Another major Japanese franchise is heading to Hollywood. With anime becoming a dominant force in streaming and, recently, the box office, and Pokémon listed as the world’s highest-grossing media franchise since its inception in 1996, it’s no surprise that another franchise wants a piece of the Western audience by expanding its presence in an upcoming project.

Another popular Japanese character you may have heard of is Hello Kitty, from Sanrio. It is the 10th-highest-grossing global franchise, sitting between Harry Potter and Call of Duty, and was introduced in 1974. Since then, this character has appeared in many animated TV shows and web series. Additionally, the Hello Kitty franchise expanded, introducing other beloved characters. In 2019, it was announced that Hello Kitty would be getting her first movie from New Line Cinemas, and years later, there has been a major update.

In a recent report, it was announced that the Hello Kitty movie is scheduled to come out in two years, and it has tapped Moana 2 director David Derrick Jr and Ultraman: Rising‘s John Aoshima to co-direct the project, which has now found a home at Warner Bros. This Hello Kitty feature will reportedly be a live-action/animation hybrid movie, and the project also tapped Ramsey Naito (The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie) and Beau Flynn (Black Adam), as producers, and also includes Chaos Walking screenwriter, Lindsey Beer.

What To Watch If You Like Hello Kitty?

The plot for the Hello Kitty movie has yet to be revealed. But in the meantime, there are Sanrio projects you can stream while you wait. The first that comes to mind is the Netflix show My Melody & Kuromi. This is a Japanese stop-motion animation series that premiered in 2025, following My Melody and Kuromi’s “rivalry” in Mariland as Kuromi seeks to surpass My Melody’s baking. Meanwhile, YouTube is home to many Hello Kitty content, ranging from shorts to online web series. Hello Kitty and Friends Supercute Adventures is one of the most recent web series and it’s available to stream on the Hello Kitty and Friends YouTube channel and has released over 170 videos, spanning 13 seasons as of writing. In 2019, Hello Kitty had a crossover with Mobile Suit Gundam called Gundam vs Hello Kitty. This crossover only had three episodes, has a My Anime List score of 6.65, and starred Megumi Hayashibara (Pokémon Horizons: The Series) as Hello Kitty and Mobile Suit Gundam star, Toru Furuya as Amuro Ray.

The Hello Kitty film is scheduled to enter theaters on July 21, 2028. Follow Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

November 27, 2024

Runtime

100 Minutes

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Director

David G. Derrick Jr., Jason Hand, Dana Ledoux Miller

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Writers

Dana Ledoux Miller, Jared Bush, Ron Clements, John Musker, Bek Smith

Franchise(s)

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Disney

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Hayden Panettiere name-dropped several celebrity friends and exes in debut memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning.

“I think people will be surprised by what they learn,” Panettiere, 36, told Us Weekly in her cover story published in May 2026, revealing that she was “terrified” to tell her story.

“The first thought that went through my head is, ‘Am I ready to write a book about my life?’” the actress shared. “Then I started thinking through my life and going, ‘Gosh, truth is stranger than fiction. I have so many stories already to share.’ I hope that by sharing them in this book, that it helps people to overcome the obstacles they’re going through.”

Panettiere experienced several ups and downs throughout her life, which are discussed at length in the book. But she also reflected on stories involving other stars.

Keep scrolling for a breakdown of the biggest celebrity name drops from Panettiere’s memoir:

The ‘Panic Room’ Movie Experience

Panettiere wrote that she was cast as Nicole Kidman’s daughter in the movie Panic Room. After Kidman hurt herself on set, she was forced to pull out of the role, which halted production. There was apparently a conversation about Angelina Jolie joining the film.

Eventually, Jodie Foster replaced Kidman in the film. However, Panettiere was also recast with Kristen Stewart. According to Panettiere’s book, producers didn’t think she looked enough like Foster.

She wrote that she “never got an explanation as to why, and at the time, I accepted it, even though I was incredibly sad.”

Reflecting on a Relationship with Stephen Colletti

At the height of Heroes and Laguna Beach, Panettiere recalled Stephen Colletti being her “first Hollywood boyfriend.”

The actress wrote that she “didn’t really” watch his show when it was on TV. However, Panettiere saw him in a magazine and her publicist introduced them.

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Ups and Downs Over the Years

Hayden Panettiere has had quite the career — and her personal life has been just as captivating. The Golden Globe-nominated actress started modeling at 5 months old and appeared in her first commercial when she was 11 months old. Her big break came in 1994 when she began playing Sarah Roberts on One Life to Live at […]

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Being Around Lindsay Lohan

Panettiere wrote that it was “mesmerizing” watching Lindsay Lohan during the early 2000s.

“I was around 13 when I first met Lindsay and she’d always been warm and friendly with me, but I thought of her as one of the consummate cool girls,” the actress recalled. “She always seemed completely in her element, talking to anyone and everyone. I remember watching her in awe from across the room, and I was convinced she was born to be in situations like this.”

