The streaming landscape has been evolving, with many streaming services trying not to sink as they compete for the same audience share. Strategic licensing deals are taking center stage as platforms look to monetize niche intellectual property. Meanwhile, some streamers also bundle themselves together to offer subscribers better value for their money. Add-ons have also become common. These methods have resulted in some shows made for one streaming service popping up on a competing service.

Ultimately, when the product is top-tier and the licensing math works, cross-platform distribution becomes a win-win scenario. This is the case with MGM+’s hit sci-fi horror series, which has slowly gained acclaim and been made available on multiple streaming services. The show was originally made for MGM+, but has become its most successful series ever. Demand for it has only grown, and as a result, it has become available to global audiences through other streaming services. That’s why the show, titled From, is trending globally on streaming services such as HBO Max, Paramount+, and OSN, as shown by FlixPatrol data.

Created by the team behind Lost, the mystery thriller hits all the right notes. Its premise, about a group of people stuck in a nightmarish town, has kept viewers guessing for four seasons now. Each season layers on fresh cosmic horrors, teasing audiences with microscopic details that promise either to explain the town’s origins or to finally chart a path home. The latest season wrapped up last week, and the show is set to return for its fifth and final season.

The End of ‘From’ Is Nigh

After four mystery-shrouded seasons, From is ready for its last hurrah, and its creative team is ready to offer some answers. When Collider’s Carly Lane caught up with creator John Griffin, showrunner Jeff Pinkner, and director Jack Bender, they kept their narrative cards close to the chest regarding the final season, though they heavily hinted that the townsfolk might have broken the cycle that keeps people trapped here. When Lane pointed out that the Boy in White’s age stood out, Griffin confirmed that it is “absolutely connected somehow to this group of characters that is in town.” But he warned that not all news is good news in this town. Is the cycle broken, or have they made things worse for the next cycle?

All seasons of From are available to stream on MGM+ in the U.S. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

February 20, 2022

Network

Epix, MGM+

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Directors

Jack Bender, Brad Turner, Alexandra La Roche, Bruce McDonald, Jeff Renfroe

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Writers

Vivian Lee, Kristen Layden, Brigitte Hales, Jeff Pinkner, John Griffin

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Among the many disappointments in the final season of HBO’s Euphoria was that the show, which had previously prided itself on having a realistic depiction of high school, transformed into a crime drama with no aspects of believability. It was disappointing to see the series devolve in such a regressive way, but HBO has already delivered a more insightful and moving coming-of-age drama series with We Are Who We Are, created by the Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Luca Guadagnino. Set on an American military base in Italy during 2016, We Are Who We Are is an earnest exploration of how confusing it can be to grow up, particularly during a climactic political moment. Unlike Euphoria’s artificial inclusion of melodrama and nastiness, We Are Who We Are offers something truthful while still being ambiguous about what young people are capable of.

The main character of We Are Who We Are is Fraser (Jack Dylan Grazer), a 14-year-old from New York City, who has just moved to Italy with his mother, Sarah (Chloë Sevigny). A colonel in the U.S. Army, Sarah and her partner, Maggie Teixeira (Alice Braga), have taken on new positions at the fictional base Caserma Maurizio Pialati, but Fraser has anxieties about fitting in at a new high school.

Although the Wilsons have only a brief encounter with their Nigerian neighbors, Danny (Scott Mescudi) and Jenny Poythress (Faith Alabi), Fraser develops a crush on their daughter, Caitlin (Jordan Kristine Seamón). We Are Who We Are is as much a “hangout” story as it is a historical drama, as it shows how much can change in the course of one person’s life over the course of one summer. Despite being set against the backdrop of the 2016 U.S. presidential election, We Are Who We Are explores progressive ideas about representation, identity, and self-love.

‘We Are Who We Are’ Is an Atmospheric Series About Growing Up

We Are Who We Are is unlike other coming-of-age shows because its Italian setting feels luscious and adventurous, giving it an opportunity to pay homage to many great works of cinema. The story’s focus on a group of mostly American children whose parents are serving on an Army base introduces some compelling ironies; they have simulated the environment of a Western high school in an area outside the news cycle, and they attain a level of escapism seemingly opposed to the strict regimentation of the military-industrial complex. What makes We Are Who We Are a more compelling series than Euphoria is that it doesn’t make any broad, sweeping statements about the status of an entire generation, specifically highlighting what these characters would do in certain circumstances. Although not everything about Fraser’s journey of self-actualization will be relatable, it is easy to invest in the story of someone who feels like an outsider and isn’t sure if he wants to carry on his parents’ legacy.

