An actor who appeared in a Katy Perry music video, Josh Kloss, is revisiting a past incident amid Ruby Rose‘s recent sexual assault allegation against the singer. Kloss first went public with his claim in 2019, alleging that Perry exposed him at a party, and with Rose recently speaking out, he is again addressing the situation, sharing his perspective about what occurred more than a decade ago.

Josh Kloss met Katy Perry in 2010 when he portrayed the singer’s love interest in the music video for “Teenage Dream.” In an exclusive interview with Page Six, the actor recounted an incident at a party where Perry allegedly exposed his genitals in public.

In 2012, Kloss said he was invited to a party for Johnny Wujek, Perry’s costume designer, and he went along with his friend. As he approached the venue, the singer reportedly greeted him enthusiastically with a hug before pulling his pants and underwear down, exposing his genitals in front of other partygoers.

Kloss said he “freaked out” and felt humiliated, but Perry just laughed it off. “I want to get rid of the confusion because some people believe that if you pull someone’s pants down at a party you’re pranking them,” the actor said, but he didn’t think it was funny. He also said that he didn’t have the “horsing around” type of relationship with Perry.

“It’s interesting when you’re a man, you can’t complain because you should be tougher,” he added.

The Actor Publicly Accused Katy Perry In 2019

Kloss first came out publicly with his story in a 2019 Instagram video that has since been deleted. In it, he admitted that he had a crush on the “I Kissed a Girl” singer at that time. “As I turned to introduce my friend, she pulled my Adidas sweats and underwear out as far as she could to show a couple of her guy friends and the crowd around us, my p-nis. Can you imagine how pathetic and embarrassed I felt?” he said in the video, per Variety.

Elsewhere in the video, Kloss said, “Our culture is set on proving men of power are perverse. But females with power are just as disgusting.”

Kloss told Page Six that he tried talking about the incident with Perry by contacting her inner circle, but after the attempt failed, he stopped trying.

Josh Kloss Wanted To Protect His Sanity

Kloss had been working as an actor and model before appearing in Perry’s music video, but gained wider attention after its release. He was even featured in a brief PEOPLE profile interview, where he was referred to as the “hot guy” from “Teenage Dream.”

The actor told Page Six that over the years, fans approached him, saying he was “lucky” and “fortunate” to have had the opportunity to work alongside Perry, but he didn’t feel that way due to his experience with her.

“She, who I should be grateful for, devalued and degraded me to the highest level in front of her closest peers. Why would I be grateful for that?” Kloss said, adding that he went public for the sake of his sanity. Kloss said he shared his story on Instagram just to make people stop making those types of comments.

Katy Perry Was Defended By Her Friends

After Kloss’ accusations in 2019, Wujek defended the singer, saying, “Katy would never do something like that. Another friend, jewelry designer Marsha Molinari, said Kloss was “obsessing” over the singer and revealed alleged text messages she received from the actor, asking to meet up with Perry and saying he wrote a song about her.

Following Kloss’ claim, Russian TV presenter Tina Kandelaki said a tipsy Perry attempted to kiss her at a party. A year before, the singer was also under fire for stealing “American Idol” contestant Bejamin Glaze’s first kiss. Glaze said he wouldn’t have agreed to a kiss had the singer asked, but Perry didn’t. “I was a tad bit uncomfortable. I wanted to save it for my first relationship,” he said.

In a 2020 interview with The Guardian, Perry was asked about the multiple sexual misconduct allegations against her. “I don’t comment on all the things that are said about me because if I chase that dragon, it would be about true and false-ing my whole life,” she said.

The Latest Allegation Against Katy Perry

In early April, Australian actress Ruby Rose accused the singer of sexually assaulting her at a club in 2010, as The Blast previously reported. Rose alleged that Perry rubbed her genitals on her face, and she threw up. She filed a complaint with Australian authorities, and they confirmed that they were investigating the incident.

Upon learning of Perry’s alleged behavior, Kloss said, “Sounds exactly like her. And that looks exactly like what I know about her.”

A cryptic message shared online has fans speculating about a breakup and ongoing relationship issues, with Megan Thee Stallion now at the center of the conversation. The post quickly spread across social media, with people dissecting the emotional message and reading between the lines to speculate on what may have gone wrong behind the scenes. While no names were mentioned, fans didn’t need much convincing and quickly began connecting the dots and interpreting it as the end of her relationship.

