When considering the vast catalog of Western television programs, there is only one series that reigns not only as the leading champion of the televised genre, but sits on the throne as the “gold standard” that so many others aimed to emulate. If you’ve guessed Gunsmoke, then you’d be right on the money. The famed CBS Western ran for an impressive 20 years between 1955 and 1975 (a feat quite unheard of at the time), and remained popular throughout the bulk of its run. Thus, it’s no wonder that even over 70 years since James Arness first graced the screen as Marshal Matt Dillon that this program continues to find an audience on streaming.

‘Gunsmoke’ Surpasses All Other Television Westerns — In Both Content and Episode Count

Image via CBS

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Like many television programs of its day, Gunsmoke began as a radio show. Created by Norman Macdonnell and John Meston, the adventures of Marshal Dillon became so popular that CBS aimed to push that reach even further. Charles Marquis Warren developed the series for television, and although John Wayne was initially sought for the leading role, the part ultimately went to James Arness. (However, as a favor, Wayne introduced the very first episode, making Gunsmoke among the few TV Westerns endorsed by the Duke.) Part of what set Gunsmoke apart from other TV Westerns at the time was that it was specifically aimed toward adult audiences. The network wasn’t interested in another “kiddie” series like The Lone Ranger or Hopalong Cassidy; they wanted a mature program that could stand on its own. No doubt, that’s exactly what it did.

Although The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp beat Gunsmoke to the punch by a few days, it was Gunsmoke that came out on top as the best and brightest that this new TV fascination with the Old West had to offer. At first, the series followed the radio format quite faithfully, even adapting famous episodes like “The Cabin” effortlessly to the screen. These tight scripts produced excellent material for Arness and his co-stars to work with, but over time, the show found a voice of its own. Even after the radio series ended in 1961, the CBS drama continued. In fact, that same year, Gunsmoke shed its initial half-hour format in favor of an hour-long broadcast with an emphasis on original episodes that pushed Marshal Dillon and his allies — Amanda Blake‘s Miss Kitty, Milburn Stone‘s Doc Adams, and Dennis Weaver‘s Chester Goode — to their limits. It was in this era that the black-and-white hour-long program produced some of its very best episodes, including the hauntingly powerful “The Gallows,” an intimate look at what happens when an innocent man is condemned to die, and the riveting “Seven Hours to Dawn,” which emphasized the show’s supporting cast against a common threat.

Gunsmoke continued to produce hour-long Western plays for the remainder of its run. By its twelfth season, CBS began filming each episode in color, and only a few seasons later, Gunsmoke drifted away from following its heroes every week in favor of a Western anthology format. Much of the show’s continued popularity has been attributed to the fact that Gunsmoke was able to adjust to the times. Be it the advent of color television or the growing popularity of hour-long television programs (a trend that started with Cheyenne the same year Gunsmoke premiered in 1955). Marshal Dillon and his cohorts often found themselves performing in the sorts of adventures that were of interest to contemporary audiences — some of which even spawned short-lived spin-offs. It’s no wonder that Gunsmoke ranked #1 in the ratings for four years in a row at its peak, and boasted a spot in the Top 10 for 13 seasons. With 635 episodes to choose from, it’s a show that rides laps around most others — even Louis L’Amour was a fan.

The 20-Season Western Set the Standard for All Other Genre Series’ Going Forward

Of course, the main draw for Gunsmoke was always its main cast. Arness’ Matt Dillon is not only one of the greatest Western TV heroes out there, but he was the sort of stand-up type of lawman that you’d always want in your corner. Whether he was joined by sidekicks like Burt Reynolds‘ Quint Asper, Roger Ewing‘s Thad Greenwood, Buck Taylor‘s Newly O’Brien, or Ken Curtis‘ long-running Festus Haggen (or if he were simply on his own), there was a comfort in the sense that Dillon would always get his man. Indeed, no matter how often villains got the upper hand or how outmatched he was, Matt wouldn’t go down without a fight — and he certainly wouldn’t let the good people of Dodge City down. It was that consistency, that charm, that kept audiences faithful to Gunsmoke for 20 years, and it’s that same old-fashioned style that has prompted many to revisit the program on streaming years later.