As is the case with much of Guadagnino’s work, We Are Who We Are has a terrific soundtrack that includes both classical music and a variety of pop hits from various decades. That many of the songs are lifted directly from 2016 only heightens the historical authenticity, as it goes to show just how different the world felt only a decade ago. Guadagnino clearly sees music as an important piece of nostalgia that is part of every young person’s life, and the show’s soundtrack is literalized in clever ways; Blood Orange, who also composed the series’ score, later appears as himself in the finale when Caitlin and Fraser cross paths during one of his concerts.

‘We Are Who We Are’ Depicts the Messiness of Young Love

We Are Who We Are is a refreshing show about young people because the series ultimately has an optimistic perspective without being too idealistic. Although there is conflict, with the heartbreak of young love being to blame for most of it, the characters’ friction is rarely motivated purely by hate. Perhaps taking the characters outside of America was the only way to do this, but We Are Who We Are doesn’t make their privilege the defining element of the story. Despite the fact that he has seemingly unlimited opportunities in a beautiful country, Fraser still feels weighed down by the expectations that he knows he will face in his future.

We Are Who We Are is one of the closest instances of an HBO show emulating the style of an arthouse film, with a loose narrative structure escalated by theme and character above all else. Although it doesn’t have the “shock value” of Euphoria, the realism with which conversations between young people are depicted makes We Are Who We Are equally visceral. It’s a testament to the strength of the entire ensemble that, in only seven episodes, the characters feel completely singular, with Seamón’s performance being the standout. We Are Who We Are is proof that it’s possible to make a show about youth that is not exclusively catered to young audiences; for some viewers, the series will be representative, and for others, it will be nostalgic.

Horror has captivated us with all types of terror, the likes of which audiences can’t get enough of, from monster thrillers and the supernatural to twisted psychological nightmares and slashers. However, religious horror can deeply impact many viewers, as their stories combine fear with thought-provoking themes that tackle the meaning of faith, the harms of fanaticism, and spiritual anxieties.

Truly, there’s nothing quite like religious horror. It’s gripped our attention for years thanks to significant classics like The Exorcist, Rosemary’s Baby, and The Devils. Yet despite its iconic status in horror, it’s jam-packed with perfect films that sadly went unnoticed by many audiences. The following ten are near-perfect horror movies that tackle religious terror, but unfortunately were mostly forgotten for years. They’re frightening and deeply complex, award-worthy even, but have somehow slipped through the public eye and are considered hidden gems today. From The Seventh Sign to Frailty, don’t forget these if you’re looking for more compelling religious horror.

8

‘The Church’ (1989)

Image via Columbia Tri-Star Films Italia

In this wildly over-the-top Italian supernatural horror cult classic from 1989, The Church is a gory, fun thrill ride that deserves more attention. It’s something you’ll actually never forget the first time seeing it, as it’s too horrific, bloody, and amazingly gross and can be placed alongside some of the most disgusting horror movies in history. It’s a twisted tale of murder and ghostly mayhem as it follows a group exploring the dark secrets of an old gothic cathedral that was built over a mass grave of slain devil worshipers.

With a bonkers premise like that, what’s not to get invested in? The Church may not be the most recognized religious horror film, but it certainly is one of the most entertaining. The characters are fun and engaging, the story keeps a good pace, and the practical effects are truly gnarly and disgustingly beautiful. Though obscure to many people, this one is a definite must-watch for those looking for compelling religious terror as well as shocking gore.

7

‘The Prophecy’ (1995)

Image via Miramax Films

Not all angels are good, and in 1995’s The Prophecy, they can even be quite terrifying. Directed by Gregory Widen and starring Academy Award winner Christopher Walken, this forgotten dark fantasy thriller is a one-of-a-kind experience that’s subtle and eerie without being over-the-top or relying on cheap scares. It’s about a faithless former seminary student who races to stop the evil angel Gabriel from unleashing a Holy War on Earth.

It’s packed with excellent tension, a decent pace, a unique premise, and, of course, memorable performances, especially Christopher Walken’s fascinating antagonist role as Gabriel and Viggo Mortensen, who’s chillingly calm as the Devil in human form. The Prophecy was a modest hit upon release, resulting in it becoming a franchise with four lesser-known sequels. While not as memorable now as it was in the ’90s, it’s a cult favorite among some horror buffs, and honestly really needs a reevaluation.

6

‘God Told Me To’ (1976)

Image via New World Pictures

The criminally overlooked thriller from 1976, God Told Me To, takes the concept of religious horror to a frightening extreme. It’s a perfect blend of psychological mystery, terror, and crime, all mixed into a story that’s intense, atmospheric, and unforgettable. It sees a devoted Catholic NYPD detective on a mysterious case to solve why a series of grizzly shootings and murders were committed by random people who’ve claimed to have been ordered by God himself to do it.

