The wedding bells are now silent for Sandra Lee after they chimed for five years.

The Food Network star met and got engaged to her partner, Ben Youcef, in 2021. The timeline has often left fans over the years asking when they would tie the knot. Now it has been revealed that the nuptials are off the table after she was spotted in public without her ring.

Ending long-term relationships is not new waters for Sandra Lee, as she previously parted ways with a partner after 14 years together. She and former New York Governor Andrew Cuomo spent over a decade together before going their separate ways because their relationship shifted largely towards friendship.

Lee and her longtime partner, Youcef, have called it quits after being in a relationship for five years. This comes after she was spotted in public last week without her engagement ring. The Food Network star’s rep, Jen Abel, confirmed that Lee has ended the engagement while speaking to TMZ without disclosing the reason for the split.

Speculations already started making waves after her last encounter with news outlets in New York City when she dodged questions about their wedding plans. In response to the question, Lee flipped the switch to talk about her work instead of giving a timeline for the supposed wedding.

Another eye-catching moment was when reporters noticed her left ring finger was missing an important piece of jewelry. When asked about her engagement ring, Lee shrugged it off by saying that her outfit did not call for jewelry. The explanation seemed sus as she usually has her ring on, and there was nothing on the finger.

Inside The Former Couple’s Meet Cute Moment

The freshly separated lovebirds met at a restaurant in Santa Monica in March 2021 and got engaged that same year. A source revealed that even at the early phase of their relationship, the pair bonded in a very short time, and Youcef became “her friend and loving confidante quickly.”  

Youcef and Lee even celebrated the holidays together, ushering in 2022 with good food in each other’s company. They were together for New Year’s in California, counting down to midnight on Friday night at Nobu Malibu.  

“They are very much looking forward to the New Year,” a source close to the former couple previously told PEOPLE, before adding, “They are happier than ever.”  The insider also remarked on their compatibility, saying that the actor seemed to be a good match for Lee as he has a deep understanding of the combination of her career and family life.

The Food Network Star Previously Took Time Off Dating

While it remains uncertain how long she will stay off the dating scene following her split from Youcef, the timeline may not come as a shock to many. As earlier stated, Lee was in a relationship with Cuomo for 14 years before they parted ways in September 2019. 

After Cuomo, it took the lifestyle icon two years before she considered dating again. According to an insider, “she wanted to be sure she could make herself happy and to heal before she brought someone into her life.” 

The actor, who was previously married, separated from his wife in 2019 and then filed for divorce the following year. Diving into a relationship with Lee, they became inseparable, enjoying each other’s company and often showing PDA. Their friends reportedly shipped the former lovebirds, calling them “Benda,” coined from a combination of their names, Ben and Sandra.

The TV Personality And Andrew Cuomo Parted Ways On Good Terms

The Blast reported at the time that the Food Network star and her ex-partner of 14 years ended their relationship, but were still supportive of each other. Speaking to news outlets at the time, Lee confirmed that she still talked to her ex, describing him as “still [her]guy.”

“We share a home, we share children, we share friendship. I will protect him and be there for him until the day I die,” she said of the former governor. She displayed this protective claim, rising to his defense after people started asking if the former New York governor had a nipple ring.

She lashed at the naysayers, calling them out for “body shaming” and warning them to stop taking unnecessary “cheap shots” at people working on the front lines. Cuomo’s rep said that “the governor wishes her well” after their breakup was made public. They hinted at the reason for their split in their joint statement, which read, “We have realized that our lives have gone in different directions and our romantic relationship has turned into a deep friendship.”

Sandra Lee Previously Battled With Cancer

Lee battled with breast cancer in 2015 and underwent a double mastectomy as a result. About seven years later, she shared a post detailing that she had postponed her follow-up breast cancer surgery multiple times since then till her gynecologist noticed some changes in her cells during a routine appointment.

Following a series of tests, it was revealed that the lifestyle icon had to then undergo a full hysterectomy. Lee noted that she was a bit embarrassed that she could not find the courage to share the details of her health until the final stage. She also gave a shout-out to all the brave women who had gone through similar procedures and disclosed that she often admired other women in awe and fear who went public with their health decisions without looking back.

PEOPLE shared that Lee noted her source of support during the process was Youcef, whom she said was at her side and “will be taking a little time off work to stay home” to help care for her during recovery. The Food Network star ended her message with words of encouragement to others who needed to go through similar medical ordeals.

