By Robert Scucci
| Published 22 seconds ago

I’ve been putting it off for a very long time, but I finally revisited 1999’s Deep Blue Sea this past weekend, and I’m so glad I did. The funny thing about movies from this era is that the CGI is pretty terrible because it was relatively new technology, generally speaking. I remember laughing at the creature design when I was 11 years old, but after a few decades of CGI in movies somehow getting exceptionally worse, I was actually impressed by what I saw.

I think Deep Blue Sea’s real charm is its willingness to show us the monster, which is normally the worst thing you can do. Have you seen the Jurassic World movies or Disney’s Haunted Mansion (2023)? The screen is so dark during some sequences that you can’t even see what’s going on half the time, and it’s by design. Bury the CGI in darkness and nobody will notice how bad it is. But here’s the problem: nobody can see what the heck is going on, so everybody loses.

Deep Blue Sea, on the other hand, shows us shark attacks up close, for better or worse. Fortunately, everybody brings their A game to the table, and it never feels like a bunch of actors on a soundstage talking to a green screen. It feels lived in, even if it doesn’t always look like it. The moral here is that if you thought movies like Deep Blue Sea were crappy back in the ’90s because of their visual effects, it’s time to revisit them. They look so much better by comparison when pitted against the crap coming out today.

Let’s Make An Apex Predator Even Smarter, What Could Possibly Go Wrong? 

Oh boy, where do we begin? Deep Blue Sea centers on the idea that shark brain tissue may be the key to curing, or at the very least slowing, the damage caused by Alzheimer’s disease. We’re introduced to doctors Susan McCallister (Saffron Burrows) and Jim Whitlock (Stellan Skarsgard), who are basically trying to play God in their underwater research compound. When one of the sharks escapes and wreaks havoc on the public, Samuel L. Jackson’s Russel Franklin, a corporate executive, is sent down to see what all the hubbub is about.

While visiting, he’s introduced to ex-con shark wrangler Carter Blake (Thomas Jane), marine biologist Janice Higgins (Jacqueline McKenzie), and engineer Tom Scoggins (Michael Rapaport), who are all moments away from watching all hell break loose in the form of a super-intelligent shark destroying the facility and eating anybody who gets in its way. Their one goal is to escape back into the ocean, which would be a terrible outcome because we soon find out that, in order to speed up their research, the scientists genetically engineered the sharks to have larger brains. That means there’s not only instinct behind all those razor-sharp rows of teeth, but advanced intelligence as well.

It wouldn’t be an action thriller without some comic relief, though, and that’s where LL Cool J’s Sherman Dudley comes in. Sherman spends most of his time cooking for the crew, quoting scripture, and getting into verbal spats with his pet parrot. He knows how to make the perfect omelet, and he wants the world to know it more than anything else.

Straight Up Popcorn Spectacle That We Should Fully Embrace

Deep Blue Sea is one of those movies you go into with low expectations thanks to hindsight and the film’s reputation for swinging and missing with its special effects. But even Roger Ebert, who once commented that the sharks looked like cartoons, gave the movie three out of four stars for being an effective thriller. Once the setup is out of the way, the whole thing is basically one action sequence after another in rapid succession, and sometimes that’s all you need from a movie.

The best way to think about Deep Blue Sea is as a big-budget B movie. It’s your standard monster movie survival fare, but with $82 million thrown at it, and it couldn’t be cast more perfectly. While it’s a far cry from Jaws, it still has a lot more going for it than the Sharknado films when it comes to set design and its overall level of seriousness.

Don’t get me wrong, Deep Blue Sea is a fun movie and has plenty of comic relief to go around, but at the end of the day it’s a big-budget sci-fi thriller that holds up shockingly well nearly 30 years after it made its initial splash.

As of this writing, Deep Blue Sea is streaming for free on Tubi.

Big Tigger‘s wife, Alicia Brown, has reportedly been arrested in Georgia on outstanding kidnapping-related warrants connected to the 2019 disappearance of her daughter, Ailea Brown.

RELATED: New Footage Allegedly Shows Big Tigger Assaulting His Wife Amid Protective Order (VIDEO)

Big Tigger’s Wife Reportedly Arrested In Georgia On Outstanding Kidnapping-Related Warrants Connected To 2019 Disappearance Of Her Daughter

On Tuesday, July 7, TMZ published a report asserting that on Monday, July 6, Alicia Brown was arrested in Georgia. Furthermore, she was reportedly taken into custody on kidnapping-related warrants. Authorities reportedly located during a felony traffic stop on Interstate 85.

To note, at the time, two young children were inside the car during the traffic stop. However, both were safely removed, and one was reportedly a child of Big Tigger.

