By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 26 seconds ago

Every year, the whole world becomes Irish for a day. We wear green, drink green beverages, and get our brogue on for the day. We celebrate traditional Irish things like corned beef and cabbage, banshees, and leprechauns. Disney has all of that in one classic movie: Darby O’Gill and the Little People.

The story is based on Irish tales of the trickster Darby and his battle of wits with King Brian of the Leprechauns. In the movie, Darby (Albert Sharpe) is about to retire from his career as groundskeeper of the local manor, a fact he can’t reveal to his daughter, Katie (Janet Munro), because he has to figure out where they’re going to live once Darby’s replacement moves into the groundskeeper’s cottage. Meanwhile, he entertains his neighbors at the pub with tales of his adventures against King Brian and does good deeds for the town, such as carrying a church bell for the payment of its sound being forever dedicated to him.

King Brian (Jimmy O’Dea) is real, but only Darby has seen him so far, and his encounters with the leprechaun swaps the upper hand between them as they trick each other with riddles, treasures, and other mind games. As the rivalry between them blossoms into a friendship, events in the town are coming to a boil as local thug Pony Sugrue plots to steal Darby’s job and Katie’s heart. And when Michael McBride comes to town, everything they all knew will change as quickly as a leprechaun’s wish.

Michael McBride is played by the legendary Sean Connery in an early role that predates his first stint as James Bond (1962’s Dr. No). The 1958 movie is a musical, like much Disney fare of the era, and yes, Sean Connery sings. Fortunately, it’s brief. Otherwise, he manages to contain his wide aura as the new groundskeeper so that he doesn’t steal the show from its stars, Darby and Brian. His Scottish brogue also fits in well with the Irish setting.

Darby’s little town is full of characters: the swaggering bully Pony and his scheming mother, the town priest, the pub’s proprietor and his wife, and a cast of rural townsfolk from old Ireland. It paints a shiny picture of what was actually a desperate time for the Irish but also reflects the importance of Irish storytelling as a cornerstone of the culture that braced the people through its hardest periods. Scholars of Irish culture emphasize how important the fireside céilí, or nightly tale-spinning and singing party, was to the Emerald Isle from its early days. The seanchaíthe, or storytellers, are still revered in Ireland to this day as they continue the tradition of passing down stories orally and through song.

More than once, Darby encounters the most famous of Irish supernatural creatures, some of them charming and others terrifying. It’s easy to forget that it’s a Disney movie when things get tense, because the movie can get pretty scary and touch upon themes that one wouldn’t expect from an offering from the Magic Kingdom. It’s not a kids’ movie, but it is a family movie, with enough for everyone to enjoy and a few fun songs I swear my family didn’t sing at one another when I was a kid myself.

It also holds up surprisingly well for a movie that is almost 70 years old. The fight choreography and special effects are products of their time, but still pretty good considering they are entirely practical. Sean Connery and Keiron Moore, as Pony, both show their moves a few times with physical prowess and clear skill. It all looks very good for its time and fits in with the movie’s world of live-action magic, so its age never diminishes from its enjoyment.

To get your healthy dose of St. Patrick’s Day Irish, check out Darby O’Gill and the Little People on Disney+. But be careful what you wish for: King Brian can be tricky!

Fans of “Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” are still in an uproar about Hulu’s decision not to move forward with the revival series, “Buffy: New Sunnydale.” This came after Oscar-winning director Chloé Zhao helmed the pilot withSarah Michelle Gellar returning as the beloved character.

Now, following comments from both Geller and Zhao, a new report suggests that Hulu didn’t pick up the series for one big reason: they felt it was made for the wrong audience.

A New Report Says The ‘Buffy’ Reboot Had Problems

Hulu ordered a pilot episode for “Buffy: New Sunnydale” in February 2025. After that, Gellar, Zhao, and the rest of the cast and crew began production during the summer, with work on the test episode ending in September, per Yahoo Entertainment.

Now, regarding Hulu not ordering the “Buffy” reboot as a series, Deadline reports that one issue with the pilot was that executives thought the episode “played too young.” Notably, the actress cast alongside Gellar was Ryan Kiera Armstrong, who was 15 at the time she was selected.

Additionally, Hulu’s higher-ups also reportedly felt the “Buffy” reboot was too “small.” This is despite the fact that, according to Deadline, the original idea for the reboot was to keep its scope similar to that of the original series, which was produced on a relatively small budget.