RELATED: Winning On Stage & At Home! Megan Thee Stallion Shares Selfie With Klay Thompson Amid Her Broadway Debut (PHOTO)

Did Megan Thee Stallion Reveal That Klay Thompson Cheated?

In an Instagram Story shared on Saturday, Megan posted a black background with bold white text detailing frustrations in a relationship, including claims of cheating, “playing house” with family present, and emotional strain during basketball season. She also referenced dealing with “HORRIBLE mood swings” and being left questioning commitment, before ending the message with a blunt sign-off suggesting she needed a serious break. While she never named anyone, fans were quick to connect the dots and speculate that she may have been referring to her reported relationship with NBA star Klay Thompson, sparking widespread conversation across social media.

“Cheating, had me around your whole family playing house…got “cold feet” Holding you down through all your HORRIBLE mood swings and treatment towards me during your basketball season now you don’t know if you can be ‘monogamous’???? b*tch I need a REAL break after this one..bye yall,” she revealed.

The Internet Is NOT Letting This One Slide

As soon as the post caught wind, Roommates ran straight to The Shade Room’s Instagram comment section and went IN with reactions. Some said they were actually rooting for a wedding between the two. Meanwhile, others expressed shock and disappointment, saying they weren’t expecting this from Klay Thompson (allegedly). And of course, a few kept it light, declaring it officially “hot girl summer” season in the comments.

One Instagram user @josephhamir said, “Klay just [lost] all respect from me wtf, I was rooting for this one too. I just don’t understand…“

Then, Instagram user @sydni_shee shared, “Yea, It’s hopeless ladies.. lol just hustle hard and look cute while doing it 😭😩“

Meanwhile, Instagram user @brit_ta_ny added, “D*mn, I thought Klay was different, he was giving Russell Wilson vibes , hate to see it…“

While Instagram user @xotanye wrote, “d*mn. the only faithful man left is my daddy & obama 😩😭”

But, Instagram user @smokyb0y said, “Yikes. I wouldn’t have even put this on the internet.“

Finally, Instagram user @jadamartinique commented, “Ahhhh d*mn. Hot girl summer it issssss.“

Umm…We Definitely Didn’t See This One Coming

We know, we know… Megan Thee Stallion didn’t technically name anyone, but the internet is already putting two and two together and asking who else this could possibly be about besides Klay Thompson. The timing is what’s throwing folks off, especially because just not too long ago, the two had fans in full “couple goals” mode after a cozy mirror selfie had Megan in cornrows. At the same time, Klay was seen gently caressing her face in a moment that had everyone saying “aww.” And let’s not forget the beachside birthday vibes for Klay’s 36th, where the pair looked fully locked in over oysters, charcuterie, and ocean views, with Megan even filming him mid–ocean swim. So now, with this latest post circulating, fans are side-eyeing the timeline heavy, and wondering what really shifted behind the scenes.

RELATED: Future Wife Energy!? Megan Thee Stallion Wows Klay Thompson With Star-Studded 36th Birthday Bash (VIDEOS)

“Summer House” OG Kyle Cooke is issuing a warning to the person who leaked footage from the upcoming reunion special. In a video shared online, Cooke slammed the leaker, saying that their actions show a clear lack of respect for the cast who spent hours sharing their story. Continuing, Cooke suggested the person seek legal counsel after Bravo announced its plans to investigate the matter.

Cooke gave his “two cents” on the ongoing scandal surrounding the “Summer House” cast, revealing that Bravo “takes this very seriously.”

“They’re doing a full-blown cyber investigation. So, if you’re the one who leaked [it], you might want to seek cover or counsel,” he continued.

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Cooke’s comments arrived hours after a clip of Ciara Miller confronting Amanda Batula at the reunion about her ongoing relationship with Miller’s ex, West Wilson, went viral.

Responding to the “wild” theories, Cooke said that he didn’t believe the leak came from anybody on the set.

“This was not a phone on set. Everybody — if you do have a phone on set, it’s stuck behind a pillow or a couch cushion. So, the cameras can’t see it. I don’t really see why anyone would gain [from] having leaked this. That goes for producers, crew, and Bravo,” he said.