Per the outlet, “the Maryland warrants” stem from the apparent 2019 disappearance of Alicia’s daughter, Ailea. Additionally, the outlet notes that the mother is also facing a “felony interference with child custody charge in Georgia.” Ultimately, it is reportedly expected that she will be extradited to Maryland.

Amid the reported arrest, it appears Alicia’s Instagram account has been deactivated.

Social Media Reacts To Her Arrest On Outstanding Kidnapping-Related Warrants

Social media users reacted to Alicia Brown’s arrest and her apparent outstanding kidnapping-related warrants in TSR’s comment section.

More On Recent Events Between Big Tigger & His Wife And The 2019 Disappearance Of Alicia Brown’s Daughter

As The Shade Room previously reported, in June, Alicia Brown took to social media, sharing footage of her battered face, seemingly accusing Big Tigger while also labeling adultery on their marriage. Specifically, Alicia accused Tigger of cheating on her with his radio co-host, Francesca Amiker.

Ultimately, Amiker denied the claims. However, amid the allegations, Brown herself became accused of having something to do with the 2019 disappearance of her then-ten-year-old daughter.

By mid-month, Tigger was reportedly named as a suspect in a alleged assault case involving Alicia, per The Shade Room. Notably, Alicia came forward to assert that she never accused her husband of being an abuser. However, on June 20, Tigger was taken into custody in relation to the case.

In the weeks that followed, Tigger was reportedly ordered to stay away from Alicia and their children. Amid this, however, footage surfaced, allegedly showing the altercation which sparked the initial allegations. More recently, additional footage was apparently leaked, showing the husband and wife struggling over his phone.

At this time, Big Tigger has not publicly reacted to the arrest of his wife.

RELATED: Social Media Users Point Fingers Following Leaked Video Of Big Tigger & Alicia Brown’s Physical Struggle Over His Phone (UPDATE)

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are reportedly keeping details of their wedding celebration “private” despite speculation that the couple planned to release a documentary or film.

Sources say footage from the July 3 ceremony at Madison Square Garden was documented solely for personal use.

The event brought together family and celebrity guests, with attendees later sharing details about Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift’s emotional vows and other intimate moments.

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Despite widespread speculation, newlyweds Swift and Kelce have no plans to share footage from their wedding with the public.

According to a source, rumors that the couple created a wedding documentary or film hold “no truth.” While the celebration was professionally documented, the footage was reportedly intended for personal memories and will remain private.

“They had it documented for themselves but are keeping it private,” an insider claimed, per Us Weekly.

Swift and Kelce exchanged vows on July 3 in New York City during a lavish ceremony attended by approximately 1,000 friends and family members.

The event took place at Madison Square Garden and featured several personal touches that reflected the couple’s journey together.

The Couple Shared ‘Very Personal Details’ During Their Vow Exchange

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Taylor’s brother, Austin Swift, served as her “Man of Honor,” while Travis’ brother, Jason Kelce, stood beside him as Best Man during the couple’s wedding. The ceremony was reportedly officiated by Adam Sandler.

Sources said both the bride and groom became emotional while exchanging heartfelt vows that included “personal details and anecdotes” from their relationship.

“You could tell she put a lot of work and time into writing her vows,” a source told the news outlet. “Travis teared up more than Taylor. They shared very personal details and anecdotes that some guests had never even heard before

Guests were reportedly moved by the speeches, with several attendees becoming emotional as the couple reflected on how they first met and the path that led them to marriage.

Taylor Swift Walked Down The Aisle To ‘Love Story’ As New Wedding Details Emerge

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Adding a sentimental touch to the ceremony, Swift reportedly walked down the aisle to a string quartet rendition of her hit song “Love Story.”

The star-studded guest list included celebrities such as Selena Gomez, Jessica Alba, and Maren Morris. While the couple has not publicly shared details from the event, guests have offered occasional glimpses of the celebration through social media photos.

Swift stunned in a bespoke white bridal gown, while Kelce complemented her look in a tailored white tuxedo. The coordinating designs were reportedly crafted by Jonathan Anderson for Christian Dior Haute Couture following months of collaboration with the couple. For the reception, Swift changed into a second ensemble and accessorized with custom Christian Louboutin heels and sparkling Cartier jewelry.

Guests couldn’t stop talking about the bride’s presence throughout the evening, with one attendee remarking that she seemed to be “glowing and floating around the room.”

After the couple was officially pronounced husband and wife, giant screens outside the venue illuminated with a surprise announcement for the crowds gathered nearby. The message, reading “JUST T&T MARRIED,” was met with excitement and applause from fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the festivities.

The Couple’s Wedding Reception Reportedly Featured Lavish Food Stations And An Elaborate Dessert Display

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The festivities continued well into the evening with a reception. Rather than hosting a traditional seated dinner, the couple reportedly opted for multiple food stations spread throughout the venue, allowing guests to sample a variety of dishes at their own pace.