Gunsmoke may be a product of its time in that it’s a Western that leans into the mythic notions that the genre has spread about the Old American West, but it remains relevant and entertaining today. Unlike many of the modern takes on the West we see now, it’s a series that the entire family can enjoy, despite its often mature themes or ideas. It was Gunsmoke‘s success that helped propel the genre as a TV staple in the 1950s and ’60s, and that success continues to influence the genre.

Filming for season 5 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives hasn’t resumed after multiple scandals, according to Miranda McWhorter’s ex-husband, Chase McWhorter.

During an interview on the Tuesday, April 7, episode of Harry Jowsey’s “Boyfriend Material” podcast, Chase, 30, said that cameras haven’t picked back up since production on the Hulu series was paused last month — and he doesn’t know if or when they will.

“I think that’s kind of up in the air at this point,” he claimed. “Hoping they do. All the other women have a bunch of great stories and story lines that haven’t been told. I think that’s a great thing they could look into. So I think they should, but we’ll see.”

Reports circulated last month that production on season 5 of Mormon Wives had paused after Taylor Frankie Paul and ex Dakota Mortensen were allegedly involved in a domestic dispute in February. Taylor’s costar Mikayla Matthews later said that she and the other members of MomTok decided together that they didn’t want to film in the immediate aftermath of the incident.

“It was a decision that all of us girls came up with and agreed on,” Mikayla, 26, explained in a March Instagram Story Q&A. “We didn’t feel comfortable filming with everything that was happening.”

The Draper City Police Department in Utah confirmed to Us Weekly on March 16 that a “domestic assault investigation” was ongoing regarding a February incident involving Taylor, 31, and Dakota, 33. The department said that “allegations have been made in both directions.”

Taylor and Dakota’s off-and-on relationship has been a focal point on Mormon Wives, which premiered in September 2024 and launched its fourth season in March.

Shortly after news broke that production on season 5 had paused, leaked footage showed Taylor arguing with Dakota during the 2023 incident that led to her arrest (and was discussed on season 1 of Mormon Wives). The video showed her throwing multiple metal stools at Dakota while her daughter, Indy, now 8, was in the room. Taylor shares Indy and son Ocean, 5, with ex-husband Tate Paul, while she and Dakota share son Ever, 2.

Related: Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Reacts to MomTok’s ‘Week Straight From Hell’

The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Mikayla Matthews is sharing her reaction to MomTok’s drama-filled week. The stars of the hit Hulu reality show have scarcely been out of the headlines in the past week. To recap: First, there was the alleged domestic violence incident involving Taylor Frankie Paul and Dakota Mortensen that put a […]

Taylor was taken into police custody in February 2023 and charged with aggravated assault, two counts of domestic violence in the presence of a child, child abuse and criminal mischief. Us confirmed in August of that year that Taylor pleaded guilty to felony aggravated assault as part of a plea deal to drop the other charges. If she abided to the terms of her deal for three years, the charge would be downgraded to a misdemeanor.

After new footage of the incident appeared online last month, ABC canceled Taylor’s season 22 of The Bachelorette just days before its scheduled premiere.

Meanwhile, Taylor’s costar Jessi Draper was experiencing her own personal issues as husband Jordan Ngatikaura filed for divorce on March 19 after the duo had previously separated.

Related: Mormon Wives’ Jessi Reacts to Filming Pause, Taylor Frankie Paul Drama

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The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives’ Jessi Ngatikaura is weighing in on the news that production has paused on season 5 amid Taylor Frankie Paul’s legal drama with ex Dakota Mortensen. TMZ and People reported on Monday, March 16, that producers behind the hit Hulu reality show stopped filming earlier this month following an alleged […]

“I did end it with him, so I knew it was coming, but we had made an agreement to do it together, and he blindsided me and filed because he wanted the headline first,” Jessi, 33, claimed during a March interview on Alex Cooper’s “Call Her Daddy” podcast. “We agreed to tell our children together before filing, and we haven’t done that.”