Cooke Says The Leak Wasn’t A Cast Member

Continuing, Cooke explained that the leak likely came from a person loosely affiliated with the show who had access to a “live feed.”

“There’s only a couple different rooms with monitors. And, of course, then there’s the actual set. It kind of sounds like they were trying to be discreet because you can hear them fumbling their phone in the beginning and the end,” he said.

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Cooke, who has been part of the Bravo family since 2017, said, “The audio itself, from all of the cast, sounds like it’s audio from our mics,” adding that there was “no way” it was from someone on stage.

Bravo Releases Statement After Learning Of Leaked ‘Summer House’ Audio

The leaked audio clip, in which Miller labeled Batula a “snake,” has since been removed from most online forums. Despite that, a Bravo spokesperson revealed that the network wasn’t happy with what happened.

“This represents a serious breach of trust and a clear lack of respect for the cast, crew, and the integrity of the production process,” the statement read, according to The Blast. “We take this matter very seriously and have launched a full investigation and we will take appropriate action based on our findings.”

Bravo figurehead Andy Cohen also chimed in, admitting he was upset by the leak. “On my way to eye surgery and just reading about it. People laid their souls out emotionally for ten hours yesterday and its disgusting and illegal for someone to leak or distribute this,” he said.

He went on, calling the leaker “disrespectful” before pleading with the cast to let the rest of the “Summer House” season play out.

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Miller Made A Shocking Revelation About Her Relationship With Wilson Months Ago On ‘Summer House’

Speaking of letting the season play out, a new sneak peek of next week’s “Summer House” episode shows Miller having a conversation with newcomer Mia Calabrese and confessing to still having feelings for Wilson.

“As weird as it is, I do feel like he is my person,” Miller said, per The Blast. “We have this really weird friendship, and it’s hard to ignore that, you know?”

“Everyone knows that I’m not the most warm and fuzzy person. I am warm. I might not be fuzzy, but I’m warm,” Miller continued. “I guess making up isn’t really my thing, but I’m trying to be less rigid, which is a theme of my summer, OK?”

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Wilson Confirmed His Relationship With Batula Via A Joint Statement

The “Summer House” scandal began when fans started speculating about Wilson’s relationship with Batula. After denying the allegations, the pair confirmed their romantic connection online.

“We’ve seen the growing online speculation, so while this is still very new, we wanted to provide some clarity,” they wrote on Instagram. “It was never our intention to purposely hide anything. Given the complicated relationship dynamics involved and the scrutiny that comes with being on a reality show, we need a little space to process things privately before speaking on it.”

“Summer House” continues to air on Bravo on Tuesdays at 8 PM EST.

A routine grocery run at Trader Joe’s has now turned into a headline-making lawsuit involving shopper Julee O’Neil, who says an unexpected and disturbing discovery inside a bottle of juice left her shaken. What began as an ordinary purchase of orange juice has escalated into a legal complaint, with allegations now spreading across social media as more people react to the claims.

RELATED: Wait WHAT?! Deadly Listeria Outbreak Linked To Walmart & Trader Joe’s Quick Meals (VIDEO)

Woman Alleges Disturbing Find In Trader Joe’s Juice

According to court filings, Julee O’Neil says she purchased a 52-ounce bottle of Trader Joe’s Organic Orange Juice in June 2025 from the Portland location. Days later, while finishing the drink, she claims she felt what seemed like a large piece of pulp in her mouth, only to pull out what she described as the fingertip of a rubber glove. The complaint alleges she also feared the item may have contained part of a human finger and that she may have inadvertently swallowed additional material, leaving her gagging, nauseated, and experiencing a burning sensation in her mouth.

O’Neil Seeks Damages After Juice Incident, Requests Jury Trial

O’Neil says the discovery led her to seek urgent medical care due to ongoing symptoms, including nausea and discomfort. She also claims she notified Trader Joe’s in writing and requested a $10,000 settlement, which she says the company did not pay, prompting the lawsuit. The complaint now seeks $10,000 in damages, along with attorney’s fees and other costs, and O’Neil is requesting a jury trial as the case moves forward.

O’Neil’s Past Lawsuits Surface As Trader Joe’s Case Unfolds

Meanwhile, court records show O’Neil has filed several prior personal injury-related lawsuits over the past decade, including cases involving car accidents, a retail slip-and-fall at Starbucks, and a massage therapy dispute. She settled several cases, while courts dismissed or dropped the rest before resolution. As for the current allegations, Trader Joe’s has not yet publicly responded, leaving the claims to unfold in court as the case continues to gain attention.