There Was A Rewrite For The Script

The script for the “Buffy: New Sunnydale” pilot was written by sibling duo Nora and Lilla Zuckerman. After hearing criticism about the episode, they reportedly conducted a rewrite to address the issues.

Per Deadline, the new script came in at about 90 minutes and was more adult in tone. Additionally, there was more Gellar in the episode, which was reportedly another issue Hulu had with it. The updated pilot is also said to have been described as more of a streaming series than a network show like the original “Buffy.”

Sources also told the outlet that both studios involved with the Hulu reboot, 20th TV and Searchlight TV, were satisfied. From there, internal talks about the show being picked up are said to have begun. The outlet went on to say that executives from both studios spoke daily the week leading up to the call to cancel the revival.

As reported by The Blast, Gellar gave an exclusive to PEOPLE, stating that one executive killed the reboot. The new report states that Disney Television Group President Craig Erwich ultimately decided not to order the series, with his reasoning unclear.

Fans Are Reacting To The New Information

“Buffy” fans were passionate about the revival series, and many want solid answers as to why the show didn’t move forward. One person said on X, “They rewrote the whole thing, and Hulu still said no. Craig Erwich really killed Buffy twice.”

Another disheartened fan said, “So they rewrote the entire show to fix every concern Hulu raised and still got cancelled anyway. Craig Erwich made up his mind before the rewrites even happened, and everyone in that room knew it. Sarah Michelle Gellar was fighting a decision that was already made, and nobody told her.”

Someone else suggested, “Sounds like they couldn’t figure out what the show wanted to be… focus on new characters or give fans the Buffy they actually want. No surprise it didn’t land.”

Lastly, another X user wrote, “I feel her frustration, but we really don’t need a Buffy revival in 2026. It’s old and done. We need new things to be excited about.”

Sarah Michelle Gellar Opened Up About Signing On For ‘Buffy’

Gellar has accomplished quite a bit in her career as an actress, with several roles that have resonated with audiences. However, the role of Buffy Summers is one of the most defining in her resume. Because of this, she was initially hesitant about doing a reboot. In fact, she’d firmly said she wouldn’t.

According to The Daily Mail, she opened up on Instagram in early 2025 about what changed her mind. Gellar said at the time, “So… you might have heard some news this week, but I realize you haven’t heard from me.”

The actress continued, “Three years ago, I got a call from my dear friend and mentor, Gail Berman. She told me that she wanted me to sit down with Chloé Zhao to hear her take on a potential ‘Buffy’ revival. I eventually agreed to go (mainly just to meet Chloé), and our twenty-minute coffee quickly turned into a four-hour adventure. We laughed, we cried, but mostly we both talked about how much this show means to us.”

After that, she discussed the process of finding writers for the show before saying, “I have always listened to the fans and heard your desire to revisit Buffy and her world, but it was not something I could do unless I was sure we would get it right.”

The Show’s Anniversary Recently Passed

“Buffy: The Vampire Slayer” premiered on The WB on March 10, 1997. In addition to Gellar, the show starred Alyson Hannigan, David Boreanaz, Nicholas Brendon, and James Marsters. The series concluded in May 2003, but on UPN as The WB had gone defunct.

Nowadays, fans can stream the show on Hulu and Disney+ and purchase it from various platforms.

In Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides (Timothée Chalamet) took the galactic throne and the hand of the ex-Emperor’s daughter, Princess Irulan (Florence Pugh), much to the displeasure of his Fremen lover, Chani (Zendaya), who subsequently disappeared into the desert. The two women didn’t get a chance to interact at the finale of that film, but with Dune: Part Three looming, they’re set to collide in a big way. Pugh and Zendaya talked about their character’s relationship at an exclusive event launching Dune: Part Three‘s trailer, which was attended by Collider’s Aidan Kelley.

During the question and answer event, Pugh had a mischievous question for co-star Zendaya:

At the end of the last movie, you ran away. I got Paul. Where are you now? Are you mad at me? Do you kinda like me? What do you like?

Zendaya couldn’t reveal much, but teased the relationship between the two characters (and praised the acting skills of Pugh):

We said the last time, the press, we only had one scene together, and we were far away, so we were like, “We hope we get more!” She’s absolutely phenomenal, and you guys will just have to see for yourself, because it’s quite the journey.