Dating ‘Heroes’ Costar Milo Ventimiglia

Panettiere and Milo Ventimiglia “became a thing” while doing international press for Heroes. She was 18 at the time and their age gap made major headlines. Eventually he broke up with her.

Looking back, Panettiere knew she “wasn’t really in love with Milo” but it was “something stable” in her life at the time. “He’d pulled the rug out from under me,” she wrote.

Crossing Paths With Anthony Kiedis

The actress recalled chatting with the Red Hot Chili Peppers singer, noting that “he was way too old for me” in the book. Panettiere claimed that she and Kiedis were on the verge of crossing a line from “harmless flirtation into something more intentional.”

Some Very Famous Neighbors

Panettiere recalled living close by Bill Murray and Bjork when moving to a house in Congers, New York.

Joining the ‘Scream’ Franchise

Panettiere worked with longtime friends Emma Roberts and Rory Culkin on Scream 4 when making her debut as Kirby Reed. Neve Campbell rented a property with cottages on it for the cast where she did mushrooms with her friends and invited David Arquette over.

Filming ‘Nashville’ With Connie Britton

The actress noted that working on Nashville was different from Heroes. They were not “one big happy family,” she wrote. Panettiere noted that she wasn’t close to anyone on the cast and “couldn’t figure it out.”

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Elsewhere, she also discussed the dynamic she shared with costar Connie Britton, revealing that she grew concerned over her character Juliette Barnes’ rivalry with Britton’s Rayna James.

“My character wasn’t intended to be the show’s star — not even close,” Panettiere wrote. “That honor went to Connie, whose Rayna Jaymes was in the twilight of her career, facing a dramatic turning point thanks to yours truly.”

She continued, “Unfortunately, after the pilot, it was clear that my billing had gone way up. I went from maybe number five in terms of importance to nipping at Connie’s heels. I was deeply uncomfortable with this development.”

Taylor Swift is reportedly going to extreme lengths to protect details surrounding her highly anticipated wedding to Travis Kelce, even if it means keeping some family members out of the loop.

As excitement around the rumored July ceremony continues to grow, insiders claim privacy fears, leaked information, and fallout from past controversies have pushed the singer into full lockdown mode ahead of the big day.

According to insiders, Swift has become deeply protective of every aspect of the ceremony as she and Travis Kelce prepare for what sources described as a “really, really, big” wedding. One person who reportedly has not been trusted with many details is Travis’s father, Ed Kelce.

“He’s sort of like a loose cannon,” one insider told the Daily Mail. “Nobody knows what he’s going to say so it’s kind of a controversial situation.”

The concern allegedly stems from Ed’s prior revelation of details about Travis Kelce’s proposal to multiple media outlets. “He already gave out a lot of information about the engagement,” the source added.

Reports claim Swift has intentionally kept planning limited to herself, Travis, and a wedding planner.

Even family members are said to be operating with limited information. Travis’s sister-in-law, Kylie Kelce, recently admitted on her “Not Gonna Lie” podcast, “I don’t have any details. I don’t have any details. I have none.”

Sources also claim Swift has personally taken over the guest invitation process instead of relying on traditional wedding mailers.

Taylor Swift Reportedly Fears More Leaks

The singer’s intense focus on secrecy reportedly became even stronger after information about the wedding allegedly leaked earlier this year. Last month, reports surfaced claiming the ceremony would happen in New York City on July 3.

Insiders say Swift and Travis Kelce were disappointed private information made its way into public conversation so early. Instead of confronting guests directly, Swift allegedly came up with another strategy.

“She’s also sharing slightly different details with different guests,” a source claimed. “That way, if any information does surface publicly, it could help identify where the leak came from.”

The insider also explained why Swift reportedly abandoned physical invitations altogether. They shared, “When it comes to the date and location, she wants to avoid anything leaking ahead of time, which is why there are no physical save-the-dates being sent out.”

Another source added, “She is taking the entire process extremely seriously, especially from a security standpoint.”

That concern reportedly goes beyond gossip. Swift has dealt with stalkers, security threats, and even alleged terror plots throughout her career, making privacy a major issue as wedding speculation intensifies online.

“At the moment, fewer than ten people actually know the exact wedding date and location,” the insider revealed.

Swift’s Massive Guest List Sparks Criticism

Despite the secrecy, reports claim the wedding itself may be anything but small. Insiders say the guest list has become so large that some people close to the situation are beginning to question it.

“I’ve been hearing that every person under the sun who has slim to no relationship with the couple is being invited,” a source alleged.

The insider went even further, claiming some people inside entertainment circles feel the wedding invitations have become excessive. “You barely know these people and they’re invited? This is a joke. There are people invited that she has met one time in her life,” the source continued.