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A source later exclusively told Us that Jessi had recently cozied up to Chase at a party.

“They were having fun at a party, and it’s not serious between them,” the insider said in March.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.

Drew Barrymore got candid about her body insecurities during an emotional moment on “The Drew Barrymore Show” this week. The 51-year-old host became visibly tearful during a fashion makeover segment when guest Dawn Benwood opened up about her own struggles with wearing “form-fitting clothing.” Drew Barrymore, who shares daughters Olive, 13, and Frankie, 11, with ex-husband Will Kopelman, said the story hit especially close to home.

Drew Barrymore Gets Candid About Body Changes After Kids

As she connected with Benwood, Barrymore didn’t hold back when sharing her own experience. “I so related. I really did,” she said through tears. “The other day, I was walking down the street, and I’ve had two C-sections, and I’m so wrecked down there that I permanently just…I can’t wear a lot of different types of pants.”

She continued, “The other day I was walking around, and I had this shorter shirt on, and I couldn’t keep my jacket closed. And I’m walking around, and I was [thinking], I don’t want anyone to see this.”

The former child star added that she deeply understands the changes that come with motherhood and aging. “When you have kids, and you have a busy life, and your body changes and you get older, and things just aren’t the same,” she explained.

Barrymore Says ‘I Totally Get It’ In Emotional Moment

Barrymore continued to reflect on how the moment resonated with her own recent experiences. “Just hearing your story, I just thought of how I felt two days ago walking down the street on a Sunday with my daughter,” the host said. “I totally get it.”

Despite her vulnerability, she made sure to lift up her guest. “And I’ve gotta tell you, I’m looking at you and all I see is just your beautiful hard work that I only know because you told us, I wouldn’t know otherwise, and you look so stunning,” the actress continued.

Drew Barrymore Says Daughters Push Her Out Of Comfort Zone

The conversation also turned to how Barrymore’s daughters help her step outside of her comfort zone when it comes to fashion. “Listen, you know what my daughter does? She encourages me to dress differently. And a lot of the times I feel really good,” she shared.

Still, she admitted there are certain items she’s sworn off for good. “I’ll never wear those pair of jeans again,” Barrymore said. “We all can find something that fits us right.”

Months before her recent candid on-air confession, Drew Barrymore was already keeping it real with fans about aging and self-acceptance. The daytime host shared a makeup-free video on social media, proudly showing off her natural skin, including fine lines and smile lines, without filters or touch-ups.

“Aging is a privilege. It is not something to fear,” she said alongside the clip.

Barrymore Celebrates Show Renewal Amid Emotional Moment

The emotional moment comes amid exciting news for the daytime star. “The Drew Barrymore Show,” which launched in 2020, has officially been renewed by CBS for two more seasons.

Barrymore shared the update on Instagram, writing, “We’re so excited to announce that we’ve been renewed for not one, but TWO more seasons! I’m so grateful and so excited!”

Drew Barrymore Reflects On Show’s Mission After Renewal

In a statement, Barrymore opened up about what the show means to her and its audience. “What matters most to us is our viewers and the people that come here!” she began. “This show began as a space for intimate conversation, and we’re continuing to plant our flag as a truly multiplatform experience.”

“We live in a world where people discover content in so many different ways, and from the very start in 2020, our mission was to break the mold rather than conform to the traditional daytime landscape,” she continued. “I hold myself accountable to staying savvy about how and where this show is seen, feeding every corner that counts, while daring to just be myself and figure out life with others.”

“My curiosity about people is what fuels me. I’m so excited to continue as I see this endeavor as an opportunity and a gift,” Barrymore went on to say. “Our show family is deeply grateful for the support of CBS and George Cheeks, who all helped us get here.”