RELATED: Prayers Up! 19-Year-Old Worker Reportedly Killed After Getting Sucked Into Meat Grinder At Frozen Burrito Factory

Rare photos of Princess Diana practicing ballet have resurfaced, reigniting interest in the late royal’s little-known childhood ambition to become a professional dancer. According to a former dance teacher, Diana was deeply passionate about ballet growing up, a dream she ultimately had to leave behind.

The revelation comes from a documentary in which the teacher also opened up about the emotional challenges Diana faced later in life, including her struggles with King Charles’ relationship with Camilla and the lack of support she felt from Queen Elizabeth II.

Diana’s lifelong love for ballet is back in the spotlight as fans revisit stories about her early dreams of becoming a professional dancer, per The Sun.

The late Princess of Wales was deeply drawn to the art form, but her ambitions were reportedly cut short after she grew too tall for classical ballet, making it difficult to find suitable partners for lifts and traditional routines.

According to insights shared in the 2021 documentary “Diana: In Her Own Words,” the Princess trained under dance coach Anne Allan in the early 1980s, forming a close bond as she honed her skills. Though her height may have stood in the way of a professional career, her passion never faded, with Diana remaining a devoted supporter of the English National Ballet for years.

Fans React To Diana’s Joyful Ballet Past

As old photos of Diana dancing ballet make the rounds again, fans have been sharing their thoughts online. Many have pointed to how at ease and joyful she appeared in the resurfaced photos.

“She looks so genuinely happy in these photos. Thank you for sharing them. There is a sadness in her post-royalty that even motherhood couldn’t fully erase. You could see how much she loved her boys, too,” one Reddit user wrote.

Another added, “She looked so normal and healthy. Then she met Prince Charles.”

A third user suggested the issue lay in the then-future King being embarrassed by the gesture, saying, “Charles HATED the performance. He thought it was beneath royalty to do something like that. He sat there, embarrassed.”

Princess Diana Used Dance As A Coping Mechanism

Elsewhere in the documentary, Allan revealed that more than just a passion for Diana, dance also became a way for her to navigate the emotional strain of her marriage to Charles.

Allan recalled that Diana was initially reserved when they first met, but gradually became more open as their sessions continued.

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“She had dance in her soul. I realized the pure enjoyment that it gave her. She loved the free-ness of being able to move and dance. She loved it. I could see it helped to alleviate her emotional life. That was hard for her at that time,” Allan said, per The Sun.

The documentary also suggests Diana was deeply affected by Charles’ relationship with Camilla, whom he later married in 2005 following Diana’s death in a Paris car crash years earlier.

Diana Reportedly Confronted Camilla To Leave Her Husband

Diana’s marriage to Charles was overshadowed by growing tensions that led to their separation in 1992 and ultimately to their divorce in 1996. According to Allan, the Duchess was deeply affected by her husband’s relationship with Camilla and made efforts to hold her marriage together despite the strain.

At the time, Diana was pregnant with Prince William, whom she welcomed in June 1982. She reportedly confided that she wanted to give the marriage her all, particularly because of Charles’ future role.

“It was very important because, of course, he was going to be the future king,” Allan explained. “She realized that Charles was seeing Camilla, and I just remember being quite horrified about what she was telling me, and at the same time, rather shocked. She was worried about what it was that was going on.”

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Backlash Grows Over Princess Diana Documentary

The documentary also featured previously unseen recordings of Diana speaking with voice coach Peter Settelen in 1992 and 1993, offering a more intimate look at her personal struggles behind palace walls.

Among the claims revisited were suggestions that Prince Philip had encouraged Prince Charles to maintain a mistress, as well as assertions that Queen Elizabeth II offered little guidance when Diana sought her support.

While Diana was known to break royal protocol during her lifetime, from surprise dance performances to informal public appearances, many viewers took issue with the decision to air such personal material.

Critics called out Channel 4 for releasing the documentary, arguing it could reopen wounds for her sons, William and Harry.

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Ray J has weighed in on Kim Kardashian’s romance with Lewis Hamilton, and he’s not exactly optimistic.