It’s packed with unsettling imagery, horrific violence, and nail-biting suspense, making it incredibly worth watching from beginning to end. There’s a heavy emphasis on the mystery of why these murders are happening, and it keeps you guessing for most of the film until the truth is revealed. Though panned by critics at the time, God Told Me To is being hailed now as a truly captivating and attention-grabbing cult classic that rewards your investment and provides excellent entertainment.

5

‘The Vigil’ (2019)

Image via IFC Midnight

Striking the right balance of subtle suspense and atmospheric dread, The Vigil is a remarkably underrated 2019 folk horror thriller directed by Keith Thomas. A standout of the religious horror subgenre by breaking away from Christian themes for Jewish folklore, it’s a fascinating exploration into the practices and demonology of the Jewish faith. It follows a young man as he returns to his Orthodox community in Brooklyn to watch over a deceased body for a ritual overnight, only to become the target of a malevolent entity.

The Vigil combines the supernatural and the psychological into a tensely paced, eerily dark nailbiter that hooks you in right from the start. It’s a fresh entry in the subgenre without the tropes and clichés typically associated with films that focus on Christian practices and imagery. It’s a standout that’s effectively scary and creative, but was sadly overlooked and never made an impact commercially. Now, The Vigil is slowly gaining recognition and being praised as an essential hidden horror gem from recent years.

4

‘Fallen’ (1998)

Image via Warner Bros.

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Directed by Gregory Hoblit and starring an all-star cast, including Denzel Washington, John Goodman, and the late Donald Sutherland, Fallen is a mystery that deserves more attention. It sees Washington and Goodman as a pair of Philadelphia police detectives on a case to solve who is committing a series of copycat killings based on the work of a notorious serial killer, only to discover these particular murders are linked to an ancient fallen angel mentioned in the Bible.

This 1998 supernatural thriller is a wild and twisted experience that slowly burned its way into cult status. Though initially dismissed by critics and bombing hard at the box office, it’s slowly gaining the recognition it’s deserved all these years now, thanks to new viewers who appreciate its sharp storytelling, memorable performances, and shocking twists, particularly its final reveal, which has saved the film from total obscurity.

3

‘The Ritual’ (2017)

Image via Netflix

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One of the best horror films most audiences probably haven’t heard of today is The Ritual, director David Bruckner‘s 2017 folk horror thriller. Rafe Spall leads in this chilling tale of survival as a small group of four college friends reunite to trek through a remote part of Sweden’s old-growth forest, only to stumble upon a sinister, reclusive cult and their ferocious pagan deity.

The Ritual isn’t the most exciting or most original religious horror film in recent years, but it’s steadily on its way to better acclaim. For one, its setting is perfectly creepy and oppressive. It’s honestly one of the most intimidating forests in horror, and you feel just as trapped as the characters when looking at it. And, although it follows the overdone premise of hikers encountering a supernatural threat in a dark, ominous forest, it elevates its simplicity with a touch of creative storytelling and well-executed suspense. Coupled with solid performances and an impressive creature design for the monster, The Ritual is a fascinating hidden gem that gets more noticeable with age.

2

‘Saint Maud’ (2019)

2019’s Saint Maud is perhaps the best representation of forgotten religious horror gems to appear on this list. It’s a near-masterpiece that is psychologically mind-blowing and perfectly atmospheric. The Rings of Power‘s breakout star, Morfydd Clark, stars in a commanding performance as Maud, a young British nurse whose intense Christian fanaticism causes her to unravel and believe she’s being guided by a higher calling while caring for a dying patient.

A story that’s well-paced, tensely suspenseful, and undeniably unsettling, Saint Maud is an absolute must-watch for religious horror fans. It’s a shame it slipped under the radar when it first came out, but just like so many other now-iconic horror movies these days, this one’s slowly gaining its status through time and word-of-mouth. It’s not only one of the most compelling modern classics of its subgenre, but it’s also one of the best horror movies of this century.

1

‘Frailty’ (2001)

Image via 20th Century Studios

Frailty rose from obscurity and commercial failure to become one of the most reevaluated horror movies of the early 2000s. Directed and starring the late Bill Paxton, it’s about a mysterious man played by Matthew McConaughey as he recounts how he and his little brother were coerced into following his father’s murderous rampage after he came to them claiming he’d seen visions from God to kill demons in human form.

