has won 13 Emmy Awards, including Outstanding Comedy Series for its first season, and holds a 90% Rotten Tomatoes score across all seasons. Ted Lasso Season 4, coming in late summer 2026, follows Ted as he coaches a women’s team, asking whether lightning can strike twice; if the past is any indication, it absolutely can. This is the show that proved a feel-good comedy could also have teeth, tackling depression and anxiety with the same deft touch it brings to its beloved one-liners. Its reputation as a cultural touchstone is undeniably pristine.
8
‘Silo’ (2023–Present)
Silo is the kind of sci-fi thriller that will keep you captivated from start to finish. The dystopian story takes place in an underground silo that was built to house humanity’s last remaining survivors after a mysterious event rendered the Earth’s surface uninhabitable. The show is a master class in world-building, depicting a claustrophobic and oppressive society in which the truth is the most dangerous commodity. Rebecca Ferguson is phenomenal as Juliette, an engineer who begins to question the rigid rules of her world, setting her on a dangerous collision course with the powerful people who control it.
With a 90% Rotten Tomatoes rating, Silo has received accolades for its beautiful production design and complex storyline. With each episode, the show gradually reveals the answers while increasing suspense and mystery; the stakes are always personal, and the world seems real and lived in. Silo is often considered the pinnacle of contemporary dystopian science fiction, and it’s carried out flawlessly, finding a spot on many lists of sci-fi masterpieces.
7
‘Shrinking’ (2023–Present)
Shrinking is one of the most feel-good shows about feeling bad you will ever see. Created by Bill Lawrence, Brett Goldstein, and Jason Segel, the series follows a grieving therapist (Segel) who starts breaking the rules and telling his patients exactly what he thinks. Shrinking is a show built on the idea that radical honesty, while frequently messy and inappropriate, can be the first step toward real healing.
Segel delivers a career-best performance, but the true revelation is Harrison Ford, who plays his cynical mentor. Ford is hilarious, cranky, and profoundly vulnerable in a role that feels like a second act for his entire career. The show has a 93% Rotten Tomatoes rating and has received praise for its emotional depth and sharp comedic writing. It’s a series that understands the fine line between laughter and tears, often delivering both in the same scene. Every episode is a beautifully acted mini-masterpiece with a massive heart, demonstrating that you can laugh and cry in the same breath.
6
‘For All Mankind’ (2019–Present)
What if the Space Race never ended? That’s the fascinating premise behind For All Mankind, which imagines an alternate history where the Soviet Union beats the United States to the Moon, forcing NASA to accelerate its ambitions far beyond what happened in reality. Spanning decades, the series follows astronauts, engineers, and their families as each new achievement pushes humanity deeper into space.
While spectacular missions and technological breakthroughs are central to the story, For All Mankind‘s greatest strength lies in the people behind them and the sacrifices they make in pursuit of progress. Created by Ronald D. Moore, the show earned widespread acclaim for combining hard science fiction with compelling human drama. Every season raises the stakes while delivering stunning visual effects and an optimistic vision of humanity’s future. For All Mankind stands as one of the finest science-fiction dramas of the streaming era and one of Apple TV’s defining original series.
5
‘Pachinko’ (2022–2024)
Pachinko is the kind of show that makes you feel like you’re watching art unfold before your eyes. Based on the acclaimed novel of the same name by Min Jin Lee, it’s an epic, multi-generational saga that follows a Korean family’s struggle for survival and identity across four generations, spanning from occupied Korea in the early 1900s to the bustling streets of 1980s Japan. The show is a breathtaking achievement in storytelling, weaving together timelines and languages with masterful grace.
Pachinko is a story of love, loss, and the relentless pursuit of a better life, anchored by a stunning performance from Youn Yuh-jung as the older version of the protagonist and Kim Min-ha as the younger version. It has a 97% Rotten Tomatoes score and was named one of the best shows of the year by many critics and fans. The emotional weight of every scene is immense, yet the show is balanced, never feeling heavy-handed; it’s a rare and perfect piece of television that feels deeply personal and universally resonant all at once, a testament to the power of storytelling itself.
4
‘Pluribus’ (2025–Present)
