By Chris Snellgrove
| Published 28 seconds ago

The new Star Trek spinoff, Starfleet Academy, has proven to be very controversial, but its fans always offer the same rebuttal to any criticism of the show: “give it time.” The logic goes that this show might need time to find its footing, just like The Next Generation and Voyager did. However, given that the show is limited to 10 episodes per season and a maximum of four seasons, Starfleet Academy is officially running out of time to impress viewers.

This reaction to a new spinoff began with Star Trek: The Next Generation, whose first season was its absolute worst. Season 2 wasn’t much better, but the show (thanks largely to new showrunner Michael Piller) transformed into must-see TV with Season 3. After Deep Space Nine had a similarly rocky Season 1, it became gospel among many Trek fans that you should always give a new series a season or two to really find its footing.

It Gets Ugly When You Run The Numbers

Needless to say, this has become the most common defense Starfleet Academy fans have used against any and all criticisms of the show. Those fans love to make comparisons to TNG and say that critics should give these cadets time to find their space legs, just like we gave Picard and crew time. However, what these Starfleet Academy fanboys don’t realize is that the new show is racing the clock, and it’s all Paramount’s fault.

Back in the Golden Age of Star Trek, shows ran for seven seasons, with (outside of the occasional writer’s strike) 26 episodes per season. This is why shows like Voyager could afford to have a rocky first season: whenever there was a bad episode, fans could reasonably expect that a good one was around the corner. Even if the first two seasons were wildly rocky (looking at you, The Next Generation), there would be 130 episodes left that would be, relatively speaking, very good.

Each Season Is A Bubble, Waiting To Pop

But those were the salad days of network television. In the streaming era, shows are more streamlined, and Starfleet Academy (like Strange New Worlds before it) has only 10 episodes per season. Moreover, executive producer and co-showrunner Alex Kurtzman has confirmed that the show is designed to last only four seasons, mirroring the four years it takes the cadets to complete their academy training.

That means that Starfleet Academy has a much more limited window to find its audience than fans think. Every episode represents ten percent of an entire season, meaning that a few bad episodes can make the entire season feel like a mixed bag. This is why fans began turning against the more whimsical episodes of Strange New Worlds: while the occasional lighthearted story can be fun, it feels weird when 30 percent of your third season is devoted to overly wacky episodes.

Starfleet Academy is facing a similar problem because the writers keep dragging decent stories down with juvenile humor. Tales of parental trauma and racial diaspora exist uneasily alongside jokes about cadets eating comm badges and vomiting glitter (incredibly, these are different cadets). By the time the show ends, fans may well wonder how much more character development we might have gotten if there had been fewer scenes of farting fish, drunken dancing, and other try-hard attempts to make us laugh.

The Show Will Be Over Before You Know It

It’s also important to remember that Starfleet Academy lasting four seasons is actually a best-case scenario. Previously, NuTrek shows like Discovery and Lower Decks were prematurely canceled by Paramount. Strange New Worlds, meanwhile, unexpectedly had its final season (which recently finished filming) cut in half. While Starfleet Academy has already been renewed for a second season, poor reception of Season 1 could very well get the show prematurely canceled.

That may already be happening, as Starfleet Academy recently tumbled out of the Top 10 list on Paramount+. With any luck, the show will continue to smooth out its rough edges and grow more impressive over time, like The Next Generation before it. But considering that Starfleet Academy will have fewer episodes in its total run than TNG had for only two seasons, it’s important for fans and showrunners alike to realize that this new show is rapidly running out of time to win over new audiences. 

From January 22nd to February 1st this year, filmmakers from all over the world headed to Salt Lake City, Utah, for the last installment of the Sundance Film Festival that will take place in the state’s capital, before it moves to Boulder, Colorado in 2027. The event marked the return of the annual Cinema Center, Roxstar Entertainment’s hospitality hub, where the festival’s top talent attends to promote and sell what they have to offer at Sundance.

As one of the Center’s key partners in delivering the best experience possible, Collider brought the Media Studio to the Utah mountains once again to conduct dozens of interviews with some of the biggest names in the industry. Tons of fun and insightful conversations were had regarding what audiences can expect from these top-level talents going forward.

Special thanks to our presenting sponsor, Arby’s, for making the Collider Studio happen at the Arby’s Cinema Center and keeping us all fed with their selection of curly fries, mozzarella sticks, and tastes of their new Italian Beef Dip, a new limited-time sandwich that brings Chicago-style flavors to its menu. In addition, thanks to our supporting partners, including Hendrick’s Gin, Sommsation – The Wine Company, Peroni USA, Neau Water, Bernier, and our producing partner, Twenty35 Agency.