Will Sandra Lee share the reason behind her second failed relationship?

Kendall Jenner just proved you don’t need a 10-step routine to get glowing skin. The model recently took to her Instagram Story to share the exact mist she’s been using for that ultra-dewy, glass skin finish: Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray. The under-$20 find has already racked up a loyal following among Amazon shoppers, and in true Jenner fashion, the pick is equal parts effective and low-maintenance — a simple spray that instantly makes skin look fresher, smoother and more radiant.

The formula taps into one of K-beauty’s buzziest ingredients right now: PDRN (polydeoxyribonucleotide), a skin-repairing compound known for supporting hydration and improving the appearance of elasticity and overall skin smoothness. It’s paired with soothing, barrier-supporting ingredients that help calm irritation while locking in moisture, giving skin a plump, reflective look without feeling greasy or heavy. The mist itself is ultra-fine, so it layers seamlessly over skincare or makeup, adding hydration without disrupting what’s underneath.

Get the Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray for $21 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

What makes it especially appealing is its versatility. You can use it as a prep step before makeup to create a hydrated base, mist it throughout the day to refresh and revive your skin, or apply it at night as the final step in your routine to seal everything in. A few spritzes are enough to instantly boost radiance, making it one of those low-effort products that delivers high-impact results — exactly the kind of shortcut Jenner tends to gravitate toward.

One Amazon shopper said it provides “that dewy ‘glass skin’” look and that the mist is “fine and lightweight, so it absorbs quickly without feeling heavy or sticky.”

If you’ve been chasing that smooth, glassy glow without overhauling your entire routine, this is an easy place to start. Add the Jenner-approved serum to your lineup and consider your shortcut to dewy, camera-ready skin officially sorted!

Get the Anua PDRN Collagen Glow Facial Serum Spray for $21 at Amazon! Please note, prices are accurate as of the publishing date but are subject to change.

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

The scales continue to fall from Jamie-Lynn Sigler‘s eyes even after her health status has been public knowledge for a decade.

The actress was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS) in her early 20’s and kept it a secret for 14 years. Now, she has learned to embrace the health challenge, and looking back, she wishes she had done so sooner.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler serves as a source of inspiration to others battling with MS through advocacy and being an open book about her struggles. One deep source of inspiration for the actress is her son, Beau Kyle Dykstra, who also suffers from an autoimmune disorder.

 Sigler looks back at the years when she battled her health issues in the shadows, and her only regret is not speaking up sooner. The actress only publicly revealed her MS diagnosis a decade ago after battling with the condition in silence for fourteen years. Mayo Clinic describes multiple sclerosis as a disease that causes breakdown of the protective covering of nerves. 

The immune system attacks the protective sheath that covers nerve fibers, known as myelin. MS can cause numbness, weakness, trouble walking, vision changes, and other symptoms. After years of worry about how she would be perceived by the public, especially in the industry, the actress decided that she was “done apologizing for having MS,” and shared her truth.

What felt like a weight lifted off her shoulders channeled outpouring support from the MS community. This brought the realization that she spent years of solo pain and suffering, which would have been smooth sailing with the supportive MS community. “Oh, I have robbed myself of this tribe, of these people who see me. And I’m not alone anymore,” Sigler remarked as her reality, and regrets dawned on her.

The ‘Sopranos’ Star Realized That ‘Pain Doesn’t Have To Break You‘

Hiding the degenerative autoimmune condition was no easy feat as she struggled to conceal the limp in her walk from fans, castmates, and directors. She shared with US Weekly that for years, only her onscreen dad, James Gandolfini, was aware of her diagnosis. 

The “Sopranos” star also revealed that her decision to keep her illness a secret stemmed from her family. Her brother, who passed away in 2014 from a sudden brain hemorrhage, was suffering from Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, but their parents always warned them to keep it a secret. She recalled her mom often telling her to “Put lipstick on and say everything’s fine,” adding that her problems were not for anybody else to judge.