If you want to see for yourself (and you probably do), Dune: Part Three hits theaters on December 18, 2026.

What Do We Know About ‘Dune: Part Three’?

Taking place 17 years after the events of Dune: Part Two, Paul Atreides now rules the universe as the Emperor. Chani has borne him twins, Leto II and Ghanima (Nakoa-Wolf Momoa and Ida Brooke), but his rule is not a peaceful one: his name has become a killing word, and untold millions have died in his name. Meanwhile, a deadly menace threatens to end his rule: the shapeshifting Face Dancer Scytale (Robert Pattinson), who is the instrument of a galactic conspiracy to overthrow him. Meanwhile, Duncan Idaho (Jason Momoa), the loyal House Atreides swordmaster who was felled by the evil Harkonnens in Dune: Part One has returned to life…but is he friend or foe now? The film also stars Josh Brolin, Rebecca Ferguson, Javier Bardem, and Anya Taylor-Joy.

Dune: Part Three is directed by Denis Villeneuve; he also co-wrote the script with Jon Spaihts, adapting Frank Herbert‘s 1969 novel Dune Messiah. It is the third and final film in Villeneuve’s Dune trilogy.

Dune: Part Three will be released in theaters on December 18, 2026. Stay tuned to Collider for future updates.

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Release Date

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December 18, 2026

Director

Denis Villeneuve

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Writers

Jon Spaihts, Denis Villeneuve, Frank Herbert

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Meghan Markle and Prince Harry will be privately visiting Australia next month, and are scheduled to take part in some business, philanthropy, and media ventures.

For her part, Meghan would be headlining a Sydney “ultimate girls’ weekend” retreat where she is expected to take photos and answer questions from paying vip guests.

However, the retreat is already coming under scrutiny as reports suggest the event’s hosts are wallowing in financial difficulties and are owing over 500,000 Australian dollars in taxes.

Meghan Markle’s Australian Retreat’s Host Embroiled In Financial Troubles

The PR agency responsible for organizing Meghan Markle’s upcoming appearance at an Australian “girls’ weekend” has reportedly entered liquidation, with reports suggesting the brand is owing more than half a million Australian dollars in taxes.

The “Her Best Life Retreat” is a first-of-its-kind seaside weekend outing by event company Besties, which was founded by radio host Jackie ‘O’ Henderson and Gemma O’Neill.

The pair tapped Meghan to headline the ultra-exclusive retreat, where women pay £1,705 [$2,275] for a nice timeout and also get to take pictures with the Duchess of Sussex over dinner.

However, the talent agency promoting the event is said to be having money problems,  with owner O’Neill saying she can’t pay the huge tax bill because of a lack of savings and “limited income.”

A news.com.au report revealed that the brand, Gemmie Agency, went into voluntary liquidation in November, and owes $543,548 to the Australian Taxation Office, with another 3,300 owed to small business Jack Lawrence Accountants and Advisors.

The Meghan Markle Retreat Organizer Has Been Asked To Give An Account

The company hosting the weekend event, Besties Australia, was also mentioned in the insolvency report, as it was noted that it received a loan of $18,143 from the Gemmie Agency.

Besties Australia was registered by O’Neill in October 2022 in her role as director/secretary. However, the report states that she didn’t disclose any loans to related parties to administrators.

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“The director (O’Neill) advised that this balance was incorrectly recorded by the Company’s former accountant and the transactions in the loan account were in respect of costs incurred by the Company, and not by Besties Australia,” the report states.

According to the Daily Mail, administrators have written to O’Neill requesting “a detailed explanation of the balance of that loan.”

She reportedly wrote to them back in February, stating that she couldn’t make any repayment contributions, as she has no available personal savings, limited income, and has failed to refinance her beachside apartment in Sydney.

More Troubles For The PR Agency

O’Neill seems to have endured more challenging situations as her star client, Jackie O, got embroiled in a public row with her KIIS FM radio partner, Kyle Sandilands, which led to their $100M contract being torn up.

Now, Jackie O is understood to have filed a wrongful termination suit against the network after she told executives she couldn’t “continue to work with Mr. Kyle Sandilands” following his comments.