According to the same insider, Taylor Swift may simply want the world to see she finally “found her Prince Charming.”

Swift herself has previously joked about keeping the guest list open-ended. During an earlier appearance on “The Graham Norton Show,” she said, “I think the only stressful weddings are the ones where you have a small amount and people are on the bubble, right? And you have to evaluate or assess your relationship with them to see if they should be there – I’m not gonna do that.”

She also joked that she planned on inviting “anyone” she has “ever talked to.”

Reports suggest the wedding venue will need to match the enormous guest count. Sources believe the ceremony could happen at a large “museum” or “arena-like venue.”

Blake Lively Fallout Reportedly Changed Everything

The reported tension surrounding Taylor Swift’s friendship circle has also become part of the wedding conversation.

Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds are reportedly unlikely to attend following the actress’ legal battle involving Justin Baldoni. Insiders claim the controversy damaged Swift’s friendship with Lively after private messages allegedly became public during the dispute.

One source claimed Swift felt she “got dragged into something she didn’t want to get dragged into.”

Another insider added, “[The main issue was] the fact that her private text messages to her friend became public record and her friend dragged her into something that made her look poorly to the public.”

“That’s what really bothered her,” the source continued. “It was like, ‘OK, you f-cked up my reputation.’ It’s the reputation that she cares about the most.”

The fallout reportedly affected Travis’s relationship with the couple too, although sources say he never had a particularly close friendship with them independently of Swift.

“There’s no hard feelings on his end because they were never really his friends. They were friends with his fiancée,” the insider explained.

Wedding Drama Continues Around Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce

The growing secrecy has only fueled even more fascination around the celebrity wedding.

Rumors surrounding potential guest snubs continue to spread online, including speculation that actor Miles Teller and his wife Keleigh Sperry may not make the final list.

The couple once appeared close with Swift and Travis, but fans began questioning the friendship after Sperry did not sit with Swift during last year’s Super Bowl festivities.

Although Teller later appeared on Travis’s “New Heights” podcast, speculation around changing friendships has continued to follow the couple’s wedding planning process.

For now, much of the ceremony remains hidden behind closed doors. But with leaks, rumored guest list drama, and growing questions surrounding Swift’s inner circle, the road to the wedding has already become one of the most talked-about celebrity stories of the year.

Meryl Streep and Martin Short may still refuse to officially confirm their romance, but people in their inner circle believe the pair have stopped hiding what’s really going on. 

Over the last year, the Hollywood icons have quietly gone from co-stars to inseparable companions, leaning on each other through personal grief, career transitions, and life-changing moments. 

While the actors continue to publicly brush off relationship rumors, insiders now claim their chemistry has become impossible to ignore both on and off screen.

Rumors surrounding Meryl Streep and Martin Short first exploded while they filmed “Only Murders in the Building,” where they played romantic interests, Loretta Durkin and Oliver Putnam.

Fans immediately became obsessed with their playful energy during interviews, public appearances, and red carpet events promoting the Hulu series. 

The speculation intensified even more after the pair were spotted together several times throughout 2024, looking unusually affectionate.

The timing also came during major personal changes in both of their lives. Streep quietly separated from husband Don Gummer in 2017 after decades of marriage, though the split was not publicly revealed until October 2023.

Short, meanwhile, had spent years rebuilding after the devastating loss of his wife, Nancy Dolman, who died from ovarian cancer in 2010.

Sources claim Streep and Short connected deeply through shared experiences, eventually becoming one another’s closest emotional support systems.

Streep Reportedly Helped Short Through Family Tragedy

Meryl Streep and Short’s relationship reportedly became even stronger earlier this year following a heartbreaking tragedy in the latter’s family.

The actor was devastated after losing his daughter, Katherine, in February following her battle with mental illness. According to insiders, the loss reopened emotional wounds connected to Dolman’s death years earlier.

“Martin knows all too well about loss. When he lost Nancy to cancer, that was the most life-altering thing that had ever happened to him, so when his daughter died, those same feelings came back and opened some emotional wounds that he never wanted to revisit,” one source told the Daily Mail.

Friends reportedly watched Streep step in as one of the biggest sources of comfort in Short’s life during the difficult period.

“But this time around, he had Meryl, Steve [Martin, also a co-star] and other friends are really there for him,” the insider continued, adding, “Meryl has been such a force and impact to his life, and has absolutely taken on the role of Martin’s rock.”

The source also said the pair’s children have embraced the relationship and are happy their parents found companionship later in life.

Meryl Streep Is Reportedly Scaling Back Her Hollywood Ambitions

As their relationship deepens, insiders say Streep has started shifting her focus away from nonstop Hollywood work.

The “Devil Wears Prada” star, now approaching 80, reportedly feels she no longer has anything left to prove professionally after decades dominating the film industry.