During a recent podcast appearance, the singer said he “prays” for the seven-time Formula 1 champion, claiming he’s walking into a “very sticky situation.” The comment has sparked divided reactions online, with some critics pointing to Ray’s own past controversies, while others backed his take.

His remarks also come as reports suggest Kardashian and Hamilton are growing closer, with talk already turning to a potential shared home.

As Kardashian’s rumored romance with Hamilton continues to pick up steam, Ray J is weighing in on the conversation, saying he’s keeping the F1 star in his prayers.

During a recent sit-down with Cam Newton, the singer revisited his history with Kardashian, making fresh claims about their infamous tape and the fallout that followed, which he says he’s grown tired of revisiting. Still, when the conversation turned to Hamilton, Ray struck a more cautionary tone, praising the driver while warning he may be stepping into a messy dynamic.

Online reactions to Ray J’s comments were split, with some interpreting his warning as tongue-in-cheek, while others criticized him for inserting himself into Kardashian’s relationship with Hamilton.

On Reddit, one user wrote, “Weirdly enough, Ray is right, zero reason for Lewis to be dating Kim. You can find nonproblematic attractive women who are more aligned to you politically/moral values.”

Another viewer said they didn’t understand the comment at first, but came around after watching the clip.

 “I had no context before I watched the video, but as an F1 fan I was like, ‘yeah me too man, me too,’” they said.

A more critical take read, “He should worry about fixing his own issues, of which there are many,” referencing Ray’s personal controversies as part of the backlash.

Hamilton ‘Goes Instagram Official’ With Kim Kardashian

Hamilton appears to have taken things public with Kardashian as their whirlwind romance continues to unfold across the globe.

The pair have been spotted traveling together in recent months, from a quiet getaway in Oxfordshire, U.K., to high-profile appearances in Paris and at the Super Bowl. They’ve also been seen enjoying more relaxed moments, including a dip in the ocean during one of their trips.

Now, Hamilton seems to have made things Instagram official. The racing icon recently shared a Reel from Tokyo, capturing the two on a high-speed drive, with Kardashian seated in the passenger seat. “HERE WE GO AGAIN TOKYO DRIFT VOL. III,” he captioned the clip, further fueling buzz around their growing relationship.

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Source Says Kim K’s Family Approves Of Hamilton

While Ray J has been making headlines for his comments about the relationship, a source close to Kardashian says her inner circle is already warming to Hamilton.

At one point, the pair were reportedly vacationing together alongside Kardashian’s three younger children, whom she shares with her ex-husband Kanye West.

Another insider described the Formula 1 champion as “an easygoing guy with great energy,” adding that Kardashian’s family “likes him.” The source went on to note that while both stars maintain demanding schedules, they make time for each other, with the relationship now said to be “more than just a casual connection.”

“Kim’s very into him,” the insider added. “It takes a lot to capture her interest, and she’s definitely intrigued.”

Kim Kardashian And Lewis Hamilton Hunt For ‘Love Nest’

Kardashian and Hamilton are reportedly already taking a big step forward as their relationship continues to intensify.

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According to reports, the pair is now scouting for a private property where they can spend time together away from the spotlight. A source claimed they are looking for a space that offers both comfort and privacy, allowing them to relax without interruptions.

“They want a place that’s just for them,” the tipster said, per the National Enquirer. They noted that traditional hotel stays don’t offer the level of discretion the couple needs, given their global profiles.

The search is said to include high-end locations such as Malibu, Beverly Hills, and Santa Barbara, as the couple looks for a more permanent retreat to match their fast-moving romance.

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One of the most crucial parts of any fantasy universe is its world. Fantasy isn’t very compelling if its world feels generic, wasteful, or just isn’t that interesting. Some of the greatest fantasy universes have even gone down in history for their established history and lore, or for how fascinating they are to the consumer. This happens across all forms of media, from books to movies, and even to television.

This is especially true as of late, since fantasy television has seen a massive surge in popularity thanks to the introduction of streaming services and on-demand viewing. With the endless sea of fantasy TV shows out there, some of the truly remarkable do stand out, especially when it comes to their world-building (the process in which it establishes and fleshes out its world). These are the fantasy TV shows with the best world-building.