Keep reading to see all the photos from the 2026 Collider Studio at Sundance Film Festival.

‘The Shitheads’ (2026)

The Shitheads was one of the buzziest titles at Sundance 2026. Written, produced, and directed by Macon Blair, the dark comedy road trip stars Dave Franco, O’Shea Jackson Jr., Mason Thames, Kiernan Shipka, Nicholas Braun, and Emmy winner Peter Dinklage. The premise follows two men who have hit rock bottom and are forced to take a troubled rich kid to rehab. Reviews for The Shitheads were positive, with Collider‘s review praising Franco, Jackson Jr., and Thames’ performances and Blair’s approach.

‘Saccharine’ (2026)

Natalie Erika James‘ Australian horror film Saccharine made its debut at this year’s Sundance Film Festival. The dark premise centers on Hana (Midori Francis), a lovelorn medical student who succumbs to a sinister weight-loss method that involves eating a dead person’s ashes. However, she soon becomes haunted by the ghost of the person she’s eating. Madeleine Madden and Danielle Macdonald also star. Reviews were mixed to positive, with Collider praising the film’s early approach and premise, as well as Francis’ committed performance.

‘If I Go Will They Miss Me’ (2026)

Directed, written, and edited by Walter Thompson-Hernandez, If I Go Will They Miss Me is an expansion of his 2022 short film of the same name. It follows Lil Ant’s struggle to reconnect with his estranged father after he begins having visions of young boys drifting throughout his neighborhood. The coming-of-age film stars J. Alphonse Nicholson, Oscar nominee Danielle Brooks, and newcomer Bodhi Dell. Collider gave If I Go Will They Miss Me a positive review, praising the three lead performances and Thompson-Hernandez’s blend of realism and fantasy.

‘Frank & Louis’ (2026)

Swiss screenwriter and director Petra Volpe — best-known for directing the 2017 comedy-drama The Divine Order — makes her English-language feature debut with the drama Frank & Louis. Kingsley Ben-Adir, Rob Morgan, Indira Varma, and Rosalind Eleazar star in the story of Frank, a prisoner who finds a new purpose and redemption when he starts helping fellow inmates with their health problems. Reviews for the movie were positive, with Variety calling it “a stoically moving story of prison care.”

‘Chasing Summer’ (2026)

Chasing Summer is directed by Josephine Decker and written Iliza Shlesinger, who also stars alongside Tom Welling, Lola Tung, Garret Wareing, Cassidy Freeman, and Emmy winner Megan Mullally. Shlesinger plays Jamie, an overachieving woman who moves back to her hometown after breaking up with her boyfriend and losing her job. There, she’ll reconnect with old acquaintances who will turn her life upside down. Chasing Summer was among the most divisive films at Sundance, with Deadline calling it “a heartfelt Texas dramedy,” but The Guardian dismissing it as “a baffling car crash.”

‘Bait’ (2026)

Oscar nominee Riz Ahmed took to Sundance to present his upcoming TV show for Amazon Prime Video, Bait. Ahmed, who also wrote all six episodes, stars as Shah Latif, an actor in London who suffers an existential crisis as he’s about to land a dream role. Comedian and actor Guz Khan co-stars in the show and was also in attendance at the festival. Bait will debut all six episodes on Amazon Prime Video on March 26th.

‘I Want Your Sex’ (2026)

Perhaps no title at this year’s Sundance Film Festival was buzzier than I Want Your Sex, Gregg Araki‘s newest offering. The erotic comedy-thriller stars Cooper Hoffman as Elliot, a naive young man who lands a job as the assistant to renowned artist and provocateur Erika Tracy (Olivia Wilde). There’s just one detail: Erika also wants him to be her sexual muse. Mason Gooding, Daveed Diggs, Charli XCX, and Margaret Cho also star. I Want Your Sex received positive reviews, with Collider calling it “the horny tale that Gen Z needs to see.”

‘Leviticus’ (2026)

The feature directorial debut of writer-director Adrian Chiarella, Leviticus tells the tale of two star-crossed teenage boys, Naim (Joe Bird) and Ryan (Stacy Clausen), coming to terms with their attraction and sexualities in an isolated Australian town. However, their journey of self-discovery soon turns into a nightmare when they become haunted by an entity that takes the form of the person they desire most: each other. Millennial queen Mia Wasikowska also stars, marking her first film since 2023’s Club Zero. Leviticus attracted attention at the festival, with the premise drawing comparisons to last year’s sensation, Heated Rivalry.