“Meryl has been able to do what she has wanted for quite a while, but she is doing that even more because she doesn’t have anything else to prove,” an insider shared.

The source added that the three-time Oscar winner does not “need any other awards or fanfare.” Instead, her current priority is said to be “enjoying life and being happy.”

A major part of that happiness reportedly comes from spending time with Short, who insiders say constantly lifts her spirits.

“He has invigorated her life so deeply, and loves the love that they share, and now wants to be surrounded by it at all costs,” the insider said.

Although Streep recently returned as Miranda Priestly in “The Devil Wears Prada” sequel, sources claim she plans to take only occasional acting jobs and voice work moving forward while focusing more on her personal life.

Streep And Short Continue Fueling Romance Speculation

Despite insisting they are only friends, Meryl Streep and Martin Short have continued making public appearances that keep fueling romance chatter.

Last August, the duo held hands during an “Only Murders in the Building” promotional event, immediately sending fans into a frenzy online.

The actors were later spotted dining together at celebrity-favorite Italian restaurant Giorgio Baldi in Los Angeles. 

More recently, insiders claimed the pair enjoyed another intimate dinner together at Chateau Marmont earlier this month.

According to witnesses, the stars spent most of the evening whispering privately while “holding hands under the table.” The hotel’s strict no-photo policy reportedly helped them relax without cameras or public scrutiny.

Sources described them as “acting like teens” throughout the dinner while making it “obvious they’re more than friends.” Even though they reportedly left separately around 11 p.m., insiders insist their chemistry was undeniable.

Meryl Streep And Martin Short’s Friends Believe ‘They Are In Love’

People close to the actors reportedly no longer question the seriousness of their relationship.

“What was interesting is that they’ve both been denying they’re in a romantic relationship,” one insider revealed, adding, “But seeing them inside the Chateau there’s no doubt they are in love.”

Friends allegedly believe the relationship works because both stars understand grief, fame, and aging in ways very few others can.

Sources also say Short has brought renewed joy into Streep’s life by constantly making her laugh and helping her embrace a slower pace after decades in Hollywood.

Meanwhile, those close to them are reportedly emotional seeing him genuinely happy again following years of personal heartbreak.

“After all the tragedies Martin’s been through, with so many people close to him dying, it was beautiful to see him so happy,” the insider said.

“Selling Sunset” is heading into its milestone 10th season with a cast shakeup that nobody saw coming. 

Just weeks before cameras are set to roll again, multiple familiar faces have reportedly been cut from the Netflix hit, leaving fans stunned and insiders scrambling to explain what happened behind the scenes. 

While some longtime stars are out, controversial fan favorites are suddenly back in the mix, setting the stage for one of the franchise’s messiest and most dramatic seasons yet.

“Selling Sunset” reportedly cleaned house ahead of season 10, with Emma Hernan, Mary Bonnet, Chelsea Lazkani, Alanna Gold, and Sandra Vergara all getting axed from the series.

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According to a report from TMZ, the decisions were made back in April as producers prepared for filming to begin only weeks later.

The massive overhaul marks one of the show’s biggest cast changes and immediately sparked questions about the direction Netflix wants the franchise to take moving forward.

Bonnet herself appeared to hint that major behind-the-scenes changes were already happening during an interview earlier this month.

“Netflix wanted a change-up,” she admitted per the Daily Mail, while teasing that there were “changes” coming that she “just can’t say.”

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At one point, Bonnet also appeared uncertain about when filming for season 10 would even begin, fueling speculation she already knew her future with the show was over.

Meanwhile, insiders claim another familiar Netflix face may soon enter the chaos. Alex Hall from “Selling the OC” is reportedly being considered for the cast while the spin-off remains on indefinite pause.

‘Selling Sunset’ Brings Back Christine Quinn And Heather Rae El Moussa

While several stars are reportedly out, “Selling Sunset” is also reviving some of its most recognizable faces. 

Bre Tiesi, Christine Quinn, Amanza Smith, and Heather Rae El Moussa are all expected to return for the upcoming season.

Quinn’s comeback, especially, sent shockwaves through the fanbase because she left the show in 2022 amid explosive drama and accusations she fiercely denied.

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The former breakout villain was accused of offering one of Emma Hernan’s clients $5,000 to stop working with her, claims Quinn publicly rejected.

Even Bonnet admitted Quinn remains valuable television despite their complicated history. “Christine’s always, she’s good for the show. Wasn’t happy about the way she left, I mean the things before, but everyone grows and hopefully she has,” Bonnet said.

Davina Potratz also supported Quinn’s return, saying, “I think Christine is a great choice for return because she’s a fan favorite and everyone loves her. She’s very funny. And I think she’s great for the show.”

Potratz suggested producers may be trying to restore the energy from Selling Sunset’s earlier seasons after fans complained the series drifted too far from its original appeal. “I feel like the fans kind of want more of what it originally was,” she explained.