By Jennifer Asencio
| Published 23 seconds ago

For the past few decades, mummies have been featured monsters in movies that are more action-oriented than horror. The last time a mummy was featured as a horror monster in a mainstream film was in 1987’s The Monster Squad. One could be forgiven for thinking of mummies in terms of Brendan Fraser or Tom Cruise, because zombies were introduced, and typical mummies are just zombies wrapped up in bandages … right?

An Ancient Dread For A Modern Audience

In the latest take on the monster, horror master Lee Cronin reminds audiences that mummies have a mystique that is steeped in ancient pagan ritual and occult practices. Millenia before there were zombies, the restless dead were said to have walked the earth, and the only way anyone knew to prevent such affliction was mummification. Early horror iterations called “The Mummy” often asked the question, “what if mummification wasn’t enough to contain the restless dead?” Even the action films tackle this query.

Cronin’s official trailer for The Mummy, which dropped on April 1, 2026, is no joke. It does seem to veer off into a strange direction from normal mummy movies; rather than digging up a 3,000-year-old corpse that then terrorizes the neighborhood, the mummy is a young child who has been missing for almost a decade and is found in a sealed sarcophagus of that ancient age, and it is she who terrorizes the neighborhood. Her distraught parents are both shocked and horrified to find her alive but unaged, and she seems to have returned with a ravenous appetite for fear, if not human flesh.

Cronin Knows How To Make Kids Creepy

Lee Cronin excels at simultaneously creating creepy evil children and making audiences extremely anxious on behalf of the protagonist children who are often their victims. His debut feature, The Hole in the Ground, is an excellent exercise in such dramatic tension, offering a child and a changeling imitating him and spending much of the movie not allowing audiences to know which child was which.

Evil Dead Rise, the first Evil Dead movie that I did not enjoy, still delivered on this theme by taking place among the family of a single mom rather than a group of college students. This is not why I wasn’t fond of the film, but rather that Cronin’s talents lie in his own IPs rather than in contributing to someone else’s. Plus, he’s backed this time by horror studio Blumhouse and their production partner, James Wan’s Atomic Monster.

Natalie Grace And Her Million Dollar Face

The Mummy thus seems to be a return to form for him, even as it borrows from another IP. The Evil Dead franchise has very narrow rules it operates by, while mummies and their cinematic lore have much broader leeway in what can be done with them. There is certainly room for Cronin to explore themes surrounding the horror of being a parent by connecting one of the most terrifying experiences a parent can have, a missing child, to an ancient Egyptian mummy. Coupled with his trademark chiaroscuro lighting in Gothic settings whose antiquity oozes from the very walls, the Irish director seems poised to reinforce his solid reputation in the horror genre.

The Hole in the Ground cast doubt upon whether the boy in it was real or his doppelganger, but The Mummy makes no obfuscation in showing that its creepy little girl, played by the odd-looking Natalie Grace and unnamed on IMDb, is definitely not who she was when she disappeared. The only doubt lies in whether this monster is riding around in their daughter’s actual body, or if it is simply disguising itself as her to prey upon them. Grace’s exotic eye shape lends itself mightily to her makeup and her uncanny and sinister behavior, and her youthful appearance makes her believable as she crawls around in her white nighty exuding evil with unconcealed glee.

Even if Grace’s performance turns out to be poor, her unique facial structure is enough to keep her employed for years, and her apparent emotional range, indicated by “before” scenes of the character with her family, hints that she will be great in this breakout role.

Lee Cronin’s The Mummy comes out in theaters on April 17, 2026. Check it out and prepare for a new twist on a very old monster.

Martha Stewart knows everything about chic taste and high standards, so we trust her judgment with shoes. Stewart wears Skechers sneakers nonstop, whether she’s gardening, traveling or walking around the neighborhood. In fact, she loves them so much that she partnered with Skechers (and now has an entire collection).