From Vince Gilligan, the creator of Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, comes Apple TV’s biggest drama launch ever. Pluribus is a sci-fi thriller starring Rhea Seehorn as Carol Sturka, a woman described as “the most miserable person on Earth.” Her mission is to save the world from happiness—better said, an alien virus that has merged all of humanity into a single, shared consciousness, now existing as a collective consumed by absolute serenity. Carol, together with twelve other people across the globe, is immune to the virus and doesn’t believe that the “happiness” is earned; she tries to reverse the contagion but seems to be the only one who believes it to be wrong.
Pluribus was the most anticipated show of 2025; as soon as it was announced, the hype became too strong to ignore, and the premiere of the show earned a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Now, it holds a near-perfect 99% score and rave reviews from both critics and audiences. Already renewed for a second season ahead of its premiere, Pluribus is a dense, intellectually ambitious thriller that cements Gilligan’s legacy as one of television’s greatest storytellers. It’s the kind of show that demands your full attention and rewards it handsomely.
3
‘Severance’ (2022–Present)
There hasn’t been a weak episode among the bunch through Severance‘s two seasons to date. The only flaw is waiting so long between seasons, which then pass so quickly that there’s nothing else to truly fill the Severance-shaped hole in our minds and hearts. If a workplace comedy and a metaphysical horror film had a baby, Severance would be its name. The show follows Mark Scout (Adam Scott), an employee of Lumon Industries who undergoes an original procedure they invented, which severs his memories, literally splitting his work self (“innie”) from his home self (“outie”). It’s a cerebral dive into the complex topic of dealing with problems by literally forcing yourself to forget about them.
Severance has two seasons, and both are among some of the greatest television programs to ever grace the small screen, building intensity while making viewers feel for the characters and awakening empathy for the powerlessness of the victims of corporate life. With 68 Emmy nominations and a 95% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s not just one of the most perfect shows on Apple TV but one of the best shows on television, period.
2
‘Widow’s Bay’ (2026–Present)
If you’re looking for the perfect surprise hit of 2026, look no further than Widow’s Bay. This brand-new Apple TV show is a horror-comedy that has critics (and audiences) absolutely losing their minds. The series stars Matthew Rhys as the mayor of the island community of Widow’s Bay, who is trying to turn his cursed island home into the next Martha’s Vineyard. The problem is, the island’s curse turns out to be very, very real, and it’s waking up just as tourists begin flooding into Widow’s Bay.
Widow’s Bay walks a tightrope that is hard to survive: it is both properly scary and properly funny, often in the same scene. With a near-perfect 98% Rotten Tomatoes score, it’s being hailed as the best show of the year and an expert-level balance of genres that go together like peanut butter and jelly. The sharp writing and elevated dialogue by Katie Dippold are elevated by the keen eye of producer/director Hiro Murai. The chemistry between Rhys and his eccentric supporting cast makes every scene stand out, though scenes without him are often just as electrifying. Keep your eyes open for the curse of Widow’s Bay.
1
‘Slow Horses’ (2022–Present)
Slow Horses is the surest bet on the streamer; it’s the anti-James Bond spy show based on a series of novels by Mick Herron. There are no gadgets or glamour, just a team of disgraced MI5 spies (“slow horses,” a derogatory term) rotting in a department called Slough House, which was specifically designed to make them quit. At the center of it all is Gary Oldman, doing the best work of his career as Jackson Lamb, the unkempt genius who leads Slough House.
Across five seasons, the show has never dropped below a 95% audience score, with Seasons 2 and 4 earning a perfect 100% critic score on Rotten Tomatoes. Delivering six tight episodes per season with no filler whatsoever, Slow Horses is the definition of a perfect, lean thriller, a must-watch for anyone who loves smart, character-driven spycraft. Oldman’s performance alone is worth taking a look at, but the ensemble cast, including Kristin Scott Thomas and Jack Lowden, is uniformly excellent, with a stunning, electric chemistry. Slow Horses is the most consistently brilliant show on television, full stop.
Slow Horses
- Release Date
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April 1, 2022
- Network
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Apple TV+
- Showrunner
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Douglas Urbanski
- Directors
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Adam Randall, James Hawes, Jeremy Lovering, Saul Metzstein
Entertainment
The Hottest Blockbuster Ever Made Is Secretly The World’s Worst Sequel
By Chris Snellgrove
| Updated

