Entertainment
Michael Bay’s Franchise-Killing Sci-Fi Epic Is Taking Over MGM+
According to the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the top-rated movie of Michael Bay‘s famously over-the-top career is The Rock, which holds a “Certified Fresh” 76% score. Starring Nicolas Cage and Sean Connery — imagine what that set must have been like — the film remains a seminal example of 1990s excess. In many ways, Bay was the architect of this style, which he carried forward into the 2000s and continues to refine to this day. In fact, his latest feature, Ambulance, is his second-highest-rated film on Rotten Tomatoes with a 68% score. Ambulance featured some of the most ambitious action ever orchestrated by Bay. But there seems to be a fine line separating pleasurable maximalism and garish excess, and Bay’s movies often fall on the wrong side.
His worst-rated movie on Rotten Tomatoes, however, is currently witnessing a sudden viewership spike. The movie was released theatrically in 2017, at a time when Bay had, by his own admission, bitten off more than he could chew. The movie in question not only received poor reviews, but it also ended up bringing a formerly successful franchise to a screeching halt after a decade. We’re talking, of course, about Transformers: The Last Knight. The film emerged as the lowest-grossing installment of Bay’s five-film series, grossing just over $600 million worldwide against a reported budget of $260 million. The series began in 2007, with the generally well-liked Transformers, which grossed more than $700 million worldwide against a reported budget of $200 million.
‘Transformers: The Last Knight’ Sparked a Downward Spiral for the Franchise
Two of Bay’s five Transformers movies cracked the coveted $1 billion mark worldwide. In fact, the fourth installment — Transformers: Age of Extinction — grossed $1.1 billion globally. But by the time the fifth movie was released, fans seemed to have moved on. Transformers: The Last Knight, which brought back Mark Wahlberg and Josh Duhamel from previous installments, now holds a career-worst 16% Rotten Tomatoes score for Bay. This is lower than the 19% score of Transformers: Revenge of the Fallen and the 23% score of Bad Boys II. That said, Transformers: The Last Knight is currently among the most-watched movies on the domestic MGM+ chart. The franchise continued with the prequel films Bumblebee, directed by Travis Knight, and Transformers: Rise of the Beasts, directed by Steven Caple Jr. Neither of them met the benchmark set by Bay’s five films. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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June 21, 2017
- Runtime
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149 minutes
- Writers
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Ken Nolan, Art Marcum, Matt Halloway, Akiva Goldsman
- Producers
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Don Murphy, Ian Bryce, Lorenzo di Bonaventura, Tom DeSanto
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In 2026, it is astounding that we live in a world where so much media is at our fingertips, yet movies and television shows can still disappear overnight. Lost media was once largely associated with the early days of film and television, when fragile prints and tapes could be damaged, misplaced, reused, or destroyed. Today, however, a title can become inaccessible simply because a streaming service decides that keeping it available no longer makes financial sense.
Warner Bros. Discovery’s removal of numerous animated shows and other original programs from HBO Max demonstrated how quickly a supposedly permanent streaming library could change. Although some projects have since resurfaced elsewhere, others remain difficult or impossible to watch legally. That is why physical media is still so important. A Blu-ray, 4K disc, or DVD cannot be quietly removed from someone’s shelf because a licensing agreement has expired, or a company changed its content strategy.
Before streaming became the dominant model, it was common for most major movies and television shows to receive at least a DVD release. Major theatrical films still frequently arrive on Blu-ray and 4K, but the same cannot be said for streaming originals. Many of the most popular shows and movies produced for Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, Apple TV+, and other services have never been made available on physical media.
Netflix was the first major streamer to build its identity around original programming. Several of its earliest shows received physical releases, including Orange Is the New Black and House of Cards. Both series were produced with outside companies, which made traditional distribution agreements more practical. As Netflix began financing and controlling more of its original programming, physical releases became increasingly uncommon. Other streaming services largely followed the same model. Although boutique distributors and studio partners occasionally release streaming originals on Blu-ray or 4K, those editions remain exceptions. For every high-profile title that receives a collector’s edition, countless other movies and series remain available only through the company that produced or licensed them.
Apple TV+ offers a few notable exceptions. For All Mankind received Blu-ray releases for its first two seasons through Sony Pictures Home Entertainment, while Defending Jacob was released through Warner Archive. The first two seasons of Ted Lasso also received limited DVD releases in select international markets. Some Apple Original Films, including CODA and Killers of the Flower Moon, have received boutique or studio physical editions, but these remain uncommon compared with the platform’s overall library, particularly for ongoing television series.
Mike Flanagan’s The Haunting of Hill House and The Haunting of Bly Manor were both released on Blu-ray through Paramount. Flanagan previously expressed frustration that several of his other projects, including Hush, Gerald’s Game, Midnight Mass, and The Midnight Club, had not received the same treatment. There has been some progress: Hush eventually received a physical release from Shout! Studios after leaving Netflix. However, acclaimed series like Midnight Mass still cannot be purchased on Blu-ray or 4K.
Stranger Things presents another revealing example. Its first two seasons received limited-edition Blu-ray and 4K sets designed to resemble VHS tapes, but Netflix subsequently stopped releasing individual seasons on physical media. That finally changed in 2026, when Netflix and Arrow Films announced Stranger Things: The Complete Series, a 25-disc Blu-ray and 4K collection containing all five seasons. The set is scheduled for release in the United States and Canada on July 28, 2026.
The announcement is a major victory for collectors, but it also highlights the larger problem. Fans had to wait until the entire series ended to receive a complete physical edition of one of Netflix’s biggest shows. Most streaming originals will never attract the audience or collector demand necessary to receive that kind of premium release. Not every streaming movie or series needs an elaborate collector’s edition. However, significant original productions should have some form of physical release, particularly when the alternative is trusting that they will remain available online forever. Streaming libraries have already proved that they cannot make that promise.
Lost media refers to movies, television episodes, recordings, and other creative works that are no longer known to exist in a complete, accessible form. Prints can be destroyed, tapes can be erased, and archival materials can be misplaced or discarded. Many early films have been lost because studios did not anticipate their future cultural or historical value.
The Terror, released in 1928, was one of the earliest sound horror films. The complete film is now considered lost, demonstrating how easily an important piece of cinematic history can disappear when no preserved copy remains publicly available. One of television’s most famous examples is the BBC’s Doctor Who. Beginning in 1963, the series was affected by the BBC’s former practice of wiping and reusing tapes after programs had been broadcast. For decades, fans and archivists have searched for copies that were distributed to broadcasters around the world.
But in 2026, two episodes from the 1965 serial “The Daleks’ Master Plan” were recovered after being missing for approximately 60 years. Their discovery reduced the number of missing Doctor Who episodes from 97 to 95. Complete audio recordings survive because viewers recorded the broadcasts at home, allowing some missing stories to be reconstructed or animated, but the original footage for dozens of episodes may never be recovered.
Streaming-era titles face a different form of disappearance. Their original files may still exist in corporate archives, but viewers can lose all legal access to them. Warner Bros. Discovery attracted widespread criticism after removing numerous original shows from HBO Max, including animated programs that had never received physical releases.