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‘Selling Sunset’ Drama Destroyed Major Friendships Behind The Scenes

Several of the cast exits follow years of growing tension and explosive personal feuds within the Oppenheim Group.

Lazkani and Bonnet, once close friends, spent the last two seasons tearing into each other after a disastrous listing appointment damaged their relationship.

The conflict reportedly began when Lazkani arrived late to an open house, and Bonnet criticized her revealing outfit in front of Jason and Brett Oppenheim.

Lazkani fired back by telling Bonnet, “If you wanted to be woman-to-woman you would’ve pulled me aside, but doing it in front of two men, I just think it’s a little bit of a low blow.”

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Their friendship never recovered. Even after Bonnet experienced a frightening home invasion, she reportedly refused the flowers Lazkani sent her afterward.

Emma Hernan also became embroiled in controversy during her run after Chrishell Stause accused Hernan’s boyfriend, Blake Davis, of saying “pronouns are dumb” regarding Stause’s nonbinary spouse, G Flip.

Hernan denied the accusation completely, insisting Davis merely referred to G Flip as Stause’s “wife.”

Davis later clarified, telling the Daily Mail, “I regretfully referred to G Flip as Ms Stause’s wife.” The drama eventually contributed to Stause stepping away from the show after saying it was “no longer good for my mental health.”

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‘Selling Sunset’s Newer Cast Members Also Faced Controversy

Some of “Selling Sunset’s” newest additions also struggled to connect with audiences before reportedly being let go.

Alanna Gold faced backlash after claiming she and her husband owned Pioneertown, California, prompting furious reactions from locals.

She later apologized and clarified that they had only “invested in a home and other properties there.” Sandra Vergara, Sofia Vergara’s adopted sister and biological cousin, only lasted one season before reportedly exiting.

During her short time on the series, she clashed with multiple cast members and emotionally denied accusations that she once keyed a car belonging to Stause’s assistant.

Insiders claim one challenge for newer additions is that they often lack genuine relationships with the rest of the cast before filming begins.

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“Sandra Vergara didn’t really know anybody before joining,” one source explained, adding, “It’s hard anytime they add a new person that doesn’t have a real behind the scenes connection with anyone in the cast.”

‘Selling Sunset’ Producers Reportedly Want Bigger Drama For Season 10

Behind the scenes, insiders claim producers became desperate to revive “Selling Sunset’s” original formula by bringing back cast members with deeper history and bigger personalities.

According to sources, Quinn was not actively trying to return to the show. “Christine was not looking to be back on Selling Sunset,” one insider told the Daily Mail last month, adding she “didn’t reach out” to producers herself.

Instead, producers allegedly pursued her because “she brings the most drama and that’s what they need right now with the new season – more drama.”

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The insider even claimed producers sometimes “bribe cast members with more money just for them to return.” 

Quinn reportedly hesitated because of concerns about how she would be portrayed after previously being edited as the show’s villain.

“She was made out to be a villain and she’s not like that at all in real life,” the source said. Still, producers reportedly believe Quinn’s long history with the cast gives the series something newer stars could never fully recreate.

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With so many scripted television shows on the air, it may seem impossible for casual audiences to keep up with the mountain of series. Gone are the days of a handful of TV networks with a manageable quantity of scripted shows. Now, announcements of new streaming platforms keep coming out of the woodwork, and with them, a batch of new, intriguing scripted television shows. Understandably, many of these shows and, frankly, entire streaming platforms like Apple TV get lost in the noise.

Although a few of Apple TV’s shows are internationally beloved (say the treasured, critically acclaimed Ted Lasso, or even the comedy series Shrinking), many, often just as great, have fallen under the radar despite their great quality. This is unfortunate because Apple TV’s content development has been consistently stellar since its launch. With a collection that ranges from workplace comedies to horror, science fiction, and true crime dramas, these are Apple TV’s most underappreciated television shows.

15

‘Physical’ (2021–2023)

Image via Apple TV+

With Rose Byrne at its center, Annie Weisman‘s entertaining comedy TV show tackles themes of identity and self-discovery while illustrating the story of a woman struggling to find her place in the world. Sheila is a quietly unhappy homemaker who struggles with her marriage and lifelong battle with bulimia. When she stumbles upon the fascinating world of aerobics, Sheila reclaims her power and self-confidence.

This Apple TV dark comedy may not be fit for everyone’s liking. Still, Weisman’s underrated series offers viewers a believable, three-dimensional, layered protagonist (brought to life flawlessly by Byrne) that they may even relate to at some point. Part of what makes Physical a good show is the poignant messages it sends on the topics it deals with, particularly how it sheds light on the importance of embracing oneself.

14

‘The Reluctant Traveler’ (2023–Present)

Image via AppleTV+

For those who enjoy engaging documentaries or reality TV shows about exploring new cultures, The Reluctant Traveler is a great pick. The 2023 series centers around Levy’s journey as he visits different countries, meets different people, and enjoys some of the world’s most remarkable hotels.