While some attendees said the format occasionally led to long lines and difficulty finding seats due to the size of the guest list, the menu itself received rave reviews.

Guests reportedly enjoyed an expansive selection that included sushi, pasta, salads, chicken, and filet mignon, alongside a mix of American, Italian, and Asian-inspired cuisine. Staff members were stationed throughout the reception to assist guests and provide table-side service.

The dessert offerings were said to be equally extravagant. Guests were reportedly greeted by an elaborate sweets display showcasing dozens of cakes and specialty desserts. Several of the cakes were said to feature personalized 3D decorations inspired by the bride and groom.

Taylor Swift And Travis Kelce’s Wedding Guests Won Designer Bags, Classic Car In Reception Raffle

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Beyond the food, the reception featured a variety of interactive activities designed to keep guests entertained throughout the night.

One of the most talked-about attractions was a raffle-style game in which attendees collected tickets for a chance to win luxury prizes. The rewards reportedly ranged from luxury designer accessories to a vintage 1970 Chevrolet Chevelle, a nostalgic nod to the classic car associated with one of Swift and Kelce’s earliest public outings together in 2023.

Among the reported winners was Jackie Tranquill, wife of Drue Tranquill, who shared a photo on social media showing a black Chanel handbag alongside a winning raffle ticket featuring the couple’s “T&T” monogram.

The entertainment lineup was equally impressive. Guests told reporters that the reception featured surprise performances from music legends Paul McCartney and Stevie Nicks, turning the celebration into an unforgettable experience.

Big Tigger and Alicia Brown have been dominating headlines and social media conversations for several weeks now. This week, things intensified when footage of them in a physical struggle over Tigger’s phone went viral. Just days after his arrest for one of their domestic incidents, Alicia has also been arrested for a separate incident. She will reportedly be extradited to Maryland in relation to the 2019 disappearance of her daughter. Ahead of her arrest, even celebs began weighing in on the phone struggle video of her and Big Tigger. So far, here’s what Lil Duval, Naturi Naughton, Lil Scrappy and King Harris had to say. Sukihana and Blueface‘s mother also entered the chat, mainly commenting on Brown’s arrest.

RELATED: Social Media Users Point Fingers Following Leaked Video Of Big Tigger & Alicia Brown’s Physical Struggle Over His Phone (UPDATE)

Recap Of Phone Tussle Between Big Tigger & His Wife

As previously reported, social media users seemed to be picking sides in the overall domestic dispute between Big Tigger and Alicia Brown. Leaked footage last month seemingly showed the radio host getting physical with his wife. However, in the latest leak, social media users are debating who was at fault for the physical struggle. In the clip, Alicia is seen refusing to return her husband’s phone. Eventually, she ends up on the floor and claims he put her there. He denies he pushed her down, and stood over her attempting to take back his phone, and said giving it back would end the situation. She repeatedly declined to give it back in between cries. VIDEO HERE. 

Lil Duval Sparks Reactions From Lil Scrappy, King Harris & Naturi Naughton

Internet users didn’t hold back on pointing fingers and dropping hot takes. Now, even celebrities, including from Big Tigger’s base city Atlanta, are weighing in. Lil Duval racked up nearly 23,000 comments in 11 hours after sharing the viral phone tussle video on his Instagram. In the caption, Duval shut down headlines framing the clip as assault, and said he spoke out because other celebs aren’t being neutral.

“Why is the blogs posting this as he’s beating her when he’s CLEARLY just trying to get his phone back. Ion know who tigger pissed off but they after him. Be careful who you raw (ima have to see him physically hit her on camera in order for me to believe it. I’m only posting this cuz ion see nobody else wit a big platform saying anything without being one sided),” Duval wrote.

In his own comment section, the comedian added, “Why didn’t he just call the police” WITH WHAT PHONE? She got it 😂😂😂😂😂😂😂😂.” Also in the comment section, Lil Scrappy seemingly agreed with Duval, accusing Alicia Brown and the person recording the phone tussle of setting up Tigger.

“Her and her friend was on some bs that’s crazy that’s why I dnt trust a lot no more. I’d rather be by myself, she said get off of me and he was standing over her trying to get her phone she could of got up but stayed on the ground being dramatic,” Scrappy wrote.

Meanwhile, King Harris said, “Its video pissed me off,” adding laughing emojis. Naturi Naughton commented, “Exactly! I’ve known @bigtiggershow for DECADES and only seen kindness, joy and love from this man. #ThisisSad.” 