1

‘The Witcher’ (2019–Present)

Image via Netflix

The Witcher has been on a downward spiral since the introduction of its second season, but its world-building, at the very least, remains strong. Of course, it doesn’t deserve every ounce of credit—most of that belongs to original author Andrzej Sapkowski, who penned the book series on which the TV show is based. There are so many different creatures in this world, most of them pulled straight from folklore and mythology.

All of these creatures come from tons of different real-world cultures and mythologies, yet they comfortably meld together in this dark and violent world. They appear in their own ecosystems, and wreak havoc on local townships in their own ways. While this world is dark and unforgiving, there is no denying that it does inspire a sense of wonder at how many monsters exist within it, accompanied by beautiful landscapes, and, of course, magic.

2

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is a prequel series to the original 1982 Jim Henson film, which also had fantastic world-building. The story is set on the planet Thra, a world full of strange creatures from Henson’s wild imagination. Thra is home to the magical Dark Crystal, but one day, it mysteriously cracks, beginning a new era in the world. The power that seeps out of the crystal creates two new life forms: the magical Mystics, and the villainous Skeksis, who begin to wreak havoc across the planet.

The story is told through intricate puppetry and stunning set design, detailing the events leading up to the film. It’s a shame this show was canceled by Netflix so abruptly, because it had no trouble throwing audiences right back into the world of Thra, and expanding upon its already fascinating universe. It’s unlike any other fantasy series ever seen before, due in part to its creative and colorful world.

3

‘Deltora Quest’ (2007–2008)

Image via Genco

You’ve probably never heard of Deltora Quest, but you’d be forgiven for that. This YA anime series is based on eight books by Australian author Jennifer Rowe, under her pen name, Emily Rodda. The story follows Lief (Ryosuke Sakamaki), an adolescent boy from the city of Del who is tasked with finding the seven gems of the magical Belt of Deltora, which have been scattered across the land. If he reassembles the Belt, he will banish the evil Shadow Lord from the land of Deltora.

Rowe actually wrote a surprisingly vast universe when she wrote her books. Deltora is split up into seven territories represented by seven gems, with each territory having its own distinct geography, culture, flora, and fauna. The show does a really good job of bringing the magic of Deltora to life, featuring all the weird and wonderful creatures that inhabit the land. The series might be for kids, but it really creates a unique world like no other, and that is endlessly intriguing.

4

‘The Wheel of Time’ (2021–2025)

Image via Prime Video

The Wheel of Time actually takes place on Earth, albeit a different version of Earth, thousands upon thousands of years in the future. Numerous apocalyptic events have reduced technology back to the Middle Ages, though new things, such as fantastical creatures and magic itself, do exist. Much of the story takes place in the Westerlands, a continent which is home to over a dozen different cultures and nations.

To the West is the continent of Seanchan, and to the East, the Aiel Wastes, an endless desert where the nomadic Aiel people live. This TV show really fleshes out those cultures, especially the social hierarchy present in the White Tower, the home of the sorceresses known as the Aes Sedai. Apart from that, the various cultures actually feel distinct from each other, and have their own little quirks. This show actually does a better job of world-building than most movies. It definitely does a good job of bringing the late author Robert Jordan’s world to the small screen.

5

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Image via Nickelodeon

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Avatar: The Last Airbender does its worldbuilding so well because it’s so simple. In this show, there is a continent on which there are four nations. Each nation corresponds to one of the four elements: air, fire, earth, or water. Sorcerers known as “benders” exist within each nation, which are instrumental in fighting off the Fire Nation’s conquest of the continent. Each nation isn’t just different in culture, but also in geography and overall technological advancement.

For example, the Fire Nation is highly industrial, and is capable of crafting war machines that the other nations do not have. Meanwhile, the Air Nation, who are extinct, were previously nomadic, and rarely settled in one place. Though every corner of this continent is loosely based on East Asian history, there’s enough differentiation that it doesn’t feel homogeneous. This makes the world easy to remember, and easy to fall in love with.

6

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

Image via Wit Studio

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Attack on Titan immediately sets the stage in its very first episode. It lets audiences feel the horrifying tension present in humanity’s last refuge: a walled civilization completely cut off from the outside world, and from the giant, flesh-eating titans that prowl the world. But one day, the wall is breached, turning everything upside-down, and prompting humanity to retaliate, in a war for their own survival.