Westworld was also removed from HBO Max despite being one of HBO’s most prominent recent dramas. It later resurfaced through free, ad-supported streaming arrangements, including availability through services such as Tubi and The Roku Channel. That outcome proves that removal does not always mean permanent disappearance, but it also demonstrates how little control viewers have over where, when, or even whether a show will remain available.
Some removed originals have moved to other platforms, while others remain unavailable to stream or purchase legally. A television show does not have to be physically destroyed to become functionally lost to its audience. It only needs to exist behind a locked corporate door with no release, license, or physical edition. With thousands of movies and shows only a few clicks away, that convenience becomes conditional as streaming services are not permanent archives. Their catalogs are constantly altered by licensing agreements, tax considerations, mergers, cancellations, and shifting corporate priorities.
Keeping physical media alive matters because it gives viewers control over what they have purchased. When someone owns a movie or television series on Blu-ray, 4K, or DVD, the studio cannot remotely remove the disc from their home. It remains accessible regardless of which company currently owns the distribution rights or which streaming service carries the title.
Digital purchases do not always provide the same certainty. Consumers are generally purchasing a license to access a title through a particular storefront rather than acquiring an unrestricted copy. That access may be affected by licensing changes, account restrictions, service closures, or other terms imposed by the platform. Even when removals are uncommon, the distinction between owning a disc and licensing digital access is important.
Physical media also reduces the need to maintain subscriptions to several streaming services simply to revisit a handful of favorite movies and shows. Instead of searching multiple platforms to discover where a title has moved, viewers can take it directly from their shelves. Many gaming consoles can also play Blu-rays or 4K discs, meaning some households already own compatible players without realizing it.
Reliable high-speed internet is not universal, either. Viewers in rural communities or areas with inconsistent service may experience buffering, reduced picture quality, or an inability to stream at all. A physical disc provides consistent playback and, in many cases, better video and audio quality than a heavily compressed stream.
Collectors do not need to buy every new release. Physical ownership can be as simple as purchasing the movies and television shows that someone expects to revisit repeatedly. These are the titles worth preserving: the favorites that would be genuinely missed if they suddenly disappeared from every subscription service.
Physical media is no longer merely about nostalgia. It is about preservation, accessibility, and genuine ownership. Streaming and physical media do not need to compete with each other. Streaming provides convenience and discovery, while Blu-rays, 4K discs, and DVDs provide permanence. Giving audiences both options is the best way to ensure that today’s movies and television shows remain available tomorrow. Every major streamer refusing to provide that choice is making the same enormous mistake.
Dance Moms alum Paige Hyland issued a fierce reminder against the keyboard warriors who feel comfortable publicly discussing individuals’ bodies online.
“Get ready with me while we talk about why it’s never OK to comment on someone’s body,” Hyland, 25, began a Saturday, July 25, video shared via Instagram. “It’s 2026, I thought we all knew this, but I guess we need a little refresher.”
After sharing bikini pics via Instagram earlier this month, Hyland was flooded with comments about her allegedly-concerning small frame.
“The comments I got were diabolical. There were so many people saying I looked anorexic, I’m promoting unhappy eating habits and that, as an influencer, I shouldn’t be encouraging this behavior,” she stated. “As an influencer, I feel like it’s my responsibility to stand up for people whose bodies naturally look like mine.”
There’s no shame in loving your body. Thankfully, more Hollywood stars than ever before are preaching that message, and they won’t let body-shaming comments slide anymore. Lizzo has been vocal about trying to help people accept all body sizes. “I want to normalize my body. And not just be like, ‘Ooh, look at this cool […]
According to Hyland, she’s “been tiny” her entire life without intentionally trying to slim down.
“In fact, I go to the gym to try and build muscle,” she said. “Losing weight has never been a goal of mine. … I’ve never came out and said [I’ve had an eating disorder] because I’ve never had one, which I’m extremely grateful for.”
Hyland added, “If I did have an eating disorder, imagine reading comments from thousands of people picking apart my body and diagnosing me when they have no idea what’s going on? That is not concern, that is public body-shaming disguised as concern, which is not cute.”
Hyland further stated that individuals are “never entitled” to comment on someone else’s physique simply “because you think you’re helping.”
As these Hollywood celebrities show in their words, actions and online posts, the body-positivity movement has officially entered the mainstream. Well-known activists have used social media as a tool to spread more messages of self-love to their fans. Mindy Kaling made a splash when she posted a series of photos of herself wearing different two-piece […]
“Truth is, you have no idea what someone’s going through,” Hyland acknowledged. “Someone could be recovering from an eating disorder, they could have a medical condition, they could be grieving or they could just be naturally thin like me. You truly have no idea.”
Hyland, for her part, noted that she “never” followed a strict diet or restricted her intake of sweets or carbohydrates.
“I eat everything, my body just naturally looks like this. While I’m confident in myself, I know there’s other girls who probably look like me that are reading the comments on my picture thinking there’s something wrong with their bodies,” the reality TV alum said. “That genuinely makes me sick to my stomach. Just like it’s wrong for shaming someone for being bigger, it’s also wrong for shaming them for being smaller.”
Hyland concluded, “Body positivity has to include all bodies or else it’s not ‘body positivity.’ So before you go to comment on someone’s weight, whether it’s, ‘You look too skinny,’ ‘Eat a burger,’ whatever it is, just don’t. Instead, maybe comment about their smile or tell them that you like their outfit. There’s so many other things you can do besides commenting on someone’s body.”
If you or someone you know struggles with an eating disorder, visit the National Alliance for Eating Disorders website or call their hotline at (866) 662-1235. Text “ALLIANCE” to 741741 for free, 24/7 support.
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The almond milk manicure has quickly become one of the biggest beauty trends of the season, and it’s easy to see why. The soft, creamy neutral feels understated, expensive and effortlessly chic, which is exactly the kind of aesthetic that’s fueling fashion’s ongoing quiet luxury obsession. Naturally, it’s inspired me to reach for dresses that channel that same refined energy.
As someone who’s covered fashion trends for years, I know the easiest way to make a trend feel wearable is by carrying it into your wardrobe. Amazon is packed with elegant dresses in clean silhouettes, soft neutrals and timeless shapes that pair perfectly with almond milk nails, whether you’re headed to brunch, the office or a late-summer wedding.
Polished Dresses That Match the Almond Milk Manicure Trend
1. Our Favorite: Clean lines, a softly tailored silhouette and an understated neutral palette make this eyelet maxi dress the perfect fashion companion to an almond milk manicure. It looks polished enough for special occasions but is effortless enough for everyday wear.
2. Runner-up: Romantic flutter sleeves and a flowing skirt give this dress an elevated, feminine feel without trying too hard. The soft silhouette captures the quiet luxury aesthetic that’s defining the season.
3. Celeb-Approved: Tailored midi dresses have become a celebrity favorite thanks to their sophisticated versatility. This belted style creates an instantly put-together look that feels timeless rather than trendy.
4. Designer-Looking: Minimalist details and a structured silhouette give this dress the appearance of a much more expensive designer piece. Add simple gold jewelry and your favorite almond milk manicure for an effortlessly luxe outfit.
5. Office Essential: Nothing says quiet luxury quite like a crisp shirt dress. This pinstripe style delivers polished tailoring that works just as well at the office as it does for weekend brunch.