It truly is a story unlike anything else in the religious horror subgenre, as it incredibly blends horror, drama, psychological mystery, and crime all into its runtime. Everything from the direction, writing, and especially the performances is all top-notch and without a single missed step. Despite all these good things Frailty had going for it — it was a modest commercial and critical hit — it was sadly overlooked for years after its release and not brought up as much as other horror standouts of the decade. But now its cult status is undeniable, and it’s a must-watch for horror fans.

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Frailty

Release Date

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November 17, 2001

Runtime

100 minutes

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Late last year, a pivotal era in the burgeoning career of one of Hollywood’s most popular young stars came to an end, as Millie Bobby Brown made one last appearance as Eleven in the smash-hit Netflix sci-fi series Stranger Things. For those mourning one of her best characters, another has now returned on the same streamer, with the Enola Holmes movies back for an adventure-heavy third installment. The film has instantly risen to the top of the Netflix charts both in the U.S. and worldwide, although critically, it has failed to impress on the level of the first two entries.

Earning an underwhelming average score from critics on review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, Enola Holmes 3 has been criticized for being a “forgettable” third adventure, with Collider’s David Caballero giving a 5/10 in his review for the film. “For anyone looking for a meaty mystery with dynamic characters and an unpredictable plot, the movie won’t meet their expectations,” Caballero wrote. But whatever fans or critics may say about the film, it’s yet another big streaming hit for one of the faces of the biggest streaming site as she continues her rise in stardom.

What often comes with this rise in stardom is the demand for an opinion on a variety of the hottest topics. Right now, in the world of gaming, there is no hotter topic than Grand Theft Auto 6, which debuts on November 19, with pre-orders started on June 25. The game will be available on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S, with a standard edition priced at $79.99 and an Ultimate Edition priced at $99.99, and it is this latter price point that has caused plenty of controversy so far.

Millie Bobby Brown Might Have Already Pre-Ordered ‘GTA 6’

As sharp-minded detective Enola Holmes, Brown is used to sniffing out the correct answer. When questioned on a recent podcast about which was her favorite video game of all time, she quickly replied, “GTA,” although she did not specify which installment. Instead, she explained how she approaches the game differently than most, saying, “I stop at red lights, I never run anyone over,” and admitted that her husband, Jake Bongiovi, sometimes asks, “Why are you playing [GTA] like it’s The Sims?” No matter how she plays the game, there’s no doubt that Brown has terrific taste.

Grand Theft Auto 6 launches November 19, 2026, with pre-orders open as of June 25. Make sure to stay tuned to Collider for all the latest news from the biggest titles.

Long-running franchises are more common nowadays, with series milking their IP as much as possible, for better or worse. However, everyone loves a good trilogy, like The Lord of the Rings. Animation, in particular, has become more popular, with viewers hoping for more trios in the medium.

With the rise of animation, now is the perfect time to rank the seven best movie trilogies, with each entry a masterpiece. Based on animation, writing, popularity, fan opinion, critical acclaim, and the overall quality of each film, here are seven must-watch trilogies that define the genre’s best.

1

Berserk: The Golden Age Arc (2012–2013)

Berserk is arguably one of the greatest manga series of all time, but its anime adaptations have received mixed reception. This set of movies adapts the Golden Age arc, a flashback about Guts’ backstory, from meeting the Band of the Hawk to fighting many battles, to the one moment that changed his life forever.

The later adaptations of Berserk are much worse, but luckily, these films are at least good, if not as good as the manga. Still, this story is timeless, and the trilogy does an excellent job of highlighting this iconic fantasy arc. It is dark, compelling, and rich in storytelling, making for a worthy adaptation of one of the best manga stories. Fans are better off reading the manga, but these movies are still masterpieces in their own right.

2

The Lego Movie Trilogy (2014–2019)

Image via Warner Bros.

Everyone grew up playing with LEGOs, so it was only a matter of time until it got its own movie. The LEGO Movie had only two films, but this entry also includes The LEGO Batman Movie. Emmett (Chris Pratt) is an average construction worker, but now he is the one chosen to lead the resistance against evil.

No one expected The Lego Movie to be so good, but it instantly became a family classic and a staple animated movie. It was fun and creative, relating to everyone who has ever played with Lego. Next is The Lego Batman Movie, which was another shockingly fascinating and entertaining film that did well by the character while also offering new moments and humor, resulting in a fun and quirky trilogy that many fans want a new movie of.

3

Puss in Boots Trilogy (2011–2022)

Image via DreamWorks

Shrek is one of the most iconic trilogies of all time, but it sadly didn’t make this list since not all of them are masterpieces. However, that created an equally great spin-off, Puss in Boots. The titular cat has three films, each taking him from encounters with a bad egg and three adorable but feisty kittens to a face-to-face encounter with death itself.