As you’d imagine, Stewart-approved styles are more than comfortable. They’re effortlessly stylish, supportive and convenient, offering an easy slip-on design that takes the bending and lacing out of getting ready. Stewart raves about the hands-free line, so we rounded up the comfiest rich mom versions to carry you through spring, summer and beyond.

Comfy Slip-on Skechers Inspired by Martha Stewart

1. Stewart’s Go-to: We’ve spotted Stewart in many Skechers sneakers, but she did an entire commercial about these sporty slip-ins. She said, “It almost feels like I’m gliding on air when I walk.”

2. Festival-Ready: If you’re attending a music festival this season, or if you want to look like you are, these edgy sneakers deliver. They have a sleek flat silhouette, a colorful print and secret arch support.

3. Could be Designer: Iridescent leopard print and a solid color make these lace-up kicks appear much more expensive than they are. They’re a compliment magnet, so be prepared.

4. Luxe Alert: With intricate stitching, glittery leather and a gold star detail, these slip-on sneakers channel rich mom vibes. The heel pillow keeps your foot secure while the wedge gives you height.

5. Retro Chic: Metallics are totally in right now and these champagne-colored kicks nail the aesthetic. They transition seamlessly from brunches to cocktails, making them the perfect wear-everywhere shoes.

6. Spring Time: Bestseller alert! Shoppers rave about these floral sneakers, highlighting the cozy fit, air-cooled memory foam and classy quilted look.

7. Travel-Friendly: Whether you’re running errands or to the airport, these low-profile shoes have you covered. One reviewer said that the sneakers are so comfortable that they forgot they were wearing shoes.

8. Colors Galore: From neutrals to vibrant hues, there’s a Glide-Step Pro for every wardrobe. The soles provide plenty of cushioning for soft landings and springy steps.

9. Quiet Luxury: We’re a little (a lot) obsessed with these quilted slip-ons that channel Nantucket and Nashville at the same time. Equally preppy and luxe, they’re the easiest add-to-cart — especially with an under-$100 price tag.

Reza Farahan dropped a surprising bombshell regarding the Shahs of Sunset casts’ salary increase.

“The last thing they want is for the cast to figure out how valuable they are. They want to keep you in the dark and keep a thumb on your head, so you don’t ask for more money,” Reza, 52, recalled in his new book Memoirs of a Gay Shah: My Story of Family, Fame and Becoming a King, released on Tuesday, April 7. “There’s no gold statue moment. It’s a constant game of trying to keep you in check no matter how popular you become.”

Reza, who appeared on the show from 2012 to 2021, recalled “investing” his own money to promote himself and his lifestyle. He specifically recalled “buying Louboutins” to maintain his image while his checks were allegedly not “covering the price of the shoes.”

“With how dumpy everything about the production was at that point, my minuscule check felt like it might be eating up the majority of the budget,” he continued. “During season 1, I shot my confessional interviews in a storage closet. I’m not even kidding. The camera person was doing my makeup, for God’s sake. We didn’t have a legit makeup artist. She bought some cosmetics and kept them with her. She would help us put them on before we shot.”

Related: ‘Shahs of Sunset’ Cast: Where Are They Now?

The Shahs of Sunset cast has been keeping busy since the show wrapped. The series premiered on Bravo in 2012 and followed a group of Persian-Americans living in Beverly Hills, balancing their careers and social lives with their families and cultural traditions. Shahs of Sunset featured Reza Farahan, Golnesa Gharachedaghi, Sammy Younai, Asa Soltan Rahmati, […]

Shahs of Sunset followed a group of Iranian Americans living in Beverly Hills as they tried to juggle their social lives and up-and-coming careers while balancing the demands of their families and traditions.

Reza recalled the cast coming together as a group to negotiate a raise when the season 3 offer was “a pittance.”

“I’m not going to lie. It was four figures an episode,” he wrote. “At the end of the day, it all worked out. We agreed to a favored nations contract and our per episode salary went up something like six or seven times what it was previously. We went from four digits per episode to five for the season. So that was a nice bump.”