Finding a top that’s comfortable enough to wear in sweltering temperatures and supportive enough to skip a bra can feel nearly impossible. But as a self-proclaimed hot body who hates to see a bra coming, I’ve scoured the internet to find the best built-in bra tops. They’ve become my armor in the summer heat, and […]
6. Vacation MVP: Lightweight fabric and a relaxed silhouette make this short-sleeve midi dress ideal for warm-weather getaways. It delivers that breezy, coastal elegance that’s synonymous with quiet luxury.
7. Everyday Essential: This streamlined knit dress proves simple can still make a statement. The clean shape pairs beautifully with neutral accessories and understated beauty looks.
8. Wedding Guest Favorite: Soft satin and a timeless shape instantly elevate any outfit while maintaining the minimalist aesthetic the almond milk manicure embodies. It’s sleek, elegant and endlessly versatile.
9. Best Linen Look: This linen-inspired style brings effortless sophistication to everyday dressing. The relaxed tailoring keeps it comfortable while maintaining a refined finish.
10. Closet Staple: A bodycon fit and classic silhouette make this ribbed midi dress one you’ll reach for season after season. It’s polished enough to stand on its own with nothing more than delicate jewelry.
11. Most Versatile: For cooler late-summer evenings and early fall, this cap-sleeve maxi offers an elevated transition piece. The streamlined silhouette keeps the overall look refined while embracing the quiet luxury aesthetic.
UsNow Summer Sale Alert: These Chic Fashion Finds are over 30% off – Plus Free Shipping
Welcome to summer with our biggest sale of the year. This summer’s chicest dresses, tops and swimsuits are all over 30% + free shipping. Inventory is limited so hurry before they’re gone.
Getting dressed in the middle of summer shouldn’t feel like solving a puzzle. But when the temperatures climb, it gets even harder to pull together an outfit that looks polished without feeling overdone. That’s exactly why matching sets are now my warm-weather uniform. As a shopping editor, I’ve tested more two-piece outfits than I can […]
Former child star Kirsten Storms spent more than two decades portraying Maxie Jones on General Hospital — and navigated a slew of ups and downs offscreen along the way.
Storms rose to fame on Disney Channel in the early 2000s, starring as the titular role in Zenon: Girl of the 21st Century that spawned two futuristic follow-up films. Amid the height of her intergalactic fame, Storms landed the role as Maxie Jones on General Hospital.
Storms left the long-running soap for good in July 2026 following a series of health battles and custody issues regarding her daughter’s care. Keep scrolling to revisit Storms’ ups and downs in the spotlight:
Kirsten Storms Starred as Maxie Jones on ‘General Hospital’ for 2 Decades
Storms debuted as Maxie — the daughter of Frisco Jones (Jack Wagner) and Felicia Cummings (Kristina Wagner) — in May 2005, taking over the role from Robyn Richards, who played the character from 1993 to 2004. Storms became a series regular in January 2006, earning a Daytime Emmy nomination and cementing herself as a fan-favorite for a generation of soap viewers.
Kirsten Storms’ Health-Related ‘General Hospital’ Hiatuses
Storms’ run on General Hospital has been marked by repeated absences tied to her health, all of which she’s spoken candidly about with fans via social media. Storms first left the soap in 2011 while battling endometriosis. Following her return, Storms left again on maternity leave in 2014 when she welcomed daughter Harper with then-husband Brandon Barash.
After her four-month break, Storms reprised her beloved role once more. She, however, stepped back again in 2016 for skin issues, later revealing via Instagram that she suffered from “severe depression.”
Storms took her next hiatus in 2021 when she underwent brain surgery to remove a large cyst that had split into two.
“I had a very large cyst that had split into two, and the doctor said it was, like, so full the pressure was very noticeable when they opened up my skull,” she said via Instagram at the time. “[It] sounds so weird.”
Storms underwent a second neurological procedure in 2025 after doctors found a brain aneurysm.
Kirsten Storms Moves to Nashville
In July 2025, Storms told fans via social media she was relocating from Los Angeles to Nashville with then-11-year-old Harper. She had informed GH executive producer Frank Valentini in March 2025 and was granted time off.
“I’m still under contract and have every intention of returning when the break (I was fortunate enough to be granted) is over,” she wrote on Instagram at the time.
Storms returned to the fan-favorite soap in February 2026, in which Maxie woke up from a coma. She left GH for good in July 2026 with Maxie and her family moving away from Port Charles to Australia.
Kirsten Storms’ Custody Battle with Brandon Barash
Storms and Barash — who met on General Hospital, where he played Johnny Zacchara — had gotten married in 2013, one year before welcoming daughter Harper in 2014. The pair ultimately divorced in 2016, almost 10 years before Barash filed for custody of Harper in December 2025. He also obtained an emergency restraining order against Storms.
“Moving to Tennessee, as a single mom who lives alone 50 [percent] of the time, with a newly discovered brain aneurysm … well, I don’t think I need to explain how upsetting this entire situation has been for me,” she recalled of the custody drama in a July 2026 statement. “Given what’s been going on, I can’t say I will feel comfortable heading back to Los Angeles and returning to work [on General Hospital]. This has been an eye-opening experience about the downside of my profession.”
She added, “My daughter is my entire life, she is (and always will be) my first priority.”
This story was compiled with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists.
Editor’s Note: The following contains spoilers for the book Fire & Blood with spoilers for House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms.
Ah, the Targaryens… They sure love their family. Almost as much as they love white wigs. This familial love, however, comes with a very serious problem: between all the incest, the backstabbing, and the multiple Aegons, Game of Thrones, House of the Dragon, and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms fans can sometimes get lost in the specifics of the most important family in the Seven Kingdoms.
Game of Thrones alone already has about six Targaryens featured as proper characters, not to mention the ones that are brought up as relevant figures in the history of the Iron Throne. When we throw House of the Dragon and A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms into the mix, things get even more complicated. After all, this is a franchise in which basically all the characters are Targaryens, and they’re all related to one another by either blood or marriage — sometimes, both! Still, if you find yourself at a loss about who’s who in this neverending dance of dragons, fear not: here’s a guide to all the most important Targaryens in Westeros.
Aegon I Targaryen
The founder of the Targaryen dynasty, Aegon the Conqueror flew from Valyria to Westeros and unified the Seven Kingdoms before the events of both Game of Thrones and House of the Dragon. He had two children, one with each of his sister-wives: Aenys was Rhaenys son, while Maegor was his son with Visenya. His story will be depicted in the Aegon’s Conquest prequel movie. He rides the massive dragon, Balerion, and House of the Dragon confirms him to be a Dreamer.
Visenya Targaryen
The older of Aegon’s two sisterwives, Visenya was known to be stern and passionate. She wields Dark Sister (the sword later passed down to Daemon Targaryen) and rides Vhagar (who is later ridden by Aemond Targaryen). The eldest of all three Valyrians, rumor is that while Aegon married Visenya in Valyrian fashion, he also took their younger sister Rhaenys as a wife as well — Visenya for duty and Rhaenys for love.
Rhaenys Targaryen
The youngest of the three siblings, Rhaenys was gentler than her older sister and brother. She’s said to prefer dancing and music and flew more on the back of her dragon Meraxes than either of the other two. It is through Rhaenys that the Targaryen line is continued after her son Aenys takes the throne.