‘The Audacity’ (2026)

The familiar but still underrated Billy Magnusen stars in Jonathan Glatzer‘s upcoming eight-episode drama The Audacity. The plot centers on a tech SEO and self-appointed “inventor of the future” and his “performance psychologist,” who become engulfed in a scandal about the exploitation of personal data. Barry‘s Sarah Goldberg and The Big Bang Theory‘s Simon Helberg also star. The series is set to premiere on April 12th on AMC.

‘The Weight’ (2026)

Fresh off his Oscar nomination for Blue Moon, Ethan Hawke traveled to Sundance in support of his film The Weight. The historical drama, directed by Padraic McKinley, is set in 1930s Oregon and follows recently incarcerated Samuel Murphy (Hawke), who receives an offer from Warden Clancy (Russell Crowe): he and other prisoners can earn their freedom if they participate in a dangerous gold smuggling operation. Julia Jones and Austin Amelio also star.

21 Savage has the internet in stitches right now and Latto just added to the laughter, chile! Sis seemingly responded after her rumored man was seen pressed against a wall as Kendall Jenner walked by. While there are other theories about what was actually happening in the video, Big Mama is having a kiii like the rest of us! Meanwhile, the rapper — per usual — hasn’t addressed the online chatter.

RELATED: From Cheetah Print Fits To Lowkey Baecations: Inside Latto & 21 Savage’s Relationship Timeline (PHOTOS + VIDEOS)

What’s In The Video Of 21 Savage And Kendall Jenner? 

As reported, the brief clip shows Kendall Jenner and her entourage walking down a hallway, chatting. It does not appear that Kendall or the rapper interacted or whether they already greeted and know each other.

At one point, while Kendall Jenner walked by, 21 Savage seemed to press his body against the wall. Some fans have pointed out that it appears the artist was trying to hide the fact that he was smoking from hotel staff. The end of the viral video does show 21 bringing the hand he briefly hid back to his face.

Watch the viral moment below. 

Latto Plays All Day, But Not About Her Man…Allegedly

As the 21 Savage-Kendall Jenner video picked up steam, Big Mama stirred the pot! Latto and Savage have been a rumored couple for years, and aside from subtle hints and agreeing with media questions, they still haven’t been all the way forthcoming about their relationship. But that didn’t stop Latto from playing along with social media’s kiii by sharing a specific music selection, ‘Get Low’ by Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. And as predicted, fans ate up her response!

Summer Walker & (Social Media) Are Lovin’ The Energy 

From flipping us off at the Grammys to sliding in our comment section when the tea is hydrating. Say hi to Summer Walker! After TSR reposted the footage of 21 Savage, Summer weighed in. She wrote, “Iktr hug the wall.” And more than a few other roomies agree with her! The post of her IGS response to 21 Savage incles

@tayanicolexo wrote, “I know LATTO somewhere cheesd up YES MAAM 🙌🙌.” 

@thedorothybacheor said, “😂😂😂 She don’t Playyyyyyyyyy. Love it.”

“Train a man up the way he should go 🙌🏾👏🏾,” @therealdenise_19 added.

“I love a man that respect my program, “ @bleuchedddda commented.

RELATED: Don’t Play With Her! 3 Times Latto Proved She’s NOT The One & Refused To Back Down From Beef

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Whew! It’s safe to say Jaidyn Alexis is not feeling Natalie Nunn or the jab she recently took. After Natalie named her the “biggest Baddie disappointment” in a viral YouTube video, Jaidyn didn’t stay quiet. Instead, she clapped back online, testing her Baddies chain and questioning its value.

Related: Slick Back Or Nah? Social Media Reacts After Blueface Shows Results Of Jaidyn Alexis’ At-Home Perm Attempt On His Hair (VIDEO)

Natalie Nunn Names Jaidyn Alexis As The “Biggest Baddie Disappointment”

In a recent YouTube video titled ’20 Women vs. 1 Reality Star: Natalie Nunn,’ Natalie found herself in the hot seat as contestants asked her tough questions. One question quickly began circulating online: “Who is the biggest Baddies disappointment?”

At first, Natalie appeared hesitant to answer. After pausing, she named Jaidyn Alexis, the mother of Blueface’s oldest children. Natalie added a disclaimer, calling Jaidyn a “sweet girl” and a “great artist.” However, she explained that when it comes to reality TV, she and viewers expected more. She also said she would have liked to see Jaidyn go head-to-head with Chrisean Rock or her sister, Tesehki, both known for their explosive moments on the show.

Jaidyn Claps Back With Chain Talk And Diamond Test

Not long after Natalie’s comments went viral, Jaidyn hopped on live with a not-so-subtle response. While holding her Baddies chain, she asked viewers, “Who wants to buy my Baddies chain?” and claimed she was ready to sell it. Later, she joked about giving it away for free while referencing Natalie’s earlier criticism.