The Reluctant Traveler is quite different from other reality series centering around celebrities, as it doesn’t solely focus on Levy’s experiences but also introduces interesting aspects of worldwide culture to viewers. Levy’s joy in the show as he travels around the globe and makes new connections is infectious, making the Apple TV series an enjoyable watch fit for those who like to explore new places without leaving the comfort of their homes.

13

‘Bad Monkey’ (2024–Present)

Image via Apple TV+

Following his success co-creating Ted Lasso and Shrinking for Apple TV, Bill Lawrence set his sights on adapting Carl Hiaasen‘s 2013 crime fiction novel Bad Monkey. When a severed arm is fished out by a tourist off the coast of the Florida Keys, a suspended police detective, Andrew Yancy, is pulled into a conspiracy and corruption scandal that covers both Florida and The Bahamas.

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Joining Vince Vaughn as Andrew Yancy in Bad Monkey is an ensemble of actors, including Rob Delaney, John Ortiz, Jodie Turner-Smith, and L. Scott Caldwell. Like its streaming platform colleague, Slow Horses, Bad Monkey excels at using a comical lens to approach its often very serious material. During its ten-episode first season, Bad Monkey touches on spirituality, grief, gentrification, medical corruption, and more. Vince Vaughn leads the cast with a spectacular performance that plays to all of his many strengths. His performance as the loquacious, empathetic, and intelligent Yancy is the true standout of the series.

12

‘Big Door Prize’ (2023–2024)

Image via Apple TV+

“What if you could find out your life’s potential?” That premise drives the two seasons of Apple TV’s The Big Door Prize. Adapted by Schitt’s Creek writer David West Read from M.O Walsh‘s novel of the same name, the show follows the events that occur after a machine mysteriously arrives in a small town and begins revealing to the residents their “life potential.” It’s a high-minded concept that the show successfully grounds via its ensemble of relatable characters.

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Led by Chris O’Dowd, The Big Door Prize examines themes of unfulfillment, grief, love, life paths not chosen, predestined futures, and more, admirably never shying away from attacking heady questions. To its credit, The Big Door Prize maintained a strong grasp on its emotionality while always centering its characters’ emotional growth. Sadly, it never found an audience, but it remains one of Apple TV’s most insightful efforts.

11

‘Black Bird’ (2022)

Image via Apple TV+

Taron Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser, along with Greg Kinnear, Sepideh Moafi, and Ray Liotta (in one of his final roles), combined their considerable efforts for Black Bird, Apple TV’s six-part true-crime limited series. Created by Dennis Lehane and based on the autobiographical novel by James Keen with Hillel Levin, Black Bird tells the true story of convict James Keene and how he gained the trust of convicted serial killer and rapist Larry Hall.

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Black Bird is an excellent crime television show despite being criminally underseen by general audiences. Anchored by a charismatic, Emmy-nominated performance from Taron Egerton and a dark and disturbing Emmy-winning villain performance from Paul Walter Hauser, Black Bird is an excellent cat-and-mouse story that shows how truly depraved and evil humans can be.

10

‘Hijack’ (2023–Present)

Image via Apple TV+ 

Idris Elba‘s Hijack plays out in real time over its seven-episode run. Elba plays Sam, a business negotiator whose seven-hour flight from Dubai to London is hijacked by an unknown group of agitators. Lupin co-creators George Kay and Jim Field Smith are behind the show. Hijack is a tense, heart-racing thriller that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats for its entire run.

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The story is simultaneously told via the events in the air and on the ground, with Sam attempting to de-escalate the hijacking as well as dissuade the government officials from shooting down the plane as it heads for the heart of central London. As the various players in the story are revealed, the full scope of the conspiracy is made clear, and various professional and personal stakes are put to the test. With an original approach to its classic genre, Hijack is a riveting thriller and a worthy showcase for Elba.

9

‘Mythic Quest’ (2020–2025)

Image via Apple TV+

Not satisfied with one beloved sitcom, Charlie Day and Rob McElhenney teamed up with It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia producer and writer Megan Ganz to create this video game studio set comedy. In Mythic Quest, McElhenney portrays Ian Grimm, the visionary creator of the titular Mythic Quest, a successful online role-playing game. For those who may not be familiar with the video game world, Mythic Quest offers a hilarious and insightful behind-the-scenes look into the industry.

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Joining Ian (pronounced “Eye-In”) in the office sitcom structure are David (David Hornsby), the game’s executive director, Poppy Li (Charlotte Nicdao), its lead engineer, Brad Bakshi (Danny Pudi), head of monetization, C.W Longbottom (F. Murray Abraham), the game’s head writer, Jo (Jessie Ennis), David’s assistant and a couple of game testers played by Ashly Burch and Imani Hakim. Boasting a collection of excellent performances and some standout episodes, Mythic Quest appropriately balances its humor and emotions, delivering one of Apple TV’s most beloved series.