Sukihana & Karlissa Saffold Comments On Alicia Brown’s Arrest

Within an hour of The Shade Room posting about Alicia Brown’s arrest, over 6,000 roommate comments flooded the Instagram post. Sukihana commented, “Wtffff I need to stay off the internet. My pregnant butt just got overstimulated from this right here.” Meanwhile, Karlissa Saffold wrote, “Some of y’all be loving to hard 😂im glad I ain’t never loved this hard.”

As reported by TMZ, Big Tigger’s wife is in police custody after a Maryland arrest warrant was enforced in Georgia. Apparently, Brown was pulled over by Hart County Sheriff’s Office deputies after a BOLO was placed on her vehicle. She was arrested roadside without incident during the felony traffic stop on Interstate 85. The BOLO was tied to kidnapping-related warrants tied to the disappearance of her 10-year-old daughter in 2019, who was reportedly supposed to be turned over to her father’s custody. Brown will reportedly be extradited to Maryland at an unknown date.

RELATED: Big Tigger’s Wife Reportedly Arrested On Outstanding Kidnapping-Related Warrants Connected To 2019 Disappearance Of Her Daughter

By Robert Scucci
| Published 20 seconds ago

Any grown man will tell you that some of the best moments of his childhood involved playing superheroes with his friends. If you could use your imagination, throw some sort of mask over your eyes, and maybe even arm yourself with the lid from a trash can, you were all set. It goes without saying that every friend group had one sociopath who wanted to be the villain, which is why the trash can lid came in handy. You didn’t have much time before they started throwing rocks, which more often than not resulted in parents getting involved.

If you’re wondering what it might look like if a grown adult decided to play dress-up and start fighting crooks after punching out from his day job, you pretty much get 2010’s Super, starring none other than Rainn Wilson as Frank Darbo, or, as he would like to be known, The Crimson Bolt.

Thinking about how kids playing superheroes is pretty much universal (my 5-year-old son has the capes in his toy chest to prove it), Super feels almost like wish fulfillment for those kids after they grow up. Except our hero is so misguided in his vigilantism that the best we’re going to get from him is “Shut up, crime!” before humiliating himself in most situations.

From Loser To Super

When we’re first introduced to Frank Darbo (Rainn Wilson) in Super, it’s well established that he’s not exactly a prize catch. He’s deeply religious, works as a short-order cook, and lets everybody walk all over him. This includes his wife Sarah (Liv Tyler), a reformed drug addict who quickly shifts her attention to a ruthless drug dealer named Jacques (Kevin Bacon). Absolutely heartbroken, and worried sick that his wife will relapse in her new lover’s company, Frank decides it’s time to take matters into his own hands after the religious superhero from the local TV station known as The Holy Avenger (Nathan Fillion) pays him a visit in a dream.

Now calling himself The Crimson Bolt, Frank heads to the comic book store to do some research, where he meets Libby (Elliot Page), a nerd of the highest order who wants to help him fully embrace his alter ego. When he’s not working or researching, Frank is field-testing his Crimson Bolt suit by hiding behind dumpsters and waiting for crime to happen.

At first, we bear witness to some truly vulgar displays of power, if you could call it power because he has none. Frank gets into fights with people who cut him in line, and most of his crime fighting leaves both him and everybody else worse off after he intervenes. Once he starts building a reputation as a force for good, though, everybody catches on. Jacques and his goons realize he’s out for revenge because that’s what kicked off this entire crusade in the first place. Meanwhile, Libby wants in on the action. She knows Frank is running around as The Crimson Bolt and decides she should call herself Boltie and become his sidekick.

Together, The Crimson Bolt and Boltie are a force to be reckoned with. But is Frank’s gumption, and his sudden interest in building pipe bombs, enough to take down Jacques? And will The Holy Avenger support this kind of behavior? Only time will tell, but rest assured plenty of people get their asses kicked in Super.

Deserves Its Cult Status, But Don’t Compare It To Kickass

What’s most baffling to me is how Super only garnered a 50 percent critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. For a dark comedy, it checks all the boxes. It has a conflicted protagonist who channels serious Dwight Schrute energy when he’s pushed into an awkward situation, and Kevin Bacon looks like he’s having an absolute blast playing the bad guy.

One possibility is that the James Gunn film was constantly compared to Mark Millar’s Kick-Ass, which came out the same year. It could be that audiences only had so much bandwidth for superhero comedies, and when push came to shove, Kick-Ass simply ended up being the more popular movie. Commenting on the similarities between the films, Millar chalked the whole thing up to parallel thinking. The reality is they were both working on similar ideas at roughly the same time, but the end result is two very different movies.

If I’m being honest, I think Super is the superior movie, mostly because nobody has any enhanced abilities. It’s a spiritual journey that one man goes through after his whole world falls apart, and his naivety about how the world works is what sells most of the humor. If anything, you should watch both films as a double feature because they’re cut from the same cloth while operating in completely different lanes.

As of this writing, Super is streaming for free on Tubi.