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Meanwhile, it remains unclear how the financial situation would affect Meghan’s meet and greet event from April 17 to 19.

Reports suggest the event will host more than 300 guests to a “VIP Experience” that includes a “group table photo with Meghan, Duchess of Sussex,” as well as the chance to hear her interviewed on stage during a two-night stay in a 5-star Sydney hotel.

It Is Unclear If Meghan Markle Would Be Paid For The

It appears the former “Suits” actress had nothing to do with the booking, which was seemingly handled by her friend Markus Anderson.

The organizer, O’Neill, claims Anderson reached out to her and suggested that Meghan be their guest of honor.

Whether or not the Duchess of Sussex would be paid an appearance fee of some sort remains unknown, as the event coincides with her and Harry’s trip to Australia next month.

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However, royal experts have suggested she’ll appear as a “paid celebrity,” with one insider comparing her to former Duchess of York Sarah Ferguson, saying, “she’s basically Fergie,” per the Daily Mail.

Meghan Markle Was ‘Horrified’ Over A Leaked Email Which Revealed Details About Her Retreat

Meanwhile, Meghan is understood to be uneasy after details of her upcoming Australian trip were leaked.

“She was horrified when word got out, ahead of the official announcement, that she would be appearing at a women’s retreat in Sydney,” a source told New Idea.

They continued, “She likes to be in control, and the chaotic announcement about her arrival was anything but polished. While a leak about the trip isn’t the end of the world, Meghan’s losing sleep at what else could come out.”

Meghan is said to have taken measures to fish out where the leak came from, as she also worries about what other private information may surface.

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“She is on a mission to find out who leaked the information. It’s made the working environment around her office very tense,” the source added.

Keith Urban is reportedly struggling with an emotional setback after his daughter, Sunday Rose, appeared to overlook him in a recent interview.

The moment has sparked fresh attention around his post-divorce life with Nicole Kidman, as insiders claim the country star has been quietly dealing with the fallout while trying to maintain a brave face.

Sunday Rose Praises Nicole Kidman In Candid Interview

Sunday Rose, 17, opened up about her early influences in a recent interview with Elle Australia, placing her mother, Nicole Kidman, firmly at the center of her inspiration.

The young model spoke warmly about growing up around creativity and how it shaped her path.

“My mum is someone who has always been so creative and my biggest inspiration in life,” Sunday Rose told the publication. “She is a key part of everything I do.”

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She also revealed the practical guidance she has received from her mother while building her modeling career. “The biggest piece of industry advice Mum has given to me is to always be on time,” she said.

While her comments painted a close bond with Kidman, the absence of any mention of her father quickly became a talking point.

Keith Urban Reportedly Left Numb By The Omission

Sources suggest the interview struck a nerve for Keith Urban, who was noticeably absent from his daughter’s reflections.

According to an insider who spoke to New Idea, the reaction has been deeply personal.

“Keith doesn’t know what to say, but he’s trying to put on a brave front,” the source said. “He knows he has to be patient; however, this latest snub – so publicly, there in black and white – has stumped him.”

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The situation has reportedly left the singer feeling shaken, especially given how visible the omission was.

For someone used to life in the spotlight, the emotional weight of the moment appears to have landed hard.

Keith Urban Navigates Life After Divorce And Custody Shift

The development comes months after Urban and Nicole Kidman finalized their divorce following nearly two decades of marriage.

Their separation, announced last September and finalized in January, marked a major shift in their family dynamic.

As part of their agreement, Kidman was granted the majority of custody of their daughters, Sunday Rose and Faith Margaret, 15.

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Under the parenting plan, she will spend 306 days each year with them, while Keith Urban will have 59 days.

The limited time together has been noticeable publicly. Keith Urban has not been seen with his daughters since December 2024, when the family gathered in Australia for Christmas following the passing of Kidman’s mother, Janelle.

Even before that, their last official public appearance as a family dates back to July 2024, when they attended the Paris Olympics to support Australian skateboarder Chloe Covell.

Keith Urban’s Reported Solitary Life In Nashville

Away from public appearances, reports suggest Urban has embraced a quieter, more isolated lifestyle.

According to Woman’s Day, the singer has been living a largely solitary existence in Nashville when he is not spending time with his children.

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The shift is said to extend beyond geography, with claims that he has distanced himself from parts of his past life.