Puss in Boots: The Three Diablos isn’t a masterpiece, but it is still a solid and enjoyable film that shouldn’t keep this trilogy off this list. The first film is an entertaining romp, but nothing more. However, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is one of the greatest modern animated films, conveying a sense of emotional weight heavier than most. The themes, story, and villain create a masterpiece that rivals most animated trilogies.

4

Kizumonogatari Trilogy (2016–2017)

There are a handful of anime films on this list, but one of the greatest anime series of all time featured is the Monogatari Series. The Kizumonogatari trilogy is the first part of the franchise chronologically, following Araragi as he gains the powers of a vampire. However, if he wants to live as a human, he must retrieve the limbs of the vampire who took his blood, sending him off on a perilous journey.

The Monogatari Series is one of the most polarizing anime series because of its controversial themes and sexual content. However, the Kizumonogatari movies feature less of that and more of a cohesive story, making it the series’s best arc. The animation is gorgeous, fluid, and distinct, and the direction, editing, and style create an unconventional yet mesmerizing movie. Kizumonogatari is a wild ride with action, gore, romance, and drama, and each film is better than the next.

5

How to Train Your Dragon Trilogy (2010–2019)

Live-action adaptations of animated films are all the rage nowadays, even if they rarely turn out well, but one of the most recent was also one of the best. How to Train Your Dragon is a staple of the 2010s, following Hiccup (Jay Baruchel), a Viking boy too weak in a world of cold-hearted warriors. Instead of killing a dragon, he tames it, hoping the rest of the clan and these creatures can live in harmony.

The How to Train Your Dragon franchise is one of the most consistent, with each of the three movies offering a fun adventure with plenty of drama, emotion, action, and magic. The messages are wholesome and important, bolstering this already essential film with worthwhile subtleties. Each movie is grander than the next, and the natural progression and aging of the characters is a nice addition, creating an essential 2010s animated trilogy.

6

Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Trilogy (2016–2022)

Image via Toho

Most of the anime films on this list are part of a franchise or adaptation work, but Makoto Shinkai’s Disaster Trilogy is an original story. The trilogy consists of Your Name, which follows two teenagers who try to find each other after they switch bodies; Weathering With You, where a runaway student meets a girl who can control the weather; and Suzume, where the titular protagonist can see supernatural forces and tries to stop the world from ending.

What starts as a wholesome adventure in Your Name quickly becomes a high-stakes race against time. Often hailed as one of the greatest anime films of all time, this is the trilogy’s best, known for its visual beauty, powerful themes, and a profound romantic story. Weathering With You is the least popular of the bunch, but it is arguably the most daring. Choosing an unexpected plot twist, the story is ingrained in everyone’s memory. The atmospheric storytelling and gritty urban style set it apart from other idealistic films. Suzume is a direct response to the 2011 earthquake, detailing a deeply personal film that is also the most important. It ends the trilogy on a fantastic note, with masterful writing, themes, and animation.

7

Toy Story Trilogy (1995–2010)

Image via Disney/Pixar

After a string of lackluster originals, Pixar has leaned heavily into sequels, some of which panned out, while others failed. However, their magnum opus is undoubtedly Toy Story. When Andy accidentally forgets his toys when moving, his old reliable cowboy, Woody (Tom Hanks), and new and improved space man, Buzz (Tim Allen), begrudgingly work together to find him. Toy Story 2 is about the gang trying to escape a greedy collector, and Toy Story 3 follows the usual crew trying to escape a center for abandoned toys after mistakenly being donated.

Technically, Toy Story isn’t a trilogy, as the fourth film in 2019 made it a tetralogy, and the upcoming Toy Story 5 will make it even longer. Still, the original three is too perfect a conclusion not to be considered its own trilogy. The first three films are a flawless, complete story, wrapping up character arcs and bringing themes full circle. Each has a powerful message that is something new and inventive. In the end, the Toy Story trilogy might be the greatest of all time.

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Toy Story

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Release Date

November 19, 1995

Runtime

81 minutes

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Director

John Lasseter

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Writers

John Lasseter, Andrew Stanton, Joss Whedon, Alec Sokolow, Joel Cohen, Joe Ranft, Pete Docter

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• 
• 

  Tim Allen

  Buzz Lightyear (voice)

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Less than fifteen years ago, Netflix‘s business model looked quite different. Instead of being the global video and tech giant available on almost any device with an internet connection, Netflix was primarily a movie-rental service. That changed in the early 2010s, when its leadership decided to wade into scripted programming, becoming a destination rather than a service. Additionally, Netflix decided to operate like a traditional network, licensing scripted shows from studios for exclusive streaming rights.