Since breaking out on the small screen as the fan-favorite vampire Angel in the cult horror series Buffy the Vampire Slayer, David Boreanaz has become one of television’s most reliable leading men, maintaining a steady presence in primetime for more than two decades. His most recent major TV role came as Master Chief Special Warfare Operator Jason Hayes, the leader of Bravo Team in CBS’s military drama SEAL Team. Up next, he’ll take on the iconic role of Jim Rockford, the conman-turned-private investigator in NBC’s reboot of The Rockford Files. While audiences await what could become another defining role for the actor, one of his most beloved projects — a series that has recently sparked reboot rumors — has quietly arrived on the world’s biggest streaming platform.

Bones is coming to Netflix. The Fox procedural drama was the series that allowed Boreanaz to continue his TV success after Angel concluded in 2004. Premiering in 2005, the show cast him as FBI Special Agent Seeley Booth, who partnered with forensic anthropologist Dr. Temperance “Bones” Brennan (Emily Deschanel) to investigate murders by examining the remains of victims. Bones became a major success for Fox, running for 12 seasons and 246 episodes before concluding in 2017.

Over the years, the crime procedural has maintained a dedicated following, with its mix of character-driven storytelling, humor, and case-of-the-week mysteries helping it remain a streaming favorite. Now, the series is set to reach an even wider audience as it expands its streaming availability on Netflix. Beginning Saturday, July 11, fans in the UK and Ireland will be able to stream Bones on Netflix, right after it leaves Prime Video the previous day. However, this international rollout appears to be limited to those regions for now. In the United States, the series will remain available through Hulu, Disney+, and digital storefronts.

What’s the Status of a ‘Bones’ Reboot?

With Hollywood’s reboot era in full swing, it’s surprising that a Bones revival has yet to become a reality. However, the delay doesn’t appear to be due to a lack of interest. Instead, the complicated corporate ownership following Disney’s acquisition of Fox has reportedly been one of the major obstacles standing in the way. Talks of bringing the beloved procedural back have been circulating for years, with both fans and members of the original cast expressing interest in reuniting the Jeffersonian team. Nearly every major player has shown enthusiasm about a potential return, including Deschanel, Boreanaz, T. J. Thyne, and even author Kathy Reichs, whose Temperance Brennan novels served as the inspiration for the series.

For now, though, a Bones revival has not been officially greenlit. With Boreanaz and Deschanel recently taking on new major television roles, a reunion may prove more complicated to arrange in the immediate future. However, the continued popularity of the series on streaming platforms suggests that audience interest remains strong. For a show with such a passionate fan base, the door to a Bones revival appears far from closed.

Bones will stream on Netflix in the UK and Ireland on July 11. The series is currently available to stream on Hulu and Disney+ in the U.S. Stay tuned for future updates.

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Release Date

2005 – 2017

Network

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FOX

Showrunner

Hart Hanson

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Directors

Ian Toynton, Dwight H. Little, Chad Lowe, Jeannot Szwarc, Allan Kroeker, Kate Woods, Steven DePaul, Tim Southam, Jeff Woolnough, Milan Cheylov, Randall Zisk, Alex Chapple, François Velle, Jesús Salvador Treviño, Tony Wharmby, Craig Ross Jr., Kevin Hooks, Michael Lange, Sanford Bookstaver, Allison Liddi-Brown, David Grossman, Emile B. Levisetti, Greg Yaitanes, Brad Turner

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Writers

Hart Hanson, Michael Peterson, Dean Lopata, Jonathan Collier, Keith Foglesong, Janet Lin, Elizabeth Benjamin, Pat Charles, Josh Berman, Scott Williams, Hilary Weisman Graham, Noah Hawley, Lyla Oliver, Karyn Usher, Dave Thomas, Janet Tamaro, Sanford Golden, Steve Blackman, Joe Hortua, Karen Wyscarver, Nkechi Okoro Carroll, Emily Silver, Yael Zinkow, Greg Ball

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  Emily Deschanel

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  Temperance ‘Bones’ Brennan

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With streaming services competing for viewers’ attention every single day, it can be hard to determine what to watch first. We often go with our preferences in genre, cast, directors, and writers and go from there; sometimes it’s a clear win, and sometimes, even a well-cast, greatly made show can be a miss. Netflix has the most original programs thus far in a wide variety of genres, from horror to comedy and even animation.

Picking out Netflix shows that have no flaws whatsoever is really hard, because perfection is rare and often in the eye of the beholder. But, regardless of the genre or year of release, there are some original series that Netflix decided to produce and invest in that have no mistakes; these are seven Netflix shows without a single flaw.

‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–2025)

Image via Netflix

The adult animated anthology series, Love, Death & Robots, is a breathtaking showcase of what happens when you give the world’s most visionary animators complete creative freedom. Love, Death & Robots presents a collection of short films, each running between five and twenty minutes, that span genres from sci-fi and horror to comedy and fantasy, all unified by stunning animation and bold, often provocative storytelling. The show’s executive producer is David Fincher, while the animation studios hail from countries like the U.S., Spain, the UK, South Korea, Russia, Hungary, and Japan.

The series’ anthology format is perfect for flawless storytelling: with no recurring characters or overarching plots, every episode stands entirely on its own. Some of the most celebrated entries include “Three Robots,” “Bad Travelling,” and the hauntingly beautiful “Jibaro.” The show has won 13 Emmy Awards and holds a 100% Rotten Tomatoes score for its Season 3 and 4. What makes Love, Death & Robots flawless is its consistency across four volumes—while individual episodes vary in tone, the overall quality remains remarkably high, with no weak entries dragging down the whole. It’s a dazzling, unpredictable, and endlessly inventive masterclass in short-form storytelling.

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)

Netflix’s first original K-drama, Kingdom, is also the first K-drama to use a highly popular historical setting and combine it with zombies. In Kingdom, though, zombies are more than just mindless monsters—they often serve as a mirror to the rot of a corrupt society. Set in Korea’s Joseon dynasty, the show follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he investigates a mysterious plague that turns the dead into flesh-eating creatures. But the true horror hides more in the scheming nobles and the power-hungry queen, who would rather let the kingdom die completely than let go of their power.

Across twelve episodes and a special, Kingdom delivers breathtaking set pieces, including a frozen lake battle and a nighttime siege that ranks among the most thrilling action sequences on television. The show holds a steady 98% Certified Fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, but Season 2 holds a perfect 100% score. Beneath the gore and sword fights lies a razor-sharp critique of class inequality and political negligence; Ju anchors the chaos as a prince who evolves from naive idealist to hardened survivor, joined by a formidable cast in the form of Bae Doona and Ryu Seung-ryong. Tight, brutal, and politically sharp, Kingdom is a flawless genre triumph that has helped Netflix’s investment in K-dramas blossom.

‘The Chestnut Man’ (2021–Present)

Image via Netflix

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The Danish crime thriller The Chestnut Man is one of the most perfectly constructed Nordic noir series ever made. Based on the bestselling novels by Søren Sveistrup, the creator of The Killing, the show follows detective Naia Thulin (Danica Curcic) and her Interpol-assigned partner Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) as they investigate brutal murders in Copenhagen‘s bleak suburbs. The first season, released in 2021, adapted Sveistrup’s debut novel and was hailed as a flawless thriller (holding a 100% rating on RT). The six-episode run is tightly plotted, with every clue and red herring meticulously placed, building to a heavy, unexpected ending.

Five years later, Season 2, subtitled “Hide and Seek,” reunites Curcic and Følsgaard alongside The Killing‘s Sofie Gråbøl for a brand-new case. This six-episode sequel follows the detectives as they investigate the disappearance of a woman, uncovering a killer playing a disturbing game of hide and seek. While some critics found a controversial character’s death divisive, the season has been praised as “the pinnacle of the Nordic noir genre” and remains a cohesive thriller. Together, both seasons make The Chestnut Man a complete, gripping saga that can be rewatched over and over.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

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Mike Flanagan‘s adaptation of Shirley Jackson‘s classic novel is far more than a ghost story; The Haunting of Hill House is a multi-generational family drama that uses horror as a vehicle to explore grief, trauma, and the ways our pasts haunt us. The series follows the Crain family, dividing its narrative between the past, when the five children and their parents moved into the abandoned Hill House, and the present, where the now-adult siblings reunite with their father to confront the terror that shaped their lives.

Flanagan’s direction is masterful, employing long, unbroken takes and a non-linear structure that rewards careful attention. The performances are uniformly excellent, with standout turns from Victoria Pedretti and Kate Siegel, while the show culminates in a tragic revelation that reframes the entire story; this is why the show also has a high rewatchability factor (well, that, and the 43 hidden ghosts across the series). It’s widely considered one of the greatest horror series of all time, with Forbes saying that it “may actually be Netflix’s best original show ever.” It’s a flawless, emotional work of art that shows that the trauma we carry in ourselves can become a formidable monster, haunting our every step.

‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)

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An animated comedy about a washed-up ’90s sitcom star who also happens to be a horse should not be as profound, but BoJack Horseman is one of the most emotionally devastating and psychologically insightful shows ever made. Across its six seasons, the series follows BoJack (voiced by Will Arnett) as he navigates the hollow pleasures of Hollywood, grapples with his own self-destructive behavior, and searches for meaning and redemption. It starts as a cynical showbiz satire, but it grows into an unflinching exploration of depression, addiction, trauma, and the possibility of change.