The feeling of safety in secrecy has now evolved into safety in acceptance as she has learned to let go of the external pressure. Sigler also praised her “MeSsy” podcast co-host, Christina Applegate, who suffers from the same condition, for helping her let go of the shame. “Your pain doesn’t have to break you. Your pain can break you free,”  the mom of two said, emphasizing that she has come to realize the importance of hard times, as they bring out who a person really is.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Now Sees Beauty In Disability

Sigler was overjoyed when she was asked to play a character on “Grey’s Anatomy” featuring her condition. She stepped onto the popular TV show’s set to play Dr. Laura Kaplan, who is a urologic oncologist with MS. The actress noted that while she always longed to be on the show, she was happier with the opportunity to represent someone living with multiple sclerosis. The TV personality shared that she wanted to show a woman who is living with the condition, accepting her circumstances, and still moving forward.

Sigler admittedly told Parents that going through the challenges of her illness over the past 25 years, amid self-reflection and trying to find her voice, has been beautiful. “Going from an able-bodied person to somebody with a disability… These are things that have been incredibly difficult, but also beautiful,” she shared before explaining the great role a positive mindset plays in living with a condition.

Sigler also notes that sometimes life is an emotional roller-coaster; still, people need to understand that living with MS does not equal weakness or incapability, but rather, difference. The media personality also emphasized the importance of a strong supportive community, stating that “reaching out for help has changed [her] life.”

Sigler’s Older Son Inspired Her Diagnosis Reveal

Sigler is a mom to two boys, Beau and Jack, whom she welcomed with her husband, Cutter Dykstra. She told PEOPLE that after so long, the illness was getting difficult to hide, and she was tired of making up excuses. She also felt inspired to let the cat out of the bag after having some mother-son conversations with Beau.

“As his mom, I tell him that you should never be ashamed of anything. I was confident enough to allow myself to be fully who I am,”  she recalled. Beau also suffers from a rare autoimmune condition, which nearly took his life. Sigler, at the time, became his biggest advocate after his diagnosis in July 2024. The illness, Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), caused Beau’s spine and brain to become severely inflamed, rendering him bedridden.

The actress shared that he was unable to eat, walk, stay awake, or urinate. He spent 33 days in the hospital and almost two weeks in the ICU due to the severity of his condition, which doctors compared to getting struck by lightning. Seeing her son suffer was the hardest thing Sigler went through, recalling days when Beau spent nights crying and wishing away the sickness while requesting for his old life back.

Jamie-Lynn Sigler Turned To Therapy After Near-Death Experience

Nearly two years ago, the actress, while speaking on her podcast, revealed that she had almost died after undergoing surgery. She shared that the surgery had taken place in 2023 while she was living at an ashram in India, but did not disclose what the procedure was for.

Sigler told her co-host Applegate that two weeks after going under the knife, she developed a bad reaction and got sepsis. The post-surgery complications were so severe that she was rushed to the hospital, fighting for her life. After going through the traumatic experience, she decided that a pity party would do her no good, so she turned to seek professional help.

The TV star said, “I would scream into pillows. I would cry to my girlfriends. I reached out. I sat by myself, I got a therapist, I did all of these things I had never really done before, and went through this process that was absolutely necessary.” The Blast reported that she also encouraged Applegate to join therapy, highlighting how much it helped her overcome her “year of grieving” and that the benefits are over the roof.

Cheers to Jamie-Lynn Sigler for embracing her truth!

The cast of A&E’s reality series Storage Wars has come together to mourn their late costar Darrell Sheets following his death at age 67 from suicide.

Lake Havasu City, Arizona, police confirmed to Us Weekly on April 22 that officers responded to calls about a “reported deceased individual” earlier in the day and subsequently “pronounced [Sheets] deceased on scene.” Sheets’ family was subsequently notified and the “incident remains under active investigation,” per a Lake Havasu City Police Department spokesperson.

Darrell was survived by his son and Storage Wars costar, Brandon “The Sidebet” Sheets, and daughter Tiffany Shane Sheets. He was previously married to Kimber Wuerfel prior to their 2016 divorce.

As an original cast member on Storage Wars, Darrell earned the nickname “The Gambler” on the A&E series for his high-risk bidding strategy at auctions. He took on a part-time role on the reality show due to a 2019 heart attack, making sporadic appearances until leaving Storage Wars completely in 2023.

Keep scrolling for the Storage Wars’ cast’s tributes to Darrell following his death:

Rene Nezhoda Says Darrell Sheets Was Bullied Before His Death

Rene Nezhoda was frequently in competition with Darrell over high-value auction items on Storage Wars over the years, though their rivalry seemingly never got personal.

In a video obtained by TMZ on April 22, Nezhoda revealed that he talked to Darrell “every now and then” and heard that his former costar was being cyberbullied before his death.