The gamble paid off when the streamer landed hits like House of Cards and Orange Is the New Black early on. However, those were not the only shows Netflix had. Some of its earliest shows were dramas like Lilyhammer and the Bill Skarsgård-led supernatural thriller, Hemlock Grove. Before rising to acclaim as Pennywise in the IT franchise, Skarsgård was among the main cast members of the series based on Brian McGreevy‘s books. Hemlock Grove ran for three seasons from 2013 to 2015. While critics panned the series — leaving it with a dismal 33% score on Rotten Tomatoes — audiences were far more forgiving, with a 65% rating.

Netflix announced in 2022 that all seasons of the series would be removed from the streaming service, despite the series being branded as a Netflix Original. The removal came as a result of lapsed licensing terms that required the streamer to renew to keep the show on the service, but given that it was relatively old and wasn’t a cultural phenomenon like Orange Is the New Black, Netflix passed. Back then, Netflix had not fully become both a studio and a streaming service as it is now. Hemlock Grove was later licensed to FAST and Freemium services, with seasons available for purchase on PVOD services. Even with the show having ended over a decade ago, viewers still love it. Hemlock Grove was one of the most-watched shows on iTunes in the last week, according to streaming data from FlixPatrol. ​​​​​​

What Is ‘Hemlock Grove’ About?

Like many terrifying stories on TV, the gothic horror-thriller takes place in the titular town. Hemlock Grove, Pennsylvania, was once a thriving steel town, now a shell of its former self. The town is rocked by a murder that shifts attention to Peter Rumanceck (Landon Liboiron), a young man rumored to be a werewolf, and Roman Godfrey (Skarsgård), the heir to the town’s founding family. Peter and Roman team up and uncover the town’s terrifying underbelly and its connection to the mysterious Godfrey Estate. Famke Janssen also stars as Olivia Godfrey. The horrors of a small, decrepit town are still thrilling all these years later.

Hemlock Grove is available for purchase on iTunes or for streaming on Tubi. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

2013 – 2015-00-00

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Netflix

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No matter the era, the art of making people laugh is timeless. Comedy existed long before television was invented, and few things feel better than making someone laugh on a bad day. Previous generations embraced classics like 30 Rock and Seinfeld, while the early internet era helped popularize shows like Brooklyn Nine-Nine and How I Met Your Mother as meme culture began to take off.

Today, a new wave of comedies explores how humor can thrive even when life isn’t always funny. The result is a generation of shows that balance hilarious comedy with memorable characters and surprisingly heartfelt stories. With that in mind, here are new comedy shows that are perfect from start to finish.

10

‘The Four Seasons’ (2025–2026)

Image via Netflix

The Four Seasons introduces three couples during their quarterly trips together. Although the group seems to have a fun time, most of them are secretly unhappy. Jack (Will Forte) and Kate (Tina Fey) struggle with mounting resentment over a lack of affection, while Danny’s (Colman Domingo) health concerns scare Claude (Marco Calvani). But the real kicker is when Nick (Steve Carell) leaves Anne (Kerri Kenney-Silver) after 25 years for a much younger woman.

The Four Seasons proves that age doesn’t magically make people wiser. If anything, the drama only gets messier as its characters navigate crumbling marriages, midlife crises, health scares, and unexpected new relationships. The show doesn’t offer neat solutions to these problems. Instead, it follows a group of adults who are still figuring things out, reminding audiences that growing older doesn’t mean having all the answers. Through its ups and downs, The Four Seasons arrives at a bittersweet truth: life keeps changing, and so do the people we love.

9

‘Hacks’ (2021–2026)

Image via HBO Max

Hacks is a story about generational differences, centering on the relationship between the “canceled” struggling television writer Ava Daniels (Hannah Einbinder) and Deborah Vance (Jean Smart), the longtime headlining comedian at the Palmetto Casino. Forced to work together, the two try to use one another to sustain their impossibly difficult careers in the entertainment industry.

Hacks is driven by Ava and Deborah’s ever-evolving relationship, which transforms from a purely professional partnership into a genuine friendship. Of course, getting there isn’t easy. Their journey is filled with clashes, hurt feelings, and more than a few betrayals, all fueled by their relentless ambition to stay relevant in a brutally competitive industry. Yet it’s their sharp honesty and refusal to let each other get away with their worst impulses that make them such a thrilling pair to root for in this perfect comedy-drama series.