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Collider Exclusive · Sci-Fi Survival Quiz
Which Sci-Fi World Would You Survive?
The Matrix · Mad Max · Blade Runner · Dune · Star Wars

Five universes. Five completely different ways the future went wrong — or sideways, or up in flames. Only one of them is the world your instincts were built for. Eight questions will figure out which dystopia, galaxy, or desert wasteland you’d actually make it out of alive.

💊The Matrix

🔥Mad Max

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🌧️Blade Runner

🏜️Dune

🚀Star Wars

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TEST YOUR SURVIVAL →

01

You sense something is deeply wrong with the world around you. What do you do?
The first instinct is often the truest one.

APull on every thread until I understand the system — then figure out how to break it.
BStop asking questions and start stockpiling — food, fuel, weapons. Questions don’t keep you alive.
CKeep my head down, observe carefully, and trust no one until I know who’s pulling the strings.
DStudy the patterns. Every system has a rhythm — learn it, and you learn how to survive it.
EFind the people fighting back and join them. You can’t fix a broken galaxy alone.

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NEXT QUESTION →

02

In a world of scarcity, what resource do you guard most fiercely?
What we protect reveals what we believe survival actually requires.

AKnowledge. If you understand the system, you don’t need resources — you can generate them.
BFuel. Everything else — movement, power, escape — runs on it.
CTrust. In a world of fakes and informants, a truly reliable ally is rarer than any commodity.
DWater. And after water, information — the two things empires are truly built on.
EShips and credits. The galaxy is big — you survive it by being able to move through it freely.

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03

What kind of threat keeps you up at night?
Fear is useful data — if you’re honest about what you’re actually afraid of.

AThat reality itself is a lie — that everything I experience has been constructed to keep me compliant.
BA raid. No warning, no mercy — just the roar of engines and then nothing left.
CBeing identified. Once someone with power decides you’re a problem, you’re already out of time.
DBeing outmanoeuvred — losing a political game I didn’t even know I was playing.
EThe Empire tightening its grip until there’s nowhere left to run.

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04

How do you deal with authority you don’t trust?
Every dystopia has a power structure. Your approach to it determines everything.

ASubvert it from the inside — learn its rules well enough to weaponise them against it.
BIgnore it and stay out of its reach. The further from any power structure, the better.
CAppear to comply while doing exactly what I need to do. Visibility is the enemy.
DManoeuvre within it carefully. You can’t beat a system you refuse to understand.
EResist openly when I have to. Some things are worth the risk of being seen.

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05

Which environment could you actually endure long-term?
Survival isn’t just tactical — it’s physical, psychological, and very much about where you are.

AUnderground bunkers and server rooms — cramped, artificial, but with access to everything that matters.
BOpen wasteland — brutal sun, no shelter, constant movement. At least the threat is honest.
CA dense, rain-soaked city where you can disappear into the crowd and nobody asks questions.
DMerciless desert — extreme heat, no water, and something enormous living beneath the sand.
EThe fringe — backwater planets and busy spaceports where the Empire’s attention rarely reaches.

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06

Who do you want in your corner when things fall apart?
The company you keep is the clearest signal of who you actually are.

AA tight crew of believers who’ve seen behind the curtain and have nothing left to lose.
BOne or two people I’d trust with my life. Any more than that and someone talks.
CNobody, ideally. Alliances are liabilities. I work alone unless I have no choice.
DA community bound by shared hardship and mutual survival — people who need each other to last.
EA ragtag team with wildly different skills and total commitment when it counts.

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07

Where do you draw the line — if you draw one at all?
Every survivor eventually faces a moment that tests what they’re actually made of.

AI won’t harm the innocent — even the ones who’d report me without hesitation.
BI do what I have to to protect the people I’ve chosen. Everything else is negotiable.
CThe line shifts depending on who’s asking and what’s at stake.
DI draw a long-term line — nothing that compromises my people’s future, even if it’d help now.
ESome lines, once crossed, can’t be uncrossed. I know which ones they are.

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08

What would actually make survival worth it?
Staying alive is one thing. Having a reason to is another.

AWaking others up — dismantling the illusion so no one else has to live inside it.
BFinding somewhere — or someone — worth protecting. A reason to keep moving.
CAnswers. Understanding what I am, what any of this means, before time runs out.
DLegacy — shaping the future in a way that outlasts me by generations.
EFreedom — for myself, for others, for every world still living under someone else’s boot.

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Your Fate Has Been Calculated
You’d Survive In…

Your answers point to the world your instincts were built for. This is the universe your temperament, your survival instincts, and your particular brand of stubbornness were made for.