“I know Darrell would want something positive out of this. He had a guy really tormenting him lately on cyberbullying,” Nezhoda said in the video. “Just cause you watch us on television doesn’t mean you know us … it doesn’t mean you know what we’re about. Also it doesn’t entitle you to bully somebody.”

The Storage Wars star went on, “You shouldn’t cyberbully at all. As a matter of fact. If you have somebody in your life that thinks its fun to cyberbully other people, maybe a celebrity athlete or a little girl or school or schoolmate, slap [them] in the back of the head. Make them become a better human being, because you never know what demons somebody faces and what they go through and what you might push them through.”

Nezhoda remembered Darrell as a “very hard worker that cared more than anyone.”

“We had our moments, we had our run-ins but that’s because we were both competitors … we’re the biggest threats out there. So deep down, me and Darrell were friends,” he said.

Brandi Passante Sends Condolences to Darrell Sheets’ Family

Following the news of Darrell’s death, Brandi Passante — one-half of the “Young Guns” duo with her ex Jarrod Schulz on Storage Wars — admitted she was “at a loss for words.”

“I’ve known Darrel [sic] Sheets for many years. I’m just so very sorry, to hear the circumstances of his passing,” she wrote via Instagram on April 22. “My heart hurts for [his son] Brandon, [his granddaughter Zoie], and [ex-wife] Kimber. I unfortunately lost a parent and a brother to similar situations. I would like to say to everyone, if you are struggling, if you feel hopeless or like no one cares. I assure you they do!! You are not alone.”

She described “grief from suicide” as an “endless” tragedy that can be prevented by reaching out for help.

“There is always help… You can Dial 988 on your phone to connect with a counselor and resources. Never suffer in silence,” she concluded.

Dan Dotson Says Darrell Sheets Is in the Auctioneer Community’s ‘Hearts and Minds’

Dan Dotson — a veteran Storage Wars cast member who runs American Auctioneers with his wife Laura Dotson — shared a memorial on behalf of the auctioneer community on April 22.

“RIP Darrell Sheets. You’re in our hearts and minds. The world is going to miss you brother,” Dan wrote via Instagram.

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A and E Remembers Darrell Sheets as a ‘Beloved’ Member of ‘Storage Wars’ Family

A spokesperson for A&E paid tribute to Darrell’s legacy in a statement to Us Weekly on April 22. (The cable channel has aired 17 seasons of Storage Wars since December 2010.)

“We are saddened by the passing of a beloved member of our Storage Wars family, Darrell ‘The Gambler’ Sheets,” a network rep told Us. “Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Hulk Hogan is opening up like never before in his final on-camera interview, revealing the extreme measures he took to cope with pain during the later years of his wrestling career. In the Netflix docuseries “Hulk Hogan: Real American,” the wrestling icon admitted he was taking life-threatening amounts of fentanyl while working with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling (TNA) following his 2009 divorce from Linda Hogan.

According to Hogan, the physical toll of his career, combined with financial pressure after his divorce, led him back into the ring, even when his body could barely handle it. “I was taking 80-milligram fentanyls, two in the morning, stuffing them under my gums here … I had two 300mg patches of fentanyl on my legs, and they gave me six 1500mg fentanyl lollipops to eat,” he said in the documentary, which was filmed prior to his death.

The dosage was so extreme that even medical professionals were alarmed. “I went to the pharmacy, he goes, ‘You should be dead. We have never seen a human being take this much fentanyl,’” he recalled the professional telling him.

Hulk Hogan described living in constant pain, revealing he often had to sleep sitting upright. “If I just twitched my finger like that, my whole back would spasm and torque,” he said. His final in-ring appearance came in 2012, and he officially parted ways with TNA in 2013 when his contract expired.

He Was Not Sold On ‘Hulk Hogan’ At First

Elsewhere in the documentary, Hogan reflected on the origins of his now-iconic name. The wrestling legend explained that Vince McMahon Sr. suggested he adopt “Hulk Hogan,” despite already using “Hulk” due to his massive frame.

“I said, what is Hulk Hogan?” he recalled, noting that he was Italian and didn’t identify with the Irish-sounding name. After some hesitation, he ultimately agreed, a decision that would go on to define his legacy.