“He’s now living a life that’s been completely purged of everyone to do with his past life,” a source said per the Daily Mail.

The reported changes hint at a broader personal reset, as Keith Urban adjusts to life after his long-term relationship and the restructuring of his family life.

Nicole Kidman Speaks Out As Family Moves Forward

As attention continues to build around the family, Nicole Kidman has also addressed her mindset following the divorce.

In a recent interview with Variety, the actress reflected on her outlook and priorities moving forward.

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“I’m always going to be moving toward what’s good. What I’m grateful for is my family and keeping them as is and moving forward,” Kidman said.

She also acknowledged that the past year had been a period of introspection and change. “Well, not last year. I was quiet. I had other things going on. I was in my shell,” she added.

Despite the emotional complexities, the former couple’s split was handled with minimal public conflict.

Legal documents confirmed they waived claims to spousal and child support, choosing instead to handle their own legal expenses.

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While both Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman continue to move forward in their own ways, the recent interview moment shows how deeply personal changes can still resonate publicly, especially when family ties are involved.

Jeff Goldblum and his wife are facing backlash online after stepping out in a bold fashion statement that has ignited debate across social media. The couple’s look, featuring what appears to be genuine skunk fur, quickly drew criticism from fans and animal rights advocates alike, with PETA issuing a strong response and commenters flooding the post with mixed reactions.

PETA Issues Strong Statement

Not long after the image began circulating, PETA weighed in with a pointed response condemning the use of real fur.

“Fur is fur, no matter when the skunks were killed. Calling it ‘vintage’ doesn’t erase the cruelty,” they wrote, adding a skunk emoji and a broken heart emoji. “Wearing this look sends a dangerous message that torturing and killing animals for fashion is acceptable. Faux and vegan materials deliver the same drama without taking lives.”

Social Media Users Call The Look ‘Disappointing’

Many commenters echoed similar concerns in response to the photo, criticizing the couple for their fashion choice. “So disappointing. Can you two really be so out of touch as to wear real fur?” one user asked. “Vintage or not, wearing real fur promotes all fur. With gorgeous faux and other materials widely available, there’s just no excuse. Please do better.”

Others questioned why alternative materials weren’t used instead. “Why not fake fur?!” another asked, adding a thumbs down emoji.

While much of the reaction was critical, some users took a lighter or more humorous approach when reacting to the image. “Y’all are like the energy of supervillains but make them fun nice people,” someone said.

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Another commenter joked about the dramatic nature of the photo shoot itself. “This looks less like a photoshoot and more like two luxury villains negotiating the fate of Europe over espresso,” the user commented.

PETA Previously Called Out Lady Gaga Over Feathered Grammy Look

The backlash surrounding Jeff Goldblum’s look comes just weeks after PETA took aim at another major star, Lady Gaga, over her fashion choices on one of music’s biggest stages.

The 39-year-old pop icon made headlines after delivering a dramatic, rock-leaning performance of her hit “Abracadabra” at the Grammys. Embracing a more theatrical style, Gaga performed solo, skipping the full group of dancers from the music video and instead commanding the stage on her own.

Mostly hidden beneath an elaborate, eye-like headpiece and dramatic feathered styling, Gaga delivered the performance with intensity, earning a standing ovation from the crowd as the cameras captured the audience rising to their feet.

However, not everyone was impressed.

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Lady Gaga’s Grammy Performance Draws Backlash

Shortly after the performance, PETA criticized the singer’s feather-heavy look, sharing a graphic that read,

“Lady Gaga, let birds keep their feathers,” along with a message calling out the use of feathers in fashion. The organization argued that feathers “belong on birds” and suggested the look sent the wrong message, especially during such a high-profile broadcast.

While PETA’s criticism gained traction online, not everyone was convinced the outrage was warranted. Several commenters pointed out that Gaga has publicly moved away from animal-derived fashion in recent years, suggesting the materials used in her performance may not have been real.

“How are we sure it’s not faux feathers?” one person wrote, while another added, “How does anyone know if they’re real or fake? That’s kind of hard to tell just from a photo.”

“Is there evidence that they’re real?” a third fan asked. “Gaga stopped wearing outfits made from animal origins years ago. A lot of her fans are animalists.”