Rhaena Targaryen
In Fire & Blood, Rhaena is the daughter of King Aenys I, son of Aegon I and Rhaenys. She claims the blue dragon Dreamfyre, later ridden by Helaena Targaryen. She was married to her uncle/second cousin Maegor I, Visenya’s son and one of Westeros’ most tyrannical kings. Later in her life, as explained by Alys Waters (Gayle Rankin), she would move to live in Harrenhal, where she was also later buried. It’s there that her dragon Dreamfyre apparently laid a clutch of eggs that we see in House of the Dragon Season 3.
Jaehaerys Targaryen
King Jaehaerys I (Michael Carter) is the grandson of King Aegon I by way of his son, Aenys, and Alyssa Velaryon. He had thirteen children, all of whom that were able to inherit the throne died before the end of his reign. Without a proper heir, he held a Great Council so that the lords of Westeros could choose to be ruled by either Rhaenys (Eve Best), the daughter of his eldest son, or Viserys (Paddy Considine), his eldest living grandson. Because the realm prefers a male heir, Viserys is the one chosen in the very first episode of House of the Dragon. Jaehaerys rode the dragon Vermithor, who is later claimed by Jaehaerys’ bastard grandson, Hugh Hammer (Kieran Bew).
Alysanne Targaryen
The wife as well as the sister of King Jaehaerys, Alysanne was known as the Good Queen and is remembered fondly by the smallfolk of Westeros. Set to marry Ser Orryn Baratheon, Alysanne eloped with her brother to Dragonstone, but the secret union was nearly voided as Jaehaerys refused to consummate the wedding due to his sister’s young age. Their marriage remained hidden from the people of Westeros for many years until Jaehaerys came of age and became king. The two then married in a small public ceremony and had thirteen children together. Alysanne passed away a few years before her husband. Near the end, she’d lost the ability to ride her dragon, Silverwing, and she suffered hearing loss and memory loss. But what was the final straw for her was the suicide of her favorite daughter, Gael, after already having lost 9 other children. Silverwing would later be claimed by Ulf (Tom Bennett).
Rhaenys Targaryen
The Queen Who Never Was earned her moniker after losing the throne to her cousin, Viserys, in the Great Council held by her heirless grandfather, King Jaeherys I. Due to her desire to see a woman on the Iron Throne, Rhaenys eventually comes to support Rhaenyra in the Dance of the Dragons. She is married to Corlys Velaryon (Steve Toussaint), with whom she has two children, Laenor (John Macmillan) and Laena (Nanna Blondell). She rides the dragon Meleys, the Red Queen, until her tragic death in House of the Dragon Season 2, Episode 4.
Viserys Targaryen
Unable to provide a male heir with his first wife, Aemma (Siân Brooke), Viserys names his only daughter, Rhaenyra (Milly Alcock/Emma D’Arcy), as his successor to the throne. This proves to be a mistake for King Viserys eventually remarries Alicent Hightower (Emily Carey/Olivia Cooke), with whom he has three sons: Aegon II (Tom Glynne-Carney), Aemond (Ewan Mitchell), and Daeron (Benjamin Evan Ainsworth). The two also have a daughter named Helaena (Phia Saban). Viserys also rode Balerion, though only for a year before his death.
Daemon Targaryen
Before marrying his niece, Daemon (Matt Smith) was her opponent in the fight for the Iron Throne, but his claim eventually went down the drain with the birth of Aegon II. Daemon initially marries Laena Velaryon, with whom he has two daughters, Baela (Bethany Antonia) and Rhaena (Phoebe Campbell). After Laena kills herself via dragon in order not to die in childbirth, he marries Rhaenyra, with whom he has three children, including the stillborn Visenya. Although he and Rhaenyra initially fight over power at the beginning of her reign, a vision he receives at Harrenhal leads him to pledge himself to her service, ending the tension. He rides the uniquely long-necked Caraxes, the Blood Wyrm.
Rhaenyra Targaryen
The only living child of King Viserys and Aemma Arryn, Rhaenyra is the match that lights the fire of the Dance of the Dragons. It is her father naming her heir in lieu of his brother Daemon that leads the noble houses of Westeros to split up and fight in the bloody war that we have just seen the beginning of in House of the Dragon. Rhaenyra gets married twice over the course of her life and has three children both with Laenor Velaryon (at least publicly) and her uncle-husband Daemon. She rides the yellow-gold dragon Syrax. During the Targaryen civil war over the Iron Throne, she loses both her sons, Jacaerys (Harry Collett) and Lucerys (Elliot Grihault), a loss that devastates her and casts a shadow over her rule.
Baela Targaryen
Baela is the older of Daemon’s two daughters by Laena Velaryon. Baela, whose dragon is Moondancer, is clearly her father’s favorite child. She was betrothed to Jacaerys, but, now, after his death, she is starting a new romance with Alyn of Hull (Abubakar Salim), her bastard uncle.
Rhaena Targaryen
Rhaena is the younger of Daemon’s two daughters. In Fire & Blood, Rhaena’s dragon dies during infancy, while in the show it seems like her dragon egg never hatched. Later in Fire & Blood, she bonds with a dragon named Morning which makes her the last dragonrider of House Targaryen, but the series has changed the trajectory of her story. Season 3 of House of the Dragon sees her claiming the wild dragon, Sheepstealer, and going rogue after her dragon’s actions lead to Jace’s death.
Jacaerys Velaryon
The eldest son of Rhaenyra and Laenor Velaryon, Jacaerys (or Jace, as he is known by his family) is actually the bastard son of Harwin Strong (Ryan Corr). During his mother’s rule, he secured her an alliance of the Starks, and patrolled Westeros on his dragon, Vermax. Although he was a talented negotiator, striking a deal with the North, the Vale, and even the Freys, Jace’s life came to an untimely end at the Battle of the Gullet when Rhaena and Sheepstealer came into the battle and attacked both sides indiscriminately.
Lucerys Velaryon
The middle child of Rhaenyra and Laenor/Harwin, Lucerys is killed in the last episode of Season 1 of House of the Dragon by his uncle, Aemond Targaryen. He’s riding on his dragon, Arrax, near Storm’s End when Aemond attacks him with his own mount, Vhagar. Although Aemond doesn’t mean to kill his nephew, the result is disastrous either way: with one bite, Vhagar splits Arrax in the middle and swallows poor Luke whole.
Joffrey Velaryon
The youngest son of Rhaenyra and Laenor/Harwin, Jofrrey’s true parentage is in the color of his hair. He is named after Laenor’s former lover who died at the hands of Criston Cole (Fabien Frankel). His baby dragon is named Tyraxes. Joffrey is sent to the Vale to honor the agreement Jace struck with Jeyne Arryn (Amanda Collin), serving as their dragonrider protector in name only. By Season 3, Joffrey has returned from the Vale to Rhaenyra’s side in King’s Landing.