Linda Hogan Shares Wild First Date Story

The documentary also dives into Hulk Hogan’s relationship with his ex-wife, offering a glimpse into how it all began. While Hogan kept things relatively modest when describing how they met and “hit it off,” Linda had a much more vivid memory of their first night together.

She recalled going back to his apartment, where he disappeared into the bathroom before re-emerging “completely naked.” “It was like when you go to the zoo and see a… wooly mammoth,” she said. “He was huge. How many people can say they got f-cked by a giant?” she said.

Hulk Hogan Gets Emotional Recalling Brother’s Death

Hulk Hogan also opened up about one of the most painful moments of his life, the loss of his older brother, Allan Bollea. Allan died in 1986 at just 38 years old, and Hogan admitted their relationship had been complicated. “We weren’t that close. He grew up really fast,” he recalled. “By the time he was 17, he was riding with a bunch of bikers.”

As Hogan’s wrestling career took off, he said his brother would occasionally show up at matches, sometimes arriving with “like, ten Hell’s Angels.”

Hulk Hogan Overcome With Emotion

In the days leading up to Allan’s death, Hulk Hogan shared a moment that has stayed with him ever since. He recalled his brother approaching him in a parking lot, saying he had just gotten out of rehab and needed money. Hogan gave him the money, but made a decision he would later regret. “I didn’t take him with me,” he said, explaining he left for a wrestling event shortly after.

Not long after, he received devastating news: Allan had overdosed and died. “So I should have taken him with me instead of giving him the money. So that was the last time I saw him. It was … that was a hard one to get over,” Hogan said.

The grief was so overwhelming that Hogan admitted he “couldn’t handle” attending his brother’s funeral. During the interview, when asked to reflect further, the wrestling icon became visibly emotional and cut the conversation short. “You have to stop,” he said, struggling to continue.

“Hulk Hogan: Real American” is now streaming on Netflix.

Marie Osmond is sharing her deep grief and cherished memories following the death of her eldest brother, Alan Osmond. 

The legendary performer passed away at the age of 76 on April 20 after a decades-long battle with multiple sclerosis. 

Through a series of emotional social media posts, Marie is honoring Alan’s vast musical legacy and the unique bond they shared as the only sister in the famous family.

The Osmond family is mourning the loss of their eldest brother, Alan, who passed away in Utah on Monday evening. Following tributes from her brothers Merrill and Donny, Marie took to social media to share her own heartfelt message alongside a collection of family photos. 

Marie admitted that summarizing a lifetime of memories with her “big brother” was an almost impossible task that would require volumes rather than a simple post.

“As his only sister, I know I had a different relationship with him than he had with his brothers, and I must say I loved that! He was always very protective of me,” she wrote. 

She spoke with immense pride about Alan’s diverse talents, which ranged from mastering multiple instruments to writing hit records and producing television specials. She specifically mentioned his work on her “No Stopping Your Heart” music video and his contributions to the album “The Plan.” 

The Singer Further Praised Alan’s Leadership And Spiritual Reunion

In Marie’s heartfelt post, she shared that one of her most moving recollections involved her 2018 birthday concert in Hawaii, where she arranged for the original four Osmond brothers to perform together one last time.

Despite being wheelchair-bound, Alan showed “unbelievable” determination to stand up and be next to his brothers on stage, a moment Marie will clearly never forget.

She also noted that Alan took on the role of family leader at the tender age of 12, a massive responsibility that he embraced without complaint. He often told her that leading his siblings felt like a long mission that he was honored to perform for both his family and their fans.

While his musical career was historic, Marie noted that his true priorities were always his devotion to God and his family. Following his death, Marie experienced a profound sense of peace, feeling the presence of her late mother, Olive. 

David Similarly Shared A Touching Tribute To His Father, Alan

You don’t have to look very hard to find a gripping British detective show. Some of the very best exports in the genre have been born across the pond, including long-running favorites such as Silent Witness and Midsomer Murders, with the latter ready to return for its remarkable 26th season. But not resting on their laurels, the best British networks are also consistently bringing new detective dramas to life, with one of the best to debut this decade coming in the form of Grace.

Based on the series of bestselling novels by Peter James, the hit ITV crime drama launched in 2021 to a huge 7 million UK viewers, retaining a large proportion of these viewers and concluding its explosive sixth season just last week with Season 6, Episode 4, “One of Us Is Dead.” But with this finale came many questions, as certain plot points were left balancing perilously on a knife-edge. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this isn’t the end of the crime-solving antics of Life on Mars and Doctor Who alum John Simm‘s Detective Superintendent Roy Grace, with the announcement everyone was waiting for officially made by ITV this Wednesday, April 22.