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Who Is PETA? The Outspoken Animal Rights Group Behind The Backlash

PETA, short for People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, is one of the world’s most high-profile animal rights organizations and has built a reputation for calling out celebrities over their fashion choices.

The group has long campaigned against the use of fur, feathers, leather, and other animal-derived materials, frequently aiming at stars who wear them on red carpets, in performances, or in editorial shoots.

But despite PETA’s outspoken history on the issue, Jeff Goldblum and his wife have remained silent following the backlash.

Virgin River fans have watched the beloved cast change on and off screen for years and ahead of the show’s series finale.

Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson). The hit series, which premiered in 2019, also stars Colin Lawrence, Annette O’Toole, Tim Matheson, Benjamin Hollingsworth, Sarah Dugdale, Zibby Allen, Marco Grazzini and Kai Bradbury.

Netflix’s hit series is seven seasons in – but it seems like much less time has passed for the residents of Virgin River.

“It’s been [around] six months,” Hollingsworth exclusively told Us Weekly in March 2026 of the time jump between seasons. “It was what everyone figured out it was, which is nuts.”

Grazzini had a different theory, however, sharing with Us in a separate interview, “It’s been about a year and a half, right? Because, if you think about it, it’s been about a year and a half from season 1 because that’s when Charmaine got pregnant.”

He continued, “Now her twins are a couple months old so let’s call it nine months plus five months. Just over a year.”

Allen’s suggestion regarding the amount of time between seasons fell somewhere in the middle. “I think it’s been a year and a half — like a year and three months,” she noted to Us. “I know the writers told us once and I just forgot.”

Scroll down to see then-and-now photos of Virgin River stars:

Alexandra Breckenridge

Since bringing the lead role of Mel to life, Alexandra Breckenridge has appeared on Cast Away Sorta, My Secret Santa and Love in Store.

Martin Henderson

Martin Henderson has scored roles in X, The Gloaming, My Life is Murder and Madam since joining Virgin River as Jack.

Colin Lawrence

In addition to playing Preacher, Colin Lawrence has appeared in Christmas in Evergreen: Bells are Ringing, Morning Show Mysteries, Dancing Through the Snow and Napa Ever After.

Lauren Hammersley

Lauren Hammersley pulled double duty as Charmaine on Virgin River and Connie on Sullivan’s Crossing. She also appeared in Hallmark’s Christmas Island.

Annette O’Toole

After scoring the role of Hope, Annette O’Toole has also been in The Good Doctor, Kidding and Search Party.

Tim Matheson

Annette O’Toole’s onscreen love interest Tim Matheson, meanwhile, has appeared on This Is Us, Evil, Quantum Leap and 9-1-1: Nashville while playing Doc.

Related: How Much Time Has Passed on ‘Virgin River’ Since Season 1? Timeline Explained

While Virgin River is Netflix’s longest-running scripted series, viewers have been left confused about how much time has actually passed on the show. Based on Robyn Carr’s book series, Virgin River follows the lives of residents living in a small town in Northern California, including Mel (Alexandra Breckenridge) and Jack (Martin Henderson). The hit series, […]

Benjamin Hollingsworth

Ben Hollingsworth won Us over in the role of Brady, but he has also appeared on A Godwink Christmas: Meant for Love, Love Under the Olive Tree, Debris and Joe Pickett. He has also scored roles in A Splash of Love, Romance in Style, So Help Me Todd, Deck the Halls on Cherry Lane and The Christmas Ring.

Sarah Dugdale

After booking the role of Lizzy, Sarah Dugdale has appeared on Dial S for Santa, Season’s Greetings from Cherry Lane and Allegiance.

Zibby Allen

Zibby Allen has appeared on Nancy Drew, The Good Doctor, The Vows We Keep, Lies Between Friends and more while also filming scenes as Brie for Virgin River.

Marco Grazzini

Marco Grazzini can be seen in Close Up, Right in Front of Me, Designing Christmas, Hearts in the Game and Haunted Harmony Mysteries: Murder in G Major after playing Mike.

Did Steven Spielberg just make a successful return to the world of dinosaurs? You bet Jurass-ic he did, and his collaboration with Netflix, the documentary miniseries The Dinosaurs, immediately hit #1 on global streaming charts upon its release of all four episodes on March 6. Narrated by Morgan Freeman, The Dinosaurs winningly charts the rise and eventual fall of the great creatures, a brutal and unforgiving CGI journey with an attention to detail that puts the docuseries above anything else like it. If you’re looking for another incredible documentary series with a similar focus on dinosaurs, then Apple TV’s Prehistoric Planet is the perfect replacement.