Aegon Targaryen
The firstborn son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent is Aegon II. His birth is what eventually leads to the beginning of the Dance of the Dragons, as the presence of a direct male heir weakened Rhaenyra’s claim to the Iron Throne. When his father dies, Aegon is crowned king by his mother and grandfather, Otto Hightower (Rhys Ifans), despite Rhaenyra still being Viserys’ heir. As a king, he suffered through the brutal assassination of his son, Jaehaerys, and then was attacked by his own brother, Aemond, during the Battle of Rook’s Rest. This not only left him horribly injured and burned, but also led to the death of his dragon, Sunfyre. After the attack, Aegon escapes King’s Landing with Larys (Matthew Needham), and the two travel together disguised, attempting to sail to Essos. They are now also accompanied by Tyland Lannister (Jefferson Hall).
Helaena Targaryen
Helaena Targaryen is the second child of King Viserys and Queen Alicent. She’s a dragon dreamer, giving her visions of the future. She’s married to her brother Aegon II, with whom she has two children, Jaehaerys and Jaehaera. However, Jaehaerys was assassinated early in Season 2, and now Helaena is confirmed to be pregnant with her third child while held captive by Rhaenyra in King’s Landing. In Fire & Blood, her third child is a boy named Maelor. Her dragon is the blue dragon Dreamfyre, though, in the show, she made it clear she has no interest in fighting the war on dragonback.
Aemond Targaryen
Aemond “One-Eye” gained his unfortunate nickname after losing his left eye in a childhood fight with his nephew Lucerys. He eventually gets back at Luke in the worst way possible by accidentally killing him with his dragon, Vhagar, effectively making him a kinslayer. He doubles down on this when he attacks his brother Aegon at Rook’s Rest, nearly killing him, before becoming the regent in his stead. Season 3 sees him going to Harrenhal to take control of the keep. There, he meets Alys Waters, who rescues him after he is fatally wounded. Vhagar has disappeared, but Alys has revealed a clutch of dragon eggs to Aemond that were hidden in Harrenhal that is sure to pique his interest.
Daeron Targaryen
Daeron Targaryen is the youngest son of King Viserys and Queen Alicent Hightower. Up until Season 3, Daeron was only briefly mentioned by name, and his blue dragon, Tessarion, was briefly seen flying over the Hightower troops. In Season 3, we see that he’s the ward of his cousin, Ormund Hightower (James Norton), who is positioning Daeron as the next king of Westeros since Aegon has been reported to be dead and Aemond is missing. Although Daeron takes Ormund’s advice, he is also scared of him and seeks Gwayne’s (Freddie Fox) support when his uncle finally arrives at Tumbleton.
Jaehaera Targaryen
Jaehaera is one of the firstborn twin children of King Aegon II and his sister-wife, Helaena. She is saved by her mother after a pair of hired killers put a knife to Helaena’s throat and force her to point out King Aegon’s heir. After her aunt, Rhaenyra, takes over King’s Landing, Jaehaera is kept in the Red Keep along with her mother and grandmother.
Jaehaerys Targaryen
The other twin born to Aegon and Helaena, Jaehaerys, was favored by his father, who liked to take him to small council meetings. However, the small boy dies horribly when two men invade his room, originally looking for Prince Aemond. With a knife at her throat, Helaena is forced to choose between her children and singles out Jaehaerys as the heir to the throne. The two men then proceed to murder him and cut off his head.
Aegon III, Viserys II, and Visenya Targaryen
Though so far none of them has had an important role in the show, Aegon III, Viserys II, and Visenya are the three children of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen and her uncle/husband Daemon. Out of the three kids, only Aegon and Viserys live long enough to become kings in their own right when they get older. Visenya does not survive past her birth, which occurred in the Season 1 finale. Viserys II becomes the great-great-grandfather of Egg aka Aegon V (Dexter Sol Ansell).
Baelor “Breakspear” Targaryen
Skipping a few generations, the next Targaryen down the line is Baelor Targaryen (Bertie Carvel), from A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms. Baelor is the son of King Daeron II Targaryen and Queen Myriah Martell, making him Rhaenyra’s great-great-grandson through her younger son, Viserys II. In the series, he served as the heir to the Iron Throne and the Hand of the King to his father. Baelor is one of the few dark-haired Targaryens, taking after his Dornish mother. He earned the name “Breakspear” after winning a tourney against his bastard uncle, Daemon Blackfyre, at the age of 17. He attends the Tourney at Ashford Meadows with his family, where Ser Duncan the Tall (Peter Claffey) competes, and later joins Duncan’s side in the Trial of Seven. While his participation helped Duncan win the trial, it ultimately also led to him dying of a fatal head wound.
Maekar Targaryen
Maekar is the fourth son of King Daeron II and Queen Myriah, and he is the younger brother of Baelor. Maekar proved himself in the Blackfyre Rebellion alongside his older brother. Maekar has six children with Dyanna Dayne: Daeron (Henry Ashton), Aerion (Finn Bennett), Aemon, Aegon aka “Egg,” Daella, and Rhae. At the Tourney at Ashford Hall, his second son Aerion challenged Ser Duncan to the Trial of Seven, leading to both his eldest son Daeron and Maekar to side with Aerion in the trial. After losing his brother, some believe Maekar had an intentional hand in killing Baelor, a fact that troubles him. Later, Maekar takes the throne after his brother Aerys I dies.
Valarr Targaryen
Valarr (Oscar Morgan) is the eldest son of Baelor, which makes him the new Crown Prince after the Tourney at Ashford Meadows. Like his father, he also has dark hair but with one silver streak that denotes his Targaryen heritage. After Baelor’s death, when Duncan goes to speak with him, he is rebuffed by the mourning prince.
Daeron Targaryen
The oldest of Maekar’s sons has the familiar name, Daeron (Henry Ashton), but unlike King Daeron II or the Daeron of House of the Dragon, he receives the moniker Daeron the Drunken. In the series, it is Daeron whom Dunk comes across at an inn when he is drunk. He is revealed to be a Dreamer like several Targaryens before him. Despite being the oldest son to Maekar, Daeron never becomes king, dying before his father and contributing to the succession crisis following Maekar’s reign.
Aerion “Brightflame” Targaryen
Aerion (Finn Bennett), Maekar’s second son, gave himself the name Brightflame. Considered a monster by his own brothers, he was known to be arrogant and cruel. We see this both in how he treats the puppeteer Tanselle (Tanzyn Crawford), Dunk, and his younger brother Aegon. He challenges Dunk to the Trial of Seven, which he not only loses but leads to the death of his uncle, Baelor. Later in life, he showed the clearest example of Targaryen madness. Believing himself to be a dragon trapped in human form, he consumed wildfire, which killed him. Though he had one son, Maegor, his line was passed over as heir due to concerns that his madness would be passed on.
Aemon Targaryen
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Aemon (Peter Vaughan) was the third son of Maekar. Although we have yet to see him in A Knight of the Seven Kingdoms, audiences will best know him as a maester and a member of the Night’s Watch in Game of Thrones. He was sent to become a maester when there seemed to be too many Targaryen heirs and, later, joined the Night’s Watch to strengthen Egg’s claim to the throne. Apart from Viserys (Harry Lloyd) and Daenerys, he’s one of the only known Targaryens living at the beginning of Game of Thrones. He’s also one of the few characters in both the HBO show and the A Song of Ice and Fire series of novels to die of natural causes.