8

‘Bait’ (2026)

Image via Prime Video

Riz Ahmed toys with the James Bond rumors in Bait. Struggling actor Shah Latif (Ahmed) gets his big break when his agent secures him an audition to play James Bond. But as news of his opportunity spreads, every corner of his life crumbles — from his unresolved feelings for his ex to his tumultuous relationship with his family.

There’s a certain humor in watching someone spiral in real time, especially when the camerawork amplifies every moment of anxiety. Bait takes even the smallest misunderstanding or awkward interaction and snowballs it into a public relations disaster for Shah. Yet each humiliation serves a purpose. Rather than breaking him, every embarrassing setback forces Shah to develop a thicker skin, gradually turning him into someone far more resilient than the insecure actor we meet at the beginning.

7

‘Deli Boys’ (2025–Present)

Elizabeth Sisson / ©Hulu/Disney / Courtesy Everett Collection

Business and family make a deadly combination in Deli Boys. Following their father’s sudden death, brothers Mir (Asif Ali) and Raj (Saagar Shaikh) Dar are left to take over the family deli business — only to discover it’s actually a front for their father’s underground drug operation. With the help of their aunt Lucky (Poorna Jagannathan), the brothers attempt to carry on their father’s criminal legacy without getting caught.

It’s a steep learning curve for Mir and Raj, and watching them try to grasp the underground business is what makes Deli Boys such a binge-worthy comedy show. They do practically everything they’re not supposed to do, but in an ironic twist of fate, their unconventional methods end up working surprisingly well — sometimes even better than expected. There’s something satisfying about watching two aimless brothers finally find a sense of purpose, even if that purpose could land them on the FBI’s radar.

6

‘St. Denis Medical’ (2024–Present)

Image via NBC

Overworked and underpaid, the medical staff at St. Denis Medical is at an all-time low when it comes to morale. Luckily, executive director Joyce (Wendi McLendon-Covey) is set on turning the Oregon hospital into a respectable international medical destination. But before they could do so, they’re going to need some serious funding.

Hospitals are the last place you’d expect to find humor, but if St. Denis Medical proves anything, it’s that laughter is often the very thing these staff members need to get through the day. It’s hard to stay upbeat when you’re working long hours and caring for a constant stream of patients. Yet the series understands that finding humor in the chaos isn’t insensitive — it’s a survival mechanism. Not every patient will have a happy ending, but life doesn’t stop moving, especially for the people responsible for caring for them.

5

‘Shrinking’ (2023–Present)

Image via Apple TV+ / Courtesy Everett Collection

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When in doubt, get a shrink. But if that therapist is Jimmy Laird (Jason Segel) from Shrinking, he might not be the most conventional option. Following the death of his wife, Jimmy has fallen into an unnecessarily prolonged period of mourning. It doesn’t help that his job is to help other people with their problems.

The humor behind Shrinking comes from how Jimmy attempts to help his clients, culminating in his effective yet ethically questionable “Jimmy-ing” method. It’s not every day audiences get to watch a therapist break practically every rule in the ethics handbook, and part of the fun is seeing just how far he can push those boundaries. But Shrinking is more than just a great 2020s comedy series. It’s also a thoughtful story about grief, showing that healing is rarely straightforward and that sometimes it’s okay to laugh along the way.

4

‘The Studio’ (2025–Present)

Image via ©Apple TV / Courtesy Everett Collection

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Arguably Seth Rogen’s comedic magnum opus, The Studio addresses the modern anxieties of today’s entertainment industry. Rogen plays Matt Remick, a cinephile with a genuine appreciation for movies. That alone makes him the perfect head of Continental Studios. Sadly, the studio isn’t generating as much income as they want — this is where Remick comes in.

While most viewers have never worked in Hollywood, they’ve probably had to compromise their values to keep a boss happy. That’s exactly what makes Remick so relatable. He loves movies but can’t stand the business behind them, and The Studio never loses sight of that contradiction. Each episode forces him into a new publicity stunt, creative sacrifice, or corporate headache, with every humiliation building toward a satisfying payoff in the finale.

3

‘The Bear’ (2022–2026)

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The Bear shows that it takes more than talent to open up a restaurant. In the aftermath of his brother’s passing, fine dining chef Carmy Berzatto (Jeremy Allen White) is entrusted with his dingy “The Original Beef” joint. However, his cousin Richie (Ebon Moss-Bachrach) isn’t a fan of Carmy butting in on his upper-crust culinary standards.

The Bear puts the “fun” in “dysfunction,” and it’s all thanks to the chaotic Berzatto family. The debut season finds them at their lowest point, with the restaurant seemingly on the verge of collapse. Even as they work to transform it into something greater over the following seasons, the Berzattos’ candid quips, constant arguments, and frequent shouting matches remain a big part of their charm. Still, for all their flaws and imperfections, they’re the kind of underdogs audiences can’t help but root for with each passing season of The Bear.