But Jaidyn didn’t stop there. In a TikTok video, she placed her chain on a diamond tester. The device showed the chain was made of moissanite, not real diamonds. Reacting to the results, Jaidyn said, “That’s so disappointing, Natalie,” adding another layer to her response.

@jaidynalexxis

welp yall #fyp #disappointment #baddie

♬ original sound – jaidynalexxis

Social Media Reacts

As expected, social media had plenty to say about the situation.

Instagram user @raine.moz wrote, “So you’re only considered a baddie if you’re fighting?”

Another Instagram user @fineshxt_qb wrote, “Jaidyn should’ve never went on baddies anyways. She’s a good mom and chill af. Her content on TikTok is fire 🩷 baddies isn’t for everybody and that’s ok.”

While Instagram user @mrskirk_ wrote, “I mean did nat lie?”

Instagram user @hotgworl_ wrote, “Give it to Stunna”

Another Instagram user @faridasdreamhouse wrote, “Natalie said allat, but still gave her a baddies chain… okay 😂😂”

While Instagram user @shemarcel__ wrote, “Natalie was hiding behind security herself from Chrisean and Tesehki but want somebody else to fight em 🤣😭”

Instagram user @realshaylag wrote, “Jaidyn over Woah Vickey wow”

Another Instagram user @bigvirgovibes wrote, “She shouldn’t have never got a chain in the first place. 😂”

While Instagram user @giannaarmaniii wrote, “xb

Related: Natalie Nunn Asks Fans Who Should Join ‘Baddies’ While Calling Out Ungrateful Cast Members

Margot Robbie‘s outfits during the Wuthering Heights press tour have diverted our attention from the period drama to questions about what she’ll wear next. Most recently, she styled a chic and edgy coat that inspired Us ahead of the winter-to-spring transition.

In early February, Robbie was spotted leaving BBC Radio Studios in London, England, layering a sleek Burberry trench coat over a vintage-looking corset and leather-accented jeans. The jacket’s nearly $10,000 price sent Us on a quest to find a less expensive option, and the Utcoco Faux Leather Trench Coat fit the bill.

Get the Utcoco Faux Leather Trench Coat for just $46 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Equal parts edgy and refined, the Utcoco Faux Leather Trench Coat offers just as much style and sophistication as Robbie’s high-end pick. With a lapel collar and double-breasted design, the coat gives off dressy rich vibes, which is why we can see it styled with everything from leggings and a tee to blouses with trousers.

Related: Margot Robbie Just Wore the Cool-Girl Sneakers That Are So Back in 2026

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Sneakers are trending again for winter, however, we noticed that Margot Robbie recently wore a cool-girl shoe style that has a rare forever factor. Folks, we’re talking about popular Converse sneakers. Robbie just brought back the Chuck Taylor sneakers, a footwear classic that arguably never left. Her stamp of approval is proof that 2026 really […]

In addition to the elevated look, reviewers (especially petite shoppers) appreciate the midi silhouette. The length a huge selling point, however, the coat also features a thick belt attachment that makes the midsection look slimmer and the jacket appear more tailored. Read: Don’t be surprised if the winter trench replaces your favorite outerwear pick.

While the vegan leather material looks and feels sophisticated, you’ll also love that shoppers consider it a great quality coat option for winter wear. The soft material is so good, some say it resembles real leather options that have a much higher price tag.

Along with a sleek black color that resembles Robbie’s coat, this coat comes in brown, wine red and camel — all versatile hues that look flawless no matter your favorite color palette.

Fans rave about this popular piece, saying they wear it often, crediting its unmatched comfort and style. One shopper who said “you won’t regret this purchase” in a caption also wrote, “I wear it often. Stylish, too!”

The transitional jacket does all the heavy lifting as one season shifts to the next. Let Robbie’s edgy trench coat offer a glimpse of what the trendiest fashionistas will be sporting from winter to spring. You’ll look as fab as your favorite A-lister in this affordable alternative.

Get the Utcoco Faux Leather Trench Coat for $46 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

Looking for something else? Explore more trench coats here and don’t forget to check out all of Amazon’s Daily Deals for more great finds.

Related: Love Meghan Markle‘s Navy Peacoat? Copy the Look for $53

As expected, celebrities were out and about at the 2026 Sundance Film Festival. Among them was Meghan Markle, and while she had eyes on the movies, we had our eyes on her long navy peacoat. The four-digit price tag, however, led us to look for an inexpensive option — which is exactly what we found […]

Logan Paul
Confronted By Overzealous Fan
… Bodyguard Shoves Him

Published
February 9, 2026
8:00 AM PST

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