The genius of BoJack Horseman is the range it encompasses: it often pivots from absurdist animal puns to gut-wrenching emotional revelations in the space of a single scene. The show never overstays its welcome, and after six seasons, it ends ambiguously but honors the development of the characters. BoJack Horseman is a masterpiece that will make you laugh, cry, and question everything; there’s not a wasted episode in its 76-episode run, and the show’s ability to tackle the darkest aspects of (human) existence while remaining consistently hilarious is nothing short of miraculous. It is a flawless meditation on what it means to try, fail, and keep trying anyway.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

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Mike Flanagan’s (second) follow-up to Hill House is an even more ambitious and thematically rich work, this time getting the seal of approval from the king of horror himself, Stephen King. Midnight Mass is a seven-episode limited series set on a small, isolated island community called Crockett Island, where the arrival of a charismatic and mysterious young priest, Father Paul (Hamish Linklater), and the former convict and Crockett native, Riley (Zach Gilford), coincides with a series of inexplicable miracles and horrifying events. It’s a slow-burning meditation on faith, doubt, purpose, and community that slowly grows into something terrifying and mesmerizing.

While the entire ensemble is brilliant, Samantha Sloyan and Linklater deliver some of the most mesmerizing performances in television history; he is unnerving and charming, while she plays a believer filled with intense, often terrifying, devotion. Flanagan’s writing is at its peak, using the horror genre as a vehicle to explore questions of faith, mortality, and the danger of religious extremism. Midnight Mass is a flawless masterpiece of atmosphere and emotional depth, with extraordinary monologues, intense scares, and a finale that is a beautiful reckoning with mortality that lingers for a long time.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

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No other show in Netflix’s library deserves the title “flawless” like David Fincher’s Mindhunter does. The series chronicles the early days of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, following agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they interview locked up serial killers to develop criminal profiling techniques and educate police officers and detectives across the country to recognize killers early. Mindhunter is a detective show elevated by Fincher’s meticulous, clinical direction and a script that treats its subject matter with a razor-sharp intellect.

Mindhunter is mostly built around conversations—long, tense, psychologically grueling interrogations—and yet it is more gripping than most action thrillers. The performances are uniformly outstanding, particularly Cameron Britton‘s chilling turn as real-life killer Ed Kemper. Across 19 episodes, Mindhunter never dips in quality, maintaining a consistent atmosphere of dread and tension that stays unbearable at times. It is a masterpiece in all respects, so much so that we can easily call it the greatest show Netflix has ever produced. The cancellation after season two is tragic, but what remains is flawless, essential television that changed the way we think about crime drama.

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Mindhunter

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Release Date

2017 – 2019

Network

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Netflix

Showrunner

Joe Penhall

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Directors

David Fincher, Carl Franklin, Andrew Dominik, Andrew Douglas, Asif Kapadia, Tobias Lindholm

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Influencer Nara Smith is reflecting on how daily moments with her 2-year-old daughter, Whimsy, have changed amid the toddler’s cancer battle.

“Cancer has a way of taking things you never realized you’d grieve,” Smith wrote via Instagram on Tuesday, July 7. “The day I ran my fingers through her hair, strands coating them, I realized I wouldn’t be brushing Whimsy’s hair much longer. It’s such a small thing, until it isn’t. Tiny curls on her pillow. Hair caught in my fingers after bath time. Hair loss is one of the first visible reminders that life has changed.”

She continued, “Watching Whimsy lose hers has been one of the hardest parts of this journey. It wasn’t just hair. It was the little curls I tucked behind her ears, the wispy strands that caught the sunlight, and all the ordinary moments I never imagined I’d miss.”

Alongside the message, she shared a glimpse of herself kissing her daughter’s head while Nara’s husband, Lucky Blue Smith, held onto their little one. (Nara and Lucky are also the parents of daughter Rumble Honey, 5, son Slim Easy, 4, and daughter Fawnie Golden, 9 months. Lucky previously welcomed daughter Gravity in 2017 with ex Stormi Bree Henley.)

Related: TikToker Nara Smith and Lucky Blue Smith Are ‘Absolutely Done’ Having Kids 

Nara Smith/YouTube TikTok star Nara Smith and her husband, Lucky Blue Smith, are not looking to have six children as they initially hoped. “After Whimsy, we are absolutely done now,” Nara, 22, told GQ Hype in a profile published on Wednesday, August 7. “Having toddlers is the best sort of birth control because they’re wild.” […]

In another clip, Nara rested her head on Lucky’s shoulder as he shaved their daughter’s hair. A final video showed their daughter walking down a hallway with a bald head while wearing a dress.

“Changes,” Nara wrote over the clip, alongside a simple white heart emoji.