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Related: What ‘Real Housewives’ Stars Have Said About Their Salaries for the Show

With big drama comes — if you’re lucky —-  some big paychecks in the Real Housewives franchise. Ever since The Real Housewives of Orange County premiered in March 2006, fans have been curious about how much their favorite cast members from various cities make year after year. “We never really talk about contracts and money,” […]

Elsewhere in his memoir, Reza detailed tension between the cast based on who was “doing more press” pegged to the show, revealing he catfished his cast early on by pretending to be an anonymous producer who mocked them and addressed the show coming to an end.

Shahs of Sunset’s finale paved the way for Reza, Golnesa “GG” Gharachedaghi and Mercedes “MJ” Javid eventually joining the Bravo reboot: The Valley: Persian Style.

Memoirs of a Gay Shah: My Story of Family, Fame, and Becoming a King is out on bookshelves now.

Moriah Plath has a vulnerable moment with her siblings on Welcome to Plathville while taking off her wig for the first time in public amid her emotional journey with alopecia.

“OK, nobody laugh. Or actually everybody laugh,” Moriah, 23, tells her big brother Ethan Plath and younger sister Amber Plath in Us Weekly’s exclusive sneak peek at the Tuesday, April 7, episode of the TLC series. “It helps when people laugh sometimes.”

Moriah proceeds to remove her blonde wig and reveal her bald head before trying on a new wig.

“You’re so beautiful” the beauty supply store salesperson chimes in, pointing out that Moriah has the same cute dimples as her siblings, who are smiling as they watch her get styled.

“I’ve never taken my wig off before in public,” Moriah tells the cameras. “It’s definitely freeing to just be honest.”

The reality star, who has been vocal about her alopecia journey since 2024, adds that to “get that out there” and show all sides of herself is a relief.

“I ain’t got nothing to hide. I can’t anymore,” Moriah shares.

As Moriah steps out into the spotlight and embraces her hair loss, both Ethan, 27, and Amber, 17, reveal how proud they are of their sister’s courage.

“Moriah’s, you know, she’s precious, and I think she’s beautiful whether she has hair or not,” Ethan says in a confessional, noting he “can’t imagine what it’d be like, especially for a woman” to have no control over your hair.

Amber tells the cameras that Moriah is doing “really good these days” and that her newfound confidence is clear to see.

“She has her weirdness back, which is her personality,” Amber says with a smile. “It really makes you see that self worth doesn’t come from your hair or, you know, superficial things. I think it comes from, you know, your heart, feeling loved and accepted.”

During the family outing to the beauty store, Moriah looks happy as she tries on wigs and embraces different styles.

“Ethan ain’t saying nothing bad, so it must be good,” the salesperson says with a laugh, which makes Moriah giggle. Ethan confirms, “It looks good,” which Moriah tells the store associate “means a lot.”

Moriah previously talked about her alopecia journey during a September 2024 episode of Welcome to Plathville. She revealed that when she was about 3 or 4 she lost all of her hair.

“It started falling out and it didn’t come back till I was 8,” she recalled. “These last several months, I have noticed, for myself at least, heartbreak triggers my alopecia. I think that it’s an outward reflection of what’s going on inside.”

Moriah noted that following a 2023 breakup, she “definitely lost about half my hair” and wanted to shave it off.

In July 2025, Moriah took to Instagram to address her appearance after she once again “lost all my hair, eyebrows and eyelashes.”

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She shared, “It was extremely hard and emotional and I had to come to terms with it. I cried an awful lot and then told myself oh well, it is what it is. I’ll do what I can and make the most of it.”

Moriah revealed at the time that she was “not very talented” with wigs yet or drawing on her eyebrows. “So if I look a bit odd or different now that would most likely be why 🙈I’m learning to laugh where I can and cry when I need to and just accepting it,” she added.

Welcome to Plathville airs on TLC Tuesdays at 10 p.m. ET.