Aegon V “Egg” Targaryen
Aegon, also known as Egg, is the fourth son of Maekar (who is a fourth son as well). As a child, he shaves his head to hide his heritage and runs away from home, becoming the squire to the hedge knight Ser Duncan. Although he has an unconventional childhood, this pays off when (much later) he takes the throne as king. Nicknamed Aegon the Unlikely, Egg was especially beloved by the smallfolk and was the first king to oppose the Targaryen practice of incest (though his children, Jaehaerys II and Shaera, defied him). He married Bertha Blackwood and had five children. Aegon is Daenerys’ (Emilia Clarke) great-grandfather.
Aerys II Targaryen
Aerys II (David Rintoul) is the only son of King Jaehaerys II and his sister-wife, Shaera, making him the grandson of Aegon V. Perhaps best known as the Mad King, Aerys II Targaryen is the king during Robert’s Rebellion. He was killed by a member of his own Kingsguard, Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau), after ordering his men to burn down the town of King’s Landing alongside its people. He is the last Targaryen to sit on the Iron Throne before Game of Thrones.
Rhaella Targaryen
Rhaella is the only daughter of Shaera and Jaehaerys II. She was wedded to her own brother, Aerys II, the Mad King. She had three children: Rhaegar (Wilf Scolding), Viserys, and Daenerys. Although they had children, the marriage was a disastrous pairing.
Rhaegar Targaryen
The firstborn son of King Aerys II and Rhaella, Rhaegar was killed during Robert’s Rebellion, considered guilty of kidnapping Lyanna Stark (Aisling Franciosi). Before secretly marrying Lyanna, Rhaegar was married to Elia Martell, a Dornish princess with whom he had two children, Rhaenys and Aegon. In Game of Thrones, he is confirmed as Jon Snow’s (Kit Haringon) biological father, giving him a claim to the throne.
Viserys Targaryen
The horrid brother of Daenerys and Rhaegar is the middle child of Aerys II and Rhaella. Forced into exile at a young age, following the victory of Robert Baratheon’s (Mark Addy) forces, he married his sister to the Dothraki khal named Drogo (Jason Momoa) in the hopes of getting an army that would help him storm Westeros and put him on the Iron Throne. All he got, however, was a pan of liquid, boiling gold thrown onto his head after screaming bloody murder that he needed a golden crown.
Daenerys Targaryen
The Stormborn, Mother of Dragons, Breaker of Chains, etc. Daenerys is the youngest daughter of the Mad King. She is the sole survivor of the Targaryen lineage until the truth about Jon Snow’s parentage hits the Westeros fan. She was briefly married to Khal Drogo, with whom she had only a stillborn child. Childless, she gives her motherly love to her three dragons, Drogon, Rhaegon, and Viserion, who were the first of their kind born after they were deemed extinct not long after the Dance of the Dragons during the reign of Aegon III (Rhaenyra’s oldest son by Daemon).
Rhaenys and Aegon Targaryen
Young Rhaenys and Aegon were the children of Rhaegar Targaryen and his first wife, Elia Martell. They were killed horrifically alongside their mother by the Mountain (Hafþór Júlíus Björnsson) during Robert’s Rebellion.
Jon Snow
Raised as the bastard son of Lord Eddard Stark (Sean Bean), Jon Snow is the product of the relationship that gave rise to Robert’s Rebellion, which eventually put an end to the Targaryen dynasty and led King Robert Baratheon to the Iron Throne. Obviously, we know the rest of the story, but for most of the show, Jon Snow is more a Stark than a Targaryen. Regardless, his biological parents and his bloodline give him a right to the Iron Throne before his aunt, Daenerys.
Jen Affleck has revealed that she has experienced prenatal depression during her fourth pregnancy.
The reality star, who announced she was expecting again last month, said this time brought a much heavier form of depression than she had experienced in her previous pregnancies.
Fortunately, she received support from both loved ones and strangers, for which she says she is deeply grateful.
In a lengthy Instagram post, Jen revealed that she experienced prenatal depression during her fourth pregnancy, which she and her husband, Zac Affleck, announced just last month.
She said this episode felt much “heavier” than what she had experienced during her previous pregnancies, explaining that it took her to “really dark” places, particularly during her first trimester.
According to Jen, the experience was made even more difficult by her recent move to a new state while caring for her three other children. She went on to reveal that she was able to get through those difficult moments thanks to the support of her friends, family, and even strangers.
“They reminded me that even when I couldn’t see the light, I wasn’t walking through the darkness alone,” the reality star said.
Affleck Shares The Lessons Depression Has Taught Her
Elsewhere in her post, Jen detailed how experiencing prenatal depression affected her emotionally and mentally.
“I don’t believe depression is beautiful. It’s painful, confusing, and exhausting,” she said of her experience.
Still, amid the challenges, Jen said she is choosing to focus on the positive lessons she has learned while continuing to count her blessings, even on the more difficult days.
“It has made me ask deeper questions. It has made me slow down,” she revealed. “It has reminded me what really matters. It has taught me that strength sometimes looks like asking for help instead of pretending you’re okay.”
Jen Affleck Hopes Her Story Helps Others
Moving forward, Jen said she does not have all the answers when it comes to managing her depression, but she is choosing to focus on what she does know.
“I’m here to love deeply. To raise my babies. To tell the truth about the hard parts,” she revealed.
The expectant mother also shared her hope that telling her story will help others who may be going through similar struggles.
“If sharing my story helps even one person feel less alone, then every vulnerable conversation has been worth it,” added the “Dancing With The Stars” alum. “If you’re quietly fighting a battle no one else can see, I’m so glad you’re still here.”
Fans Urge Affleck To Stop Having More Children
Reacting to Jen’s post, some social media users urged her to stop having more children, citing how she appears to struggle during pregnancy.
“Stop having kids.. I mean this in the most gentle way. Show up for yourself and the babies you have. If your husband can’t understand that you’re drowning in motherhood, then you need to reevaluate,” one person wrote.
“As a mom and child who had a mom who was emotionally unavailable for medical reasons. Please do not get pregnant again. Your kids will remember these times of you. Depressed, overwhelmed, unavailable,” another concerned fan commented.
“Birth control??? In the nicest way possible. We are grown women. We know what we are doing. You were very sad about the LAST pregnancy. Cmon,” a third user wrote.
Jen Affleck Has Always Wanted A Big Family
Jen’s fourth pregnancy comes as no surprise, as she has long spoken about her desire to have a big family.
The reality star shared that dream in an exclusive interview with PEOPLE while announcing her third pregnancy last year.
“Having been raised with numerous foster kids, I’ve always dreamed of a big family, and seeing that dream come true is both exciting and fulfilling,” she told the outlet.
At the time, she acknowledged that balancing motherhood with her career could be “daunting,” but hoped successfully managing both would inspire other women to pursue their own ambitions.
“I want to show women and mothers that they can achieve anything they set their minds to, no matter how unrealistic it may seem,” she said.
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Messages between the “Romantic Homicide” singer when he was 18 and then-13-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez were read aloud in his preliminary hearing for first-degree murder.
Many countries globally have been scarred by the horrors of terrorism. Ideology-driven attacks have been inflection points in many nations’ histories, as what is supposed to be a normal day turns into one of the worst. One of the worst ones is the September 11 attacks that saw the Twin Towers in Manhattan collapse after Al-Qaeda terrorists flew passenger planes into them. The United States is typically a major target for terror groups, and even when it’s not, its citizens find themselves in the middle of other terror attacks. In 1988, a major terrorist attack on a flight killed all 259 passengers and crew aboard, as well as 11 other people on the ground. 190 of those were American citizens.