Gradually, as more of the series is revealed, the bleak world becomes more and more revealed, with so much lying beyond the walls, yet remaining completely inaccessible. Attack on Titan does an excellent job of letting the audience feel how oppressive the walls are, and how humanity is effectively awaiting their own extinction, like cattle in a pen. The world has so many great dynamics about it, and it really hooks the viewer with each new revelation.

7

‘Pokémon’ (1997–Present)

Image via TV Tokyo

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Considering the fact that Pokémon features tons of made-up creatures, many of them having magical abilities, the multimedia franchise can absolutely be considered a fantasy. Like the video game series upon which it is based, Pokémon features a massive world full of the eponymous life forms. There are over 1,000 unique species of Pokémon, with the show deeply exploring how they function in their ecosystem, and the relationship they have with their trainers.

There are also loads of different regions, each with their own unique geography. From the volcanic archipelago of Hoenn to the mountainous Sinnoh, various Pokémon can be found scattered throughout this expansive world. This world has had 30 years to develop, so of course the show would have plenty of time to develop its world. The creatures in it really do feel like living, breathing animals, each with their own personality, habits, and environments. World-building is one of the main reasons why the Pokémon franchise got so popular in the first place, and it keeps it up to this day.

8

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018–2024)

Image via Netflix

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The Dragon Prince is quite ambitious because it has absolutely no source material to fall back on. Yet, its colorful and enchanting world is extremely in-depth and lore-heavy, and can easily rival some of the biggest and most extensive fantasy universes. The world is effectively just the continent of Xadia, which is at war with itself. Specifically, the magical elves and dragons are at war with the non-magical humans.

Though The Dragon Prince is geared towards teens and young adults, the show has found resounding success with adult audiences, too. The reason is simple: Xadia is a playground for the imagination, chock-full of history that never gets boring to learn about. Xadia is infinitely fascinating, and has yet to disappoint its legions of loyal fans.

9

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

Image via Prime Video

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Say what you will about The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power, but the world-building in this series is absolutely phenomenal. Granted, it doesn’t deserve all the credit. This is because it’s based on an enormous expanded universe written by J. R. R. Tolkien, who detailed thousands of years of history into his world, known as Arda, or more commonly, Middle-earth. Despite the TV series’ shortcomings, it does bring Tolkien’s vision to life.

It includes all the major bells and whistles that Tolkien included, from wizards to Elves, Dwarves, and even to Balrogs. It also showcases the unparalleled beauty of this world, which is likely why the series saw such massive success. The show might not use this universe to its full potential, but overall, the beauty and immersiveness of this world is part of what makes it so special.

10

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

Game of Thrones, by far, has the absolute best world-building of any fantasy TV series, and it’s not even close. Based on the world created by author George R. R. Martin, the world of Game of Thrones is vast, violent, and full of political manipulation. It is split into two main continents: Westeros in the West, and Essos in the East. Westeros is home to the Seven Kingdoms, and is a den of jackals where any politician could easily find themselves stabbed in the back.

That’s part of why the world-building in this series is so good. It really lets the audience experience Westerosi culture, and even some cultures in Essos. Of course, it has its fair share of magic and monsters, too, and even numerous religions. This show fully fleshes out the world of Planetos, to the point that it really does feel like an actual world with various nations and continents. The world-building is definitely one of the reasons the show became so popular.

Noah Centineo has come a long way from playing the cute jock in To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before — and his Netflix thriller, The Recruit, is proof of his versatility. It’s been eight years since he pulled our heartstrings as a boyish teenage heartthrob. Although the TATBILB franchise ended in 2021, he’s continued to make moves as an actor.

From starring as Atom Smasher in Black Adam to gearing up for his debut as Ken Masters in Street Fighter, Centineo has proven he can handle a couple of punches in the action scene. At the same time, Centineo returned to the beloved streaming platform that made him a star in The Recruit. Playing Owen Hendricks, a CIA lawyer-turned-deadly field agent, Centineo is just as adorkable as his former rom-com persona, but with a lot more bite as he steps into a new phase of his career.

What Is ‘The Recruit’ About?