By Robert Scucci
| Published 35 seconds ago

Early 90s slashers are so unhinged that I can’t help but love them. My personal favorite is 1992’s Dr. Giggles because of how committed Larry Drake was to the titular role. Every pre-kill exchange is a cheeky one-liner with some kind of surgical wordplay baked in. It’s the kind of slasher designed to be ridiculous, and you’re not supposed to take it seriously in any capacity. You show up for the body count, the humor, the clever kills, and hope you don’t end up too braindead by the time the credits roll.

1995’s Ice Cream Man follows very similar beats to Dr. Giggles, but makes one fatal mistake: it plays like a young adult movie despite its R rating. Here, we have a killer ice cream man portrayed by Clint Howard, and he carries himself a lot like Dr. Giggles. He’s not all there mentally, he has strange flashbacks tied to the troubled past that led to his present-day rampage, and he does it all while driving around in his ice cream truck abducting children.

The problem is that Dr. Giggles plays like a teen scream that adults can also enjoy. Every protagonist in Ice Cream Man is a child, which means you’re expected to root for them like you would in a kids movie. See the problem? It’s fun watching irresponsible teenagers mess with dark forces and pay the consequences. But when it’s only kids who don’t know better, the humor doesn’t land the same way.

It Starts With A Dog Murder And Gets Worse

Ice Cream Man wastes no time setting up its conflict. We’re introduced to Gregory Tudor (Clint Howard), the local ice cream man. Before handing out treats to neighborhood kids, he was institutionalized at the Wishing Well Sanatorium, where he was subjected to cruel medical experiments. These are vaguely explained at best, but from what I could gather, he had green goo injected into his brain and was fed ice cream to keep him compliant.

With that out of the way, let’s talk about the first murder in Ice Cream Man: his landlord’s dog. He really goes for it here, and it immediately sets the tone. Gregory drives around, and if he has no qualms about killing a dog, then kids should be just as easy. Or so he thinks.

When Gregory abducts Roger (Zachary Benjamin) and Small Paul (Mikey LeBeau), it’s up to Johnny Spodak (Justin Isfeld), Heather Langley (Anndi McAfee), and Tuna Cassera (JoJo Adams), who already suspect their creepy ice cream man is behind the disappearances, to put a stop to him.

Outside of Ice Cream Man’s basic plot, there are a couple things you should know. Gregory makes his own ice cream using body parts from his victims, and his truck doubles as a rolling torture chamber. This is a movie that, as far as I can tell, was meant to appeal to kids.

Is It A Kid’s Movie?

The real trouble I have is figuring out who Ice Cream Man is for. I grew up watching stuff like this all the time, so I’m not generally offended by kids sneaking ridiculous slashers behind their parents’ backs. That’s not the issue. I just don’t understand how this movie was ever supposed to reach its intended audience. It’s rated R and packed with over-the-top gore. It’s perfect for sneaking a watch, but no parent in their right mind is seeking this out for their kids.

What’s even more perplexing is that all the young adult beats are there. The adults are incompetent, and it’s up to the kids to take matters into their own hands. You’re supposed to root for them, but they have no charisma and just go through the motions. They even hop on their bikes to do their sleuthing, and I found myself chuckling while humming the Stranger Things theme every time.

I’m not sure if this was intentional or just a byproduct of the premise and production, but most of Ice Cream Man’s humor comes from how emotionally detached everyone feels. They’re just flatly reading their lines. If that was deliberate, it works. I laughed at the rising body count while the cops casually buy ice cream from the guy they’re pretty sure is responsible for the murders.

Even Gregory, running around with heads on a stick, delivers his lines like he’s reading off a cue card. The whole experience is surreal, and definitely something I’d throw on again around Halloween for the fun of it. When my kids are old enough for slashers, I’ll make them endure it, but only as a primer for the far superior Dr. Giggles.

Ice Cream Man is currently streaming for free on Tubi.