According to a press statement, Grace has officially been renewed for a seventh season. “The popular, Brighton-based drama will return next year, to answer the desperate questions left hanging after series six’s unforgettable finale,” the statement read, “which culminated in the dramatic, edge-of-your-seat kidnap at the wedding of Roy Grace and Cleo Morey.” In a statement about the show’s renewal, Simm said:

“Honestly, if someone had said we’d be doing this for seven seasons when we first started this in lockdown I would never have believed it. But the reason I and many others have remained part of this series for so long is down to the team and the writing. It continues to excite and be such a joy for all and we can’t wait to see what’s coming next…”

The Future of ‘Grace’ Might Look Slightly Different

Image via ITV

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As part of the aforementioned press statement, the confirmed four episodes of Season 7 were described as “based on characters from the best-selling Roy Grace novels.” The choice not to simply refer to the next season as based on the novels themselves seems too particular not to prove telling, as the upcoming batch of episodes looks to benefit from more creative liberty. Two of the new episodes will be titled “When You Are Dead” and “Picture You Dead,” with only the latter of these the title of a James novel. Only time will tell what lies in store for Grace and co.

For more updates on British television, make sure to stay tuned to Collider.

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Diving into a miniseries can be a great way to spend a weekend. Miniseries have been around for years before streaming, and now they are perfectly suited for binge-watching. They can be enjoyed as mini-cations from a favorite show that has wrapped for the season or whenever media buffs want a change in their normal viewing schedule. Feeling like a complete narrative that doesn’t extend past its creative boundaries, a miniseries offers an encapsulated, perfect amount of diversion.

When it comes to fantasy miniseries, the world-building quality is dialed up to 11. With faraway places, magic spells, and mythical creatures, the effect is enchanting, and when done well, they can become lasting examples of television excellence. From dinosaur-human paradises to much-anticipated sequels, these fantasy miniseries are some of the best ever made. Whether you’re in the mood for a family-friendly and feel-good escape or a dramatic and adrenaline-filled tale, these fantasy miniseries deserve a spot on your watchlist.

‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)

Image via Netflix

After waiting over three decades for more lore, fan expectations were high for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. A prequel to the 1982 film, Age of Resistance follows three brave Gelfling as they begin to unravel the lies the wicked Skeksis have been telling their people for years. More often than not, when the buildup is so intense for an oncoming project, there is sure to be some let-down. However, Age of Resistance knocked it out of the park, and both new and loyal fans were satisfied with the skillful storytelling and fantastic special effects.

Although the creators of the show had more planned and the world of Thra is rich and complex enough to support more material, the show was concluded as a miniseries rather than extended as an ongoing one. Netflix has a nasty habit of canceling good shows, and audience receptiveness seems to hold no sway in the studio’s decisions. Luckily, Age of Resistance is a perfect gem as it is. While exploring further into the story would have been rewarding, for those who love layered storytelling, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance is an ideal choice.

‘Over the Garden Wall’ (2014)

Image via Cartoon Network

As Bilbo Baggins once warned Frodo in J.R.R. Tolkien‘s The Lord of the Rings, “It’s a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don’t keep your feet, there’s no knowing where you might be swept off to.” The raison d’être for Over the Garden Wall is in the same vein and follows two brothers who only venture a few steps beyond their normality and find themselves swept away into an entirely new and strange world.

Over the Garden Wall is a perfect blend of folk and Gothic vibes. The mise en scène makes viewers feel unsure, but always curious and trusting that somehow, everything is going to work out in the end. Over the Garden Wall is a visually distinct animated series that feels almost like anime. It tells a weaving, enthralling story with unique visuals and solid voice acting. Over 10 years old, Over the Garden Wall remains one of the top TV shows on Letterboxd and is a traditional autumnal watch for devotees.

‘The 10th Kingdom’ (2000)

Image via NBC

If you haven’t seen this cult-favorite sleeper hit, now is your chance to take in The 10th Kingdom. Finally released on streaming this year, U.S. audiences can seize the opportunity to enjoy this early ’00s masterpiece. Featuring Kimberly Williams-Paisley, John Larroquette, Ed O’Neill, Dianne Wiest, and Scott Cohen, it envisions a world within a world, with a magic mirror serving as a portal between the two.