Toxic bureau culture, deadly double-crossers, and international espionage collide in The Recruit. The series introduces Owen Hendricks (Centineo), a rookie CIA lawyer on his first week at the agency. Eager to make a good impression, he quickly realizes that, like any office — even the CIA — there’s a sense of superiority among his seniors, making him the complete workplace fool. He’s assigned to sort through a pile of graymail, including overlooked threats the bureau rarely takes seriously, until one message stands out: a letter from imprisoned former asset Max Meladze (Laura Haddock).

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Meladze’s graymail threatens to expose the CIA’s secrets. If her demands aren’t met, she will reveal the identities of U.S. operatives in Russia and Belarus. It’s a lot for someone’s first week, yet his boss, CIA general counsel Walter Nyland (Vondie Curtis-Hall), trusts him enough to send him to a maximum-security prison to negotiate. When Meladze offers a deal in exchange for her silence, Hendricks knows it’s bad news — yet he goes through with it, setting off his crash course to spy work. From interrogating a contact in Vienna to being attacked in Prague, he’s forced to leave the comforts of his office and discover the truth at his own risk.

Owen Hendricks Plays the Perfect Reluctant Spy in ‘The Recruit’

Much of The Recruit toys with Hendricks’ duality. In the CIA office, he’s this meek lawyer who looks like he doesn’t quite fit in with the intensity of the agency. He lacks the cutthroat grit expected of an employee at the bureau. Yet, on the other hand, he seems to have a hidden taste for being thrown into life-or-death situations. As much as he resists being pulled into these missions, there’s an adrenaline rush that quickly takes over. In the CIA’s eyes, assigning him such high-stakes tasks is a major risk — especially since he’s just a rookie lawyer who has never held a gun, let alone killed anyone.

Despite his inexperience, Hendricks’ impulsiveness often lands him in deadly situations. However, that’s not necessarily a bad thing. He may lack strategy and proper risk assessment, but his recklessness fuels a “figure it out as he goes” mentality. He’s a natural improviser — a rare skill in this line of work — and it comes in handy, since there’s only so much agents can predict about their enemies’ intentions. Still, as a newcomer, he gets tangled up in some seriously unprofessional situations. CIA work demands emotional detachment, and that’s where Hendricks fails. As the series progresses, he grows too attached to his future assets — a flaw that is later used to manipulate Hendricks’ judgment.

Owen Hendricks Gets Caught Up with South Korea’s Spy Intelligence

Image via Netflix

While Season 1 is pretty much a CIA-only operation, Season 2 raises the stakes when the agency finds itself entangled with South Korea’s National Intelligence Service. At this point, Hendricks has come a long way from just sorting graymail. The CIA knows what he’s capable of, and his unique skill set gets utilized even more. But at the same time, his rookie status makes his position even more vulnerable. In espionage, there’s no hesitation in disposing of agents when they pose a threat to exposing agency secrets. This typically happens when missions go south — and that’s exactly where Hendricks ends up.

While Season 1 sees Hendricks display more sheepish behavior on the field, Season 2 presents him as the complete opposite. He doubles down on his brashness, which doesn’t bode well when he’s in rival foreign territory. He becomes a kind of beast who won’t think twice about putting himself in danger. Although he evolves into a capable operative, far removed from the sharp-suited lawyer, one thing hasn’t changed: his moral conscience. Hendricks knows where to draw the line with his bosses’ orders, and he doesn’t hesitate to go rogue to save people the CIA deems expendable. He isn’t the perfect spy in The Recruit, but he’s the one the agency needs.

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Release Date

2022 – 2025-00-00

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Network

Netflix

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Directors

Doug Liman

Writers

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Alexi Hawley, George Ghanem, Amelia Roper, Hadi Deeb, Niceole R. Levy, Maya Goldsmith

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Speaking of later-in-life comedy and romance, this beloved Netflix sitcom centers on Grace Hanson (Jane Fonda) and Frankie Bergstein (Lily Tomlin), whose husbands fall in love with each other and divorce them. Facing the shock and upheaval, Grace and Frankie become reluctant roommates and eventually form an unexpected friendship, navigating the trials and tribulations of their altered lives together.

Grace is refined and organized, while Frankie is eccentric and wild — but eventually, they find that their differences make their friendship stronger. They navigate dating, parenting their adult children and even starting a business together, and while they fight, they always have each other’s backs.

Witty, quirky and irreverent, Grace and Frankie comes from Friends creator Marta Kauffman and fellow sitcom pro Howard J. Morris.