Her caption continued, “If sharing these pieces of our story helps even one family feel less alone, or encourages one person to learn more about childhood cancer, then this vulnerable part of our lives is worth opening. Today her curls are returning🤍.”

Nara shared in June that Whimsy was diagnosed with cancer “late last year” after being brought to a pediatrician to have “something suspicious” on her body examined.

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Related: Why Is Influencer Nara Smith Storing Her Breastmilk Outside in the Snow?

Influencer Nara Smith is nothing if not resourceful, revealing the unique way she’s keeping her breastmilk cold this winter. Smith, 24, shared an Instagram photo of her breastmilk lying in bags outside in the snow on Thursday, February 26, confirming her new storage system was out of necessity. “Ripped out kitchen. Construction and no access […]

“When we took her into our pediatrician, I just remember him going really quiet and calm … My heart dropped in that moment,” she said via Instagram at the time. “I don’t know whether it was my gut telling me something or just a mom’s intuition, but the first thing that I felt was she has cancer.”

Whimsy underwent “a lot of X-rays, ultrasounds and finally a biopsy.” Nara and Lucky were called “immediately” afterward and told that she has cancer.

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“[They] told us it had spread and that she needs to come and start chemo treatments immediately,” Nara recalled.

The influencer later shared a series of photos of Whimsy amid her health battle — including one showing her with a bedazzled head.

“Little warrior girl🎀,” Nara wrote via Instagram on Friday, July 3. “Sharing something this vulnerable wasn’t an easy decision but seeing every message, prayer, story of a similar experience and kindness has made it a little easier. To every family or parent walking through something heavy right now, we’re thinking of you too🤍.”

The family of Nolan Xavier Wells has retained civil rights lawyer Ben Crump. The 18-year-old college student was found dead on Horn Island in Jackson, Mississippi, on Monday, July 6. Nolan went to the island with a group of friends on the Fourth of July and never returned. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office claims Nolan willingly stayed on the island alone. According to a press release from Crump, the Wells’ family wants a “thorough and transparent” investigation into his death.

RELATED: Nolan Xavier Wells’ Death Ignites Social Media Conversation About Being The Only Black Person In Non-Black Spaces & Friend Groups

Nolan Xavier Wells’ Family Retains Ben Crump Amid Questions About His Death

Nolan was reported missing by his mother to the Jackson County Sheriff’s Office around midnight on Saturday after he didn’t return with the rest of the group. He was found two days later and identified through family confirmation and dental records, per WLOX.

According to ABC News, the group claimed Nolan wanted to stay on the island, so they “went back” without him. Nolan was seemingly one of the only Black people amid the seemingly majority white group. The lack of answers from the group he traveled with to Horn Island has raised suspicions and public demands for clarification. Sheriff John Ledbetter has already said his department doesn’t suspect foul play, but investigators are considering a drowning.

“From what we understand, he chose to stay there,” said Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter. Later adding, “There’s no information that we have right now that would lead us to believe that a crime has occurred.”

Crump released a statement after Nolan was found. The civil rights’ lawyer called for a transparent investigation into Nolan’s death.

“Nolan Wells was a beloved son, teammate and friend who went out to celebrate the Fourth of July and never came home,” reads Ben Crump’s statement. “His family deserves answers. They deserve the truth. We will not rest until every fact about what happened to Nolan on Horn Island is brought into the light, and we call on investigators to pursue this case with the urgency and transparency this family deserves.”

Nolan’s Mother Updates Public Profile Amid Son’s Death

The Shade Room previously reported that his mother, Christine Wonsley, shared a picture of Nolan with three friends on a boat taken on the same day he disappeared. She also on Tuesday updated her Facebook profile picture with a photograph of herself with Nolan.

His mysterious death prompted questions about how he died, and a video taken on Horn Island on July 4 raised more concerns. The video was shot from a boat and seemingly shows a man resembling Nolan standing by on the beach as an argument took place. One individual is heard yelling the F-word, but the audio is distant. It’s unclear if the college student was the target of the shouting individual as crowds of people are seen looking on.

Nolan’s Childhood Friends Spoke Out After His Death

According to the Sun Herald, Nolan’s best friend, Jayvon Williams, was supposed to ride out to Horn Island on the same boat as him. He didn’t because it was full, but he remembers last seeing Nolan around 4 p.m. on the island.

“As soon as we got out there, he told me that he loved me,” recalled Jayvon.

Another friend, Trace Carter, said he talked to Nolan before the trip. “Just hit me up when you get back,” said Carter. “Just be careful, bro. Watch out for yourself.” Nolan replied, “I got you. I’ll hit you up later.”

RELATED: Body Of 18-Year-Old Nolan Xavier Wells Found On Horn Island Two Days After Going Missing, Mother Confirms (UPDATE)