I’m an ‘80s kid, so I come by my love of Transformers quite naturally. I absolutely mainlined the original GI cartoon, and my childhood bedroom was lined with my favorite robots, both heroic and evil. In the ‘90s, my best friends and I rediscovered the 1986 animated movie, and we hailed it as one of the best films ever made. So, when the first Transformers live-action movie came out, I was pumped, and I thought it really lived up to my expectations. Despite (or perhaps because of) director Michael Bay’s excesses and indulgent action porn, we finally had a blockbuster film to revive the Transformers brand.
If I’d had a One Wish Willow back then, I might have wished for Bay to keep making these movies. And like Bear in Obsession, my wish would have gone sideways almost right away. Bay went on to create four more Transformers films, and each of them was more painful than being eaten by Sharkticons. Why did he keep making these critically reviled films? Simple: the first sequel earned over $836 million at the box office, proving there is a market for pure slop if it has enough sexy poses and explosions in it. How bad is it? Find out for yourself: Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen (2009) is now streaming for free on Tubi.
Transform And Crash Out

The plot of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen begins with the Autobots and humans teaming up to hunt down the remaining Decepticons on Earth. Unfortunately, an ancient Decepticon manages to resurrect Megatron, and the two embark on an insane plan: to activate a hidden Star Harvester and completely drain the sun’s energy, dooming humanity to a very cold extinction. All of this leads to a showdown in Egypt, where the sands and pyramids are the setting for a final battle that will determine the fate of the entire planet.
Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen introduces some new actors to the franchise, including Tony Todd as The Fallen. However, the cast is mostly comprised of returning actors from the first film. This includes original G1 voice actors Peter Cullen (who has spent a lifetime voicing Optimus Prime) and Frank Welker (the original Megatron voice actor who voices several major Decepticons in this movie). Hugo Weaving once again plays live-action Megatron, while Shia LaBeouf, Josh Duhamel, and John Turturro play humans who are caught up yet again in this war of the worlds. Oh, and Megan Fox returns to play the hottest eye candy this side of Cybertron (Bay decided this sexy siren is better seen than heard).
A Blockbuster Rerun

The actors do their best with what they are given; unfortunately, what they are given is a hot mess. Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen’s story was mostly based on a quick treatment that was penned in only two weeks and handed in right before a Writers’ Guild strike; it then got expanded by Michael Bay, who locked three writers (Ehren Kruger, Roberto Orci, and Alex Kurtzman) for four months until the final script was completed. The result was a complete disaster: despite its bloated, 2.5-hour runtime, all Revenge of the Fallen does is rehash the first film’s tired “gotta find the alien Maguffin” plot.
Of course, rehashing an old plot isn’t that bad if you make something interesting; Star Trek: The Motion Picture was basically a big-budget adaptation of a forgotten Original Series episode, but it added enough nuances to give the film its own identity. Unfortunately, Revenge of the Fallen doesn’t have nuance. In its place, we get the kind of humor edgelord teens might have enjoyed back in the ‘90s. Most of it comes from two new robots designed as jive-talking, racist caricatures, complete with (deep sigh gold teeth. The film also includes a visual gag about Devastator’s balls (talk about more than “meats” the eye).
The Worst Of Both Worlds

Plus, it feels like the entire back half of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is just characters jabbering about the plot in one bizarre exposition dump after another. From a storytelling standpoint, this is the worst of both worlds. Hardcore Transformers fans don’t need extensive lore about the Primes and about various bits of Autobot arcana because they already know it. Meanwhile, casual audiences don’t care about endless exposition because it gets in the way of the cool fight scenes. It’s an insane narrative choice that pisses off everyone watching, which would only be so bad if it didn’t take up (once more for the cheap seats) like 50 percent of the film!
The final major problem with Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen is that so many characters are completely unlikeable. This is true of The Fallen, a Big Bad with less charisma than Megatron has in his little finger. It’s also true of Sam Witwicky, an audience surrogate who does nothing but whine the entire film. Most depressingly, it’s especially true of Optimus Prime, who oscillates from “guy who gives useless speeches” to “guy who violently rips his enemies apart.” Honestly, before the credits roll, you’ll find yourself rooting for the OG Decepticons because they at least manage to be consistently interesting.
Bad Movies Are The Right Of All Sentient Beings