In The 10th Kingdom, Virginia Lewis (Williams-Paisley) travels to the other world and discovers that the princesses most know, such as Sleeping Beauty and Cinderella (Ann-Margret), are now reigning queens in adjacent kingdoms. However, evil queens and nefarious plots are just as real, and Virginia learns that her connection to the magical land runs far deeper than she ever would have expected. The 10th Kingdom is a fabulously fun, fractured fairy tale and is full of cameos by stars like Camryn Manheim, Rutger Hauer, and Warwick Davis. The 10th Kingdom has interesting character journeys, action, romance, and humor. It is one of the best fairy tale TV shows of all time and makes for a highly entertaining watch.

‘Merlin’ (1998)

Image via NBC

Not to be confused with the equally awesome TV show starring Colin Morgan, the 1998 miniseries has Sam Neill as the titular character, Merlin. Absolutely loaded with talent, the impressive roster for the miniseries includes Helena Bonham Carter as Morgan Le Fey, James Earl Jones as Mountain King, Isabella Rossellini as Nimue, and Lena Headey as Guinevere. This two-part triumph tells the story of King Arthur (Paul Curran) and how the wizard Merlin influenced his life. Merlin uses an ingenious choice to shift the main attention to Merlin’s side of events rather than Arthur’s, and it makes for a refreshing lens to view the story through.

Neill is a consummate performer, well known in the industry for his ability to bring a substantial level of gravitas to his roles. Watching him as Merlin is highly rewarding as he brings an invigorating amount of depth and allure to the character. Bonham Carter is equally impressive as Morgan Le Fey and shines in Merlin, years before some of her more well-known projects. Merlin has engaging special effects and gripping writing full of intrigue. It is one of the best works done on the legendary source material and is more than deserving of a spot on this list.

‘Moon Knight’ (2022)

Moon Knight is a Disney+ miniseries that is absolutely perfect from start to finish. Oscar Isaac is exemplary as Steven Grant, a man whose world is turned upside down when he discovers he has multiple personalities, and one of them can communicate with the Egyptian moon god Khonshu (F. Murray Abraham). To play multiple roles within a body of work requires an extra level of talent, and to have all of those roles inhabit the same being is phenomenal.

Moon Knight is a perfect blend of ancient Egyptian themes and modern-day action. It is enthralling from beginning to end, and audiences can’t help but root for or identify with one or more of the main characters’ personalities. Ethan Hawke is superb as Arthur Harrow, and May Calamawy adds dimension to the series with her stellar performance as Layla El-Faouly. Although Moon Knight is part of the Marvel Comics canon, you don’t have to be a fan of superhero movies to enjoy this thematic triumph. It is a must-see for any cerebral fantasy fan and is one of the best collaborations Marvel and Disney have done to date.

‘Arabian Nights’ (2000)

Image via Erik Heinila/©Hallmark Entertainment/Courtesy Everett Collection

For anyone who loves storytelling, there is no miniseries better than Arabian Nights. Based on One Thousand and One Nights, a collection of Middle Eastern, South Asian, and North African folktales, Arabian Nights stars Mili Avital as Scheherezade. When Scheherezade weds Sultan Shahryar (Dougray Scott), she must use all of her courage and cunning to not only spare her life, but those of all the women in the kingdom. Driven mad by betrayal, the Sultan distrusts everyone around him, including Scheherezade. As she tells him a story night after night, she cleverly draws out his thoughts and helps him find a path back to sanity.

Arabian Nights has it all. A great cast, fantastic sets, gorgeous costumes, and solid special effects that still look good on camera. Most importantly, Arabian Nights has fantastic storytelling. Scott and Avital are brilliant in their roles, portraying the obvious and underlying motives of their characters. The supporting cast is equally dedicated, with actors like John Leguizamo as Genie of the Lamp, Jim Carter as Ja’far, Rufus Sewell as Ali Baba, and Andy Serkis as Kasim. The chemistry and dynamic between Avital and Scott make the main plot as gripping as the side stories, and Arabian Nights is altogether a fantasy masterpiece.