It was December 21, 1988, and Pan Am Flight 103 was en route from London to New York when a bomb went off over Lockerbie, Scotland. It became the deadliest terror attack in British history. An investigation was underway soon after, and it was determined that the bomb was concealed inside a cassette player in checked luggage that had been transferred from a connecting flight. The investigation connected the attack to Libyan intelligence operatives, and one of their officers was convicted in the Netherlands. It wasn’t until 23 years later that the Libyan government under Muammar al-Gaddafi formally accepted responsibility for the attack.
This devastating story is now coming to Netflix in the 6-part miniseries titled The Bombing of Pan Am 103. The scripted drama series is based on the testimony of those who were present. It explores how a small town became connected to one of the biggest mass murder stories and how it affected everyone, especially the families. As Scottish and American law enforcement collaborate to unravel this mystery, the world is left hopeful but fearful that they will never get answers — and another attack could be imminent. This series is making its international debut on Netflix on July 30 after airing on the BBC in the UK last year.
Who Is Behind ‘The Bombing of Pan Am 103?’
The series is co-created by Jonathan Lee and Adam Morane-Griffiths. It features characters of multiple nationalities after nearly a dozen countries lost citizens in the attack. Connor Swindells has left the world of Sex Education behind as he stars in this series playing an investigating officer. Patrick J. Adams wears a different kind of suit as he represents the bureau bent on finding answers for the public. Other cast members include Tony Curran, Merritt Wever, Eddie Marsan, Peter Mullan, and Kevin McKidd, among others.
The Bombing of Pan Am 103 arrives on Netflix on July 30. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.
- Release Date
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2025 – 2025-00-00
- Network
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BBC One
- Directors
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Michael Keillor
Cast
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Patrick J. Adams
Dick Marquise
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Connor Swindells
Ed McCusker
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Television drama has established itself as the pinnacle of long-form storytelling in the 21st century, but a series doesn’t necessarily need to be that long to be great. While many shows have used upwards of five seasons to present epic, sprawling stories that have enthralled the masses year-after-year, there have also been an abundance of outstanding titles that only graced the screen for half a decade, if that long.
Given that HBO has been the defining brand in small-screen excellence throughout what has come to be known as television’s golden era, it is little surprise that the premium network has produced a number of hit series that were succinct, ceaselessly brilliant, and smart enough to not outstay their welcome. Even with miniseries not being considered, HBO’s catalog of shows that ran for five seasons or fewer flaunts not only the dedication to excellence that has long defined the network, but the incredible variety and boldness it has long exhibited as well.
10
‘Succession’ (2018–2023)
One of HBO’s biggest hits in the past decade, Succession captivated millions the world over with its meticulous marriage of high-octane corporate-world scheming and acidic black comedy that brilliantly lampoons the rich and powerful. Inspired by William Shakespeare’s “King Lear,” its four-season run unfolds as three siblings find themselves in a squabble for power, favor, and opportunity when their aging father signals he may soon be stepping down as the CEO of his multimedia conglomerate empire, Waystar RoyCo.
Combining boardroom politics, confronting family drama, and absurd yet precisely targeted comedy all while running at frenetic breakneck speed, Succession is a skewering and ceaselessly entertaining insight into the unbridled chaos that lurks behind the veneer of company professionalism and wealth. Written, performed, and directed with absolute perfection, the series doesn’t present a single bad episode as it marries razor-sharp satire with energized tension and cutting character drama.
9
‘Six Feet Under’ (2001–2006)
A sadly overlooked gem of the impeccable catalog of series HBO was producing in the 2000s, Six Feet Under is a masterclass in dark comedy and poignant drama that boldly bolsters its focus on family dysfunction with inflections of surrealism and spirituality. It revolves around the Fishers, a family in Los Angeles that begins managing their late father’s funeral home only to constantly run into issues regarding the logistics of running a business, the continuous clashing of their personalities, and each family member’s own personal dilemmas.
With all the subplots and tangents unfolding in proximity to the series’ central focus on mortality, Six Feet Under excels at combining concise and concentrated drama with an air of grandeur through its thematic exploration of existentialism and death. Its reputation is only bolstered by the HBO series’ exceptional series finale, which brings the five-season run of the show to a rewarding resolution that complements its meticulous attentiveness to character development perfectly.
8
‘Boardwalk Empire’ (2010–2014)
HBO has always had a penchant for extraordinary crime drama, be it in the form of gangster shows like The Sopranos or riveting cop dramas like the first season of True Detective. With its confronting intensity, captivating characters, and awe-inspiring period production, Boardwalk Empire is entrenched among the network’s finest forays into the genre, even if it doesn’t always get the respect it deserves. Set in Prohibition-era America, it follows Enoch Thompson (Steve Buscemi), the treasurer of Atlantic City, in his political dealings and criminal endeavors as his prominence attracts the attention of federal agents.
While the series can be cyclical at times, it ultimately overcomes its pitfalls with its stunning and immersive realization of 1920s New Jersey and its litany of sublime performances, particularly from Buscemi in the lead role. Blending its historical intrigue with challenging character studies, Boardwalk Empire is a dazzling triumph of HBO and one of the more impressive television series of its decade.
7
‘Treme’ (2010–2013)
Impressive in its ability to blend cultural celebration, character-driven drama, and scathing critiques of natural disaster relief, Treme presents a vibrant immersion into New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Brought to the screen by David Simon and Eric Overmyer—two of the architects of The Wire—the criminally underrated series begins three months after the devastating disaster, operating with a palpable sense of realism and striking depth as it follows residents trying to rebuild their lives, a community re-capturing its cultural identity, and the systemic, bureaucratic struggles of urban reconstruction.
Methodically paced, Treme subverts the television standard of rapid-fire storytelling to instead deliver a slow-burning and often appropriately frustrating approach that brings visceral depth to the incremental steps of recovery and growth in the wake of the destruction of Hurricane Katrina. Also finding brilliance in its ensemble cast, grounded writing style, and the way it invests in the music and culinary scenes of the city, Treme shines as a powerful and underappreciated deep-dive into the heart of New Orleans and the unpleasant crux of real issues in modern America.
6
‘Carnivále’ (2003–2005)
Sadly, not all of HBO’s shorter series were intended to be so short. Carnivále was created by Daniel Knauf with a vision of a six-season run, but due to dwindling viewership numbers and the mounting production costs of its period-set production, it was axed after its second season. Still, it offers 24 episodes of rich mythological intrigue as it combines the grimy aesthetic of the Depression-era Dust Bowl with biblical concepts of good and evil and elements of Masonic lore.
Following the converging paths of a young man with healing powers who joins a traveling carnival and a Methodist preacher capable of bending others to his will, Carnivále soars off the back of its strong performances and creative writing to be a forgotten gem of small-screen fantasy entertainment. Even with its premature cancellation, the series still manages to deliver a rewarding conclusion to its major arc, ensuring it endures as a cult gem of the medium that can still be enjoyed when revisited today.