Unfortunately, quality doesn’t matter when it comes to modern-day Transformers films. Revenge of the Fallen was a critical abomination, but it earned over $836 million, leading to three sequels that might as well be war crimes. Years later, Transformers One, the best film in the entire franchise (yeah, I said it!), became a box office bomb that killed any hope of a sequel. Are you ready to share your pain with me? Do you want to drink your way through the worst Transformers movie ever made or stare at Megan Fox? Maybe you just want to return to a simpler time, when the worst thing you’d discover on any given day was that Michael Bay made a racist robot sequel?
No judgments here, friend. No need to transform and roll out; just go stream Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen for free on Tubi.
Entertainment
Andy Reid Reveals Advice Adam Sandler Gave Taylor and Travis
Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is revealing the sweet wedding advice officiant Adam Sandler gave bride Taylor Swift and groom Travis Kelce during the newlywed’s star-studded nuptials at Madison Square Garden.
“He told them to, ‘keep kissing,’” the NFL coach, 68, revealed while speaking to the press on Sunday, July 5, two days after the Kansas City Chief tight end said “I do” to the pop star at the iconic New York City venue on Friday, July 3.
“In its simplest form … it’s hard to argue when you give your wife a kiss or your wife gives you a kiss,” the coach continued. “And make sure to do it every day.”
Reid was one of a reported 1,000 of Kelce and Swift’s nearest and dearest friends and family members to witness their highly-anticipated wedding ceremony.
“The bride and groom’s wedding ceremony looks have been created by Christian Dior Haute Couture. They are designed by Jonathan Anderson, Creative Director of Dior Women’s, Men’s and Haute Couture Collections, in close collaboration with the bride and groom,” a rep for Swift revealed via press release shortly after billboards outside the famed venue announced the pair were officially married.

“This is the designer’s first couture wedding dress for a world-renowned celebrity,” the release continued. “[Both of] their shoes were custom made by Christian Louboutin and the bride wore Cartier jewelry.”
Swift and Kelce opted against having bridesmaids or groomsmen, instead enlisting their respective brothers to stand beside them.
“Her brother, Austin Swift, served as Taylor’s ‘Man of Honor’ and Jason Kelce was Travis’ Best Man,” a statement noted. “The ceremony joined both families together and was officiated by friend Adam Sandler.”
Despite the extensive guest list, oversized venue and superstar officiant, guests who attended the ceremony reported that the nuptials managed to feel intimate and personal.
“The ceremony was great, moving,” attendee and news anchor George Stephanopoulos said via a message read aloud on a Friday broadcast by reporter Sophie Flay. “Adam Sandler [was] funny and touching. Vows: everything you would hope for, real, vulnerable, serious and silly, deeply loving. Who knew that a wedding in Madison Square Garden could be so intimate?”
The pair also reportedly exchanged handwritten wedding vows they read from “little books,” taking a reported 20 minutes each to share their promises with each other and those in attendance.
“It really was intimate,” broadcaster Robin Roberts revealed after attending the couple’s ceremony during an episode of Good Morning America the following day. “Oh, their vows. They wrote either own vows.”
Entertainment
Travis Kelce Faces Clout-Chasing Claims Over Taylor Swift Clip
Travis Kelce is facing accusations of being a clout chaser after a 2016 interview resurfaced, in which he chooses to kiss Taylor Swift and marry Katy Perry during a game of “Marry, Kiss, Kill.”
The throwback moment has amused fans on social media, especially in light of the NFL star’s recent wedding to Swift. Some have gone so far as to argue that Kelce and Swift are a fitting match because both appear comfortable chasing and embracing the spotlight.

An old interview featuring Travis Kelce has resurfaced online, giving fans a glimpse of his thoughts on Taylor Swift years before the pair became one of pop culture’s biggest couples. The clip, originally filmed during a 2016 appearance on AfterBuzz TV, has been making the rounds on social media after being shared by TMZ.
In the interview, Kelce took part in a game of “Marry, Kiss, Kill,” choosing between Swift, Katy Perry, and Ariana Grande. He reluctantly picked Grande for “kill,” said he would kiss Swift, and chose to marry Perry.
The throwback feels even more full circle now, following Swift and Kelce’s lavish July 3 wedding at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, where the couple exchanged vows before a star-studded guest list.
The ceremony was officiated by Adam Sandler, with Kelce’s brother, Jason Kelce, serving as best man and Swift’s brother, Austin Swift, as her man of honor.
Old Clip Rekindles Fresh Clout Chasing Claims
The resurfaced clip has also reignited a familiar debate about Kelce’s long-standing pursuit of fame beyond football. While many fans laughed at the irony of his old “Marry, Kiss, Kill” answers, others argued the interview was another example of the NFL star’s desire to build a celebrity profile long before he met Swift.
Some branded Kelce a “clout chaser,” with one fan on Reddit claiming the football star had “always wanted to be more famous than an NFL player usually is.” Another argued that his relationship with Swift made the pair a “perfect match” because they both enjoy life in the spotlight.
Not everyone agreed with the criticism, however. Several commenters dismissed the renewed scrutiny, pointing out that Kelce was simply taking part in a lighthearted game and “treated the question as seriously as it deserved.”
Inside Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Lavish MSG Wedding
Swift and Kelce were seemingly determined to make their wedding anything but ordinary, turning Madison Square Garden into a stunning venue for their big day. According to PEOPLE, the famous New York City arena was transformed with trees, ferns, and white-covered seats, giving the space the feel of an indoor forest.
After the couple exchanged vows, guests moved into the reception area, where the celebration continued with food, drinks, and live music. Attendees were treated to Italian dishes, sushi, passed bites, and plenty of bar stations throughout the venue.
The night also featured performances from major music legends, including Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks.
Paul McCartney Performed A Rare Beatles Classic At The Wedding