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The Resistance, Zion

The Matrix

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You took the red pill a long time ago — probably before anyone offered it to you. You’re a systems thinker who can’t help but notice the seams in things.

• You’re drawn to understanding how the system works before figuring out how to break it.
• You’d find the Resistance, or it would find you — your instinct for spotting constructed realities is the machines’ worst nightmare.
• You function best when you have access to information and the freedom to act on it.
• The Matrix built an airtight prison. You’d be the one probing the walls for the door.

The Wasteland

Mad Max

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The wasteland doesn’t reward the clever or the well-connected — it rewards those who are hard to kill and harder to break. That’s you.

• You don’t need comfort, community, or a cause larger than the next horizon.
• You need a vehicle, a clear threat, and enough fuel to outrun it — and you’re good at all three.
• You are unsentimental enough to survive that world, and decent enough — just barely — to be something more than another raider.
• In the wasteland, that distinction is everything.

Los Angeles, 2049

Blade Runner

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You’d survive here because you know how to exist in moral grey areas without losing yourself completely.

• You read people accurately, keep your circle small, and ask the questions others prefer not to answer.
• In a city where humanity is a legal designation rather than a feeling, you hold onto something that keeps you functional.
• You’re not a hero. But you’re not lost, either.
• In Blade Runner’s world, that distinction is everything.

Arrakis

Dune

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Arrakis is the most hostile environment in the known universe — and you are precisely the kind of person it rewards.

• Patience, discipline, and political awareness are your core strengths — and on Arrakis, they’re survival tools.
• You understand that the long game matters more than any single victory.
• Others come to Dune and are consumed by it. You’d learn its logic and earn its respect.
• In time, you wouldn’t just survive Arrakis — you’d begin to reshape it.

A Galaxy Far, Far Away

Star Wars

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The galaxy far, far away is vast, loud, and in a constant state of violent political upheaval — and you wouldn’t have it any other way.

• You find meaning in being part of something larger than yourself — a cause, a crew, a rebellion.
• You’d gravitate toward the Rebellion, or the fringes, or whatever pocket of the galaxy still believes the Empire’s grip can be broken.
• You fight — not because you have to, but because standing aside isn’t something you’re capable of.
• In Star Wars, that willingness is what makes all the difference.

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8

‘Servant’ (2019–2023)

Image via Apple TV

Armed with an excitingly bonkers premise and with storied supernatural filmmaker M. Night Shyamalan serving as an executive producer and frequent director, Apple TV’s Servant is one of the platform’s most audacious offerings. Created by Tony Basgallop, the psychological horror show follows a grieving couple who hire a young nanny, Leanne Grayson, to care for their reborn doll, whom the mother believes is her still-alive son. As can be expected, Leanne’s sudden introduction to this environment leads to even stranger occurrences.

Despite receiving great praise from horror icons like Stephen King and Guillermo del Toro, Servant remained largely underappreciated during its four-season run. Along with excellent direction and a consistently eerie mood, Servant boasted noteworthy performances from its four leads: Toby Kebbell and Lauren Ambrose as the married couple, Sean and Dorothy Turner, Rupert Grint as Julian, Dorothy’s brother, and Nell Tiger Free as the young nanny thrust into this world. Eerie but refreshing, Servant is one-of-a-kind and one of Apple’s undersung crowning jewels.

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7

‘Acapulco’ (2021–2025)

Image via Apple TV+

Cisneros, Shuman, and Winsberg‘s hilarious Acapulco depicts the dream of a young Mexican man (played by both Enrique Arrizon and Eugenio Derbez) coming true when he gets the job offer of a lifetime at a decades-old, well-respected, and preserved resort in Acapulco, which is located on a semicircular bay in Mexico. However, things get complicated when he soon realizes the job is far more troublesome than he ever anticipated.

The charming Acapulco remains one of Apple TV’s lesser-known shows and certainly deserves more love. Produced by the Emmy-winning Eugenio Derbez and featuring effective acting performances on top of an enthralling plot, this comedy series will have comedy fans hooked. It was inspired by the 21st-century Mexican film, How to Be a Latin Lover.

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6

‘Schmigadoon!’ (2021–2023)

Image via Apple TV

Perfect for those into the comedy, musical, and fantasy genres, this fun Ken Daurio and Cinco Paul Apple TV original follows a couple of doctors (played by the fantastic Keegan-Michael Key and Cecily Strong) who, while on a backpacking trip, unearth a magical town in which everyone acts like they’re in a classic musical and become trapped in the musical theater universe.

While critically acclaimed — Cinco Paul, for one, took home the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Music and Lyrics for the song “Corn Puddin’” — Schmigadoon! is generally an overlooked series by the streaming platform and was, unfortunately, not renewed for a third season. Nonetheless, Daurio and Paul’s show is worth watching, especially if audiences are on the lookout for an entertaining and lighthearted viewing.

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