‘Dinotopia’ (2002)

Image via ABC

What if dinosaurs and humans lived together in harmony? That is the unusual premise behind James Gurney‘s beloved book series. Adapting the material to the small screen, Dinotopia became a visually charming and richly rewarding miniseries in 2002. When half-brothers David (Wentworth Miller) and Karl (Tyron Leitso) survive a plane crash, they discover the mysterious land of Dinotopia. The two brothers soon learn that this is a place like no other. In Dinotopia intelligent, speaking dinosaurs live and work together with humans to create an idealistic civilization.

Blending puppetry with computer-generated special effects, Dinotopia is a fully immersive adventure tale that audiences of all ages can enjoy together. David Thewlis, Katie Carr, and Lee Evans join the cast, and each character, whether human or reptile, is charming to watch. Dinotopia is currently free to stream on Pluto TV in the U.S., and now is a perfect time to watch this family-friendly fantasy triumph.

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Dinotopia

Release Date

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2002 – 2002-00-00

Directors

Marco Brambilla

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Writers

Simon Moore

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  Erik von Detten

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  Karl Scott

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The streaming wars between rival services don’t seem to affect Netflix, which continues to dominate in subscribers, engagement, and content. The streamer may not have been able to acquire Warner Bros., but that doesn’t mean it’s failing elsewhere, especially on the heels of Stranger Things‘ massive final season. Although Netflix has slowly transitioned from hosting library content to debuting original shows and films, the service has seen a surge in the popularity of its action titles. While that’s not a surprising development, considering the shifts in the material that Netflix has access to, it may offer a glimpse of where the streamer seeks to expand in the future.

While it initially gained traction as the streaming service with access to classic sitcoms like Friends and The Office, Netflix had to adjust after other services launched and claimed the library content of their respective conglomerates. Although Netflix still has a fair number of legacy shows, especially because of its licensing agreements, the streamer is best able to retain viewers by developing shows with a committed fanbase and offering them similar options. The success of a show like Stranger Things lies in the fact that those who subscribe just to watch the show may be inspired to check out other original programs.

Netflix Has Become a Go-to Streamer for Genre Shows

Netflix occupies a unique space in the streaming wars because a vast majority of its shows could be described as “tweeners.” While these programs don’t quite have the stylization or auteur slant of the more ambitious shows on HBO or FX, they contain better production value, more nuanced material, and bigger names than what’s expected on network television. The shows that Netflix churns out may seem interchangeable at first, but that’s because they tend to target the same viewership demographic.

Those who watch Black Doves might also be interested in The Night Agent, and there’s a good chance they might also watch The Recruit or Fubar. Not every show is going to hit, but there’s always the possibility of a surprising breakout like Untamed. Dramas like Ozark and The Crown are less likely to be discovered after their height of popularity once the hype has died down; ironically, two of Netflix’s biggest recent nominees for Best Drama Series are The Diplomat and 3 Body Problem, which partially succeeded by emphasizing the shows’ action elements in their marketing campaigns.

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These shows may have a shorter shelf life, but Netflix generally seems to keep its series around for no more than three or four seasons, which is enough time to flesh out their potential without a significant dip in quality that would make them feel stale. While many of these are expensive shows that require significant stunt coordination and visual effects work, they don’t have the scale of a series like Stranger Things, which took several years to release new seasons. Stranger Things is itself a rare example of a series that sustained a consistent audience throughout, but other fantasy shows like Shadow and Bone, The Sandman, Sense8, and The OA experienced significant drop-offs in later seasons, as well as The Umbrella Academy, which declined in value after many viewers found the finale disappointing.

Netflix Isn’t Slowing Its Global Domination

Netflix betting big on the action genre ultimately makes sense given that most of the streamer’s biggest movies have been event-sized, action-oriented star vehicles. Extraction, Red Notice, Carry-On, The Gray Man, and Triple Frontier might not have been critical darlings, but they were intriguing enough for viewers to invest their time in. Netflix previously positioned itself as the streaming service that offers escapism; for better or worse, that’s the type of entertainment that a vast majority of audiences for both films and television shows are looking for right now.

Netflix has a significant number of new action shows in the pipeline, as well as some returning favorites. The return of The Gentlemen and Lupin represents the type of lucrative, franchiseable content that Netflix has excelled at because those shows are loosely related to established material but still work for first-time viewers. There will be no better test for that than the upcoming Man on Fire series, which is based on one of the most acclaimed action thrillers of the 21st century. Whether Netflix can sustain this pace remains to be seen, but its upcoming action-forward slate is an indication that it plans on delivering more of what subscribers are already hungry for.