According to the PEOPLE report, McCartney performed The Beatles’ classic “I Want to Hold Your Hand.” This was after Swift’s mother, Andrea, invited guests into the reception room, where a stage had been set up. Stevie Nicks was also part of the A-list lineup.
McCartney’s performance was especially meaningful because he has rarely performed the song live in recent decades.
Entertainment Weekly reported that the wedding marked the first time he had played the Beatles hit live since 1964, making the moment even more historic for guests.
Donna Kelce Calls Taylor Swift, Travis Kelce Wedding ‘Magical’

Donna Kelce was among those who got a front-row seat to one of the biggest celebrity weddings of the year as she watched her son exchange vows with Swift at MSG on July 3.
The following day, Donna attended Macy’s 50th Fourth of July Celebration in New York City. When asked about the star-studded wedding, the mother of Travis and Jason Kelce kept her reaction brief but glowing.
“I really can’t say a heck of a lot except it was magical, man, magical,” she said, as previously reported by The Blast.
In 2023, soon after the pair first started dating, Donna expressed pride that her son had managed to convince Swift to go out with him. “He’s happier than I’ve seen him in a long time,” she said. “God bless him. He shot for the stars!”
Entertainment
Ben Higgins and Wife Jessica Clarke Expecting Baby No. 2
Former Bachelor Ben Higgins and his wife, Jessica Clarke, are expanding their family.
“The world is blessed because @jessclarke_ is becoming a mother of two girls and Winona is so excited about becoming a big sister!” Higgins, 37, wrote via Instagram on Sunday, July 5. “Waylon still carries the pressure of carrying on the Higgins name and I personally am overwhelmed with joy to be experiencing it all! Higgins girl number 2 coming towards [the] end of year. In the words of Jessica’s grandma ‘when you do certain things, certain things happen.’”
Alongside the message, Higgins posted a photo of the pair’s daughter holding a doll upside down. Clarke, for her part, shared the happy news in a post with the family of three.
“Baby girl #2 is making her debut this holiday season 🩷,” Clarke wrote via Instagram on Sunday.
Higgins and Clarke welcomed their first baby, daughter Winona “Winnie” Elane, in 2025.
“First, I did not realize I could be more in love and more impressed with @jessclarke_ but after the last 48 hours my heart has exploded for her and our new baby girl,” Higgins wrote via Instagram at the time. “Winona (Winnie for short if she’s OK with it) Elane Higgins was born at 2:53 am on 2/12. Words still are hard for me, I won’t accurately articulate what just happened.”
He continued, “But for the last 2 mornings I wake up feeling like it was a dream, reminding myself of the blessings of Jesus, then looking over to see Jessica and Winona and being mentally reunited with the truth that I am a dad and a husband and that we are a family. Life starts again for us, a new chapter we enter into, and so many moments of lacking the words but feeling God inspired love.”
Higgins, who tied the knot with Clarke in 2021, shared that the couple conceived daughter Winnie through intrauterine insemination (IUI).
“We planned this, and we didn’t know how many steps we’d have to take. We didn’t know how much help we’d have to get,” Higgins exclusively told Us Weekly in August 2024. “We have a lot of friends who struggle with infertility and who struggled through the process and just hearing from them and learning from them, we knew we wanted to plan and be ready. … We set that date and we started trying, and it happened for us easier than we expected.”
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