5
‘Rome’ (2005–2007)
Another HBO series that was axed after just two seasons due to production expenses despite intentions of a much longer run, Rome presents one of the most stunning period productions television has ever seen. Exploring historical events from the perspective of everyone from key political figures to ordinary soldiers and their families, it depicts the shifting nature of Ancient Rome as the republic collapses and the grandeur of the Roman Empire is born.
Straying away from mythic and romanticized notions of Ancient Rome, the series revels in its gritty authenticity, with the production embracing a dirty and grimy aesthetic that complements its strong historical basis and gripping human drama quite perfectly. By focusing not only on the bloodthirsty and treacherous nature of Ancient Rome’s political machinations, but on the impact the turmoil had on its citizens, Rome wields a ceaselessly compelling dramatic fervor that endures even as its second season is forced to compact its story significantly.
4
‘Westworld’ (2016–2022)
Westworld is one of the more interesting series HBO has produced, especially in the past decade. A re-iteration of the 1973 movie of the same name, it initially revolves around a Western-themed amusement park in the future that is populated by life-like robots and where wealthy visitors can live out any desire or fantasy they have with impunity. However, when the android “hosts” begin malfunctioning, the balance of power begins to shift.
The first season received rave reviews for its thematic repurposing of the ‘70s movie premise, allowing for it to emphasize such ideas as autonomy, morality, and the nature of humanity. While the ensuing seasons—which pivot away from ‘Westworld’ following a robot uprising that sees the hosts enter the real-world—did garner a more mixed response, Westworld remained a masterclass in thematic pointedness, production value, and philosophical depth. Enhanced by its ceaselessly exceptional performances and narrative dare, the four-season series marks an impressive mixture of sci-fi spectacle and themes, Western allure, and bleak dystopian drama from start to finish.
3
‘Deadwood’ (2004–2006)
While its abrupt ending at the closing of Season 3 may have blemished its legacy somewhat, there is no denying that Deadwood was one of HBO’s flagship series in the 2000s. The gripping Western drama has aged flawlessly too, with its intense tone meshing with its profanity-laden yet Shakespearean dialogue, gritty and morally ambiguous characters, and its immersive period production design to conjure one of the greatest and most enthralling visions of the Old West to have ever graced the small screen.
Set in the titular South Dakotan gold mining town in the 1870s, it unfolds as the lawless encampment evolves into a crime-riddled society as the population booms with masses of people hoping to find a fortune. Adept at capturing the muddy and confined candle-lit grime of the era while presenting a host of characters—both historical and fictional—who embark on intriguing arcs, Deadwood is one of HBO’s finest ever series.
2
‘The Leftovers’ (2014–2017)
By emphasizing a meditative and emotionally charged exploration of grief and trauma rather than running with traditional, high-stakes post-apocalyptic thrills, The Leftovers delivers one of the greatest and most thought-provoking series HBO has ever produced. It begins three years after the “Sudden Departure,” an inexplicable event in which two percent of the world’s population vanished. In the aftermath, extremist cults have arisen, the masses continue to mourn their loved ones, and many walk a treacherous line between maintaining a sense of normality and dealing with their own unresolved issues.
Written with astonishing depth, and powered by a litany of faultless performances and Max Richter’s richly evocative score, The Leftovers avoids simply wallowing in a world of sorrow by prying into the complex psychology of its characters with nuance, conviction, and remarkable clarity. Across an incredible three-season run that spans from Mapleton, New York to Melbourne, Australia, The Leftovers presents an utterly perfect and poignant exploration of heavy thematic ideas that is always anchored by a potency and realism that makes the series entirely captivating.
1
‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)
The greatest HBO series with five seasons or fewer, and perhaps the finest show the network has ever produced, The Wire thrives as an all-encompassing and palpably realistic descent into the drug trade of Baltimore, the inner workings of the city’s police department, and the bureaucratic issues that befall everything from the public school system to the efficiency of city hall. With each of its five seasons shifting focus to a new aspect of crime and law enforcement, the series brilliantly examines the interconnected landscape from street-level drug dealers to the mayor’s office.
Also buoyed by its invigorating moral ambiguity that refuses to treat any character as an outright hero or villain, The Wire embraces a scope that is more epic and novelistic than many other shows on television even today. It remains one of the greatest and most important series the medium has ever seen, not only as a compelling plunge into the grit of modern-day organized crime, but as a skewering exposé on the deeply flawed nature of America’s most important social institutions.
The Wire
- Release Date
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2002 – 2008-00-00
- Network
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HBO
- Directors
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Ernest R. Dickerson, Ed Bianchi, Steve Shill, Clark Johnson, Daniel Attias, Agnieszka Holland, Tim Van Patten, Alex Zakrzewski, Anthony Hemingway, Brad Anderson, Clement Virgo, Elodie Keene, Peter Medak, Rob Bailey, Seith Mann, Christine Moore, David Platt, Dominic West, Gloria Muzio, Jim McKay, Leslie Libman, Milcho Manchevski, Robert F. Colesberry, Thomas J. Wright
The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives star Mayci Neeley made a conscientious decision to stop featuring her children on social media.
“I had slowly been taking them offline a year prior to the show coming out,” Mayci, 31, wrote via her Instagram Stories on Sunday, July 26, referring to Mormon Wives’ season 1 premiere. “I was just seeing the negative side effect of having kids online that I just didn’t understand before. Kids aren’t content, and I guess I didn’t grasp that when I was first doing social media.”
Mayci, who worked as a social media influencer before landing a spot on Hulu’s hit reality TV series about young Mormon moms, is a mother of three. The MomTok star shares daughters Harlow, 5, and Charli, 12 months, with husband Jacob Neeley, in addition to son Hudson, 10, with late ex Arik Mack, who was killed in a car accident during her pregnancy at age 19.
Before marrying Jacob, 30, Mayci worked as an analyst with Goldman Sachs. She eventually pursued her passion for content creation full-time, well before Mormon Wives was greenlit. Hudson and Harlow would occasionally be featured in Mayci’s early uploads.
“I never forced my kids to do anything, but kids should not be the focal point of the content in my opinion,” Mayci stated on Sunday. “I just thought it was fun and silly, and I loved making videos until I started seeing that there were predators online.”
She continued, “I guess, being naive, I didn’t realize that there were creeps online probably watching the content.”
Mayci further realized that an onslaught of “haters came” in the wake of Mormon Wives’ highly-anticipated 2024 series premiere.
“I got some really nasty DMs about my kids and some weirdos were making fun of the way that they looked, which was absolutely vile and disgusting,” the Told You So author claimed. “In that moment, I was, like, ‘I’m done done.’ I also started seeing more about AI and [pedophiles] using kids’ faces specifically for explicit material, and that freaked me out.”
Overall, Mayci stressed that she opted to keep her kids offline out of “safety and privacy” concerns.
“I don’t want people coming up to my kids or recognizing them,” she said, acknowledging that she “still [needs] to go through” her old Instagram posts and delete the family photos. “I’ll be working on that [in] the next month or so, it just sucks because I LOVE sharing my kids and I kinda wish I could because they bring me the most joy.”
Mayci concluded, “They are my greatest accomplishment, and I just want to share some of the amazing moments. That’s why I still share them in a muted capacity. They are my world and the biggest part of my life, so it would also feel weird not sharing anything about them or sharing photos that they are in that I love.”
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