What Is Apple TV’s ‘Prehistoric Planet’ About?

Prehistoric Planet, simply defined, is a 15-episode documentary series about dinosaurs told across three seasons, from the Late Cretaceous period 66 million years ago through to the Ice Age. But the way the series approaches dinosaurs is unlike anything else, simply by being exactly like something else: a nature documentary. It remembers that dinosaurs were animals first, monsters second, stepping away from the conventional eat-or-be-eaten that most dinosaur fare falls into, including The Dinosaurs. As such, it creates a relatability that others lack: no one understands being eaten by a T. Rex (except lawyers), but the frantic search for your baby, as befalls a Triceratops mother in Season 1’s “Forests,” connects.

Prehistoric Planet began over a decade ago with BBC Studios creative director Michael Gunton, who came up with the idea of doing a natural history documentary like the BBC’s Planet Earth, only with dinosaurs: how did they live, migrate, mate, raise their offspring, and so on. Great idea, wrong time. The technology available then simply wasn’t up to the project’s requirements, and with no actual dinosaurs to film, that was problematic. Enter Jon Favreau, who met with Gunton and showrunner Tim Walker in London years later. As Walker recalls: “Jon came in and sat down; we got chatting and he flipped his iPad open and said, ‘Let me show you some of the stuff we’ve been doing.’ It was The Lion King.“

Just like that, the company behind the stunningly life-like effects behind The Lion King, MPC, were tasked with creating the dinosaurs, two-time Oscar winner Hans Zimmer was brought in to compose the score, and nature documentary veteran Sir Richard Attenborough came in to narrate, replaced by Tom Hiddleston for the third season’s focus on the Ice Age. But what truly puts Prehistoric Planet “above anything else like it” are top-to-bottom commitments, both to the latest in palaeontological research, under the watchful eye of chief scientific consultant and palaeozoologist Darren Naish, and to its focus on dinosaur life, refreshingly keeping away from the catastrophic event that ended it.

Apple TV’s ‘Prehistoric Planet’ Is Proof the Streamer Thrives When It Leans Into Science

It could be argued that Prehistoric Planet is as good as it is, in large part, thanks to being on Apple TV in the first place. Apple TV thrives when it leans into science, creating a host of exceptional documentaries that range from biographies and politics to nature and society. The documentaries matter, and the high-end production quality – advanced CGI, customized cameras, cinematic-level scores and editing – is testament to it. Seasoned vets like Attenborough, Paul Rudd, and Hugh Bonneville exude an air of authenticity with their narrations. Not to mention, Apple TV is the best streamer for sci-fi, with exceptional series like Severance, Pluribus, Foundation, and For All Mankind.

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The Best Jurassic Movie in a Decade Is Dominating 2 Streaming Services

A sequel is reportedly in early development at Universal.

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Plus, as with Prehistoric Planet, there’s a commitment to accuracy — buoyed by collaborations with researchers and scientists — that is laudable. It even extends to other projects like Extrapolations, which earned plaudits from scientists for its precise depiction of global warming. Those elements alone aren’t enough to separate the Apple TV documentary from its kin, but its focus on unique, rarely covered moments in nature does. Take The Secret Lives of Animals, for one, which shows navigation signposts made by a wood mouse, or a frog that turns invisible: it’s easy to build a documentary narrative around the predator-prey dynamic, but quite another to make the everyday lives of animals utterly fascinating.

Prehistoric Planet fits right in to that Apple TV formula, and while the everyday actions of dinosaurs that it showcases are speculative, it rings true. The series also goes beyond the fan-favorite dinosaurs to include the likes of Kaikaifilu, a seagoing lizard with flippers and a tail fin, and Qianzhousaurus, an Asian-tyrannosaur whose long snout earned it the moniker “Pinocchio Rex.” Prehistoric Planet takes the route of its Apple TV relations, while The Dinosaurs has the markings of Spielberg’s cinematic touch. The two complement each other in conventional and unconventional ways, making Prehistoric Planet the perfect replacement for The Dinosaurs, and vice-versa.