2

‘Abbott Elementary’ (2021–Present)

Image via Gilles Mingasson/ABC/Courtesy Everett Collection

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Some of Philly’s best teachers can be found in Abbott Elementary. Teaching is often an overlooked profession, but the show pays homage to these educational heroes by putting them in the spotlight. People like to say teaching is easy, but juggling multiple classes, managing extracurricular activities, and navigating endless school district bureaucracy is no small task.

Abbott Elementary reminds audiences that teaching is one of the noblest and most demanding professions there is. More importantly, it never forgets that these teachers are human, too. Over the seasons, we watch them grow not only as individuals but also as a team. They might have their quirks, from Barbara Howard’s (Sheryl Lee Ralph) old school ways to Gregory Eddie’s (Tyler James Williams) distaste for pizza, but they always got each other’s backs.

1

‘The White Lotus’ (2021–Present)

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Nothing beats some time off at The White Lotus. Over three seasons, audiences follow a group of primarily wealthy American guests as they check into White Lotus resorts around the world. Whether they’re vacationing somewhere close to home like Hawaii or traveling farther afield to Thailand, these guests quickly learn that some problems can’t be solved with a dip in the pool or a trip to the spa.

The White Lotus gets its comedy from just how outlandish the problems these wealthy guests have — and the funniest part is that the audience is expected to care. You don’t need to travel all the way to a monastery to find spiritual enlightenment or engage in a threesome just to feel something. But even funnier are the employees forced to deal with their guests’ nonsense, with some eventually becoming so fed up that they begin taking matters into their own hands behind the guests’ backs.

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The White Lotus

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Release Date

2021 – 2024

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Network

HBO

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Showrunner

Mike White

Directors

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Mike White

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In just a few weeks, Matt Damon will be seen in Christopher Nolan‘s The Odyssey in the titular role of Odysseus. Damon has already spoken about how gratifying it was to work on the project, which he described as possibly the last of its kind. The Odyssey was filmed entirely with IMAX cameras, utilizing Nolan’s favored practical effects and real locations. It is said to have cost Universal around $300 million to produce, and is poised to become the summer’s biggest hit. However, a decade ago, Damon starred in another period epic directed by a legend, but had a terrible time making it. The movie in question is now streaming for free in the United States, making for a fun double-bill with The Odyssey.

The film was produced by Legendary Pictures, at a time when the company was putting millions into large-scale monster films such as Godzilla and Pacific Rim. Damon starred in the film alongside Pedro Pascal, who’d only recently broken out with a memorable performance in Game of Thrones. The 2016 film was directed by the Chinese legend Zhang Yimou, and was set in an alternate history where the Great Wall of China was built to keep monsters out of the Middle Kingdom. We’re talking, of course, about The Great Wall. The film received mixed reviews and is now sitting at a 36% score on the aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes. The site’s consensus reads, “For a Yimou Zhang film featuring Matt Damon and Willem Dafoe battling ancient monsters, The Great Wall is neither as exciting nor as entertainingly bonkers as one might hope.”

Here’s Where You Can Watch ‘The Great Wall’ for Free

The Great Wall underperformed at the box office, grossing around $335 million worldwide against a reported budget of $150 million. Damon later said that making the movie was a disheartening experience. Appearing on Marc Maron‘s podcast, Damon said that his daughter enjoys pulling his leg over his poorly received movies.

“Whenever she talks about the movie, she calls it ‘The Wall.’ And I’m like, come on, it’s called The Great Wall. And she’s like, ‘Dad, there’s nothing great about that movie.’ She’s one of the funniest people I know.”

Damon said that he knew the movie was doomed when Zhang was forced to bow down to studio pressure. “I came to consider that the definition of a professional actor; knowing you’re in a turkey and going, ‘OK, I’ve got four more months. It’s the up at dawn siege on Hamburger Hill. I am definitely going to die here, but I’m doing it,‘” he said. “That’s as sh**y as you can feel creatively, I think. I hope to never have that feeling again.”

You can watch The Great Wall on Tubi, and stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

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Release Date

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December 16, 2016

Runtime

103 minutes

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Director

Zhang Yimou

Writers

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Tony Gilroy, Carlo Bernard, Edward Zwick, Doug Miro, Marshall Herskovitz, Max Brooks

Producers

Alex Gartner, Charles Roven, E. Bennett Walsh, Jon Jashni, Peter Loehr, Thomas Tull, Jillian Share, Zhang Zhao, La Peikang

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